Chainsawsįor STIHL’s chainsaws, the letters at the end of a model number indicate additional features on the chainsaw. Those codes let you quickly tell whether you’re looking at a long-reach hedge trimmer or one with a short shaft. In extended-reach trimmers, the “K” indicates the trimmer features a shorter shaft length. One type of blade works best for heavy pruning jobs, while the other is best suited for trimming and shaping. When shopping for hedge trimmers, the letters “R” or “T” at the end of a model number indicate the best use for the blade. For professional trimmers, the “R” indicates a loop handle, and all other trimmers have bicycle-style handles. All homeowner trimmers feature a loop handle, and you won’t see “R” in the model number. If you need a lightweight trimmer, keep an eye out for “X” at the end of the model number. In addition to comfort features like Easy2Start™, trimmer model numbers may also have letters that indicate they’re lightweight or that they have a loop handle design. Trimmers will typically have both those letters or neither since STIHL’s easy-start system qualifies as a comfort feature. Some of these features can be found on any type of equipment, while others are specific to certain types of trimmers, hedge trimmers, or chainsaws.Īny of STIHL’s hand-held power equipment can have comfort features and/or the Easy2Start™ system.

These letters at the end of a model number-including “R” for a trimmer-indicate which features you’ll find on STIHL equipment.

Those numbers are sometimes followed by more letters.

A series of numbers identify the specific model. For example, chainsaw model numbers start with the letters MS, which stands for Motorsäge (the German for 'motor saw'). The model numbers all start with a series of letters that indicates the type of equipment.

One way that STIHL helps make this process easier is by using their model numbers to help you see at a glance which features come with different models of trimmers, chainsaws, and other types of equipment. It’s great to have those options so you can find something that matches your needs, but it can also leave you wondering how to tell which model you should get. Figuring out which piece of power equipment to buy involves looking at many different options.

Stihl model number meanings