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Chain saw suggestion

Posted on 9/18/24 at 10:38 am
Posted by jmh5724
Member since Jan 2012
2503 posts
Posted on 9/18/24 at 10:38 am
I’m looking to purchase a new stihl chainsaw, but there are so many models that I’m a bit overwhelmed. Not looking for a serious work saw, mainly to use around the house and hunting lease. I’ve narrowed it down to the MS170 or MS180 but each of these models have 3 different versions(170,171,172-180,181,182). Any pros and cons to any of these models?
Posted by 1mic
Through the coulee
Member since Nov 2014
158 posts
Posted on 9/18/24 at 10:50 am to
I have a 180C with easy start. The saw has given me trouble free service for over six years. The only thing I don't like about the saw is the easy start feature ( it takes some getting used to). I'd rather a traditional recoil like my other saws.
Posted by Loup
Ferriday
Member since Apr 2019
14445 posts
Posted on 9/18/24 at 10:54 am to
I have the 180, works well for around the house. If I need something bigger I'll just borrow my dad's.

I spent about $20 putting some metal bucking spikes on it, that really helped it out on bigger cuts. Back in the April tornados I used it quite a bit helping a friend out. It makes cutting up tree tops a breeze since it's a lighter saw.
Posted by TheBoo
South to Louisiana
Member since Aug 2012
5142 posts
Posted on 9/18/24 at 10:56 am to
I was going to get the MS170, but opted for the MS211 since it has a bigger engine. Glad I did.
Posted by iwyLSUiwy
I'm your huckleberry
Member since Apr 2008
38644 posts
Posted on 9/18/24 at 10:57 am to
quote:

The only thing I don't like about the saw is the easy start feature ( it takes some getting used to). I'd rather a traditional recoil like my other saws.


It's very weird. It's almost impossible to get used to

Posted by cgrand
HAMMOND
Member since Oct 2009
43654 posts
Posted on 9/18/24 at 12:00 pm to
quote:

Not looking for a serious work saw, mainly to use around the house and hunting lease
EGO 56V 18"
Posted by LSUfan20005
Member since Sep 2012
9019 posts
Posted on 9/18/24 at 12:03 pm to
Second vote for a good battery saw. I own a good gas chainsaw, but often find myself using the 57v 16” Echo for small jobs instead
Posted by Dallaswho
Texas
Member since Dec 2023
2696 posts
Posted on 9/18/24 at 12:35 pm to
The fast chain tensioner is cool but I’ve heard bad things about EZ start.
I just got the cheapest model (162) a few months back on sale for under $170 and I love it so far but I’ve only cut up 2.5 trees. I got it even after I swore off gas engines forever and I’m glad I did.
This post was edited on 9/18/24 at 12:36 pm
Posted by TheBoo
South to Louisiana
Member since Aug 2012
5142 posts
Posted on 9/18/24 at 12:52 pm to
quote:

The fast chain tensioner is cool but I’ve heard bad things about EZ start.


My chainsaw has regular start and my Stihl weedeater has EZ start. Honestly EZ start is the tits, though the difference in compression and engine size between the two should be considered when comparing.

The problem people run into with EZ start is they crank it like a normal crank and break it.
Posted by jmh5724
Member since Jan 2012
2503 posts
Posted on 9/18/24 at 1:19 pm to
I’m looking at the 211 now and it looks to have a good bit more power than the 180 so I’m leaning towards getting it. Around the house I don’t need much saw but at the lease I have some decent size trees between 12-16” that need taken care of. They have a deal on the 250 right now also so it’s only $10 more than the 211.
Posted by oldskule
Down South
Member since Mar 2016
21738 posts
Posted on 9/18/24 at 1:42 pm to
Stihl and don't look back....Husqvarna has failed me regularly. IMO Either way, go with the commercial grade, worth the extra $

Always drain the gas out of the tank after use and burn all fuel in carburetor,,,,and use the premix quality stuff.....TRUFUEL
Posted by Fraid Knot
Lafayette, LA
Member since Jul 2019
142 posts
Posted on 9/18/24 at 8:41 pm to
I've had a Farm Boss (MS 270) for many years. I maintain it well and have never had a bit of trouble.
Posted by LSUSports247
Member since Apr 2007
862 posts
Posted on 9/18/24 at 8:50 pm to
I love my 180, I go along time without using it and it cranks within 3 pulls. Used the hell out of it after Ida and recently cutting trees.

I did get a bigger 20” Husqvarna after Ida that gets the job done but I like the Sthil a lot better
Posted by Cypressknee
Member since Jul 2017
1422 posts
Posted on 9/19/24 at 9:42 am to
Go with a little more than you think you’ll need and you won’t regret it. The 211 or even the 250.
Posted by Jmcc64
alabama
Member since Apr 2021
1327 posts
Posted on 9/19/24 at 12:37 pm to
I've got one of those Stihls. Not sure which. Came with 14" bar and I've since upgraded to 16". Never had an issue with it. Although I think you have to keep lots of gas in it so it won't die when turned on it's side. At least that's my diagnosis.
Posted by Cypressknee
Member since Jul 2017
1422 posts
Posted on 9/19/24 at 12:48 pm to
quote:

Although I think you have to keep lots of gas in it so it won't die when turned on it's side. At least that's my diagnosis.


You may have a cracked line or leaking primer bulb. That’s not normal.
Posted by bengalman
In da Country
Member since Feb 2007
3830 posts
Posted on 9/19/24 at 3:30 pm to
Stihl Farm Boss owner here for the last 6+ years. Few blades over the years but cranks up on just a few pulls.
Posted by Sixafan
Member since Aug 2023
947 posts
Posted on 9/19/24 at 4:59 pm to
I agree with many posters who suggest going to the 250-280. If you cut a cord or two of wood per year and live in the country and know how to sharpen a chain.
Posted by DownshiftAndFloorIt
Here
Member since Jan 2011
69301 posts
Posted on 9/20/24 at 9:23 am to
Get one without easystart. I have a 391 and it's still super easy to start without the easystart crap and without the compression release. A MS170 has almost no cranking resistance. Unless you're a 3 year old girl it's of no concern.

As far as I know, the xx0 saws and xx1 saws have both been replaced by the xx2 models. I have a MS170 that I bought before Gustav and it's been bombproof. Fantastic little saw.
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