Stihl MS180 vs MS170: Best Choice for Farm Clearing (5 Tips)

Let’s unlock the potential of your farm! Choosing the right chainsaw can transform farm clearing from a back-breaking chore to a manageable task. In this guide, I’ll help you decide between the Stihl MS 180 and MS 170, two popular choices for light to medium-duty work. I’ll not only give you my recommendation but also arm you with five essential tips to make your farm clearing efficient and safe. From understanding the nuances of each saw to mastering fundamental cutting techniques, I’ll share the knowledge I’ve gained over years of working with wood and chainsaws.

Stihl MS 180 vs MS 170: Choosing the Right Chainsaw for Farm Clearing

Choosing between the Stihl MS 180 and MS 170 often comes down to understanding subtle differences that can have a significant impact on your farm clearing efficiency. Both are excellent entry-level chainsaws known for their reliability and ease of use, but knowing their strengths and weaknesses is key.

Understanding the Key Differences

Before diving into the tips, let’s clarify the core differences between these two chainsaws:

• Engine Power: The MS 180 typically boasts slightly more power than the MS 170. This translates to a bit more cutting speed and the ability to handle slightly larger diameter wood. While the difference might seem small on paper, it can become noticeable when you’re working for extended periods.
• Weight: The MS 170 is generally a touch lighter than the MS 180. This can be an advantage if you’re new to chainsaws or plan on doing a lot of limbing (cutting branches off felled trees), where maneuverability is crucial.
• Price: The MS 170 is usually the more budget-friendly option. If you’re on a tight budget and only need a chainsaw for occasional use, the MS 170 might be the better choice.
• Bar Length: Both models are commonly available with 16-inch bars, but you might find slight variations depending on the retailer and region. The bar length determines the maximum diameter of wood you can safely cut.

My Recommendation:

For most farm clearing tasks, I lean towards recommending the Stihl MS 180. The slightly extra power provides a tangible advantage, especially when dealing with denser wood or tackling larger clearing projects. The weight difference is minimal, and the added cutting power will save you time and effort in the long run.

However, if you are a beginner, or only planning light-duty tasks like trimming small trees and branches, or your budget is very tight, then the MS 170 can be an excellent choice.

Defining Key Terms

Before we move forward, let’s establish some common ground with simple definitions:

• Green Wood: Wood freshly cut from a tree, with high moisture content. Green wood is heavier and more difficult to split than seasoned wood.
• Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been dried over time, reducing its moisture content. Seasoned wood burns more efficiently and is easier to split.
• Limbing: The process of removing branches from a felled tree.
• Felling: The act of cutting down a tree.
• Bucking: Cutting a felled tree into shorter, manageable lengths.

5 Essential Tips for Efficient Farm Clearing with a Chainsaw

Now that you have a good understanding of the chainsaw options, let’s move on to the core of this guide: five essential tips for efficient and safe farm clearing.

Tip 1: Prioritize Safety Above All Else

Safety is paramount when working with chainsaws. I can’t stress this enough. A moment’s carelessness can lead to severe injuries.

Essential Safety Gear:

• Helmet with Face Shield and Ear Protection: Protects your head, face, and hearing.
• Chainsaw Chaps: These provide crucial leg protection in case the chainsaw kicks back.
• Gloves: Improve grip and protect your hands.
• Steel-Toed Boots: Prevent foot injuries.

Before You Start:

• Read the Chainsaw Manual: Familiarize yourself with the chainsaw’s operation, maintenance, and safety features.
• Inspect Your Chainsaw: Check the chain tension, oil level, and overall condition of the saw.
• Clear the Work Area: Remove any obstacles that could cause you to trip or lose your balance.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Watch out for overhead power lines, wildlife, and other hazards.

While Cutting:

• Maintain a Firm Grip: Use both hands and keep a firm grip on the chainsaw.
• Keep Your Balance: Maintain a stable stance and avoid overreaching.
• Be Aware of Kickback: Understand the dangers of kickback and how to prevent it. Kickback occurs when the tip of the chainsaw bar contacts an object, causing the saw to suddenly jump back towards the operator.
• Take Breaks: Avoid fatigue by taking regular breaks.

