The Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw Delivers a Value-centric Solution for Homeowners
While Stihl chainsaws possess almost superhero status among professionals, we love when their more consumer-oriented models generate some love among residential users and homeowners. Why pay for the additional power and bar capacity when you don’t need professional-level capabilities? Consumers also appreciate compact saws that weigh less than their big-brother counterparts. We looked closely at the 16-inch Stihl MS 170 gas chainsaw to see if Stihl properly tuned this saw for the needs of homeowners.
Editor’s note: Check out our Best Chainsaw and Best Stihl Chainsaw Reviews lists for our favorite models!
Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw Features
While the typical Stihl MS 170 gas chainsaw includes a 16-inch bar, you can also load it up with either a 12- or 14-inch bar if you want more power and don’t need the extra length. Targeting the homeowner, Stihl clearly designed this saw with a compact and lightweight build. How light? The saw, with a 16″ bar, weighs just 8.6 pounds before adding fuel.
Of course, if Stihl did all this while sacrificing performance—it’d be a no-go. Instead, the Stihl MS 170 features a 30.1cc engine that outputs 1.7 brake horsepower .
The Stihl MS 170 seems perfectly suited for trimming and feeling small trees and slicing up fallen limbs after a hurricane or windstorm. Clearly, this use also lends itself well to property maintenance. For the 16-inch MS 170 chainsaw Stihl recommends a maximum cutting diameter of 17-inches.
Other Features
Stihl uses an IntelliCarb compensating carburetor on the MS 170 chainsaw. Don’t let the fancy terminology confuse you. It basically adjusts the air/fuel ratio automatically whenever the air filter begins to clog with debris. This lets the saw maintain proper chain speed while cutting—regardless of the intake air quality. While you want to always clean your air filter, the system helps in a pinch when you really need to complete the job at hand.
Stihl also employed some decent anti-vibration at the rear handle to help you work longer and more safely over time.
With both an Ematic guide bar and an Oilomatic saw chain, Stihl delivers proper lubrication while using as much as 50% less oil compared to other gas chainsaws. The system uses “ramps” on the bar rail that guide and direct the oil flow to the required parts.
As a consumer-oriented chainsaw, the Stihl MS 170 only provides an 8.5-ounce fuel tank and 4.9-ounce oil reservoir. That requires more frequent fill-ups over professional chainsaws.
Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw Price
The MS 170 chainsaw retails for $199.99. While a bit pricier than some budget brands, we feel you’ll get a higher-quality saw coupled with local dealer parts and service support. Stihl backs this saw with a 1-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
Grab the 16-inch Stihl MS 170 chainsaw and you have enough performance for most household tasks. As this saw features some of Stihl’s professional-grade features, you also get the benefit of trickle-down advantages. You also get a saw that’s made in America with global materials.
Specifications
- Model: Stihl MS 170
- Power source: Gas
- Bar length: 16 in
- Oilomatic chain: 3/8 in
- Chain oil capacity: 4.9 oz
- Fuel capacity: 8.5 oz
- Displacement: 30.1 cc
