MS170? Really?

[btulloh]

Yesterday a friend came by to buck up a red oak blow down I let him have for firewood.  He has a MS170 that he uses for limbing and light work and I was surprised at how well it sawed on some of the 8-10" tops.  I've been wanting a light weight saw for little jobs. I've never been a fan of the HO saws, but for the price this thing doesn't have to last forever.  I've kinda tempted to buy one of these.  Any opinions out there?  (Ha!   :D)  Any other suggestions on 30cc saws?  I've never owned one of these small saws, but I'm thinking . . .

[Southside]

A few weeks ago I picked up an 80V Kobalt chainsaw as part of a package with a hedge trimmer I needed to address some very over grown yard stuff.  Figured my wife might use the saw now and then if a piece of firewood was too long or something like that - well, lets just say I am impressed with that thing, so much that I have "procured" it and it has a very nice resting spot at the head of the sawmill where I can knock off or trim to length boards, cants, etc when I need a quick cut.  It's not a 372, but even with the safety style chain it came with it sure cuts.  I am going to use it so lift up some cedars in a meadow if the ground ever dries one of these days and give it a real world work out.  

[knuckledragger]

I tried a 170 out for the first time in 2007. Paid $169 new. Since that time I've bought two more. My opinion is that little saw is one of the most durable, tenacious saws I've owned. Inch for inch pound for pound. I'll buy another when the the present 170 retire. Too many outstanding 30cc saws out there to put a finger on one. Husky,Stihl, Echo, availability and dealer support should be the deciding factor.

[mitchstockdale]

My first saw was an MS170, which i still own.  I upgraded the bar and chain to a more aggressive one. The saw works great I have cut a ton of wood with it and its still going strong.  From my experience for bucking and limbing trees up to 12" diameter this saw will do it all day long no problem, additionally its super light compared to my 361.

[sawguy21]

The MS170 is a good saw for it's purpose, occasional yard work and light firewood duty. As long as the gas is fresh and the chain sharp it should give years of service.

[millwright]

Good little saw for the money, I have had one for several years to use around the sawmill.

[AZ_builder]

Is it the one with the plastic gear handle thingy for adjusting the chain, I dispise that adjuster! 

[Loggerpro.]

Yes I have, hehe, my fav saw for the money ms180 with a 14 inch, but do the bar and chain upgade, youtube donnyboy or doing it on the cheap to get the stihl part numbers. The ms180 is a small tree killer of note, its crazy good for the price.  If money is not issue get a 241c with a 18 inch bar for limbing , it will save your back a bit. My 180 is also my rescue saw for when I get my ms261c stuck.

[sawguy21]

Is it the one with the plastic gear handle thingy for adjusting the chain, I dispise that adjuster!

That is the MS180C. It also has the assist spring start which I don't like.

[wild262]

Yes I have, hehe, my fav saw for the money ms180 with a 14 inch, but do the bar and chain upgade, youtube donnyboy or doing it on the cheap to get the stihl part numbers. The ms180 is a small tree killer of note, its crazy good for the price.  If money is not issue get a 241c with a 18 inch bar for limbing , it will save your back a bit. My 180 is also my rescue saw for when I get my ms261c stuck.

The 241 is discontinued.  Best hurry if you want one.

[realzed]

The 241 is discontinued.  Best hurry if you want one.

Still shown as a current model in the brand new 2019 Stihl catalog here in Canada and on the Stihl website in the US.. with no notations in either of a status change..
The new 500i is also in the new Canadian catalog - so it must be very close to showing up here as well!

[hopm]

Dont know why but I have a couple of 170's a couple of 180's.....they end up stuck on the truck, on the tractor, at the sawmill....just seems to be a handy pick up saw that has saved me a bunch of steps and a bunch of time. 

