Comparison of household chainsaws STIHL MS 170, MS 180, MS 180 C-BE

Comparison of characteristics

If we compare the main technical characteristics, these two saws have the same volume of fuel and oil tanks. The weight of the instruments is 3.9 kg. Chainsaws are supplied with completely identical tires.

The main difference between the instruments is in engine power. The Stil ms 180 has an engine capacity of 31.8 cc. cm and its power is 2 liters. With. The 170 is equipped with a 30.1 cc engine. cm and at the same time produces a maximum power of 1.7 liters. With. Whether this difference will be critical cannot be said with certainty. One can only assume that with a larger power reserve, the MS 180 chainsaw will be a little more reliable.

Features of design and application

In working on the project, the designers used diverse experience in operating previous models and advanced engineering and design solutions even for our time. The performance characteristics of the chainsaw are aimed at use in the private sector and small-scale construction.

• The Shtil MS 180 saw successfully copes with sawing fuel wood, trimming large branches and forming the crowns of fruit and ornamental trees.
• Compact dimensions determine its suitability for working in hard-to-reach places of erected log and timber structures.
• Owners of this tool respect it for its stable performance in various types of simple and complex sawing work, a high degree of operational reliability and a long service life.
• Functional malfunctions of a chainsaw in most cases are the result of unskilled care, excessive loads, unjustified savings on the quality and cost of fuel, lubricants and consumables.

According to information received from service departments, new Shtil chainsaws are received for warranty repair in single copies. The main part of the repair range is models produced after the 2000s, the performance and technical characteristics of which are restored by 96-98% with moderate costs of material resources.

Differences between the cylinder and piston group

The main difference is hidden inside the cylinders. The internal diameter of the Shtil MS 170 CPG is 37 mm, while that of the MS is 180–38 mm. But oddly enough, the oil pans of the instruments are the same.

Both units have comfortable modifications with STIHL ElastoStart technology, which makes it easier to start the Stihl chainsaw, and a quick chain tension system, which allows you to adjust the chain without the use of keys.

How are chainsaws different?

Stihl and Husqvarna are without a doubt the leaders in the production and sale of gasoline-powered chainsaws. Thanks to serious competition, every year each company develops many new technical solutions, introducing which makes it easier and more comfortable to use their tools. For example, Shtil has such technical innovations as:

The STIHL M-Tronic system, which makes starting the chainsaw easier thanks to a fully electronic ignition system. The system independently distinguishes a cold start from a hot one. M-Tronic also accurately sets the ignition timing and regulates the amount of fuel mixture at the moment the chainsaw starts;

HD2 filter. This filter is made of polyethylene, which has pores that are 70 percent smaller than a conventional filter. It repels oil and is easy to clean, which adds comfort when servicing the chainsaw on which it is installed;

compensator

This is a special device in the carburetor that allows you to operate a chainsaw even with a completely dirty air filter, and an important feature is that the saw practically does not lose power; the catalyst burns unburnt fuel, due to which the chainsaw exhaust contains fewer harmful impurities that adversely affect the human body.

If you look at the technical innovations of the Husqvarna company, you can also highlight several interesting systems:

• Air Injection (air purification system) is a centrifugal air purification system, which increases the cleaning interval of the filter element;
• X-Torq System reduces the amount of harmful emissions and, as the manufacturer notes, a tool equipped with this system consumes less fuel compared to chainsaws of similar engine capacity;
• AutoTune is a system for automatically tuning the optimal parameters necessary for stable engine operation. The manufacturer does not provide more details about how the system works.

If you take two chainsaws of the same volume from the Shtil and Husqvarna companies, they will be similar only in that they are equipped with an internal combustion engine, a tire and a saw chain. But everything, even the standard elements of these chainsaws, differ in size, shape and materials from which they are made. Moreover, it is worth noting that thanks to the efforts of engineers, with the same cylinder volume, Stihl chainsaws have greater maximum power, which will be noticeable when comparing specific models of chainsaws.

