Husqvarna 120 vs Stihl MS 170: Best Homeowner Saw?

I remember standing in the store looking at all the orange saws. It is easy to get lost. You just want a tool that works. You want it to start when you pull the cord.

I have owned and used both the Husqvarna 120 Mark II and the Stihl MS 170. These are the two most popular saws for homeowners. They are the ones you buy to clear a storm mess.

After using both for years, I know they are not the same. They feel different. They sound different. They handle the wood in their own way. Here is my true story of using them.

Is the Husqvarna 120 Mark II Good?

I bought this saw after a big storm. I had trees down in my yard. I needed a tool with real power.

It is not a pro saw. But it is strong. It cut thick logs well. It is a good choice for real work.

What I Like

Real Power: This saw has a big engine. It is strong for the price. I felt it when I cut a hard maple log.

The saw did not stop. It kept the chain moving. It chewed through the wood. It felt great to use.

Easy Chain Fix: I hate fighting with tools. On this saw, the screw is on the side. I can reach it fast.

I fixed the chain with my gloves on. I did not hurt my hands. It is a small thing, but it helps a lot.

Clean Air Filter: The saw spins the air. It throws dust out. It does not clog the filter. I checked it after a long day.

The filter looked new. I did not have to clean it. This keeps the saw running cool. It saves me time.

What Could Be Better

Heavy Arms: This saw is heavy. It weighs more than ten pounds. That does not sound like much. But you feel it.

My arms got tired fast. It is fine for the ground. But it is hard to lift high. It wears you out.

Hard Hot Starts: It can be hard to start when hot. I turned it off to move a log. I pulled the cord, but it did not fire.

You have to guess the choke. If you miss, you flood it. It takes time to learn its tricks.

Big Size: The body is wide. It feels big in your hands. It is hard to use in tight spots.

It bumps into branches. It is built like a tank. That is good for strength but bad for small jobs.

Recommendation

Buy this if you cut firewood. It is great for a wood stove. It has the power to cut logs all day.

It is good for storm cleanup. If you have big trees, you need this power. It gets the job done.

Is the Stihl MS 170 Good?

I keep this saw in my shed. I use it for quick jobs. I trim the apple tree or clear a path.

It is simple and light. It always works. It is the top saw for a reason. It is perfect for home use.

What I Like

So Light: I smiled when I picked it up. It weighs less than nine pounds. It feels like a lunchbox.

I can use it with one hand. I do not get tired. It is very safe. It is easy to move around.

Fast Cuts: The chain is very thin. It takes a small bite. Because of this, it spins fast.

It cuts pine wood like butter. The speed is fun. It cleans up a yard in no time.

Always Starts: I left it in the cold for months. I put gas in and pulled the cord. It started right up.

The idle is smooth. It does not stall. It runs well every time. That makes me trust it.

What Could Be Better

Stops in Big Logs: It is weak in big logs. I tried to cut a stump. The chain stopped moving.

The engine is small. You have to be patient. Do not push on the bar. Let the saw do the work.

Bad Adjuster: The screw is on the front. It is by the hot muffler. It is hard to reach with a tool.

I burn my fingers. It is hard to see. It is a pain to fix the chain. I do not like this part.

Small Caps: The oil cap is tiny. I spill oil on my boots. It is hard to fill without a mess.

The caps are hard to turn. They get stuck. It is a small pain, but it is there.

Recommendation

Buy this to clean your yard. It is great for branches. It clears brush well.

It saves your back. It is light and easy. Do not buy it for big firewood. Stick to the small stuff.

Details Comparison Husqvarna 120 vs Stihl MS 170

I took both saws out to the back lot to clear a fence line. It was a hot day in July. The weeds and brush were thick and high.

You can feel how they differ as soon as you pull the cord. One feels like a light toy for speed. The other feels like a heavy tool for work.

Cutting Speed: Husqvarna 120 vs Stihl MS 170

I tested the speed on some green pine branches. The Stihl chain is thin and sharp. It zips through soft wood very fast.

The Husqvarna is slower on the small stuff. But when I cut a thick oak log, it kept its speed. It does not stop when the wood gets hard.

Rating: Husqvarna 120 – 8/10 | Stihl MS 170 – 9/10

Blade Quality: Husqvarna 120 vs Stihl MS 170

The bar on the Stihl is short and light. It bends a bit if you pinch it. The chain stays sharp if you keep it out of the dirt.

The Husqvarna bar feels stiff and tough. It handles abuse better in the woods. I like that the chain is easy to find at any store.

Rating: Husqvarna 120 – 9/10 | Stihl MS 170 – 7/10

Motor Strength: Husqvarna 120 vs Stihl MS 170

The Husqvarna engine is big for a home saw. It has a deep sound. It pulls through knots without stalling out.

The Stihl engine is small and quiet. It runs smooth but lacks grunt. If you push it too hard, it will stop dead in the cut.

Rating: Husqvarna 120 – 9/10 | Stihl MS 170 – 6/10

Weight Balance: Husqvarna 120 vs Stihl MS 170

This is the big win for the Stihl. I carried it for three hours and felt fine. It sits flat in your hand and is easy to swing.

The Husqvarna makes my arm tired. It tips back a bit when you hold it. It is not fun to use for high branches or long days.

Rating: Husqvarna 120 – 6/10 | Stihl MS 170 – 10/10

Safety Features: Husqvarna 120 vs Stihl MS 170

I tested the chain brake on both saws. I pushed the guard and the chain stopped fast. They both feel safe to use.

The Husqvarna has a wide rear handle. It protects my hand well if the chain snaps. The Stihl guard is smaller but works fine for light jobs.

Rating: Husqvarna 120 – 9/10 | Stihl MS 170 – 8/10

FAQs – Husqvarna 120 vs Stihl MS 170