[lxskllr]

I think the necessity of getting a "pro" saw is overstated by many. A lot of people act like it's either a pro saw, or junk not worth buying. There might be a shred of truth there if you're hammering the saw day after day, all day long in professional duty, but there can be a lot of value in a cheaper saw for someone who isn't using it every single day.


I looked it up on Stihl's site. Looks like a nifty little saw.

[wild262]

The 241 is discontinued.  Best hurry if you want one.

Still shown as a current model in the brand new 2019 Stihl catalog here in Canada and on the Stihl website in the US.. with no notations in either of a status change..
The new 500i is also in the new Canadian catalog - so it must be very close to showing up here as well!

Yes, as long as inventory and supplies last.  I cannot speak for Canada, but I would say it universal.

[olcowhand]

Obviously, to each his own, so if you found something you like- go with it....
I bought an MS170 a few years ago to back up my old 039, just to limb and cut the smaller stuff. It worked okay, but lacked the UMPH I needed for some of these hardwoods. I traded up to an MS 180 (put a 20" bar just to keep me from bending over...), but I got tired of needing to work to find "yellow" chains. I then traded my 039 in and bought an MS461, and got an MS 211 for Limbing. The 211 also disappointed me, so I followed Holmen's advice, and traded that in for an MS261CM. Now I have two saws that I feel are the perfect combos of weight/ power ratios that I can get.....
Whatever you end up with, I hope you are at the point that you can look at another new or more powerful model, and say to yourself: "Nope, I'll stand pat...". That's where I am.
Steve

[Air Lad]

Love my 170
1. It was free A mate gave it after he melted piston
2.Was easy to fix
3. After establishing it would run good bought new bar and chain
4.runs ,cuts, lightweight,reliable little workhorse and can bring down larger stuff with patience and good management
However if I was to purchase a new saw to fill this role it would be ms181c

 

 

[OddInTheForrest]

The 170 is in my opinion a great saw for its size and price. I tend to carry several saws under 40cc, and I think 90% of my total running hours last year was on my 193. The 193 and 200 / 201 is a even better saw than the 170 / 180, as they are better balanced. They are all sold new here in Norway with the 1,1 chain and 12" blade (00.43? in the US, for the chain). In my opinion, very good saws with anything up to 14" 00.50 B/C. Anything more takes away the ligthweight aspect of it all in my opinion.

Best regards.
Odd.

[Inaotherlife]

Obviously part of the appeal is the low cost. Which makes suggesting something like an MS201CEM feel out of place.
Although I'd at least want the plain Jane MS 180. Actually I'd prefer the regular 180 offering as opposed to the one with all the bells and whistles. All that extra stuff just adds weight.

But I chose an Echo CS-361P for my go-to small saw. Very lightweight at just over 8 pounds(powerhead only), yet very capable.

 
And I got the older Echo CS-346 that weighs in close to 7 pounds.

And an even older small Stihl 009L that's listed at 9 pounds. About the same as an MS180, but smaller.

I like them all. And only use the 50 and 70cc saws when I have to.

Even this little 5 pound 25cc saw will cut 8 or 10 inch limbs when I need it to.

[btulloh]

That's all good info.  Thanks for the responses.  Sounds like it might be a good little pickup saw, and for the price I don't feel bad about taking a chance.  After all I don't need it to do big work.  Just want something handy.

I've been wanting a small, light saw, and I think for 180-200 bucks I'll take a chance.  I stopped in and looked at one today.  They sure don't compare to pro saws - that's for sure.  Now there's a new version - the ms171 - just to add to the confusion.  Supposed to have a few upgraded features, meaning that Stihl improved their bottom line and reduce the manufacturing cost somewhere.  It may be better to stick to the older model.

For the record, I have a 362c-m, a 25 year old 026 that still runs great, and a dead 066 which I don't feel the need to replace.  (I have easy access to a couple 80cc huskies if I need - and that is very seldom these days.)  I like the 026 as small saw that will do some decent work, but I really find the 362 to be almost as handy as the 026.  So that's why I'm looking for a really small saw, but not a top-handle.  

