Summary:
This is a good saw for the money, especially if you are just using it to clean up around your yard. I haven't used it long enough to know if it can handle long days but for the price and being a Stihl you can't go wrong. I had a friend using a cheaper saw and had alot of problems with it and I just kept on cutting while he was trying to get his working again, it goes to show that you do get what you pay for.

Strengths:
Great power for the size of saw. i have a 14 inch blade on this and it gets right through and small trees. I have a large Husky to take down the big trees but then use this to limb the tree and cut up the samll stuff. It is so light I can flick it around and it doesn't snap back at you when you make a mistake or do something a little careless.

Weaknesses:
Not a big fan of having to hold down the throttle to start the saw.

Summary:
if i bought again, id go w/ the 180, but i have used this saw for 4 years with very little repair needed. mostly light limbs cut on grounded trees. however, i would not attempt to use for trees larger than about 4", the extra 2cc's and QCA would be worth it on the 180.

Strengths:
fast chain speed, low weight

Weaknesses:
not much reach, even with the 16"

Summary:
OK for occasional use on smaller trees.

Strengths:
light

Weaknesses:
biult cheap, not much power

Summary:
It's better than a Poulan, at least it runs.

Strengths:
It's light and runs good

Weaknesses:
It's not built very good and is a dog

Summary:
EXCELLENT!

Strengths:
-Light weight -Small, easliy handles branches, small trees and with the experienced operator, 24" trees. Those that say it is a dog...buy a bigger one if you feel that way! I own the MS 27 Farm Boss, MS 170 and several others. I love my Stihl saws, big and small.

Weaknesses:
-It feels cheap in some areas, but that is just the feel, it is a work horse for the size and sturdy.

Summary:
Not a bad saw for under 6" wood, good for trimming around home.

Strengths:
It runs good and is light

Weaknesses:
No power, I just bought a Echo CS370 which is 6 cc more and cuts twice as fast as my MS170.

Summary:
very good saw for what its intended for.... cuts like butter through anything 12" or less haven't tried it on anything bigger..... but will if i get a chance

Strengths:
beats the big box stores saws hands down!!!!!!!!!!! strong enough to get itself out of a small bind low vibration

Weaknesses:
have your gas can handy..... 15-20 minutes and you need to refill... no big deal

Summary:
a 10

Strengths:
very good saw,after 10hours of use no issue's

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
Probably would not buy again.

Strengths:
Good when it runs. Not enough power to cut much more than limbs.

Weaknesses:
Constant carburetor problems. Dealer cleans it out and it runs no more than 3 total hours before choking down when at full power.

Summary:
It's OK for light use

Strengths:
Stihl name

Weaknesses:
Not much quality, very low on power

Summary:
low

Strengths:
light weight cuts when it runs

Weaknesses:
starts hard floods easy and carb needs alot of attention bogs down at full RP M after sitting for awhile

Summary:
I guess you could call me a commercial user, and bought it as a disposable. It should have been far less problematic than it was. For the light use that it was subjected to, it should have easily made it to the three month (commercial warranty) period. The saw itself was a lemon, the dealership a complete failure at standing behind it. Since that time, I have acquired three Echos...and as none of them have failed, the other dealership hasnt had the opportunity to change things on them, then tell me I have no idea how to run them. I have over 20 years of chainsaw use, and my little business trims 100-120,000 trees a year.

Strengths:
Lightweight paperweight.

Weaknesses:
Went to shop three times in the first five tanks of gas. Dealer kept changing out the spark plug and the ignition module and then telling me that there was nothing wrong with the saw and I didn't know how to run it, and I should have bought a pro model. On the fourth trip to the dealer, I abandoned the saw there, still under warranty, and about two months old with 6 or 7 tanks of gas run through it. My offer to pay the difference between that and a 260 was turned down. I would have done the same deal for a T200. I did not get my money back.

Summary:
its a good saw and it has its up and downs

Strengths:
cuts good on smaller stuff its a stihl very lightweight

Weaknesses:
light on power

Summary:
Junk

Strengths:
Light

Weaknesses:
Pitifull, low power cheap

Summary:
Good for such a liitle saw!