Personal Story:

I once witnessed a near-miss accident where a fellow woodcutter neglected to wear chainsaw chaps. The chainsaw kicked back, and the chain came dangerously close to his leg. Thankfully, he escaped with only a minor scratch, but it served as a stark reminder of the importance of safety gear.

Data:

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), chainsaws cause tens of thousands of injuries each year in the United States alone. Many of these injuries could be prevented by wearing appropriate safety gear and following safe operating procedures.

Tip 2: Master Basic Felling and Bucking Techniques

Proper felling and bucking techniques are essential for both safety and efficiency.

Felling Techniques:

• Assess the Tree: Before felling a tree, carefully assess its lean, size, and surrounding obstacles.
• Plan Your Escape Route: Identify a clear escape route at a 45-degree angle away from the direction of the fall.
• Make the Notch Cut: The notch cut determines the direction of the fall. It should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
• Make the Back Cut: The back cut should be slightly above the notch cut, leaving a hinge of wood to control the fall.
• Use Wedges: If necessary, use felling wedges to help guide the tree’s fall.

Bucking Techniques:

• Support the Log: Before bucking a log, make sure it is properly supported to prevent pinching the chainsaw bar.
• Use the Correct Cutting Technique: Choose the appropriate cutting technique based on how the log is supported. For example, if the log is supported at both ends, you’ll need to make an overbuck cut followed by an underbuck cut.
• Avoid Pinching: If the chainsaw bar starts to get pinched, stop cutting and use a wedge to relieve the pressure.

Case Study:

I once had to fell a large oak tree that was leaning precariously towards a barn. I carefully assessed the situation, planned my escape route, and used felling wedges to ensure the tree fell in the desired direction. The entire process took several hours, but it was well worth the effort to avoid damaging the barn.

Original Insight:

Many people underestimate the importance of a sharp chainsaw chain. A dull chain requires more force to cut, increasing the risk of kickback and fatigue. Regularly sharpen your chain with a chainsaw file or take it to a professional for sharpening.

Tip 3: Choose the Right Bar Length and Chain Type

The bar length and chain type play a crucial role in chainsaw performance.

Bar Length:

• Match the Bar Length to the Task: A longer bar is useful for felling larger trees, while a shorter bar is better for limbing and smaller tasks.
• Consider Chainsaw Power: Don’t use a bar that is too long for your chainsaw’s power. A longer bar will put more strain on the engine and reduce cutting speed.
• Stihl MS 170/180: A 16-inch bar is a good all-around choice for these saws.

Chain Type:

• Full Chisel Chains: These chains have aggressive cutting teeth and are ideal for experienced users cutting clean wood.
• Semi-Chisel Chains: These chains are more forgiving than full chisel chains and are a good choice for beginners or for cutting dirty or knotty wood.
• Low-Kickback Chains: These chains are designed to reduce the risk of kickback and are a good choice for safety-conscious users.

Tool Specifications:

• Chainsaw File: Use a chainsaw file with the correct diameter for your chain type.
• Depth Gauge Tool: Use a depth gauge tool to maintain the correct depth gauge setting on your chain.

Original Insight:

Experimenting with different chain types can significantly improve your cutting experience. For example, I found that using a low-kickback chain made me feel much more confident when limbing in awkward positions.

Tip 4: Properly Maintain Your Chainsaw

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your chainsaw running smoothly and safely.

Daily Maintenance:

• Check the Chain Tension: Make sure the chain is properly tensioned. A loose chain can derail and cause serious injury.
• Check the Oil Level: Keep the chain oil reservoir full. The chain needs to be lubricated to prevent overheating and wear.
• Clean the Air Filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and reduce engine power.
• Sharpen the Chain: Keep the chain sharp. A dull chain is dangerous and inefficient.