The ms170 comes with rmm3 chain, which I am not familiar with.  It looks pretty dainty, but I guess that goes with the little saw.  I haven't looked around to see what other chain will run on it.  Hopefully there's a yellow chain that fits it.  Somebody mentioned they put a different bar and chain on their ms170, but didn't mention the particulars.  Curious about that.

Thanks again for the replies.  - BT

[lxskllr]

To throw sand in the works... You might want to look at the echo 2511t. It's ~$400, but it takes tiny to a whole new level. If not for the front handle, it would fit in the cargo pocket of my pants. It's the most fun saw purchase I've made over the last year.


CS-2511T Top Handle Chainsaw | ECHO X Series


edit:
I somehow missed the post above mentioning this saw  :^/  Still worth a look  :^)

[btulloh]

That's a pretty impressive weight.  Looks like a nice saw.  Good price for top-handle.

I definitely don't want a top-handle saw though, and I've decided I'd like to test out a $200 saw.  Something about the low price kinda makes me want to buy something I don't really need.  Plus I'll also get to find out how all that plastic holds up.

[Inaotherlife]

That's all good info.  Thanks for the responses.  Sounds like it might be a good little pickup saw, and for the price I don't feel bad about taking a chance.  After all I don't need it to do big work.  Just want something handy.

I've been wanting a small, light saw, and I think for 180-200 bucks I'll take a chance.  I stopped in and looked at one today.  They sure don't compare to pro saws - that's for sure.  Now there's a new version - the ms171 - just to add to the confusion.  Supposed to have a few upgraded features, meaning that Stihl improved their bottom line and reduce the manufacturing cost somewhere.  It may be better to stick to the older model.

For the record, I have a 362c-m, a 25 year old 026 that still runs great, and a dead 066 which I don't feel the need to replace.  (I have easy access to a couple 80cc huskies if I need - and that is very seldom these days.)  I like the 026 as small saw that will do some decent work, but I really find the 362 to be almost as handy as the 026.  So that's why I'm looking for a really small saw, but not a top-handle.  

The ms170 comes with rmm3 chain, which I am not familiar with.  It looks pretty dainty, but I guess that goes with the little saw.  I haven't looked around to see what other chain will run on it.  Hopefully there's a yellow chain that fits it.  Somebody mentioned they put a different bar and chain on their ms170, but didn't mention the particulars.  Curious about that.

Thanks again for the replies.  - BT

Yeah. Definitely get a small saw.
You won't be sorry.

[wild262]

That's all good info.  Thanks for the responses.  Sounds like it might be a good little pickup saw, and for the price I don't feel bad about taking a chance.  After all I don't need it to do big work.  Just want something handy.

I've been wanting a small, light saw, and I think for 180-200 bucks I'll take a chance.  I stopped in and looked at one today.  They sure don't compare to pro saws - that's for sure.  Now there's a new version - the ms171 - just to add to the confusion.  Supposed to have a few upgraded features, meaning that Stihl improved their bottom line and reduce the manufacturing cost somewhere.  It may be better to stick to the older model.

For the record, I have a 362c-m, a 25 year old 026 that still runs great, and a dead 066 which I don't feel the need to replace.  (I have easy access to a couple 80cc huskies if I need - and that is very seldom these days.)  I like the 026 as small saw that will do some decent work, but I really find the 362 to be almost as handy as the 026.  So that's why I'm looking for a really small saw, but not a top-handle.  

The ms170 comes with rmm3 chain, which I am not familiar with.  It looks pretty dainty, but I guess that goes with the little saw.  I haven't looked around to see what other chain will run on it.  Hopefully there's a yellow chain that fits it.  Somebody mentioned they put a different bar and chain on their ms170, but didn't mention the particulars.  Curious about that.

