Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw Review

Overview

The MS 170 is the entry level gas powered saw offered by STIHL. Perfect for anybody looking to do light to medium size work around the house. From clearing brush and trimming tree limbs, to even cutting down small to medium size trees, there is a lot this “beginner” saw can accomplish. 

With a price tag around $200, there is a lot of value that comes from a 30 cc saw with a 12”-16” bar.

STIHL MS 170 Specification

Size

Holding a larger power tool for an extended period of time can be challenging for anyone who doesn’t do it on a regular basis. Weight is key when it comes to maneuverability and ease of use. With Some chainsaws reaching the 20+ lb mark, this saw coming in at 8.6 lbs is a perfect starter saw for anyone looking to get work done around the house. 

With its wrap around handle and anti-vibration system, operating the saw for extended periods of time creates less fatigue. No matter the cutting angle, there will be a comfortable way to hold the saw so you can ensure a safe cut. 

Its compact size also allows you to reach in tight places to make precise cuts. Regardless if you have the recommended 12” to 16” bar on it, they all provide enough cutting space to get tough jobs done. 

It’s smaller size and compactness does come with a downside if you have larger limbs/trees to cut. A comfortable working range would be to cut anything less than 12” in diameter. Anything larger than that and you will start to notice it taking it a while or even struggling through wood of a larger diameter. 

There is also the bar limit size issue that could require you to cut from two different sides of a log if the bar doesn’t stretch the entire diameter. Moving to a larger bar really isn’t an option as you will very easily notice a performance reduction as the engine struggles to move the larger chain.

Power

30.1 cc’s and 1.7 bhp is nothing to get excited about when looking at chainsaws until you realize the package it comes with. For the price and intended use, that is more than enough power to get the job done. Small to medium sized limbs and softer wood can be cut through in a breeze. 

This saw is intended to replace the trimming and cutting of branches by hand or with smaller electric tools. When you compare its intended use with other options in the same category, the MS 170 is a no-brainer to make the job easier and quicker. 

Where you start to notice a decrease in performance is when the chain starts to get dull. Larger saws can power through on a dull blade but the MS 170 really starts to hang up. Applying more pressure to the cut will most likely stop the chain in its tracks and can turn a few second cut into an eternity. Keeping the chain sharp is a must if you want to keep all the efficiencies the saw has to offer. 

If your intended purpose is to tackle larger jobs and you are looking at this saw because of its price point, you must know it will take quite a bit longer than opting for a larger model. While this saw has the capability of cutting down larger trees, the speed at which you can get through the wood is greatly reduced due to the power output of the engine. *But it is amazing what a sharp chain can do!

Ease of Use

The MS 170 is labeled an entry level saw for good reason! Operating it is a breeze if you take care of it and use the recommended fuel/bar oil. It has a standard choke and doesn’t require any priming or fine tuning before firing it up. A few pulls and you are on your way. 

Fueling and lubing up couldn’t be easier also. We use the recommended STIHL MotoMix for gas and the STIHL Platinum Bar and Chain Oil to keep the chain moving smoothly. The gas is more expensive to buy premixed from STIHL but if you plan on using the saw for sporadic projects, it’s better to put the cleanest fuel and oil in at all times. If you plan on running the saw a lot and go through gallons of gas at a time, then mixing non-ethanol gas with their HP Ultra 2-Cycle Engine Oil would be a better way to go. 

Fill up is simple also. Every time you need to fill up the gas tank, make sure you fill up the bar and chain oil as well. You will run out of gas before the bar oil, ensuring you don’t run the saw dry. Doing so could decrease the life of the chain and bar. 

The last thing you want to stay on top of is cleaning it. Chainsaws are messy! The combination of sawdust and oil make for a mess within the side chamber every time you use it. Not cleaning it out could prevent oil from getting to the chain or clog other moving parts within the saw. 

The best way we have found to clean the saw off is with an air compressor, which makes it easy to get in all the tight spaces. Another way is with a toothbrush and some gasoline, brushing all areas with debris. No matter how you decide to keep it clean, the important thing is that it is cleaned regularly after use. That will keep your saw running for a long time. 

If a larger issue does occur, all the parts are easily accessible and can be replaced in a short amount of time. The nice thing about STIHL is if you want to have it worked on by a professional, there is usually a STIHL dealer close by with knowledgeable people who can assist with anything.

Best Chainsaw for Carving

The best chainsaw for carving is one that is comfortable to hold for extended periods of time and has enough power to make precise cuts. The STHIL MS 170 is widely considered to be one of the best chainsaws for carving due to its versatility, reliability, and ease of use. This compact chainsaw is powerful enough to handle most carving projects, yet lightweight and easy to maneuver. Overall, the STIHL MS 170 is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced chainsaw carvers.

Final Thoughts

If you are either looking for a first saw or one that is easy to maneuver for smaller jobs, look no further than the STIHL MS 170. With its lightweight and compact design, this saw packs a surprising punch for your small job needs.  

We use this saw for trimming tree limbs, eliminating buckthorn, and bucking up medium size trees for firewood. This saw has stood the test of time with any project we have had around the house and think it would make a great addition to anyone’s tool arsenal!