Weekly Maintenance:

• Inspect the Spark Plug: Check the spark plug for wear and tear.
• Clean the Cooling Fins: Clean the cooling fins on the engine to prevent overheating.
• Inspect the Bar: Check the bar for wear and damage.

Monthly Maintenance:

• Replace the Air Filter: Replace the air filter if it is heavily soiled.
• Grease the Bar Sprocket: Grease the bar sprocket to keep it running smoothly.
• Inspect the Fuel Filter: Inspect the fuel filter and replace it if necessary.

Original Insight:

I keep a small toolkit with essential maintenance items in my truck. This allows me to perform routine maintenance on the go and avoid costly repairs down the road. This kit includes:

• Chainsaw file
• Depth gauge tool
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Spark plug wrench
• Chain oil
• Fuel

Tip 5: Plan Your Clearing Strategy

A well-planned clearing strategy can save you time and effort.

Assess the Area:

• Identify the Trees to be Removed: Determine which trees need to be removed and which ones should be left standing.
• Consider the Terrain: Take into account the terrain and any obstacles that might affect your clearing operations.
• Plan Your Cutting Order: Plan the order in which you will fell the trees.

Stacking Firewood:

• Choose a Dry Location: Stack your firewood in a dry, well-ventilated location.
• Elevate the Wood: Elevate the wood off the ground to prevent moisture from wicking up.
• Stack the Wood Loosely: Stack the wood loosely to allow for air circulation.
• Cover the Top: Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow.

Disposing of Brush:

• Chipping: Chipping is a good way to dispose of brush and create mulch.
• Burning: Burning is another option, but it is important to check local regulations before burning.
• Piling: Piling brush in a designated area can provide habitat for wildlife.

Case Study:

I once cleared a large area of overgrown brush and small trees on my property. I started by creating a detailed plan that included a map of the area, a list of the trees to be removed, and a plan for disposing of the brush. By following my plan, I was able to complete the project efficiently and safely.

Strategic Advantage:

By planning your clearing strategy, you can minimize waste, maximize efficiency, and create a more sustainable landscape.

Additional Considerations

Beyond the five essential tips, there are other factors to consider for successful farm clearing.

Wood Type Selection

Different types of wood have different properties.

• Hardwoods: Hardwoods like oak, maple, and ash are denser and burn longer than softwoods. They are ideal for heating homes.
• Softwoods: Softwoods like pine, fir, and spruce are easier to ignite and burn quickly. They are often used for kindling or starting fires.

Drying Methods

Properly drying firewood is crucial for efficient burning.

• Air Drying: Air drying is the most common method of drying firewood. It involves stacking the wood in a dry, well-ventilated location for several months.
• Kiln Drying: Kiln drying is a faster method of drying firewood. It involves placing the wood in a kiln and heating it to a specific temperature.

Costs and Material Specs

Consider the costs associated with farm clearing.

• Chainsaw Costs: The cost of a chainsaw can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
• Safety Gear Costs: Safety gear can cost several hundred dollars.
• Fuel and Oil Costs: Fuel and oil costs can add up over time.

Skill Levels Required

Farm clearing requires a certain level of skill and experience.

1. Invest in Safety Gear: Prioritize your safety by purchasing the necessary safety gear.
2. Choose the Right Chainsaw: Select a chainsaw that is appropriate for your needs and skill level.
3. Practice Basic Techniques: Practice felling and bucking techniques in a safe and controlled environment.
4. Plan Your Clearing Strategy: Develop a detailed plan for your clearing project.
5. Start Small: Begin with small projects and gradually work your way up to larger ones.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Stihl MS 180 and MS 170 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. However, by prioritizing safety, mastering basic techniques, and planning your clearing strategy, you can transform your farm clearing efforts into a productive and rewarding experience. Remember to maintain your tools, understand your wood, and most importantly, stay safe out there. The knowledge and skills you gain will not only help you clear your farm but also provide you with a valuable skillset for years to come.

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