Thanks again for the replies.  - BT

Yeah. Definitely get a small saw.
You won't be sorry.

I'll second that.  I also have a 361P.  Best little saw I have ever owned.  Had a 346 Echo in the past, and the 361 has a much better powerband.  The ms 200 rear handle would have been a canidate if it hadn't been for the carbs giving problems.  I like to run saws, not work on them.  I have pluenty of re-builders for that.   Glad I went with the 361.  My favorite limbing saw. 

[Inaotherlife]

That's all good info.  Thanks for the responses.  Sounds like it might be a good little pickup saw, and for the price I don't feel bad about taking a chance.  After all I don't need it to do big work.  Just want something handy.

I've been wanting a small, light saw, and I think for 180-200 bucks I'll take a chance.  I stopped in and looked at one today.  They sure don't compare to pro saws - that's for sure.  Now there's a new version - the ms171 - just to add to the confusion.  Supposed to have a few upgraded features, meaning that Stihl improved their bottom line and reduce the manufacturing cost somewhere.  It may be better to stick to the older model.

For the record, I have a 362c-m, a 25 year old 026 that still runs great, and a dead 066 which I don't feel the need to replace.  (I have easy access to a couple 80cc huskies if I need - and that is very seldom these days.)  I like the 026 as small saw that will do some decent work, but I really find the 362 to be almost as handy as the 026.  So that's why I'm looking for a really small saw, but not a top-handle.  

The ms170 comes with rmm3 chain, which I am not familiar with.  It looks pretty dainty, but I guess that goes with the little saw.  I haven't looked around to see what other chain will run on it.  Hopefully there's a yellow chain that fits it.  Somebody mentioned they put a different bar and chain on their ms170, but didn't mention the particulars.  Curious about that.

Thanks again for the replies.  - BT

Yeah. Definitely get a small saw.
You won't be sorry.

I'll second that.  I also have a 361P.  Best little saw I have ever owned.  Had a 346 Echo in the past, and the 361 has a much better powerband.  The ms 200 rear handle would have been a canidate if it hadn't been for the carbs giving problems.  I like to run saws, not work on them.  I have pluenty of re-builders for that.   Glad I went with the 361.  My favorite limbing saw.

Yeah, the little 361P rips pretty good.

[Woodcutter_Mo]

 The ms170's are actually a prety good little saw for the money, I know several other people that have ran several and like them. They make prety good limb saws since they're so light. If one keeps them clean and maintained they can last a good while and pay for themselves many times over. 

[wild262]

Regular maint. is the key, and even more important with these ocassional use saws.  They won't take to a lot of abuse, and once they break or major repairs are needed, there pretty much a disposable saw, unless you can do the work yourself.  They are what they are. I get them in my shop now & then and people want them rebuilt.  Most of the time I say, "just buy another and keep this one for parts".  A lot of times there money ahead.   

[Drew62]

The 170 and doubtless other manufactures starter saws are not to be despised.Perfect for cleaning up the canopy of dropped trees.Good fun to experiment with carving.The ideal starter saw for training a youngster with.Also handy to chuck in your vehicle over winter travelling down rural roads during stormy weather on the off chance you hit branches blocking your way.

[Allar]

To throw sand in the works... You might want to look at the echo 2511t. It's ~$400, but it takes tiny to a whole new level. If not for the front handle, it would fit in the cargo pocket of my pants. It's the most fun saw purchase I've made over the last year.


CS-2511T Top Handle Chainsaw | ECHO X Series


edit:
I somehow missed the post above mentioning this saw  :^/  Still worth a look  :^)

Seems to be one of those saws that you might never need but would buy it regardless :D
I could see myself using one to cut branches off apple trees.

[TKehl]

Similar story here.  Got one that was part of a trade deal.  Figured I could just leave it strapped to the 4 wheeler if nothing else.  But with a more aggressive chain, the little 170 does good for limbing up to small trees as long as the chain is kept sharp or it will stall out.  I can cut a lot longer with it without being worn out, especially in the summer.

