The Stihl MS 462 C-M VW (45 cm guide bar) is a high-performance professional chainsaw designed for demanding forestry tasks, arboriculture and heavy-duty wood-cutting operations. This 2025 edition brings together top-tier engine power, advanced electronics and features that increase operator efficiency, reliability and comfort.
At its core is a 72.2 cm³ two-stroke petrol engine delivering approximately 4.4 kW (about 6 hp) of output. The “C-M” designation means this model features Stihl’s M-Tronic™ engine management system, which automatically optimises ignition timing and fuel supply based on altitude, temperature and fuel condition — eliminating manual carburetor adjustments and maintaining peak performance. The “VW” tag indicates additional features such as handle-heating and carburetor pre-heating (depending on regional spec), making the saw more effective in cold or variable weather conditions.
With a 45 cm (approximately 18″) guide bar, this version of the MS 462 offers a sweet-spot: enough bar length to handle medium to large timber, thicker limbs or general forestry work, yet more manoeuvrable and manageable than the longest bar variants. The build-quality emphasises durability and professional usage: anti-vibration mounting reduces operator fatigue, and the unit weighs around ~6.1 kg (without bar and chain) giving an excellent power-to-weight ratio. In fact, the MS 462 series is marketed as one of the lightest in its class whilst still delivering serious cutting capacity. STIHL USA+2grube.eu+2
Ease of maintenance has been factored in: side-access chain tensioning simplifies adjustments; tool-free fuel and oil caps speed up refuelling and oil fills; a pre-separation air-filtration system extends service intervals; the Ematic™ lubrication system optimises chain/bar oil usage and flow. STIHL USA+1
In real-world use the MS 462 C-M VW with 45 cm bar is ideal for tasks such as tree-felling, delimbing, timber processing, property log cutting and heavy-duty brush work. The 45 cm bar gives enough reach for thicker trees while keeping the saw agile enough for repeated overhead or ladder work. Its high performance makes it suitable for professionals who need a machine they can trust to work hard, day in, day out.
Whether you are processing timber in a forest context or maintaining large estates with mature trees, this chainsaw offers premium features, strong build, smart electronics and a serious level of performance. It bridges the gap between larger bar machines and lighter saws. If you want professional strength in a manageable size, this model is an excellent choice.
Key Features
72.2 cm³ petrol engine, output approx. 4.4 kW (6 hp)
M-Tronic™ electronic engine management for automatic fuel/ignition adjustment
VW variant: handle-heating and cold-weather readiness (depending region)
45 cm guide bar (approx. 18″) to give serious cutting reach while preserving manoeuvrability
Lightweight build (~6 kg without bar/chain) offering good power-to-weight ratio Honey Brothers+1
Anti-vibration system to reduce operator fatigue
Side-access chain tensioning and tool-free caps for quick maintenance
Ematic™ lubrication system for more efficient bar/chain oil usage
Pre-separation air-filtration for longer intervals between cleaning
Professional-grade build for demanding jobs
Benefits
Strong cutting power: With a large engine and professional feature set, the saw handles thicker timber and more strenuous jobs.
Manageable size: The 45 cm bar gives a great compromise between reach and agility — ideal for professionals who need versatility.
Reduced fatigue & high comfort: Lightweight design plus anti-vibration system help for long shifts or heavy use.
All-weather readiness: With VW features, cold-weather operation is supported, making the saw more versatile across seasons.
Less downtime: Easily serviced, quick tensioning, efficient oil-use and reliable electronics reduce maintenance overheads.
Versatile use-cases: From tree removal to timber bucking to large-scale property tasks — this saw does many things well.
Uses / Applications
Arborist work including felling medium to large trees, limbing, cut-to-length logging
Forestry maintenance tasks where a 45 cm bar is appropriate
Estate/large-property tree care: mature trees, overhead trimming, wood processing
Cold-climate or year-round use environments (if VW features included)
Intermediate to professional users looking for one high-quality tool for multiple heavy tasks
Technical Data (Approximate)
Engine displacement: 72.2 cm³ grube.eu+2Honey Brothers+2
Output power: ~4.4 kW (approx. 6 hp)
Guide bar length: 45 cm (~18″) (compatible range also includes 40-50 cm in spec listings) Honey Brothers+1
Weight (powerhead only, without bar/chain): ~6.1 kg
Vibration values: approx. 4.7 m/s² (left) / 3.6 m/s² (right)
Power-to-weight ratio: approximately 1.4 kg/kW
Sound and emission data: professional-class, values vary by region
Recommended bar length range: 40-50 cm for this model series