Strengths:
Light, easy to use, anyone can use it.

Weaknesses:
Chain on the weak side, a little flimsy.

Summary:
Great little saw, and always ready for any job put in front of it

Strengths:
Very lightweight, good torque and RPM, have used more than 8 gallons of fuel through this within 3 1/2 years, and cut everything from limbs to trunks that had to be worked from both sides and never had to do anything but change the plug and air filter. I have always used Stihl bar oil and 2 cycle oil, and this saw still has great compression!!

Weaknesses:
low fuel capacity .....not a big issue

Summary:
Buy a small Echo or Dolmar, built way better and more power per cc

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
No power, build cheap

Summary:
Overall it's been a great saw! Remember that the maintenance is equal to the success of the job!

Strengths:
I've had my saw for 7 years and use it heavily in my landscape business. I've even used it to fall trees 24" in diameter. I've changed the spark plug once about 3 years ago. I read the other reviews about carb problems, not me, important to keep the 1:50 gas/oil mix ratio. I keep the air filter clean, chain sharp, rotate the bar about once a month. Do this and your saw should be great! I'd say my $200 dollar saw has made me alot of money in 7 years. I know some day it will die, they all do, but until then I'll keep doing what i'm doing.

Weaknesses:
It is a little under powered in the bigger stuff. However for my money at the time, it's been great. If you can afford the nicer, more powerful model, then get it. If your going to use it once in awhile you cant go wrong.

Summary:
I've had it a year, but should have just hired someone to do the work.

Strengths:
Cuts little stuff just fine.

Weaknesses:
Absolute piece of crap to start.

Summary:
Can not go wrong with this saw

Strengths:
I work for N.Y.S. Parks and currently opperate five MS 170'S plus own one myself. This is tough little saw for the money and will handle far more than it was designed for.It is small,light wieght and runs well.Ideal for small trees and limb work.The perfect saw for cleaning up trails and woodlots.For the money it hard to beat this saw.

Weaknesses:
Small fuel tank.One of the six I'm familure with has a switch problem which seems to be commonly known about at the servive counter.

Summary:
Can not go wrong with this saw

Strengths:
I work for N.Y.S. Parks and currently opperate five MS 170'S plus own one myself. This is tough little saw for the money and will handle far more than it was designed for.It is small,light wieght and runs well.Ideal for small trees and limb work.The perfect saw for cleaning up trails and woodlots.For the money it hard to beat this saw.

Weaknesses:
Small fuel tank.One of the six I'm familure with has a switch problem which seems to be commonly known about at the servive counter.

Summary:
Decent little saw for the money I guess. Had to remove carb and clean it and was surprised(shouldn't have been?) to see the carb was made in China. Oh well.

Strengths:
Can't really think of any other than it's light weight and handles small trees and limbs.

Weaknesses:
Runs rough if it sits a while and I attribute this to the stuff they pass off for gasoline now.

Summary:
Cheapest thing Stihl opasses off as a chainsaw.

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Everthing

Summary:
Not bad, I'd buy it again for occasional use.

Strengths:
Lightweight, doesn't take up much room. Not much maintenance required for occasional use. I keep it in my truck box for when I come upon downed trees in the road, (I'm a forester, I work in remote areas).

Weaknesses:
Didn't start well in the cold. Oilier seemed to get clogged on occasion.

Summary:
First one I bought wouldnt start out of the box, took it back to the dealer who couldnt get it to start either. They exchanged it for another one which after one use (2 tanks of gas) and sitting for four weeks will not start either. After trying everything in the book but failing I've gotten rid of it, its stting at the end of my driveway in pieces if anyone wants POS chainsaw.

Strengths:
Light, easy to use if you can get it to start.

Weaknesses:
Will not start. Underpowered for anything more than limb cutting. Cheap build.

Summary:
okay... never try other brand with same capacity.

Strengths:
Very light and easy to operate...excellent for my orchard

Weaknesses:
Not much power and need to fill the tank when u just started to enjoy felling small trees...