Why is it profitable to buy Shtil MS 180

The fact is that the difference in price between these chainsaws is insignificant, so you can choose MS 180 because it is more powerful and time-tested. Thanks to the wide distribution of this saw, spare parts for it can be bought in almost any online spare parts store, and their prices are much lower and there are many analogues. This applies specifically to the CPG. The stihl ms 170 chainsaw is less popular and for this reason, they do not make analogue spare parts for it.

You may say that choosing a saw based on the cost of spare parts is wrong. Of course this is true, but based on reviews from chainsaw owners, in order to increase the service life of the tool, it is necessary to change the CPG from time to time.

A video review of Shtil ms 180 and ms 170 can be viewed below. In it, a Shtil company specialist talks about the main characteristics and differences of chainsaws.

Tips for choosing a device

The chainsaw you purchase must fully comply with the tasks being solved and the conditions of use. Advice to the buyer is extremely simple:

1. The required model is selected from products of the appropriate class: household - for gardens and farmsteads, semi-professional - for intensive work, professional - exclusively for logging and industrial wood processing;
2. The length of the bar must exceed the maximum thickness of the material being cut;
3. If you need to work in an open area in winter, you will need a saw with a heated carburetor and handle;
4. The tool should be comfortable for you and not overweight;
5. STIHL chainsaws are not cheap. Beware of fakes. Find out in advance how to distinguish a real STIHL chainsaw from a crude Chinese imitation. It is better to make such a purchase in a specialized store.

Watch a video on how to distinguish a copy of the STIHL 180 from the original

Reviews from real owners from the online store website

Let's look at a few real reviews from owners of Shtil MS 180 and MS 170 chainsaws. Let's start with the MS 180:

A comment:

I’ve been using a chainsaw for several years now, all this time it only acted up a couple of times and that’s it. I solved the problem by cleaning the air filter and spark plug. I work as a saw in construction and saw a little old junk at home. She cuts boards and posts flawlessly. Compared to an electric saw, the Shtil 180 is noticeably more powerful, especially when sawing round timber. If you take into account that you can cut with an electric saw in no more than a minute, calmness is completely beyond competition.

I recently found out that the saw comes with two guide options, I was told this when I was buying a replacement chain and it didn't fit. Before this calm, I had several instruments bought from gypsies on the cheap. Type Calm and type Husqvarna. The fakes, having spent almost no time at sawing, were ordered to live a long time. As a result, I just wasted my money and still had to go and buy a Shtil 180 from an official dealer, which I don’t regret to this day.

Now the calm is a little more expensive than I bought it, but it’s still not worth buying tools from “gray” traders. You will definitely not win anything, but only lose money. I am completely satisfied with my tool and recommend it to all my friends; its price and power are perfectly balanced.

September 24, 2016, Tomsk

There are more than fifty such reviews in Yandex.Market alone, and now let’s turn our attention to the reviews for MS 170. There are no more than a dozen of them and their quality leaves much to be desired.

Advantages:

It starts quickly, cuts averagely, oil does not spill out like on the previous saw when the saw is not working, there is no vibration, when I sawed for the first time, I figured it out quickly (good instructions). The tool is assembled with high quality.

Flaws:

It quickly gets dirty, very often tightening the chain (it probably hasn’t broken in yet). There really isn't enough power when working with thick lumps.

A comment:

I use the saw for gardening, cutting and felling bad trees. I saw them for firewood, I also sawed old boards for lighting the barbecue, I sawed out small bushes, for these needs it is quite enough, but you can’t cut anything serious with it. In principle, I am satisfied with the saw, but I would like a better one, I should have taken a more powerful one. Gasoline consumption seems high, but this is probably due to the low power, you have to constantly gas it, or perhaps it’s just running in.

