STIHL MS170 or MS180CB?

The Deerslayer · Dec 6, 2011

Looking for some feedback on preferences for my next saw purchase. Already have a STIHL MS 290 Farm Boss with an 18 inch bar for the big stuff and love it. Looking to replace a 20 year old Mac 100 Eager Beaver with either a 170 or 180 for limbing.

Leaning toward a 16 inch bar vs the 14 inch...but not sure which model would be best. For the extra 20 bucks, I like the increase bhp of the 180 with a cost of only 2 oz. in additional weight. Plus it has a metal dog vs plastic. I guess the only concern I have is the tool-less chain tensioner. I have always had saws with the nuts and although the tool-less vesion seems convenient I'm worried about durability. he local dealer said he has never had any issue with them...and he is a reliable guy who I have bought a number of STIHL products from.

Any thoughts are welcomed!!

Turbys_1700 · Dec 6, 2011

Personal preference here...
I don't like the tool less chain adjuster either...
Just my opinion with no experience using it...
I've never had an issue with the typical chain tightening system...
If it ain't broke don't fix it...
I would go with the 170...

Travelover · Dec 6, 2011

I went through the same decision process and ended up with the 180. Once I was familiar with the tool-less chain tensioner, I find it to be convenient, as I can just adjust the chain anytime I notice that it is loose. I can see where this is a feature that could be really poorly executed, but Stihl seems to do things right.

Overall it is a great little saw to use and powerful, too.

hazmat · Dec 6, 2011

I have the tool less on my MS270 "wood boss". No issues in 9 years of hard use. I have the tool version on my MS441CQ. Tool less is slightly faster - biggest benifit is not having to worry about loosing the wrench.

LD1 · Dec 6, 2011

Are you locked into stihl only??

Do you have any dolmar dealers in your area???

I would recommend looking at a PS350:thumbsup:

On paper they are a little heavier. But that is for a reason. The stihls you are looking at are plastic cased saws (i believe). A "good" quality saw is magnesium and yes, it is heavier than plastic.

But if you have a dealer in your area, regardless of what you decide on, I would at least test out a PS350. or even the PS420. They are VERY nice little saws. The AV's are absolutely amazing.

The Deerslayer · Dec 7, 2011

Travelover said:
I went through the same decision process and ended up with the 180. Once I was familiar with the tool-less chain tensioner, I find it to be convenient, as I can just adjust the chain anytime I notice that it is loose. I can see where this is a feature that could be really poorly executed, but Stihl seems to do things right.

Overall it is a great little saw to use and powerful, too.

Thanks for the info. Looks like I'll be going with the MS 180CB after all the reviews here and on other sites. What size bar did you end up going with?

Travelover · Dec 7, 2011

The Deerslayer said:
Thanks for the info. Looks like I'll be going with the MS 180CB after all the reviews here and on other sites. What size bar did you end up going with?

I just stuck with the standard 14" bar. I mostly cut up dead ash trees that are less than a foot in diameter. I'm sure the saw could pull a 16" bar, though.

The Deerslayer · Dec 7, 2011

Travelover said:
I just stuck with the standard 14" bar. I mostly cut up dead ash trees that are less than a foot in diameter. I'm sure the saw could pull a 16" bar, though.

Good deal, thanks. This dealer actually sets that model up with 16'' as standard so I'll most likely go that route.