Stihl MS 170 Equivalents (Top Picks)

If you want a light homeowner saw like the STIHL MS 170, start with the STIHL MS 162 or ECHO CS-310. The MS 162 is the closest same-brand option, while the CS-310 has a similar engine size. Choose the ECHO CS-3510 for more capacity, or the Husqvarna 120 Mark II for a larger-displacement step up. Confirm the bar and chain before buying.

What if you replace your saw and discover the “equivalent” you chose is heavier, has a different chain setup, or does not suit your usual cuts? Comparing engine size alone will not prevent that mismatch. Start with the work you do, then compare power, weight, approved bar options, and service support.

In the lightweight homeowner class, these four models are useful alternatives to consider. They are not identical to the MS 170, and specifications can vary by country, model year, and included equipment. I use engine size as a first filter, not a promise of equal cutting speed.

What makes a saw an MS 170 equivalent?

A comparable saw is a lightweight, homeowner-oriented model for pruning, limbs, and small firewood. It should suit the same kind of work, not merely have a similar engine size. Compare powerhead weight, power, approved bar and chain combinations, and how much cutting you actually do.

STIHL lists the MS 170 reference at 30.1 cc, about 1.3 kW or 1.7 bhp, and roughly 3.9 kg (8.6 lb) for the powerhead. Check current local specifications: published figures and included equipment may differ by market and model year.

Displacement is the volume swept by the engine’s piston. It helps place a saw in a size class, but it does not tell the whole story. Power, chain speed under load, chain sharpness, and the wood itself affect cutting performance. A larger engine is not automatically the best fit if it adds weight you do not need.

Top lightweight alternatives to compare

These four picks cover a close same-brand replacement, a similar-size competitor, and two steps up in capacity. Treat each as a candidate, then verify exact specifications and approved bar options in the manual for the saw sold in your area.

Confirm current regional specifications, weight, and equipment with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.

STIHL MS 162: closest same-brand alternative

The MS 162 is the most direct comparison here by class and engine size. Its published displacement is 30.1 cc, matching the MS 170, while listed power is about 1.2 kW compared with the MS 170’s roughly 1.3 kW. The difference is modest on paper, but it means the models are not identical.

If you want to stay with STIHL, compare the actual package: powerhead weight, supplied bar, chain type, warranty, and local price. Check whether the bar length you need is approved for the exact MS 162 version available to you.

ECHO CS-310: similar-size alternative

At 30.5 cc, the CS-310 sits close to the MS 170 in displacement. That makes it a sensible candidate for the same broad category of light homeowner work, but displacement alone cannot confirm equal cutting performance or handling.

Compare the saw’s listed weight and its approved bar and chain setup with the MS 170 you use now. Also check whether an ECHO dealer and service support are convenient in your area. Those details matter if you plan to keep the saw for years.

ECHO CS-3510: more capacity

The CS-3510 has more displacement and power than the MS 170, so it is better viewed as an upgrade than a direct equivalent. The extra capacity may help if your routine includes more demanding cuts, but it can also mean a different weight and handling balance.

Before choosing it, compare the complete saw weight, not just the powerhead figure. Make sure the added capacity matches your workload rather than buying a larger saw simply because its specifications look stronger.

Husqvarna 120 Mark II: a step up in displacement

The 120 Mark II is listed at 38.2 cc. That is a clear jump from the MS 170’s 30.1 cc, so it should not be treated as a direct weight or power match. Consider it if you want a larger-displacement homeowner saw and are comfortable with its specifications and feel.

Ask the dealer to confirm the exact bar, chain, and weight for the local version. If you mostly prune or cut small limbs, the added engine size may not offer a useful benefit for your work.

Match the saw to your real workload

The right pick depends on what you cut most often, how large the wood is, and how frequently you use the saw. These models are aimed at homeowner or light-duty work. Sustained cutting or large-diameter hardwood may call for different equipment and a trained operator.

A quick way to narrow the list is to write down your usual job before comparing prices:

• Mostly pruning and small limbs: compare the MS 162 and CS-310 first.
• A similar-size alternative from another brand: consider the CS-310.
• More frequent or demanding homeowner cuts: assess whether the CS-3510’s added capacity is worth its weight and cost.
• Want a larger-displacement option: compare the 120 Mark II, while remembering it is not a direct MS 170 match.
• Regular large hardwood cutting or complex tree work: do not assume any of these light saws is the right tool.

Buying-fit scenarios

These are practical comparison cases, not claims from a controlled cutting test. Use them to connect the published specifications to your own work, then verify details with the local manual and dealer.

Scenario 1: The occasional firewood cutter. Your work is limited to smaller pieces and seasonal cleanup. Start with the MS 162 or CS-310, then choose based on verified weight, bar setup, price, and service access. Either model’s displacement is close to the MS 170, but that does not prove identical speed or comfort.

Scenario 2: The MS 170 feels short on capacity. If you regularly face tougher homeowner cuts, compare the CS-3510. Its higher power and displacement may better suit that workload, but check weight and approved bar options first. A bigger saw is useful only if you can control it safely and its added capacity is needed.

