I love a good tool debate. Whether I’m looking at soldering irons or cordless drills, I tend to obsess over the details. Recently, I needed a lightweight gas chainsaw for some yard work. I wasn’t looking to fell a giant oak. I just needed something to clean up storm debris and cut some firewood for the winter.
Naturally, my research led me to the two most popular “homeowner” saws on the market: the Stihl MS 170 and the Stihl MS 180.
On paper, they look almost the same. They weigh the same. They look identical. But after using both, I found some big differences that specs don’t show. If you are stuck deciding between these two, here is my personal experience.
Why I Needed a Small Saw
Last month, a storm knocked down a few heavy limbs in my backyard. My big pro saw is heavy, and frankly, it wears me out. I wanted a “grab-and-go” saw. Something light.
I started with the MS 170. It’s the cheapest gas saw Stihl makes. The price tag is very tempting. But later, I got my hands on an MS 180 to see if the extra thirty or forty bucks actually mattered.
Spoiler: It does.
The Power Difference: Stihl MS 170 vs MS 180
The first thing I noticed was the power. The MS 170 has a 30.1 cc engine. It’s fine for trimming branches that are as thick as my arm. But the moment I tried to cut a log that was 10 inches thick, the saw felt tired. It bogged down. I had to lift up and let the revs build back up. It felt like I was asking the saw to do a favor.
The MS 180 has a slightly bigger engine (31.8 cc). That sounds small, but you can feel it. When I buried the bar in a piece of hardwood, it kept chewing. It didn’t stall. The engine note is a bit deeper, and it feels like it has more torque. It made the work fun rather than a chore.
| Scenario | Stihl MS 170 Experience | Stihl MS 180 Experience |
| Trimming Limbs | Cuts fast and smooth. No issues. | Cuts instantly. Feels very snappy. |
| Cutting Firewood | Bogged down on thick logs. | Powered through without stalling. |
| Engine Feel | Good for light work, struggles under load. | Feels punchy and holds RPMs better. |
The “Knuckle Buster” Tensioner: Stihl MS 170 vs MS 180
This is where I got frustrated with the MS 170.
Chains stretch as they get hot. You have to tighten them often. On the MS 170, the screw to tighten the chain is on the front, right next to the bar.
- The problem: It is tight in there. You have to jam your tool in between the plastic guard and the sharp chain. It is awkward. I scraped my knuckles twice.
The MS 180 usually comes with a side-access tensioner. The screw is on the side of the cover. It is easy to reach. You just turn it, tighten the nuts, and get back to work. For a guy who likes tools to be ergonomic, this was a huge win for the 180.
| Feature | Stihl MS 170 | Stihl MS 180 |
| Location | Front of the saw (near the bar). | Side of the saw cover. |
| Ease of Use | Awkward. Hard to fit the tool in. | Simple. Plenty of room for your hand. |
| Safety | Risky. Fingers are close to the chain. | Safer. Hand stays clear of sharp cutters. |
Starting and Reliability: Stihl MS 170 vs MS 180
Both saws started easily for me. I follow the standard drill: choke on, pull until it pops, choke off, pull to start.
However, the MS 180 felt a bit more forgiving when hot. After running it for 20 minutes, I shut it off to move some logs. It fired right back up with one pull. The 170 was reliable too, but it felt a little more finicky on cold mornings.
Also, both saws have what Stihl calls “IntelliCarb.” It keeps the fuel mix right even if the air filter gets dirty. That is a nice touch for a cheaper saw.
| Aspect | Stihl MS 170 | Stihl MS 180 |
| Cold Start | Takes 3-4 pulls usually. | Takes 3-4 pulls usually. |
| Hot Restart | Can be finicky if not purged. | Very reliable. Usually one pull. |
| Carburetor | Standard IntelliCarb. | Standard IntelliCarb. |
My Final Verdict
So, which one stayed in my garage?
I prefer the Stihl MS 180.
Don’t get me wrong. The MS 170 is a great tool if you only prune apple trees once a year. It is light and simple. But for me, the MS 180 is the better value.
Here is why:
- More Muscle: It cuts faster and doesn’t stall in thick wood.
- Less Frustration: The side tensioner alone is worth the extra money.
- Versatility: I can trim bushes with it, but I can also cut up a fallen tree if I have to.
If you can spare the extra cash, skip the 170 and get the 180. You will thank yourself the first time you have to tighten that chain.
FAQs – Stihl MS 170 vs MS 180
What is the main difference between the Stihl MS 170 and MS 180?
The Stihl MS 180 has more power than the MS 170. It also has a side chain screw, which is easier to use. The 180 cuts wood faster and jams less often.
Is the Stihl MS 180 worth the extra cost?
Yes, the Stihl MS 180 is worth the extra cash. It has more power for thick wood. The side screw is safer to use. It cuts firewood faster and stalls less.
Can I put a bigger bar on a Stihl MS 170?
You can use a 16-inch bar, but it may slow down. The engine is small. A 14-inch bar is best for the Stihl MS 170. It keeps the chain speed high and smooth.
What gas mix does a Stihl chainsaw need?
Stihl saws use a 50:1 gas mix. Mix high-octane gas with good 2-cycle oil. Do not use plain gas, or the engine will break. Pre-mixed fuel is also a good choice.
Can the Stihl MS 170 cut down trees?
The MS 170 can cut small trees. It works well on trunks up to 10 inches thick. For big trees or hard oak, you need a bigger saw like the MS 180 or MS 250.