Summary:
If you have 2 4" branches to saw a year it's OK , why Stihl does put it's name on a low quality gutless saw

Strengths:
It's light easy to use

Weaknesses:
It's gutless and has no quality

Summary:
marginal

Strengths:
Cuts small logs but not for felling trees etc. Needs a trip to shop about every other tank of gas. Starts easy most of the time.

Weaknesses:
Replaced carburetor twice before giving up on saw. Internal parts of carburetors are unreliable. I've been told that it is the gas with alcohol, but I have other saws that runs on the same gas just fine.

Summary:
I maintain 95 miles of ATV and dirt bike trails. I carry it in a back pack when I'm on my bike. I've cut trees up to 20" in diameter with it. It takes a bit of work, keep the chain sharp it will cut through any tree. I use a 440 Magnum when I'm on my ATV and for really large trees.

Strengths:
Light weight, good power for a small saw. Very reliable.

Weaknesses:
Small gas tank.

Summary:
I don't know if I'm qualified to give a proper review. I only use a chainsaw to trim and remove a dozen trees a year on mine property or friends (wish they would get there own chainsaw). I can only compare it to a partner P70 (which got stolen), a McCullock pro mac 10-10, and a friends small echo. Honestly, all I need is small saw, yes it does lack the power of bigger ones but I don't mind, mine is well built tough (fell off the truck doing 100 with no problems other than a cracked case which was cosmetic), and reliable (pull once with choke, once without). Would recomend it to any homeowner. Farmers, and professionals ... you know better than I do for your fields.

Strengths:
Its very light weight, didn't think anything of it until I was forced to use something else... needless to say I hurried the repair after that. I found it picky which fuel it used and the mix. I use 50:1 91 or 96 octane, and it runs sweet. reliable, leave it in the shed for a year with same gas and oil and always starts 2nd pull.

Weaknesses:
The fuel tank is small, refilled 4 times cutting down a tree and turning it into firewood size. Developed an oil leak, simple to fix once you know what your doing. Parts are expensive (cylinder and piston cost more than the saw, due to my stupidity trying to fix the oil leak). Hint, youtube and google disassemble stihl first!

Summary:
You get a great, reliable, light, slightly underpowered saw for round the house.

Strengths:
Light, and well made.

Weaknesses:
When starting with the coke on it is possible to leave the chain break on, and the accelerator on. It sounds like it revs a little high until the smoke pours out... if your quick you can rescue it before the clutch burns out completely and melts the plastic case. Cleaning up the mess isn't a problem but does take time :( Yes I do realize that this is entirely my fault, DO NOT use a rattle gun to remove the clutch!

Summary:
Fine saw if you want to spend as little as possible on a light-duty saw and still get a solid brand name. If you want slightly more quality and power in a light-duty, look into Stihl's higher models. Mine was given to me and I appreciated the build quality over the poulan I started with, but I would never buy this model myself, even if looking for a light limbing saw.

Strengths:
Light saw, better quality than box store brands like poulan, easy to find parts for. Starts reliably once you learn the trick, not extremely loud, can be pushed to do the occasional large tree. Best used for limbing and small tree work (up to 4").

Weaknesses:
Cheap components- side cover is plastic and doesn't hold up well against a broken chain, tension screw held in place by plastic insert, handle is hollow and weak, breaks when you drop a 4" log on it accidentally... heh. Saw bogs down very quickly in 12" + logs when running a 16" chain. Fit and finish is fairly flimsy - saw tends to flex along join points when buried in a log.

Summary:
Recommended.

Strengths:
Good power for a saw in it's class and light duty work. Perfect therapy for country club types that need to get real now and then.

Weaknesses:
Carb Problems. Of course if you are a looser like me and don't drain the fuel or run the carb dry before long periods on non-use, you really cannot expect the thing to perform properly. Starting proceedures are a bite and for christ's sake whatever you do, don't flood the thing--you will be pulling until you pass out and it still won't start thereafter. The first time you hear it "burp" while attempting to start, release the choke and then finish the start process.

Summary:
I would definately buy this again! Makes a nice companion to my MS290 firewood saw!

Strengths:
Light weight. Limber and easy to handle. Starts easy, and does great at what it's designed for.

Weaknesses:
For what I ask of it, I've found no weaknesses.

