Stihl Delivers Affordable Excellence with the 16-Inch MS 170 Chainsaw
Stihl is renowned for its exceptional chainsaws, catering to the needs of professionals. However, homeowners often desire lighter and more compact saws that don’t compromise on quality. Can Stihl, a brand focused on professionals, meet the requirements of homeowners while maintaining its reputation for excellence? Let’s take a closer look at the Stihl MS 170 16-Inch Chainsaw to find out.
Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw: A Great Deal
This Stihl chainsaw features a 16″ bar length and is also compatible with 12″ or 14″ bars. Designed for homeowners, it’s more compact and lighter than many professional-grade chainsaws, with a power head weighing just 8.6 lbs.
However, don’t underestimate its performance. The Stihl MS 170 utilizes a 30.1cc engine that delivers 1.7 brake horsepower.
Ideal applications for this chainsaw include pruning, cutting small trees, removing fallen branches, and other tasks around the yard. It’s perfect for occasional property maintenance and storm cleanup, with a recommended maximum diameter of 17 inches.
Additional Features
The MS 170 incorporates an IntelliCarb compensating carburetor that automatically adjusts the air-fuel ratio when the air filter becomes clogged or restricted. This ensures the engine runs at the correct RPM without ingesting dirty air.
Additionally, Stihl’s anti-vibration systems reduce operator fatigue and provide a more comfortable work experience.
When combined with the Ematic Guide Bar and Stihl’s Oilomatic Saw Chain (both included with the saw), you’ll enjoy proper lubrication and up to 50% less oil consumption compared to other designs. This is achieved through a specialized slope on the railing, which contains and delivers the oil flow to the necessary parts.
One difference you’ll notice from the Pro model is the fuel and oil capacity. The MS 170 has an 8.5-ounce fuel tank and a 4.9-ounce oil tank, requiring more frequent refueling than other models.
The chainsaw has a retail price of $199.99. While this may be higher than what you’d pay for a budget brand at a large retailer, it’s important to consider the higher quality and the support you receive from a local dealer. Stihl backs your purchase with a 1-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
The stock 16-inch configuration of the Stihl MS 170 offers homeowners the perfect balance of performance and size without being overly intimidating. With features inspired by Stihl’s professional-grade models and manufactured in the USA using global materials, it’s no surprise that the MS 170 is one of the top-selling home chainsaws on the market.
Specifications
- Model: STIHL MS 170
- Power Source: Gas
- Bar Length: 16″
- Oilomatic Chain: 3/8″
- Chain Oil Capacity: 4.9 oz
- Fuel Capacity: 8.5 oz
- Displacement: 30.1cc