If you‘re a discerning shopper searching for the highest-quality outdoor power equipment, Stihl is likely a brand that‘s on your radar. Renowned for their top-of-the-line chainsaws, string trimmers, leaf blowers, and other tools, Stihl has earned a stellar reputation among homeowners and professionals who demand the very best.
So if you‘re planning a trip to Lowe‘s to pick up a new Stihl chainsaw or trimmer, you might be surprised to discover that the big box retailer doesn‘t carry the brand. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll unpack the reasons behind Stihl‘s absence from Lowe‘s shelves, compare Stihl to other brands you can find at the retailer, and ultimately help you make an informed decision on the best outdoor power equipment for your needs.
Stihl: A Legacy of German Engineering Excellence
To understand Stihl‘s unique market positioning, it‘s helpful to know a bit about the company‘s background. Founded in 1926 by Andreas Stihl in Germany, the company started out producing electric chainsaws before shifting to gas-powered saws in the 1930s. Stihl expanded to the US market in 1974 and has since grown to become the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America, according to the company.
Stihl‘s products are renowned for their powerful performance, rugged durability, and cutting-edge innovation. Over the years, Stihl has introduced industry-leading technologies like:
- Anti-vibration systems that reduce operator fatigue
- The Ematic guide bar lubrication system for optimal chain lubrication and longer bar and chain life
- The IntelliCarb compensating carburetor which automatically adjusts for altitude and fuel quality
- M-Tronic fully electronic engine management for optimized performance in all conditions
Stihl‘s commitment to quality and performance has earned them fierce brand loyalty, particularly among professionals. In a 2019 survey by the landscaping website Turf, 56.5% of landscaping contractors said they used Stihl handheld equipment, more than any other brand.
Stihl‘s Unique Business Model: Bypassing Big Box Retailers
So why is such a popular, respected brand like Stihl not sold at major retailers like Lowe‘s or Home Depot? The answer lies in Stihl‘s long-standing policy of only selling its equipment through independent authorized dealers.
Rather than offering its products through big box stores, Stihl has cultivated a network of over 9,000 independent servicing dealers across the country. These are typically small, locally-owned businesses that specialize in outdoor power equipment sales and service. By selling only through this dealer network, Stihl aims to provide customers with a higher level of personalized service, expert advice, and after-sale support than they could get at a mass merchant.
This unusual retail strategy is a core part of Stihl‘s brand identity. The company even touts its absence from big box stores in its marketing, with slogans like "We don‘t sell Stihl in a box" and "Not sold at Lowe‘s or The Home Depot." By eschewing mass retail channels, Stihl seeks to differentiate itself as a premium, professional-grade brand while supporting local businesses.
However, this approach does have some drawbacks for customers. Buying from a Stihl dealer inevitably involves more effort than just picking up a chainsaw at Lowe‘s. Shoppers need to find and visit a specialized dealer, which could be an inconvenience, particularly in rural areas. Stihl‘s prices may also be higher on average than brands sold at big box stores due to the economics of the dealer model.
Stihl vs. The Competition: A Closer Look
If you‘re considering investing in a high-end chainsaw, string trimmer, leaf blower or other piece of outdoor power equipment, you‘re probably wondering how Stihl stacks up against other top brands in terms of performance, quality, and value. While Lowe‘s may not carry Stihl, they do offer several other highly-regarded brands that are worth a close look.
Stihl vs. Husqvarna
When it comes to professional-grade outdoor equipment, the discussion often comes down to Stihl vs. Husqvarna. These two brands are widely considered the top dogs in the industry, with reputations for superior engineering, performance, and reliability.
Husqvarna, based in Sweden, is Stihl‘s largest competitor globally. Like Stihl, Husqvarna offers an extensive lineup of premium chainsaws, trimmers, leaf blowers, and other handheld equipment targeted primarily towards professionals and serious DIYers. In recent years, Husqvarna has also been aggressively expanding beyond their core gas-powered products into battery-powered and robotic equipment.
In terms of retail strategy, Husqvarna has taken a different approach than Stihl by partnering with major retailers like Lowe‘s and Tractor Supply Company in addition to independent dealers. This omnichannel model gives the brand a wider retail footprint and makes their products more accessible to casual consumers.
On product performance, Stihl and Husqvarna are extremely close, with both brands consistently receiving top ratings and reviews. Landscape professionals surveyed by Turf rated both brands highly, although Stihl did edge out Husqvarna slightly on factors like engine power and durability.