Since then I've bought 2 more, well a another 170 and an old 017.  (My others are 250s, 290s, and a 066.)

Only downside is a dealer service is the same as what I paid for the used saws.  About $100...  Same as the bigger ones, but it feels different spending $100 on a $4-500 saw.   :D  As such I've learned more about repairing them and with extra saws I can usually keep at least 2 running.   ;)

[btulloh]

I do the routine maintenance and some repairs myself.  I agree with you Tkehl: a $100 repair on a saw like that doesn't make much sense.  If it gets beyond routine, it'll get replaced.

The 170 will get to work often enough to keep the fuel from going stale.  The saws here don't ever sit long enough for the gas to go bad.  I keep hoping though.   :D

[Magicman]

I bought a MS170 a couple of years ago to use as my "sawmill" saw.  It is very easy starting and does an awesome job doing the normal small work when I am sawing.  I highly recommend it. 

[btulloh]

Well I'm gonna get one.  After checking out the specs on similar saws like the 171, 180, etc. I'm just going with the 170.  Low price, low weight.  See what happens.  I'd go get it today, but I've got a couple medical procedures coming up so I'll wait til I'm through with that.

There's quite a bit of cleanup to do around the yard and that'll be a good way to break it in.  Tree tops, big limbs - winter fallout.  Too wet all winter to get out and keep things in shape.  I hate to let things build up like that, but the weather this winter leaves no choice.

I'm not sure there's a lot of choices for chain on this saw.  It comes with PMM3 3/8 0.043.  I'll see how that works and go from there.

Yesterday an interesting saw showed up on CL, but I decided to steer clear.  It was a Poulan 33cc.  Can't find any specs on weight.  They don't seem to publish any specs.  The ad said "ran fine last year but now it won't start".  We all know what that means.  $40, looked brand new.  Tempting, but . . .  

[Inaotherlife]

Another inexpensive option in a lightweight small saw is the Ryobi 3814, which has been somewhat popular among the internet forum crowd.
It's a similar weight, but more power. And lower price. A Redmax copy, but made in China.  Specs say 10 pounds, but I think that may be with bar and chain as opposed to the normally published powerhead only weight.

Personally, it's intriguing, but I'd prefer a Stihl or Echo.

[sawguy21]

The Picco chain works fine on the 170 annd is not difficult to sharpen. It doesn't have the power to pull any more than that. Leave the Poulan on the shelf or buy two so you have a spare, parts and service are almost non existent.

[btulloh]

Roger that on the poulans.  I think the Stihl HO saw is as far down-market as I want to go.  

Makes sense that it won't pull much chain.  I'd like to find a yellow chain for it though.  I've got something in mind for this little saw that will require some boring cuts.

[lxskllr]

People all over say green chain can't bore, but it seems to work fine for me for the most part. It's a little worse with small nose consumer bars, but I was boring just fine last week with a Rollomatic E and RS3 chain. Maybe if I was doing it all day long, and had time to reflect on cutting speed I'd notice the deficiencies, but for infrequent use, by the not most experienced user, I'd say it's fine.


I'm curious how my new to me RM2 chain will bore. I'm gonna test it this week on the maple I was cutting last week. I'm thinking it may have a problem with it, and if so, I'm thinking that's where the notion green chain can't bore came from, but we'll see...

[Inaotherlife]

I had to bore-cut an 8" redbud that was in the corner of a chain link fence earlier this week with the 361P and it's factory green Oregon 91PXL chain. And it wasn't the first time.

No problem at all.

Granted, the saw is a little more powerful than a 170, and has a pro-lite bar which is a little taller profile with a larger radius nose than the e-mini. But I don't think those are major disadvantages on the 170 with smaller work like this, other than the extra power might have let me cut more slowly to keep it out of the fence.