May 18, 2014, Izhevsk

Disadvantages of operation

Despite the fact that the chainsaw has been produced for many years, the manufacturer does not stop making design changes to it. Some of the shortcomings inherent in the first models have already been eliminated. For example, the chain tensioner screw has moved from an inconvenient place next to the tire to the side surface, which greatly simplifies its tension. However, many things have still remained unchanged, and some have even deteriorated:

Announcement:

1. The chainsaw is demanding on the quality of gasoline and especially the oil for diluting it. The mixture of oil and gasoline must always be fresh, otherwise it can lead to rapid failure of the cylinder-piston group, carburetor and other elements of the chainsaw;
2. The need to frequently monitor the condition of the air filter. The filter often gets clogged, and foreign objects can easily get into the air intake;
3. The Stihl 180 chainsaw is very sensitive to “rotten dust”. Compared to its competitors, it can easily fail when sawing rotten wood and rotten dust getting inside;
4. There is no primer for pumping fuel at startup. Many competitors are equipped with a special rubber part in order to pump fuel when first starting. Calm lacks this element and therefore sometimes its first launch is difficult;

Stihl 260 – proven reliability

The model is popular among those who are often involved in logging work of any complexity, wood construction, cultivation and thinning of dense thickets of various plants, and clearcutting in small forests.

pros

• System brake QuickStop brake.
• Lightweight and safe anti-vibration design.
• The depression valve reduces the force and intensity of pressing the trigger button.
• Accurate dosage of oil.
• The compensator regulates all working processes in the carburetor, which ensures long-term operation without breakdowns and frequent maintenance.
• Design for quick, easy and safe chain tensioning.
• The catalyst is a device that reduces emissions by 80%.

Minuses

• noisy operation;
• not equipped with air and HD2 filters;
• There is no built-in precise lubrication supply system.
• decent price.

Types of possible breakdowns

When using Stihl chainsaw equipment, you will at some point encounter breakdowns. The engine is more prone to malfunctions. Here are the common breakdowns:

• The ignition system does not work;
• The piston or cylinder has failed;
• The mechanism responsible for supplying fuel has broken down.

In addition, the unit may stop working due to wear on the saw chain, insufficient amount of lubricant, etc. circumstances.

Do-it-yourself repair of a Stihl chainsaw is completely possible. Changing the oil and individual parts is not a big deal. But, in case of serious defects, it is better to take the instrument to a professional technician. Also, do not forget about the warranty provided by the manufacturer.

That's basically it. In conclusion, we note that if you choose a chainsaw from STIHL, you will not go wrong. It is difficult to find a more reliable and high-quality tool. The saw will serve you for many, many years; the main thing is to take proper care of it, and it is also time to detect and correct problems.

Proprietary technologies

The Stihl concern holds the brand of a world-famous manufacturer

It is the custom of reputable brands to announce various technologies and gadgets that make working with a saw easier, making it more productive and safe. To be fair, it is worth saying that colorful, weighty words do not always hide an equally large-scale development. Sometimes it’s some little thing, which, however, gives the legal right to talk about know-how.

The following developments are used in the “one hundred and seventy”:

In essence, it’s a regular chain band brake. Yes, it is made with high quality and reliability, it works when needed, but there is nothing super-innovative in the system. Here is the QuickStop Super technology - yes, there the chain slows down when the gas handle is released. But only more advanced chainsaws are equipped with it. Owners of the MS 170 are left with only the proven rebound-activated foregrip.

The model's handles are attached to the body and crankcase through rubber damper pads. It is pointless to argue about what is more effective - springs or rubber inserts; everyone perceives this in their own way. Yes, a 1.7-horsepower engine is unlikely to produce such vibration that your arms will fall off.

Another mysterious “lotion” of Shtil. It is positioned as a part that regulates engine operation, and, accordingly, fuel consumption in such a way that clogging of the air filter does not lead to problems with starting and operation at idle or under load. However, there is no way to find information about the design of this part on any website. We can assume that this is an additional channel that allows, if necessary, to increase the flow from the air filter, making suction more efficient.

The company's advertisers, who know a lot about marketing, presented the lubrication system as unique. The chain itself, the tire, the oil pump and a special bypass are working to reduce oil consumption. Everything is clear with the oil pump - even without a regulator, it operates automatically based on crankshaft revolutions through a gear system. The chain has grooves configured with a lubricant supply nozzle. Well, the tire has a special bearing that loses less oil and gets dirty less often.

Carburetor adjustment

Correct adjustment of the fuel equipment allows you to combine economical fuel consumption and maximum traction characteristics in the operation of the power unit.

Factory adjustment of the chainsaw carburetor is carried out according to average parameters, therefore, taking into account external factors, it requires additional adjustment.

The standard setup sequence is given in the instructions. In order to adjust the carburetor for maximum performance and efficiency, you must first clean the air intake filter and warm up the engine to operating temperature.

The main causes of decreased thrust, excessive smoke, and increased consumption of the fuel mixture are eliminated by changing the quality and quantity of the fuel-air emulsion with adjusting screws.

Headset

The cutting unit of the saw is removable. The headset is equipped with branded parts, a standard wear-resistant chain and a 16-inch tire with a standard 3/8-inch pitch.

The chain is lubricated and cooled with oil, which is supplied in a controlled dosage to the working area through the automatic Ematic system. The oil enters the inlet of the dosing pump from an internal reservoir with a volume of 200 ml.

The operational capabilities of the headset have been expanded due to:

• convenient lateral placement of the chain tensioner;
• efficiency and reliability of the inertial emergency brake, its design ensures instantaneous stopping of the chain in the event of traumatic and unusual situations;
• possibility of installing tires of other sizes, corresponding to the complexity and volume of planned work.

Electric saw Stihl MSE 250 CQ, Bar 40 cm

Electric saw STIHL MSE 250 CQ, 40 cm tire, is suitable for preparing large volumes of firewood and performing complex construction work. This is a high-performance, powerful tool equipped with an electronic engine control system. The device has an overload protection system that turns off the device in case of overheating. The engine is turned off using the red button. An LED indicates overheating. The next start of the unit can be done within a few minutes. The ergonomic, soft-grip handle is shaped to easily hold the tool in any position. Thanks to the inrush current limitation function, there is no risk of overloading the electrical network when turning on the tool.

The oil tank for the STIHL MSE 250 CQ electric saw, 40 cm tire is equipped with a lid that opens quickly and easily without the use of additional tools. The material used to make the tank is transparent so the operator can monitor the oil level. Filling is done using a quick and convenient system. To ensure high-quality lubrication of the sawing part of the device, the Ematic system is used, which includes a guide bar, a saw chain and an oil pump with adjustable flow. The special design allows all the lubricant to flow directly to the parts that require it, without spilling a drop of oil. This design reduces lubricant consumption by 50%. The chain tension on the device is carried out using a side device. This increases safety, since there is no need for hands to come into contact with the sawing parts of the machine. The adjusting wheel is located on the side, under the chain sprocket cover. The unit turns off automatically when there is a strong feed or there is a threat of the saw getting stuck in the wood.

Features and benefits of MSE 250 CQ, 40 cm tire:

• Electronic engine management system
• High performance
• Power
• Overload protection system
• Soft grip handle
• Inrush current limit function
• Tank lid opens easily
• The tank is made of transparent material
• Ematic saw blade lubrication
• Lateral chain tension
• Safety

Equipment

Ematic chain lubrication system

The STIHL Ematic system consists of an Ematic guide bar, an Oilomatic saw chain and a variable-flow oil pump. The special design of the bar and chain ensures that every drop of oil reaches exactly where it is needed for lubrication. This allows you to reduce oil consumption by 50%.

Transparent oil tank

Absolute control of the oil level: thanks to the transparent walls of the tank, you can always assess the amount of oil needed to lubricate the chain. Oil can be filled quickly and conveniently using the STIHL filling system.

Ergonomic soft handle

Thanks to the soft, ergonomically shaped handle in the rear grip area, the tool fits securely and comfortably in the hand.

QuickStop Super Brake (Q)

Convenient chain brake - exclusive to STIHL. The QuickStop Super system additionally activates the chain brake when the rear handle of the chainsaw is released. The chain stops in no time. The QuickStop Super function makes it especially efficient and convenient to work when you have to stop the chainsaw frequently.

Overload protection (LED)

Maximum power without overload: If your electric saw suddenly gets too hot, it will automatically turn off the motor using the red overload button. The red LED indicates the presence of overload and overheating. But after a couple of minutes the engine will cool down and you can resume work.