Some key model match-ups illustrate the neck-and-neck competition:
| Chainsaw | Engine Power | Weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl MS 271 | 50.2cc | 12.3 lbs | $429.95 |
| Husqvarna 450 | 50.2cc | 11.2 lbs | $419.99 |
| —– | —– | —– | —– |
| String Trimmer | Engine Power | Weight | MSRP |
| Stihl FS 56 RC | 27.2 cc | 10.6 lbs | $249.95 |
| Husqvarna 128LD | 28cc | 11.1 lbs | $219.99 |
As these comparisons show, choosing between Stihl and Husqvarna often comes down to small differences in specifications, features, and personal brand preference rather than clear-cut advantages in performance. Price-wise, Husqvarna may offer slightly better value overall.
Other Standout Brands at Lowe‘s
While they may lack the elite pedigree of Stihl and Husqvarna, Lowe‘s offers several other outdoor equipment brands that deliver excellent performance and value for homeowners and light-duty professionals:
- Craftsman: The iconic tool brand‘s gas-powered and V20 cordless outdoor equipment lines give DIYers reliable performance at mid-tier price points. Craftsman particularly stands out in the electric space.
- Kobalt: Lowe‘s house brand offers an impressive lineup of 80V max battery-powered outdoor equipment with many models receiving ratings and reviews on par with premium brands.
- EGO: This relative newcomer has quickly become a leader in 56V battery-powered outdoor equipment with innovative designs and commercial-grade power that challenges gas.
- DEWALT: Best known for its power tools, DEWALT also offers a line of professional-grade outdoor power equipment with premium features and performance.
Gas vs. Electric: How Stihl and Other Brands Stack Up
A major trend in outdoor power equipment in recent years has been the rapid advancement of lithium-ion battery technology as a viable alternative to traditional gas engines. The appeal of battery-powered equipment is easy to understand: It‘s quieter, produces zero emissions, requires minimal maintenance, and eliminates the need to deal with messy fuel and oil.
While Stihl built its reputation on its best-in-class gas engines, the company has also been innovating in electric. Stihl‘s AP-series 36-volt lithium-ion tools bring many of the brand‘s commercial-grade design hallmarks to battery platforms.
However, Stihl faces stiff competition from other brands that have been more aggressively pursuing electrification, notably EGO and Husqvarna. EGO in particular has set a high bar with its 56V line that is popular among both homeowners and professionals for its robust power and commercial-style features like brushless motors.
Ultimately, choosing between electric and gas equipment depends on your specific needs. For most homeowners, today‘s top-rated 56V and 80V battery tools can handle virtually any job. But for all-day, heavy-duty professional use, gas still offers advantages in terms of raw power and run time. As battery tech continues to evolve, though, the performance gap is steadily closing.
The Future of Outdoor Power Equipment Retail
Looking ahead, it‘s fair to wonder how long Stihl can sustain its authorized dealer-only model in the age of e-commerce. With more and more consumers turning to online marketplaces like Amazon for all their shopping needs, will Stihl need to adapt its strategy to reach younger, digitally-native buyers?
There are signs that Stihl recognizes the need to evolve. In recent years, the company has introduced a "buy online, pick up at dealer" option that allows customers to purchase equipment through Stihl‘s website and pick it up at a participating local dealer. This hybrid approach preserves Stihl‘s local dealer relationships while providing more e-commerce convenience.
Down the line, it‘s not hard to envision other potential changes to Stihl‘s retail model. The company could explore dealer-fulfilled online sales, an exclusive e-commerce partnership with a major retailer, or even a direct-to-consumer sales channel. As always, the key for Stihl will be finding ways to expand its customer base and retail footprint while maintaining its premium brand identity and local dealer support.
Other outdoor equipment manufacturers will face similar challenges as they try to balance traditional retail channels with the growth of e-commerce. Lowe‘s has been investing heavily in its online capabilities to serve customers however they prefer to shop. It will be interesting to see if Lowe‘s expands its outdoor equipment brand roster in the coming years, potentially even partnering with Stihl.
Picking the Right Outdoor Power Equipment for You
Ultimately, whether you choose Stihl from an independent dealer or another brand from Lowe‘s comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you‘re a professional or demanding property owner who prioritizes having the absolute best equipment and specialized service, then the extra effort to seek out a Stihl dealer may be worth it.
But for the majority of homeowners, the selection of top outdoor equipment brands available at Lowe‘s will likely more than suffice. With outstanding options from Husqvarna, Craftsman, Kobalt, EGO, and others across gas and electric platforms, you can find tools that deliver the performance you need at prices that fit your budget.
The best approach is to assess your property‘s needs, do your research on the top models in each product category, and go with the brand and equipment that will deliver the most capability and value for your investment. By understanding your options and buying from a trusted retailer like Lowe‘s, you can make a well-informed decision and keep your yard looking its best.