[lxskllr]

I'm curious how my new to me RM2 chain will bore. I'm gonna test it this week on the maple I was cutting last week. I'm thinking it may have a problem with it, and if so, I'm thinking that's where the notion green chain can't bore came from, but we'll see...

Just tried my RM2 chain on some pine, and it worked ok. I only made a few bore cuts, and it seemed like it might have been a hair slower than the RS3. Possibly a combination of the triple humped drivelinks, and being semi chisel instead of full chisel. I'm pretty cool with the performance, and now, very happy with my 100' purchase, though the guy's selling it a bit cheaper now... Of course...  :^D

[Drew62]

I bought the 170 some years ago now-it was just so cheap,it seemed silly not to , but as supplied it was cracking for outdoor woodwork,with such a narrow kerf it was perfect for cutting 6"x1" planks when fencing/when building decking areas,again with the picco chain it cuts really clean,also for taking a third of a big 25 foot conifer down,its bang on the money.All the consumables are as cheap as chips-bar/sprockets/filters/oil pumps etc.In that sense,its not a throwaway saw at all.Everyone should have a little saw like this in their locker,if you're unlucky enough to have a catastrophic failure,it wont bankrupt you thats for sure!

[lil171]

I'm not sure there's a lot of choices for chain on this saw.  It comes with PMM3 3/8 0.043.  I'll see how that works and go from there.

That is what is advertised, but my dealer installed a 16" .050 bar on mine for me at no charge instaead of the .043. I knew nothing about chainsaws this fall when I purchased it, other than how to start them and cut wood. The 16" bar and .050 chain was a recommendation by both my dad and dealer. Main reason is that the chain is stronger, and the .050 is easier to find. I have not done much cutting with it yet, as well as a newbee to it, but it does run and cut very well I must say set up as above.

[btulloh]

This MS170 thing went to the back burner for a while, since it wasn't a necessity.  Today I stopped by the dealer to pick one up finally, and there seems to be a promotion going on.  I don't know if it's all of Stihl (doubt that), but I got $20 off a $180 saw, so that was a nice surprise.  Normally I would go to buy something the week after the promotion ended, so this was unusual.  Too busy with other stuff this afternoon to take it for a test drive, but I did put gas and oil in it and started it up for a minute.

Sure is a cute little thing and it is light as a feather.  There's lots of little cleanup and pruning jobs around the place to break it in.  It'll be kinda nice to have a little saw for little jobs.  I'll see how it does over time, but everybody seems to have good luck with these 170's.

[clww]

I just saw a $20 off ad for the 170 on the tv.

[btulloh]

I must not be watching the right shows. Only thing I've seen is that I can save a lot of money on auto insurance.

[Caloren]

This week is "Stihl deal days", they have several 'deals' going. And yes, I love this little saw.

[thecfarm]

I need to replace my small saw. Just might go check out a MS170.
Those small saws are nice.

[Magicman]

I recently bought a Stihl MS362C for my "big" sawmill limbing/bucking saw but....



the MS170 is by far, the lightest/handiest little trim saw.  Bought it on sale last year; saw, extra chain, pack of premium oil, file, & taxes, out the door for $200.  Used it yesterday.

[luap]

At a Farm & Fleet Store in Northern Wisconsin yesterday the ms 170 was $159.00 sitting on the Shelf.

[btulloh]

Just to close the loop on this . . .   (except for 10 year durability report - in 2029).

Been through a couple tanks o' gas  doing little spring cleanup chores with new 170.  Does a great job and performs better than expected.  Just like everybody said it would.  I was a little concerned about the chain that comes on it, but the chain cuts just fine, especially considering it's a green chain.  I tried some bore cuts and rip cuts with it today and it even does fine on those.

Light and handy.  Up until now, my aging 026 was my "little" saw, but it started getting heavy on me the last couple years for some reason.  

[Magicman]

Yup, it is crazy how handy it is.  8)