Summary:
Cheap ass chainsaw. Stihl should be ashamed of it.

Strengths:
Well balanced. Chain is easy to remove and replace.

Weaknesses:
They'll start pretty easily when new, but after 4-5 hours of total use these saws gradually become harder and harder to start. Changing fuel, plugs and air filter doesn't seem to make a difference with these pieces of crap. Took the first one back to the dealer under warranty, and they replaced it. Now the second saw is doing the same thing.

Summary:
A 10 in my book.

Strengths:
Saw worked great for me. Have used it a whopping 2 days now cutting firewood. Great saw for the price. Beats my "pull-on" pro peice of crap saw. I would buy this saw over a poulon any day of the week. The dealer was extremely knowledgable about stihls. Should me correct starting procedure, checked the rpms to ensure proper running speed. Another point he made sure to tell me was to only use ethanol free gas, Runs much better on that. For $200 you can't find a better deal. Very easy to use.

Weaknesses:
Flimsy, due to vibration suppression technology. Rather have a flimsy saw with vibration suppression than a cheap poulon without it.

Summary:
AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Strengths:
everything!

Weaknesses:
nothing1

Summary:
Once I changed to a 16" bar and non safety chain. I am a retired logger and I am able to kill any saw made. The little MS 170 is a survivor for sure thought one days use it would be garbage nope still alive and cuttin.I cut several truck loads of firewood and it did fine.

Strengths:
Light weight and really easy to run for long sessions of work. Say what you want about it being a cheap saw, how many other box store brand saws even run right new. I think it is built very welll considering how muchh plastic is used in the saw. Very good power to weight ratio.

Weaknesses:
Cheap flimsy chain that they come with sucks. 14" bar is to short to be any use.

Summary:
This saw has been very reliable for what it is intended for. Occasional use and for limbing.

Strengths:
Price I paid $139 for this saw 5 years ago Reliable- I have cut over 10 cords of firewood with this saw over its life and is still going strong. To date I only had to replace a spark plug. Vy ery light weight

Weaknesses:
Lack of power

Summary:
the gas that we get is mixed with etenol and in all things one will have problems but if one mixes the mix correct(if the mixure demands 3 gallons of gas put in 2.92 gallons and most of all buy gas that is ethenol free or get an additive)the saw will run for a good time.p.s.as for a the complaint about the dealer...well that is not the saws fault becouse there are bad people out there....

Strengths:
i use to have polan,ecco and oh yes the terrible husky and when i bought the stihl 170 i was impressed.as a climber and owner of a tree buisniss this saw is light which is a value swinging from limb to limb and has plenty of power and if you dont believe me,,ask me....

Weaknesses:
the weakness tht i hear people talk about is true..the power is weakbut that is becouse of the etenol that is put in gas.i practice draining the gas out of the saw after each use (even if your gonna use it the next day) and then run the gas out of the engine and when through choke it and run the last gas out.i cut many trees and i see no weakness but i recomend that you but gas that is ethenol free or use additive for the ehenol...

Summary:
There are other brands for the same price that are built WAY better and have more power such as Dolmar, Echo, Redmax Efco to name a few

Strengths:
Light and cheap

Weaknesses:
Gutless, built cheap

Summary:
I am very happy. I have had zero trouble with this saw. I have had it for six seasons now......Thanks

Strengths:
Works like a horse. I use the hell out of this saw.

Weaknesses:
I would like a bigger bar in it. Although I use the small bar for very large trees. I am way to cheap to go buy a bigger saw...besides this one is working hard for me

Summary:
overall its a pretty good chainsaw for the money

Strengths:
I've had mine for about 4 years, if you are cutting small stuff its a great saw for the money but if you have the money go with a little bit bigger model

Weaknesses:
low power, drinks the gas and i've put 4 oilers on mine

Summary:
I love this saw so much I will only buy Stihl...actually have wanted to buy a MS260 or 290 but hate to cause I know I wont use this great little saw as much....