Soft start with starting current limitation

The inrush current limiting function prevents network overload when turned on. This allows you to connect the saw even to weak electrical networks.

Oil tank cap, opens without tools

Side chain tensioner

The tension screw is accessible from the side through the chain sprocket cover. This prevents your hands from coming into contact with the sharp chain and dog tips.

Overload protection

Turns off the engine when there is a risk of overheating, for example, when the feed is too strong or the cutting set is jammed in wood.

If you find an error or inaccuracy in the text or product description, highlight it and press Shift+Enter.

Advantages

The advantages of this model:

• excellent design and balance of the body, ergonomic shape of the handles, comfortable grip, comfortable level of vibration;
• high maintainability of the model, which is complemented by a wide selection of exclusive and standardized spare parts, as well as consumables;
• the quality of materials and the perfection of their processing technologies have a positive effect on the reliability and durability of the product as a whole, and the low-cost generation of overhaul and operational resources;
• this model has no restrictions on external conditions, so it can operate in a wide temperature range.

Troubleshooting Circuit Problems

During operation of the chainsaw, it is necessary to constantly monitor the lubrication of the chain. After all, it is this part that works in the most difficult conditions. The chain is constantly overheated and dust and abrasive particles become clogged with it. All this negatively affects its service life. A special lubricant will correct the situation. It is supplied to the chain from the tank, thereby ensuring unhindered operation.

If lubrication does not occur during operation, there is a high risk of overheating. When there is no oil flow, the chain begins to stretch. At the same time, there is still a possibility of it jamming or spontaneously jumping off, as a result of which a person can receive serious injury.

The channels through which fuel is supplied can become clogged with small particles, so it is advisable to clean them periodically

It is also important to monitor the oil level in the tank. Debris in the channel is a common cause of chain brake failure.

This may have a negative impact on your work.

But what to do if all the recommendations are followed, but the oil still leaks. It is necessary to ensure that the chainsaw is operating correctly. It is likely that it was assembled incorrectly. If the breakdown has not been identified, it is recommended to take it to a workshop. In some cases, it is necessary to replace the pump, but this should be done if the saw is new. Old tools leak due to worn out reservoir.

Only a specialist can assess the current condition of the chainsaw. If you lack knowledge or lack confidence in your own abilities, it is advisable to entrust instrument repair to a professional.

Each chainsaw, regardless of its model, brand, or class, has approximately the same structure. It consists of several important components, including the lubrication system. Without the latter, the operation of the power unit is impossible. Due to the functioning of the forced lubrication system, the tool chain reduces the risk of severe wear, which is guaranteed in conditions of constant friction of the carved element against the guide bar and inevitable heating. When the chain mechanism is lubricated, friction is softened; the chainsaw operator needs to repair this element or completely replace it much less often.

Popularity rating

This rating of Shtil chainsaws is based on reviews from users who actually made a purchase and used the tool for some time. Technical characteristics, level of service in Russia, availability of the model and its popularity were also taken into account. You must understand that the information is current at the time of writing the article. The company is constantly improving its products and offering new devices. Thus, tomorrow it can offer something new that will be significantly better than all previous chainsaws.

MS 170

This is a compact household model that is very popular among users. It has a low price and quite wide functionality. It is recommended to use it to solve current issues at the dacha or in an individual home.

Here are the main advantages of this tool:

• Power 1,300 W.
• Fuel tank 0.25 liters.
• Tire length 40 cm.
• Weight only 4 kg.
• Ease of use.
• Good balancing.

However, there are several disadvantages to this tool:

• Over time, the chain stretches greatly and becomes unusable.
• The key bracket is not included in the basic configuration.
• Quite strong vibration.

MS 180

This chainsaw is often purchased by owners of individual houses, because it allows them to solve most of the current problems associated with the need to cut something down. Ease of operation, ergonomic design and German reliability make the unit quite competitive in the market.

Here are the characteristics of this tool:

• Power 1,500 W.
• The fuel tank capacity is 0.25 liters.
• Tire length 40 cm.
• Weight almost 4 kg.

