Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: MHWASH on July 05, 2011, 04:14:47 PM

Title: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: MHWASH on July 05, 2011, 04:14:47 PM: I'd llike to add a smaller saw to my arsenal for clearing atv trails and cutting camp wood. I see the 170's for $179, and I don't mind paying that. I have a 034, so I'm not willing to pay more than $200 for a new saw.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: jackelope on July 05, 2011, 04:17:29 PM: I was thinking of picking one up. They can't be bad for the $$ but they are made in China and don't get the greatest reviews. For what you want to use it for it'd likely be fine, for me too, I just decided to hold off on one for now.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: NRA4LIFE on July 05, 2011, 04:22:59 PM: Great little saw. I have had one for 6 or 7 years and love it. Nice and light but very powerful. It's bungie corded to my ATV 24/7 when not in use. It's one of the pieces of equipment I have never had a problem with.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: MtnMuley on July 05, 2011, 04:26:45 PM: They're just fine for a trail saw. Get (or make) a scabbard for your quad, and you're good to go.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: boneaddict on July 05, 2011, 04:47:35 PM: I've knocked down ALOT of trees with an o34. I'd like one a bit smaller for some backpack trail work.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: BigGoonTuna on July 05, 2011, 06:57:04 PM: Quote from: jackelope on July 05, 2011, 04:17:29 PM
I was thinking of picking one up. They can't be bad for the $$ but they are made in China and don't get the greatest reviews. For what you want to use it for it'd likely be fine, for me too, I just decided to hold off on one for now.
they're made at the virginia beach plant - from materials that are made who knows where.

the 170 isn't a bad saw for its intended purpose, just run them until they break and then buy a new one, because they're so inexpensive. lots of landscapers seem to use them(those guys are a headache for me to deal with, because they'd rather buy a cheap piece of equipment and do 10 major repairs over its lifespan than buy the commercial model and do 10 minor ones, and come out the same in the end).
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: mazama on July 05, 2011, 08:49:33 PM: I use an Echo 330,it was recomended by a Stilh dealer at the time.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: jackelope on July 05, 2011, 08:54:57 PM: Quote from: BigGoonTuna on July 05, 2011, 06:57:04 PM
Quote from: jackelope on July 05, 2011, 04:17:29 PM
I was thinking of picking one up. They can't be bad for the $$ but they are made in China and don't get the greatest reviews. For what you want to use it for it'd likely be fine, for me too, I just decided to hold off on one for now.
they're made at the virginia beach plant - from materials that are made who knows where.

the 170 isn't a bad saw for its intended purpose, just run them until they break and then buy a new one, because they're so inexpensive. lots of landscapers seem to use them(those guys are a headache for me to deal with, because they'd rather buy a cheap piece of equipment and do 10 major repairs over its lifespan than buy the commercial model and do 10 minor ones, and come out the same in the end).

So much for what I read on the interwebs I guess.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: MHWASH on July 06, 2011, 05:52:21 AM: Other than the $20 is there much difference between the 170 and 180? It looks like the 180 is a 1/10th bigger.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on July 06, 2011, 05:57:46 AM: Thasts a decent price and you can't go wrong with a Stihl. I ended up getting a small Husky which is a good saw also.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: jackelope on July 06, 2011, 07:41:07 AM: Quote from: Skyvalhunter on July 06, 2011, 05:57:46 AM
Thasts a decent price and you can't go wrong with a Stihl. I ended up getting a small Husky which is a good saw also.
Agreed...I have a Husky 51ef which has been a great saw.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: TheHunt on July 06, 2011, 08:54:34 AM: Quote from: jackelope on July 06, 2011, 07:41:07 AM
Quote from: Skyvalhunter on July 06, 2011, 05:57:46 AM
Thasts a decent price and you can't go wrong with a Stihl. I ended up getting a small Husky which is a good saw also.
Agreed...I have a Husky 51ef which has been a great saw.

My husky rancher finally gave up and it went to the parts pile. Great saw... Over 25 years old..
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: Chinook73 on July 06, 2011, 09:04:14 AM: I have used my 170 for over 4 years now without any problems. Great saw for limbing, or on the trail. My old Husky 61 is used for larger stuff, but does not fit on the quad very well.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: Goomsba on July 06, 2011, 06:11:46 PM: Quote from: jackelope on July 06, 2011, 07:41:07 AM
Quote from: Skyvalhunter on July 06, 2011, 05:57:46 AM
Thasts a decent price and you can't go wrong with a Stihl. I ended up getting a small Husky which is a good saw also.
Agreed...I have a Husky 51ef which has been a great saw.
Made plenty of firewood with my 51 :tup:
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: Curly on July 08, 2011, 07:10:15 PM: http://www.powerequipmentwarehouse.com/products/49305-husqvarna-235e-series-chainsaw.aspx (http://www.powerequipmentwarehouse.com/products/49305-husqvarna-235e-series-chainsaw.aspx)

Husky 235E might fit the bill. I got my Husky Rancher from this place..........free shipping and no tax.
Title: Re: Stihl MS 170, good trail saw?
Post by: marty on July 08, 2011, 08:25:44 PM: Can't beat a Sthil! :twocents: