Stihl MS170 Vs Husqvarna 120 – What’s The Better Chainsaw

Although many brands of chainsaws are on the market, Stihl, and Husqvarna stand out.

For years, loggers, outdoor enthusiasts, and homesteaders have agonized over which brand to go with. Both chainsaws are excellent, and each has its pros and cons. However, deciding between them isn’t easy.

Each product offers a comparable range of features and has a similar price range. The main difference between Stihl chainsaws and Husqvarna chainsaws is that while you can get the latter in an online store, you can only get the former from dealers.

Stay with us as we dive into the specifics and compare both products in detail.

Stihl MS 170

With its lightweight and compactness, Stihl Chainsaw MS 170 is the ideal chainsaw for loggers and homeowners searching for great value.

It is excellent for cutting or trimming small trees and other tasks.

Although it is lightweight, it has just the right amount of power to do any job around your yard, such as sawing firewood, thinning out wood, and felling small trees up to 30cm in diameter.

It is easy to handle and has single-level master control. Stihl MS 170 has several features professionals look out for and depend on.

Husqvarna 120

Husqvarna 120 Mark II Chainsaw is ideal for light to medium cutting jobs around the house, such as tree pruning and firewood cutting.

Lightweight, compact, and with an ergonomic design, this chainsaw is perfect for the occasional job around the house. It starts up easily and has low kickback features.

The LowVib anti-vibration system reduces the vibration levels for the user, protects from fatigue, and helps the user have a more comfortable experience while using the chainsaw.

	Stihl MS 170	Husqvarna 120
Weight	8.6 pounds	9.4 pounds
RPM	13000 rpm	9000 rpm
Power Output	1.2 kW	1.4 kW
Noise level	111 dB	94 dB
Horsepower	4.69 hp	4.3 hp

Key Differences Between Stihl MS 170 and Husqvarna 120

Although both chainsaws have some similar features, key differences distinguish each.

Differences can be seen in the type of engine and power.

Husqvarna 120 has a 2-stroke engine, while the Stihl MS 170 has a 4-stroke engine. The 4-stroke engine produces less heat and is more efficient.

However, the engine of the Husqvarna 120 is larger and produces more power. The Husqvarna chainsaw also has a longer chain than the Stihl, thus giving it more flexibility when cutting.

Furthermore, the Husqvarna 120 has more power than the Stihl MS 170. With a tall speed of 190 feet per minute, it is 50% faster than the tall speed of Stihl MS 170.

The Stihl MS 170 has a bar length of 170cm, while the Husqvarna 120 is 120 cm. And as a result, the Husqvarna chainsaw can handle larger trees. However, the Stihl chainsaw is more powerful than the Husqvarna chainsaw.

The oil capacity of the Stihl MS 170 is 1.5 ounces, while that of the Husqvarna 120 is 1.3 ounces. The oil capacity of a chainsaw determines how long it can run before needing to be refueled.

With a higher oil capacity than the Husqvarna 120, the Stihl MS 170 can run longer than its counterpart. The Husqvarna 120 is also easier for beginners to use as it has a smaller motor.

Stihl MS 170 Review

The Stihl MS 170 is lightweight, compact, and has a 2-stroke engine with STIHL 2-MIX technology.

This allows it to save up to 20% of fuel and have up to 70% reduced emissions compared to Stihl engines without the technology.

This chainsaw has a fuel capacity of 2.8 liters, which makes it easy to cut through tougher wood. It relatively weighs more, making it better suited for users who need a heavy yet portable chainsaw.

The single-lever master control allows you to operate important functions via a single lever.

Pros:

• Very easy to start.
• Lightweight and easy to manage and use.
• Delivers the speed, power, and precision needed by power tool users.

Cons:

• Not available online.
• More expensive.

Here’s a YouTube video showing some common problems the Stihl MS 170 chainsaw has.

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Husqvarna 120 Review

With a weight of only 9.4 pounds and its ergonomic design, it is the ideal chainsaw for light and medium cutting jobs.

It has a simple tensioning system that allows quick adjustment while working, and the LowVib anti-vibration system reduces user vibration levels.

Husqvarna’s 38cc X-Torq engine offers considerably lower fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels. It has low kickback safety features, including a built-in safety break.

