Small Saws - Husky 235 vs Stihl MS170

[Ironhand]

I am going to be buying a second saw very soon and have narrowed my choices to the Husky 235 or Stihl MS170. I have a Husky 365 which has served me well as my "do everything" saw. It's large and powerful enough with a 20" bar to drop and block anything I need to deal with, but it is a little big/heavy for those small cleanup and brush cutting jobs. I would also like a small saw that I can throw on my ATV on those treks through the woods without risking my expensive saw.

My local dealer (who sells both) recommended against the 235 as it is made for Husky by Poulan and suggested the Stihl which looks very nice, felt a bit lighter, and was a little cheaper.

Does anyone have good/bad experiences with either?

 

[xyz123]

I've never had problems with the poulans. But then again I know how to tune and muffler mod them. The 170 is a light weight for sure and is gutless IMHO. But it is light. Similar poulans weigh more but can cut 2 cuts to its 1.

Now husky has a new strato 435 40cc out you might check into. I have heard good things on it. But dont know if it is in your price range. It's cheaper then retail shown. HUSQVARNA 435 - Chainsaws

I just realized I have a poulan 3516 strato like new on the shelf ( took on trade on toward a 084) that I just muffler modded and tuned the carb, which is the same as 235. Saw is lot heavier then a 170, but like I said will cut circles around it.

Actually not bad if you know how to open the 235 3516 up and tune. I did 3 of them this week alone for guys.

The one on the shelf is for sale with 16" 3/8 LP.

The yellow PP 3516 on the floor was the trade in.

 

[MossRoad]

I would also like a small saw that I can throw on my ATV on those treks through the woods without risking my expensive saw.

Since you commented on Poulan saws and the want of a cheap saw to take on your ATV... You can get factory reconditioned Poulan Pro 42CC 18" saws at Rural King for $99.00 about every other ad that comes out. The Stihl is by all accounts a much better saw, but about 3X the cost, so it does not meet my definition of a disposable tool. Just my 2 cents. Also, the 18" saw allows for a longer reach when limbing and the occasional larger trunk. And, you won't feel bad when it bounced off your ATV and you run it over. I would have to stop and give a Stihl a proper burial by the side of the trail and erect a monument whereas I would toss my Poulan in the recycle bin and get another one without blinking... no regrets! :laughing:

 

[Ironhand]

All good info. Thanks guys.

xyz, can you give some specifics about modding and tuning the 235 if I end up with that model?

 

[xyz123]

All good info. Thanks guys.

xyz, can you give some specifics about modding and tuning the 235 if I end up with that model?

If you end up with a 235 etc just let me know in a PM. I already gave someone my # so I could walk them through one later too.

Just remember the husky 235 / PP3516 is 2lbs heavier around 10.?lb compared to 8.?lb PHO weights. But 235 3516 cuts a heck of alot better in the wood then 170.

 

[tessiers]

I can't comment on the Husky, I run mostly Stihl. I have 180, 026, 036, 361, 045 and most recently a Husky 372. My father is 62 overweight and out of date, he wanted a light weight saw for himself, and we bought the 180 a couple of years ago. He doesn't cut too much but I find myself grabbing the 180 a lot, way more than I ever thought I would. He carries it on the tractor while skidding to trim branches and part the occasional log. He also cuts a cord or 2 of firewood a year, but I prune trees, cut fence posts ect with it constantly. I carry it bush hogging, riding fence, and just about anytime the need may arise. Before we bought that saw I never would have recomended a homeowner saw, now I would not be without one. We have several saws if we want power, but I like the lightweight and with the little chain (I am not sure of the pitch, the rest of mine are 3/8) it cuts awsome.

Just my 2 cents

 

[BruceWard]

I bought a MS170 in 2008 specifically to cut a 6' wide 250' long path down a 30 degree slope. I then turned around and used it to cut up about 2 acres of trees that had been pushed over by a dozer. I had one of my Dad's 026s in the back of my truck the whole time. The 026 only came out when I got the MS170 stuck in a hung log.

My 62 year old Dad has two 026s and a 039. The 039 has been his preferred saw for a few years. This year while preparing for deer season he asked to borrow my MS170 for cutting some limbs. I have not seen it since. His bigger saws seem to be idle now.

So we like our little MS170.

 

[xyz123]

Weight wise the light weight 170 180 wins hands down. Especially if cutting over your head on smaller limbs.

Bucking cuts or bigger cuts the 235 wins.

Have fun and buy whatever you want, it's your $$$ :thumbsup:.

 

[scoutcub]

Now husky has a new strato 435 40cc out you might check into. I have heard good things on it. But dont know if it is in your price range. It's cheaper then retail shown. HUSQVARNA 435 - Chainsaws

.

