1. The STIHL Ematic system reduces the consumption of chain lubricant and comprises an Ematic guide bar, an Oilomatic chain and a variable-flow or reduced-flow oil pump. The interaction between these components ensures that every drop of chain lubricant is delivered exactly to the right spot. Depending on the length of the bar and chain and the type of wood being cut, the amount of chain lubricant used can be as much as 50%.

2. The Oilomatic lubrication system reduce friction and wear and consequently extends the service life of the bar and chain as a whole. Chain lubricant flows into fine oilways in the drive links as the chain runs over the bar groove and is distributed quickly and evenly to the chain joints and cutter faces. Most Oilomatic chains include an additional lubricant reservoir ensuring that sufficient lubricant is always distributed to the underside of the guide bar, where it is needed most.

3. The service and wear limit marks embossed into the cutters of the STIHL chains are extremely useful for sharpening the chain and checking the extent to which it has worn (not for PMN).

4. Picco Mini & Picco Micro Chains. These two low-profile chains have been specifically developed for use in light chainsaws and telescopic pruner's. The Picco Mini is essentially used in the D.I.Y. sector, while the Picco Micro can also be used to fell thin trees. The Picco Mini (PMN) stands out above all through its particularly low kickback tendency.

5. Rapid Micro Chain. The ideal all round chain for use on farms, in forests and in the construction industry, which allows particularly good guiding properties and high cutting performance. The Rapid Micro is relatively easy to resharpen and will tolerate occasional mistakes in sharpening.

6. Picco Micro 1 & Rapid Micro 2 Chains. These saw chains with special safety links and extremely low kickback have been developed, in particular, for all sawing jobs where safety is paramount. They are particularly recommended for all applications carried out with the bar nose, e.g. tree surgery.

7. Rapid Super Chain is the ideal chain for professional use with its outstanding cutting performance. This heavy duty chain is designed ideally for use on machines rated at more than 2.5kW. The Rapid Super Klassik (RSK) chain is also available from STIHL specifically designed for felling and bucking big timber using long bar lengths. Further details can be obtained from Ongmac.

8. Rapid Duro Chain is a special purpose carbide-tipped chain which has been developed for use in extreme conditions, such as cutting soiled wood or demolition work. When cutting wood dirtied by skidding and covered with sand, the Rapid Duro still achieves a service life that is roughly ten times longer than a standard chain, with virtually constant cutting performance.

9. Rapid Duro S Chain for use in STIHL emergency saws. The teeth are reinforced with tungsten carbide and cobalt - one of the hardest known metal alloys. Compared with Rapid Duro Chain, the reinforcement for the S version covers two shackles for greater stability and relieves the chain joints.

Heavy-Duty guide bars and sprockets.

The requirements imposed on guide bars are considerable. The bar must guide the chain accurately with minimum friction loss; together with the sprocket, it should convert the engine power into cutting power with as little loss of power possible. What's more, the guide bar must withstand the toughest conditions without warping.

STIHL sprockets are made from a wear-resistant precision steel. They are available in two forms: as a spur sprocket permanently connected to the clutch drum and as a rim sprocket. Rim sprockets ensure that the chain runs very smoothly. They are mounted on the hub of the clutch drum where they can move axially. Only the rim needs replacing as these sprockets wear down.

Guide bars for all applications.

All STIHL guide bars are produced by one of the most modern facilities of its kind. The range of guide bars for different requirements and application areas is based on two basic types, Rollomatic and Duromatic. On Rollomatic bars, the chain runs over a sprocket nose which ensures that the chain is guided round the nose bar without friction and without any appreciable loss of power. Duromatic bars are particularly robust solid bars and therefore ideal for use in demanding conditions, e.g. when cutting hard wood. the highly stressed bar nose is protected with a carbide layer applied by laser welding.