SA Graan November 2018

Spotlight

Product information

he name Stihl is legendary. This

German-based equipment manu-

facturer has, since its establish-

ment by engineer Andreas Stihl

in 1929, created a solid global reputation

for the quality, safety and durability of its

products. Now a third-generation family-

run business with subsidiaries across the

world, Stihl has been a powerful presence in

South Africa since the 1950s.

Andreas was a practical man who was

motivated by a burning desire to make the

life of the typical forester a little easier. The

saws of the time were huge – heavy, bulky

and hand-powered by two men. Cutting

down trees – especially the massive, dense-

ly grown timber of European forests – was

labour-intensive, time-consuming, back-

breaking work.

He knew he could make a power-operated

saw that would revolutionise the timber

industry. And he did, developing the first

engine-driven two-man saw. Today, the

company that bears his name has developed

over 1 800 patents through its extensive re-

search and development laboratories.

It’s this focus on innovation and diversity,

in conjunction with superb quality and lon-

gevity, which continues to help grow the

worldwide Stihl family. Think of any practi-

cal task or application, and we will probably

have created or improved upon equipment

to get the job done – faster and safer.

With our brand you can include multiple

petrol-powered and electrical tools as well

as an innovative cordless range for the ul-

timate in choice and convenience. From

brush cutters to chain saws, drills to augers,

harvesters to cleaning systems and protec-

tive gear, the company has been there, done

that, made it better to last longer.

We offer a vast and diverse range for anyone

who works with their hands, from the week-

end handyman who is working in a sound

and dust-sensitive home and garden envi-

ronment, to producers from all agricultural

sectors and professional timber, construc-

tion and municipal workers whose equip-

ment has to be as tough and hard-working

as they are.

One of the trademark features of any of our

products is that it won’t be found on the shelf

of a department store, to be taken home in a

cardboard box with a short, badly translated

instruction manual. It’s not a hairdryer or a

toaster; this is a product with pedigree.

Stihl’s pride in its products extends to re-

quiring that they are only available through

a nationwide network of trained specialist

dealers, who are qualified to advise buy-

ers about how to use and care for their new

blue-chip purchase. This strict sales ethic

ensures that the longevity and safety fea-

tures of all our products are emphasised

and maintained to the fullest.

It’s this loyal network of retailers plus a huge

nationwide community of dedicated own-

ers that emphasise this family ethos. And

as with any family, these owners hand on

the things they treasure to those they love.

It’s not uncommon for a producer to still be

regularly using a chain saw that his grand-

father bought many decades before he was

born. Perhaps a chainsaw like the legendary

08S model, which was one of the very first

Stihl products ever available in South Africa.

This tough old workhorse, one of the long-

est in production, is still in use on farms

and homesteads across the country today,

despite having been replaced at retailers

by newer models. And although it might

no longer be on the shelves, we maintain

stocks of spares for at least a decade after

the company stops manufacturing a prod-

uct. The 08S even features on numerous

YouTube clips, with devoted owners and

collectors showing how to clean, repair and

restore their favourite piece of equipment.

Proof of how our products become heir-

looms, to be handed on, and on…

If, surprisingly, you aren’t yet a Stihl user, or,

more likely, you simply want to see your fa-

vourite indoor-outdoor equipment brand in

action, then visit your nearest dealer. With

over 180 dealerships across the country,

you are sure to get your hands on one.

RAYLENE KLEINHANS,

Stihl South Africa

Experience a LEGEND;

join the family

1: An early chainsaw requiring two people to

operate it.

2: A current model with the latest safety features and a focus on

operator comfort.

3: Stihl offers a range of protective clothing and equipment to

suit the rigours of the demanding industry.

November 2018