STIHL’s legacy and the future of professional arboriculture are closely intertwined as the brand celebrates its centenary.
For 100 years the name STIHL has been part of the arboriculture vocabulary. It not just a centenary of the brand, but as a promise of performance that arborists, tree-care contractors and forestry professionals can rely on. From its birth in a small Stuttgart workshop to a global standard in chainsaws, battery systems and professional tools, STIHL’s story mirrors the evolution of arboreal industries.
The Australian Arbor Age has chronicled changes in tree-care practices and equipment over decades, and rarely has an anniversary been as meaningful to the sector as STIHL’s centenary. For many Australian professionals, STIHL is more than equipment; it’s part of their daily craft, safety practice, and business reputation.
From one man to a global standard
To understand where the industry is going, we must appreciate where it began.
In 1926 Andreas Stihl founded an engineering office in Stuttgart with a vision that was radical for its time: to make working with and in nature easier.
His initial focus was on a simple yet transformative concept: taking the saw to the tree, rather than bringing the tree to the saw.
For the modern arborist, it’s easy to forget the early days involved two-man machines weighing more than 40kg, but the DNA established in those early years – durability, serviceability, and constant innovation – remains the backbone of the company today.
Over the decades, STIHL became synonymous with the roar of the two-stroke engine. Models like the STIHL Contra in the late 1950s revolutionised productivity, and by 1971, the brand was the world’s best-selling chainsaw manufacturer. In Australia, where hardwoods are notoriously unforgiving, STIHL saws earned their keep, and a legacy was built on trust. Someone 40 feet up in a canopy needs a tool that starts the first time and delivers consistent torque.
Future-focused technology for tree-care pros
STIHL’s centenary of evolution extends beyond the power source. It encompasses engine systems, ergonomic design, digital connectivity, and tool-management apps that reshape how professional crews coordinate work on complex sites. From urban forestry to large-scale arboriculture contracts, integrated tech platforms help track tools, manage maintenance and optimise fleet performance.
While STIHL remains committed to ‘dual technology leadership’ – continuing to refine its legendary petrol engines for the decades of work ahead – the centenary is an opportunity to highlight the maturity of the AP battery system. Far from being a newcomer, the AP system has spent years proving itself in the field, evolving into a high-performance platform designed specifically for the rigours of professional arboriculture.
A land of climate extremes
The Australian environment is hostile to machinery, and STIHL found a spiritual home here. The dust is finer, the wood is harder, and the sites are more remote. For decades, STIHL’s distinct orange power tools have been integral in managing the Australian bush.
The STIHL AP System is a commercial-grade ecosystem designed to withstand rain, dust, and heavy use. Buying into the system means more than just a tool and a battery; it’s an investment in a suite of professional accessories, from high-capacity backpack batteries to multi-chargers, all backed by a national dealer support network.
Proven performance in the canopy and on the ground
The professional adoption of battery technology in Australia has been driven by capability. Today’s arborists are utilising a diverse range of battery tools that have already proven they can handle the heavy-duty nature of Australian timber.
Within the established AP system, tools like the MSA 300 C-O have become trusted workhorses for ground based felling and cross-cutting, offering the high chain speed and torque required for professional work. In the canopy, the MSA 220 TC-O has earned its place as a standard for climbers, providing the balance, precision, and instant-start reliability that technical removals demand.
By offering a fleet that includes both high-displacement petrol saws and proven battery alternatives, STIHL ensures the professional has the right tool to match the demands of the tree and the environment.
The advantage of the interchangeable fleet
The true power of the modern STIHL fleet lies in its seamless interchangeability. For a professional crew it’s about the convenience of a single power source that supports every phase of the job. The same AP battery that powers a top-handle saw can be swapped into an HTA 135 pole pruner for crown lifting or a BGA 250 blower for the final site cleanup.
This ‘one-system’ logic streamlines the workflow on site and simplifies transport organisation. It removes the need to manage multiple fuel types for secondary tools, providing instant power at the pull of a trigger across crew’s entire kit.
Beyond the logistical gains, the health and comfort of the operator remain central to the fleet’s ergonomics. The reduction in vibration and the absence of exhaust fumes are factors in operator longevity, reducing physical fatigue and improving the work environment.
While the maintenance requirements of the AP system are streamlined, the professional relationship with the dealer remains. All mechanical systems require care, and the STIHL dealer network provides the specialised product care and genuine parts that keep both petrol and battery fleets at peak performance.
A partnership for the next centenary
While the tools evolve, the mission remains the same. STIHL’s role is to provide the smart power to meet the changing demands of modern tree care.
The continued expansion of the battery range is complementary to the petrol heritage that built the brand. STIHL will continue to innovate in petrol technology for decades to come. It’s the ultimate fulfillment of Andreas Stihl’s 1926 promise to “make the work easier” by providing a diverse, high-performance, and proven toolkit for the modern professional.
As STIHL looks to the next cetenary, the brand continues at the pinnacle of professional arboriculture. Whether powered by petrol or the proven efficiency of the AP system, STIHL remains the mark of a pro ready for the climb.
Here is to the past, the present, and the next 100 years of innovation.
To learn more about STIHL products and commercial fleet solutions, visit stihl.com.au.