I just bought one of these, but haven't even had a chance to try it out yet. Seems like a great little ultra lightweight saw.

 

[xyz123]

I messed around with a husky 235 over the weekend and compared it to the poulan 3516. Only thing poulan on that saw I could see was the heart and muffler. 235 was built much slimmer and balanced with nice spring AV over the poulan version.

 

[Depmandog]

I am no way an expert on chain saws, but I will say that my Stihl starts on the first pull (at the most - third pull) every time, regardless if it had set for two weeks or ten months. I wouldn't own any other brand for this reason alone. Mine doesn't get used much anymore, but I know it will start when I need it.

My two cents

 

[MossRoad]

I am no way an expert on chain saws, but I will say that my Stihl starts on the first pull (at the most - third pull) every time, ...

Well, if it is at the most third, it is not the first every time. :laughing:

However, it is a good, dependable starting machine, I will agree with that. :thumbsup:

I have never owned a 2 cycle engine that will start cold first pull (or kick on motorcycle) every time and would not expect one to just by nature of the machine. Once they are warm, they all start back up on first pull usually, but occasionally take a few, depending on time since last start, outside air temp, etc...

 

[doall]

My 029 starts easy too. but after a few months I can count on at least 3 pulls. I havn't used the 170, but I have used a 023 and 025, they are good for limbing and trimming, but not too good for downing trees, If they get pinched at all they are stuck.

 

[RTII]

I've never had problems with the poulans. But then again I know how to tune and muffler mod them. The 170 is a light weight for sure and is gutless IMHO. But it is light. Similar poulans weigh more but can cut 2 cuts to its 1.

I am by no means an expert with chainsaws but do own 2 Stihl's - 170 and farm boss - The 170 is the saw I use the most. Had a Poulon and finally just gave it away out of frustration to buy the ms170. I have a different opinion of the 2 saws whereas I feel the 170 cuts way better than the POulon ever did. And definitely more reliable. Didn't buy the saw to work on it but to cut. In that respect alone the stihl wins from my experience. basically only sharpen the blades as needed and just keep on cuttin. About a decade ago I did have a poulon that gave me great service. Sold it when I went sailing and was why I bought another when I moved back ashore. When I compare the old with the new, either the poulon's have gone down in quality or I caught a lemon on the last one.............

 

[teg]

MS 192 C-E Chain Saw - Occasional Use Powerful Chainsaw | STIHL

My wife's birthday present last year was a Stihl... she did not like the weight or how hard it was to start my 028... I have not had my saw out this year I "borrow" my wife's chainsaw since it's always ready to go

It's not a power house but you can use it for hours... it so light.

 

[LD1]

If you have not already purchased a saw yet, I'd look into a Dolmar 350 or 420 if you have a dealer in your area.

They are absolutly one of the smoothest small saws I have ever ran. The AV mounts must be awesom on them.

The 350 and the 420 are the same saw, the 420 just has a little more cc's due to a larger jug/piston. They are 35cc and 42cc.

Prior to the 350 we had a Husquvarna 136 (which I thin is the predacessor to the 235). The dolmar is a much better saw hands down. Prices are typically in the $250 range for the 350 and $300 range for the 420. If you have a dealer, I'd really suggest a hard look.

And a little clarification, Poulan DOES NOT make the small husky saws. Both husky and poulan are owned by the same parent company. So some of the saws are the same, but neither is made by the "other".

 

[picker77]

Mrs. Santa is bringing me a 16" Husky 435 to be a lightweight partner with my 28" 372XP, a terrific saw and my long term favorite. I looked at the 235 and 435 side by side, immediately didn't like the no-tools plastic chain adjuster on the 235. Plus, it has a smaller engine yet weighs a pound more than the 435, and the diff in retail price is only around $40-$50. No brainer. Sure, I'd like to have a 346XP, but for the $250 difference in price the 435 won easily.

Sorry, never ran a Stihl, so can't comment on them. I've had great luck with Husqvarna, no reason to change horses now.

 

[xyz123]

While we are on other options. The Redmax 3800 is built like a pro saw with bolt on cylinder etc. Light like the 170 180 with 38cc motor. Just so you know other options.
Also Shindaiwa 377 if you have dealer support for these 2 saws.

 

[Car Doc]

I have Husky 345e and a ne346 as my small saws and both have the primer bulbs and at first I cringed at the thought of it.

But after several years of using them I can say its a valuable addition both of those saws will fire if not just start right up on the second pull. I cant comment on the Stihl other than its going to be good quality cant go wrong w/either imo.

 

[n2deep20]

I would go with the stihl,, I have owned several saws over the years and all but the stihs are in the trash.. My favorite little saw is the 025, cuts great, easy to start and almost indestructable.. My favorite large saw is my new 361,, that saw rips some wood but is a little heavy for trimming and general use.