Strengths:
Very reliable saw! I've owned it for 5 plus years...countless cords of wood cut and brush....trees up to 16" dia. It's a little underpowered for the larger trees but that was my choosing to cut them in the first place....but it got the job done...little slower is all. I've put countless hours on this saw....all I have ever done is taken out the spark arrestor screen and cleane dit...the air filter and changed the plug this year finally..not that it needed it..I just did it. Be sure to run Stihl chain oil..its the best too! It's such a nice light saw...I can carry it through the bush and work all day and never have tired arms.

Weaknesses:
A little under powered for larger trees (12-16")

Summary:
Get something else.

Strengths:
Nice light duty saw.

Weaknesses:
Carburetor is unreliable. No way to adjust the jets when it gets clogged, and it gets clogged easily. Replacement carb is about 1/2 the price of a new saw! Totally planned obsolescence.

Summary:
this saw literaly sucks

Strengths:
none what so ever

Weaknesses:
not enough power

Summary:
I read ALL the spec's before I bought and its a brilliant LITTLE saw for what I need it. I have a bigger one for the big jobs. Use it for what its intended and its perfect. I do suggest that its not an allrounder, it is a baby. Reading all these negaitive comments is quite depressing because I'm delighted. Mix the fuel correctly and keep it sharp then it will serve you well on upto 350mm timber. Good on you Sthil.

Strengths:
My first Sthil, light, quiet, low capital outlay, starts very easy, easy maintenance, good balance.

Weaknesses:
not found even a tiny one yet after 5 litres of fuel.

Summary:
good saw if you want to replace it every 6 months.otherwise buy something else.Stihl is ruining their reputation with this saw.I will never buy from them again.

Strengths:
not bad when new.wears out quick.

Weaknesses:
ran good for over half a year,then got harder to start.carb gets clogged and exhaust gets clogged.decent power at first,then worse.

Summary:
Great liitle saw especially for the money.

Strengths:
Has worked flawlessly for last 6 years.. until this Spring... loss of power at full throttle. Checked everything, fuel line, carb (no adjustments), air filer, even compression test... then I was taking muffler off to check piston scoring and the spark arestor screen on exhaust fell out and it was plugged solid. Cleaned it out and away we go again. This thing is really well put together, easy to takr apart. Runs good... I usually cut up to 16-18" dia. light and easy to clear trails, great for firewood cutting and packs easy. Rick now, I wouls buy another one.

Weaknesses:
Mine leaks chain oil over periods of storage. Wish there was a wrench holder built in.

Summary:
Great saw, the weight to power ratio is fabulous. You can cut all day and not have your arms fall off. Compared to a Yard machine chainsaw that cost 100.00 more than the MS 170 I have now it is a dream....Yard machines c/s shook most of the screws that hold it together out....onto the ground.... The stihl is still in one piece and works great. Also, the local distrutor who can provide parts within a couple of days (if not on the spot) is a dream compared to waiting 6 - 12 weeks for the big box crap to get ordered in

Strengths:
Light weight, cuts well if you are not an idiot who expects brute force power to do all the work (hold the saw straight and it will cut 12" + logs no problem). Good on gas. Unless you are revving it at top speed all the time, you should get about 45 minutes cutting time from one tank.

Weaknesses:
bar and chain seem a little flimsy. The convoluted starting procedure. Starts o.k. from the warm start description in the manual, the overall process for starting can be a little confusing.

Summary:
Great saw, the weight to power ratio is fabulous. You can cut all day and not have your arms fall off. Compared to a Yard machine chainsaw that cost 100.00 more than the MS 170 I have now it is a dream....Yard machines c/s shook most of the screws that hold it together out....onto the ground.... The stihl is still in one piece and works great. Also, the local distrutor who can provide parts within a couple of days (if not on the spot) is a dream compared to waiting 6 - 12 weeks for the big box crap to get ordered in

Strengths:
Light weight, cuts well if you are not an idiot who expects brute force power to do all the work (hold the saw straight and it will cut 12" + logs no problem). Good on gas. Unless you are revving it at top speed all the time, you should get about 45 minutes cutting time from one tank.

Weaknesses:
bar and chain seem a little flimsy. The convoluted starting procedure. Starts o.k. from the warm start description in the manual, the overall process for starting can be a little confusing.

