US specifications and regional versions
STIHL USA describes the MS 170 as a homeowner saw with a 30.1 cc engine and a 16-inch bar on its current US product page. The page presents it for firewood, trimming small trees and other yard tasks.
| Published specification | MS 170, US page | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Engine displacement | 30.1 cc | Model and year on the saw |
| Guide bar shown | 16 in | Bar and chain included in the exact kit |
| Use described by STIHL | Firewood and small-tree trimming | Wood, task, stance and operator skill |
Do not assume a product description for a different country or model year applies to your saw. Check the identification plate and get the manual for that exact model. STIHL notes that manuals can change as products develop.
What work is it designed for?
The manufacturer positions the MS 170 for homeowner work, including firewood and trimming small trees. That description is a starting point, not a promise about a particular log size. Wood species, moisture, support, chain condition, bar configuration and operator technique affect a cut.
If a job requires forcing the saw, cutting a tree under tension, felling trees, working near people or handling a branch overhead, stop and get suitable training or professional help. Choose by the whole task, not engine displacement alone.
MS 170 and Husqvarna 135 Mark II
Husqvarna’s US support page says the 135 Mark II is currently available and publishes these specifications for its US/Canada 16-inch SKU. Compare the product configuration and manufacturer manual for either saw before purchasing.
| Model | Displacement | Published output | Bar information |
|---|---|---|---|
| STIHL MS 170, US | 30.1 cc | Not shown on the current US product page cited here | 16 in shown on the US page |
| Husqvarna 135 Mark II, US/CA SKU | 38 cc | 2.1 hp | 14–16 in recommended; cited SKU is 16 in |
Husqvarna lists the 135 Mark II at 10.36 lb excluding cutting equipment. Do not treat that as a direct comparison with a saw weighed with its bar, chain, fuel or accessories. The right option depends on your work, the complete operating weight and the support available where you live.
Safety, manuals and maintenance
Read the manual for the exact model before starting, refueling, adjusting the chain or storing the saw. Do not transfer a starting or fuel-mix procedure from a different model. Keep the work area clear and use the protective equipment required by the manual.
- Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.
- Do not use a chainsaw from a ladder.
- Turn the saw off and prevent accidental starting before working on the chain or bar.
- Get training before cutting if you are unfamiliar with chainsaws; use a qualified professional for elevated or high-risk work.
Verify the exact saw, bar and chain configuration
Use the model identification on the saw, not a retailer title alone. Record the model designation, serial or product number, country of sale, guide-bar part number and chain type. These details determine which operator manual and replacement parts apply. A listing that says “MS 170” may refer to a kit with a different bar, chain, case or regional configuration than the STIHL USA product page.
Before replacing the chain, compare the pitch, gauge and drive-link count specified for that bar. The bar and chain must be compatible with each other and approved for the saw. Do not infer compatibility from bar length alone: two bars of the same nominal length can require different chains. Ask a STIHL dealer to confirm the combination if the markings are worn or the saw has been modified.
Check the manual for chain tension, lubrication, brake inspection, starting and fuel preparation. A loose or damaged chain can derail; an overly tight chain can increase wear. The correct adjustment procedure depends on the saw and should be followed with the engine stopped and the saw secured as directed. Do not continue cutting if the chain does not receive oil, the brake fails to operate or the saw behaves differently than expected.
For a used MS 170, inspect the serial information, bar rails, chain, sprocket area, hand guards, chain brake, throttle lockout and visible damage. Ask for the owner’s manual and service records. A clean exterior does not prove that the saw is mechanically sound. Have a dealer inspect an unknown or modified machine before relying on it for work.
Decide whether the MS 170 fits your work
Write down the cuts you expect to make rather than shopping from a single displacement figure. Firewood preparation at ground level is different from pruning a standing tree, removing storm damage or felling. Check whether the material is stable, whether the wood is under tension, and whether you can keep the bar clear of soil and obstacles. If you cannot describe a safe sequence for the cut, pause and get qualified instruction.
Think through the complete job: moving and securing the wood, starting the saw, making repeated cuts, refueling, sharpening and storing the equipment. A light-duty homeowner model can still be tiring or unsuitable if the task is long, the wood is large, or the operator must work in an awkward position. Select the saw and protective equipment from the exact manual and task; do not use a longer bar to compensate for an unsafe stance or lack of reach.
Compare the MS 170 with another saw only when the regional configurations and measurement conditions are clear. Check whether published weight includes the bar, chain, fuel or battery; compare the same basis wherever possible. Then weigh dealer access, parts support, warranty and the work each model is documented to perform. If retailer availability is uncertain, ask a local authorized dealer for the current SKU and written configuration instead of relying on an old product card.
This process leaves a useful outcome even when neither model is a fit: you will know the required bar-and-chain combination, safe working position, expected workload and local service options before spending money.
Where to check current availability
The three Amazon.com product IDs previously placed on this page returned product-not-found pages in our direct check on October 10, 2026. We removed those links. For the exact MS 170, check the current STIHL product information and dealer locator for your location. Availability and configurations can differ by state and retailer.
We have not added an Amazon alternative without verifying a current US offer. The Husqvarna 135 Mark II remains a manufacturer-listed alternative to compare by specifications, but retailer stock and prices need a fresh check.
Before you travel to a dealer, call with the exact model name and ask which bar-and-chain kit is currently sold in your area. Request the matching operator manual and ask whether routine service, sharpening and replacement parts are available locally. A stock notice for a different kit is not evidence that the configuration on the STIHL US product page is available.
For an online listing, compare the seller’s SKU and photos with the manufacturer’s product information, then confirm who handles warranty service. Avoid listings that combine a model name with an unclear bar length or an unrelated accessory bundle. If the exact version cannot be verified, wait for a dealer confirmation rather than treating a similar MS-series saw as interchangeable.
When contacting a dealer, ask them to show the current manual page that lists the permitted bar and chain combination. Keep that information with your service records so later replacements remain compatible. This is a more reliable basis for a purchase than a retailer’s broad description of the MS 170 as a “16-inch chainsaw.”