The advantages include:

• The model is resistant to external factors.
• Easy Start system.
• Low vibration.
• Low noise level.
• Easy to use.

MS 181 C-BE

This model has an excellent anti-vibration system. It is reliable and suitable for most tasks. Experts classify her as semi-professional. Power 1,500 W. The fuel capacity is 0.28 liters. The tire is 40 cm, and the entire product weighs just over 4 kg, so it is suitable for beginners.

Here are the main advantages of this chainsaw:

• High performance.
• Work at temperatures down to -25 degrees.

• Quick start system.
• Maneuverability and ease of operation.

MS 271

One of the most economical models, as it has very low fuel consumption. It is included in the middle price segment and is classified as semi-professional. It has a power of 2,600 W, a fuel tank of 0.5 liters, and a tire length of 50 cm. The device weighs just over 5 kg.

Here are the advantages of the STIHL MS 271:

• An excellent air filter reduces the emission of harmful impurities into the atmosphere by almost 70%.
• Vibration absorption system.
• Convenient access to the fuel tank.

• High efficiency of the tool.
• The automatic chain brake ensures a high level of safety.
• Low level of gas emissions into the atmosphere.

MS 310

This is a universal chainsaw that can be used for domestic purposes and in the professional field. It has a large power reserve (3,240 W). The tire length is 45 cm, the weight is almost 6 kg, and the fuel tank is designed for 0.7 liters, so you can work for quite a long time without refueling.

The main advantages of this model include the following:

• Excellent endurance and performance.
• Easy to use.
• Ergonomic design.

• There are summer and winter operating modes.
• Reasonable price.

MS 461

This is a powerful professional device that has been used in Russia for a long time. Many people prefer it as it is quite reliable. This chainsaw can be used to cut large logs and hardwoods. The power is 4,400 W, and the tank holds 0.8 liters of fuel. The tire is 45 cm long. The device weighs 6.5 kg.

Here are the main advantages:

• Reduced fuel consumption
• Low noise level.
• Ignition system using microprocessor.
• Convenient location of the air filter.

• Quick engine start.
• Good balancing.
• Advanced security system.

Analogs

Worthy competition for this model comes from domestic class household chainsaws of the same type in terms of power and application from leading European and Asian manufacturers. The Russian market offers models identical in basic parameters - Husqvarna 236 X-TORQ, Oleo-Mac GS 35C-14, Hyundai X 380 and MTD GCS 3800/35.

→ HUSQVARNA 236 AT THE BEST PRICE

I vote for the Stihl chainsaw model 180 with both hands. I was lucky with the purchase of a German-assembled instrument. I have been using it for four years with peace of mind. I am involved in clearing building sites and sawing wood fuel. Without any hesitation, I take on the most urgent and urgent work. Judging by the reviews of my colleagues, the quality of the latest batches of Chinese-assembled saws does not inspire confidence. Therefore, when purchasing a spare tool, I chose the Italian Oleo Mak chainsaw. Sergey

During the first test of the Shtil 180 chainsaw, a large number of various defects were discovered. The service sensibly explained that this is a Chinese counterfeit and is not covered by warranty. With a big scandal, we managed to return the fake to the seller, but the mood disappeared for a long time. Friends dissuaded me from buying the next, 181st model. Apparently, not everyone is satisfied with the quality of Chinese components and especially assembly. I will look for a full-fledged analogue of the European assembly, although the cost of such a tool is one and a half times higher. Vladimir Romanovich

How to distinguish Chinese Stihl from German

Any model has a number of its own characteristics, but there are signs that allow you to quickly find the country of production, namely the serial number. If it starts with the number 8, then the country of origin is China. Tools made in Germany are marked with a serial number starting with 1.

It should be noted that Stihl's production facilities are also concentrated in America and Brazil. The serial number of instruments from these countries begins with the numbers two and 5 (USA) and three (Brazil).

Regardless of the country of manufacture, the serial number must be similar on the saw itself and on the box. Otherwise, it's obviously a fake.