Summary:
Buy a Dolmar or Echo instead, both have more quality and power

Strengths:
Light

Weaknesses:
NO POWER no quality

Summary:
I purchased a 017 in 1995 and it is still going strong. Primarily used for cutting firewood on trees up to 12 inches in diameter. It does not have the power of the larger saws, but for what it is intended to do, I have no complaints. Have never had issues starting it other than flooding it once or twice in 16 years. Best little saw I have ever used. If you intend on cutting a lot of firewood for hours at a time, this is not the saw for you. But for occasional firewood and limbing, it is excellent.

Strengths:
Lightweight, reliable. Easy to use.

Weaknesses:
None

Summary:
Great for storm clean up and firewood. I love this saw i have had no problems with it. The gas tank is a little small ( have to refill 4 times on 2 trees) light weight and little to no vibrations. Overall great saw i got it on sale for $175 bucks not bad

Strengths:
Great little saw, for the price

Weaknesses:
A few cc's would help a bit in the bigger wood

Summary:
I've had my little MS170 for 7 years now. I don't know what they mean by "occasional use saw", because I've run the snot out of this thing. Cut 50 full cords in the last 7 years without ever so much as a hick-up from it. Mine always starts, hot or cold. It's never been the least bit finicky. Most tress I take are 10 to 14 inches in diameter, but I've cut a fair amount of 2 foot trees with it also. A more powerful saw would mean more weight. But I never felt underpowered with this thing. And it's size and weight are a pure pleasure to work with. Unless you're consistently cutting really big stuff, you really don't need a bigger saw. You may "want" a bigger saw, but you don't "need" a bigger saw. Is mine slowed than a bigger saw? Of course it is, but it's light weight and maneuverability more than make up for this. Mine has done everything I've ever asked of it. If you just have to have something bigger, check out the MS250 (the plain Jane model ~ no easy start feature, and with the standard - old style - chain adjuster). The only reason I can recommend the 250 is because I had a chance to use one, and liked it. It was very close in size and weight to my 170, but with almost twice the HP. One further note. I'm not a died-in-the-wool Stihl guy. I'm not biased toward Stihl. I just reported how my particular saw has worked for me. I think "all" of the major chainsaw manufacture produce some excellent saws. If/when my little 170 give up the ghost, I'll check out "all" of the different manufactures chainsaws. I think we're lucky to have so many fine choices.

Strengths:
Light weight. Low price. Mine was always dependable. It will cut anything you throw at it.

Weaknesses:
None that I have ever experienced.

Summary:
best saws you can buy

Strengths:
you guys that think this saw is week or junk, well if you own it you bought stihls cheapest occaisional use saw. What do you cheap people want. Spend some extra money and buy 1 of their pro saws. there is no better made saws

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
great little saw it will keep logs cut and the fire burning!

Strengths:
i found the saw was easy and light to use cut throught most logs and smaller tree's like a dream. its worth the money if your using it for smaller jobs around garden or small farms/hedge laying.

Weaknesses:
sometimes i would like more than 14" bar more like a 16 but it can bog down in the wood.

Summary:
A decent saw that does just what it's advertised to do: Occasional use saw for cleaning up around the home. If you spend your days ripping through 3 foot timber, obviously Stihl's cheapest saw won't be up to the task.

Strengths:
Light weight. Has always started easily.

Weaknesses:
None yet.

Summary:
It;s just garbage

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
everythying

Summary:
some help can be found on youtube by searching "how to mod a ms170". I performed the mods to the tee, and while it seemed to increase power and cutting slightly, freeing up the intake and exhaust also leaned out the factory "non adjustabele" carb settings. Increased the idle speed to the point where a well heated bar and chain will continue to walk. Had i known there were no adjustment options for the carb to compensate for the extra air flow, i wouldve left it stock. Its my least favorite saws of the 7 i cut with. 1st stihl a big disappointment.

Strengths:
Its light, compact, and fits in a back pack pretty easily. good for trail maintenance. So far ive had good luck with starting the saw cold or hot. "knock on wood"........

Weaknesses:
bogs easily. poor gaskets. leaks a bit of fuel and bar oil. tends to "wander" through thicker wood. no carburetor adjustments available.