The combined control makes it easy to start and gives it a lower chance of engine flooding.

Pros:

• It is lightweight and can be easily maneuvered.
• Easy to use.
• Offers good value for money.
• Available online.

Cons:

• Hard to start, especially when cold.

Here’s a YouTube video of some common problems Husqvarna 120 chainsaw has.

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Comparing Both Products

Price

The Husqvarna 120 is the more affordable option of the two chainsaws, with a price of around $200. The Stihl MS 170 has a price tag of about $400.

Weight and Handling

The Stihl MS 170 weighs 8.6 pounds, while the Husqvarna 120 weighs 9.4 pounds. You can easily handle them, but the Stihl MS 170 has bumper spikes for felling and more low-end torque for tackling trickier jobs.

Power

The Husqvarna 120 has a 3-cc engine designed for high power and performance. It delivers 4.3 horsepower and supports a 20-inch bar. On the other hand, the Stihl MS 170 has a 2-cc engine designed for lightweight and easy starting. It delivers up to 4.69 horsepower and supports a 25-inch bar.

Power Source

Both chainsaws are gas-powered.

Efficiency

The Husqvarna 120 chainsaw has better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Its powerful high-end torque helps improve cutting speed and efficiency when making clean cuts.

What Does MS Stand for in  Stihl MS Chainsaws?

The “MS” in Stihl MS Chainsaws stands for Motorsäge, which means “chainsaw” in German.

What Size Bar Is on a Stihl MS170?

The Stihl MS 170 is a versatile chainsaw that can handle various bar sizes. It comes with a 16-inch bar but can use a larger bar.

How Many cc’s is a Husqvarna 120?

The cylinder displacement of the Husqvarna 120 is 38.2cm³.

What Size Chain Does a Husqvarna 120 Take?

A Husqvarna 120 takes a 0.325-inch pitch chain with a .050-inch gauge.

Who Should Buy Stihl MS 170?

People who need a chainsaw that is lightweight, easy to start, and delivers speed, power, and precision should buy this product.

Who Should Buy Husqvarna 120?

People who want an easily accessible chainsaw that is easy to use, less expensive, and offers good value for money.

Other Similar Chainsaws

Lithelli Battery Chainsaw

Lithelli Battery Chainsaw has a 12-inch low-kickback bar and chain perfect for cutting medium-sized wood.

With rubber-wrapped handles, there are multiple ways you can conveniently grip the chainsaw and stay comfortable. It has an impressive chain speed that allows it to easily cut through wood that is up to 20 inches thick.

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Greenworks Brushless Cordless Chainsaw

It weighs 2.05 pounds and has a chain length of 18 inches which is ideal for professional users.

It has easy-adjust tensioning, which makes it easy to maintain the chain and bar. The Greenworks Brushless Cordless Chainsaw is easy to use and has a powerful performance. With it, you can get up to 150 cuts on large lumber with a single charge.

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Craftsman Electric Chainsaw

Craftsman Electric Chainsaw is a corded electric chainsaw weighing 6.19 pounds and a chain length of 16 inches.

It features a powerful 12-amp motor that helps with tough cuts. It has a 16-inch low kickback bar and chain and a built-in oil window that delivers proper chain lubrication and increased productivity.

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

What is Our Overall Recommendation?

We’ve seen both chainsaws in detail, and both are excellent products.

However, if we are to recommend one of the two, we would recommend Husqvarna 120. This chainsaw has features that make it rank above others.

For one, it has an adjustable chain tensioner that you can customize to suit your needs. The chainsaw saw is easy to use and can be easily handled by anyone who has never used a chainsaw before.

The chain is made from high-quality steel, which ensures it lasts longer and performs better than chains made with inferior materials.

The Stihl MS 170 is not without its merits too. It is not only powerful but also very versatile. It can easily handle a wide task range and has an adjustable bar length.

Conclusion

Both chainsaws are great tools for bringing down larger trees.

Choosing the one to go with may depend on the features you seek in a chainsaw. However, you don’t necessarily have to choose between both tools.

You can decide to purchase both products and the others that we mentioned above. This is the best way to get the highest productivity. It is not essential to purchase all the products at the same time.

You may buy one first and buy the other at a later date.