Scenario 3: You want a bigger engine but still a homeowner saw. The 120 Mark II is the larger-displacement candidate in this group. Compare its complete weight and local configuration against the smaller options. If most of your work is light pruning, moving up may add bulk without solving a real problem.

Check bar, chain, fuel, and safety before use

A bar and chain must match the saw’s mounting pattern, pitch, gauge, drive-link count, sprocket, and oiling system. A bar that appears to fit is not necessarily compatible. Always use the model manual and the bar and chain markings to confirm the combination.

MS 170 setups vary. Common configurations use 3/8-inch Picco or low-profile pitch, but gauge and drive-link count can differ by bar. Do not assume .043-inch and .050-inch gauge chains can be swapped. Verify every part number before buying a replacement chain or bar.

For STIHL equipment, use the specified 50:1 gasoline-to-two-stroke-oil mixture, with fresh fuel and the oil grade stated in the manual. Do not transfer that ratio to an ECHO or Husqvarna saw without checking its own instructions. Use dedicated bar-and-chain oil, and follow the manual for oil type and flow checks.

Before cutting, inspect chain tension and sharpness, the bar, sprocket, oil supply, and fuel or oil leaks. Check that the chain brake works, the throttle lockout functions, the trigger returns, and the chain catcher is present and sound. Wear a helmet, eye and hearing protection, chainsaw chaps or trousers, gloves, and protective footwear. Keep bystanders clear.

Start the saw on stable ground with the brake engaged, following the model’s cold- or warm-start steps. Confirm the chain stays still at idle and check oil delivery as the manual directs. Keep both hands on the saw, avoid contact with the bar nose, and do not cut above shoulder height. Bar-tip contact can cause rotational kickback; a chain brake lowers risk but does not make unsafe cutting safe.

Maintain the saw you choose

Good upkeep affects cutting performance and service life. Before each use, check chain tension, cutter condition, depth gauges, bar rails, sprocket wear, and lubrication. Clean the bar groove and oil holes, and rotate the bar as the manual recommends.

Sharpen using the file size and angles specified for the exact chain code. Depth gauges, also called rakers, control how much wood each cutter takes. A setting around 0.025 inch (0.65 mm) is common on some chains, but it is not universal. Follow the chain maker’s specification; uneven cutters or excessive raker lowering can make a saw grab or vibrate.

Do not tune carburetor screws by guesswork. Use model-specific service instructions and a tachometer if required. For seasonal storage, follow the manual’s fuel instructions, clean the saw, and protect the bar and chain from corrosion. Never use straight gasoline in a two-stroke saw; the wrong mixture can quickly damage the engine.

Final recommendation

For the closest match in this group, start with the STIHL MS 162. The ECHO CS-310 is the closest displacement-class alternative from another brand. Choose the CS-3510 if you want more capacity, and consider the Husqvarna 120 Mark II as a larger-displacement step up rather than a direct substitute.

Before paying, compare current local weight, price, warranty, approved bar and chain, and service access. Match the saw to the cuts you make most often, not to the biggest number on a product page.

FAQs

Which saw is closest to the STIHL MS 170?

The STIHL MS 162 is the closest same-brand class in this comparison. It has the same listed displacement, 30.1 cc, though its published power is about 1.2 kW versus roughly 1.3 kW for the MS 170.

Is the ECHO CS-310 comparable to the MS 170?

It is a reasonable alternative to compare for light homeowner work. Its listed 30.5 cc displacement is close to the MS 170’s 30.1 cc, but that alone does not establish equal weight or cutting performance.

Is the ECHO CS-3510 an upgrade?

It is a step up in displacement and power, not a direct match. Compare its weight and approved bar options to decide whether the extra capacity suits your workload.

Is the Husqvarna 120 Mark II more powerful than the MS 170?

The 120 Mark II has a larger listed displacement, 38.2 cc versus 30.1 cc. Displacement alone does not prove comparative power, cutting speed, or handling, so check current manufacturer specifications.

What bar length should I choose?

Choose a length approved for the exact saw and suited to the wood you cut. Check the manual and bar markings; do not fit a longer bar based only on physical fit.

Can I use an MS 170 chain on an equivalent saw?

Only if pitch, gauge, drive-link count, sprocket, and bar setup all match the other saw’s requirements. Check the chain code and manual before buying or fitting it.

Do these models suit large hardwood or regular felling?

They are homeowner or light-duty options, not automatic choices for sustained cutting or large-diameter hardwood. Use equipment suited to the job and leave complex felling to trained, properly equipped operators.

What fuel mix should I use?

Follow the exact saw’s manual. STIHL specifies a 50:1 gasoline-to-two-stroke-oil mixture for its equipment, but do not assume another brand uses the same ratio.

Which model is best for occasional pruning?

The MS 162 and CS-310 are the closest-size options in this group. Compare local weight, approved bar setup, price, and dealer support before choosing.

How do I prevent kickback?

Keep the bar nose clear of wood, use two-handed control, and avoid tip-first cuts. Maintain the chain brake and use approved equipment, but remember that a brake does not make unsafe cutting safe.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Marcus Thorne. Visit our Meet the Team page.)