Stihl MS 170 vs MS 151 TC: A Comprehensive Comparison

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Is the lightweight advantage of the MS 151 TC enough to outshine the powerhouse performance of the MS 170 in your backyard battles?

Choosing the right chainsaw can be a daunting task, especially with so many options on the market. Stihl has a reputation for high-quality tools, and in this article, we will dive into a detailed comparison of the Stihl MS 170 and MS 151 TC chainsaws. This article provides a thorough comparison of the Stihl MS 170 and MS 151 TC chainsaws, evaluating their specifications and performance to help users make an informed choice. You can also check out our Stihl MS 170 chainsaw review for more details.

Best Value

Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw for Tree Care
Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw for Tree Care
Amazon.com
8.6

This chainsaw excels in performance and usability, making it ideal for garden and tree maintenance. Its lightweight design allows for extended use without fatigue, while its durable construction ensures reliability.

Professional Choice

Stihl MS 151 TC Chainsaw for Professionals
Stihl MS 151 TC Chainsaw for Professionals
Amazon.com
8.7

The MS 151 TC stands out with its exceptional lightweight design and advanced starting technology, perfect for professional use. It delivers high precision with excellent control, making it a top choice for tree care specialists.

Stihl MS 170

Power Performance
8.5
Weight Handling
8
Ease of Use
9
Vibration Control
8.5
Durability
9

Stihl MS 151

Power Performance
9
Weight Handling
9.5
Ease of Use
8.5
Vibration Control
9
Durability
8.5

Stihl MS 170

Advantages
  • Lightweight design for easy handling
  • Powerful engine for efficient cutting
  • Low vibration for comfortable use
  • Durable build for long-lasting performance
  • User-friendly start mechanism

Stihl MS 151

Advantages
  • Extremely lightweight for prolonged use
  • Advanced starting features for convenience
  • High-performance chain for precision cutting
  • Excellent vibration dampening system
  • Suitable for professional tree care

Stihl MS 170

Drawbacks
  • Limited power for larger trees
  • Fuel consumption can be higher than expected

Stihl MS 151

Drawbacks
  • Limited power for heavy-duty tasks
  • Higher price point may deter casual users

Ultimate Chainsaw Showdown: Stihl MS 170 vs. MS 171 for Homeowners

1

Overview of the Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw

The Stihl MS 170 is a small yet efficient petrol chainsaw that stands out for its user-friendly design and reliability. It possesses a displacement of 30 cm³ and a power output of 1200 W, making it suitable for a range of light to moderate cutting tasks. This chainsaw is particularly recommended for maintaining trees, clearing forests, or cutting firewood, with the capability to fell trees up to 30 cm in diameter.

Key Specifications

Weight: 4.6 kg (10.12 lbs)
Engine Power: 1.6 hp
Guide Bar Length: 30 cm
Chain Lubrication System: Yes
Anti-Vibration System: Yes

The MS 170 is lightweight, making it easy to handle, especially for beginners. Its design incorporates an anti-vibration system, which helps to minimize fatigue during extended use, enhancing user comfort. Additionally, the chainsaw features a user-friendly starting mechanism, ensuring seamless ignition even for those unfamiliar with such equipment.

Pros

Lightweight design supports easy handling.
Powerful engine for efficient cutting.
Low vibration allows for comfortable use.
Durable build ensures long-lasting performance.

Cons

Limited power may restrict use on larger trees.
Fuel consumption could be higher than expected.

In summary, the Stihl MS 170 is an ideal choice for light-duty tasks and is particularly suited for those who prioritize ease of use and comfort during operation.

2

Overview of the Stihl MS 151 TC Chainsaw

The Stihl MS 151 TC is renowned as one of the lightest chainsaws on the market, making it an excellent option for tree care and maintenance tasks. Featuring a displacement of 23.6 cm³ and delivering 1.5 kW of power, this chainsaw is designed for precision and efficiency in smaller applications.

Key Specifications

Weight: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)
Engine Power: 1.5 hp
Guide Bar Length: 25 cm (1/4 inch)
Chain Lubrication System: Yes
Starting System: STIHL ErgoStart (E)

Lightweight Design

One of the standout features of the MS 151 TC is its remarkably lightweight design. At just 1.5 kg, it reduces user fatigue during prolonged usage, making it ideal for professionals involved in tree care tasks.

Performance and Features

Equipped with an advanced manual fuel pump, the MS 151 TC ensures smooth starts even in challenging conditions. Its high-performance 1/4 inch-PM3 chain delivers refined cutting precision, essential for delicate trimming and pruning. The chainsaw also boasts an effective vibration dampening system, enhancing user comfort and control.

Professional Application

This model is built for trained users and excels in precision tasks. While not suited for heavy-duty jobs, its efficiency makes it a favored choice among arborists and landscaping professionals.

In summary, the Stihl MS 151 TC combines lightweight agility, advanced starting features, and a powerful motor, positioning it as a top contender for professional tree care tasks.

3

Comparative Analysis: Performance and Efficiency

When it comes to performance and efficiency, both the Stihl MS 170 and MS 151 TC chainsaws offer unique advantages tailored to different applications.

Cutting Efficiency

Stihl MS 170

  • Equipped with a 30 cm guide bar, this model is capable of handling trees up to 30 cm in diameter. With an output of 1.6 hp, it performs well for light to moderate tasks such as trimming and cutting firewood.

Stihl MS 151 TC

  • Although it has a shorter 25 cm guide bar, its specialized 1/4 inch-PM3 chain significantly enhances cutting precision, making it ideal for delicate tasks like pruning and trimming. With a maximum power output of 1.5 kW, it excels in high-precision applications required in professional tree care.

Ease of Use

Stihl MS 170

  • Known for its lightweight design (4.6 kg), the MS 170 comes with an anti-vibration system that minimizes user fatigue, making it suitable for extended use even for beginners. Its user-friendly starting mechanism ensures easy ignitions, adding to its usability.

Stihl MS 151 TC

  • Weighing in at just 1.5 kg, this chainsaw stands out for its remarkable agility. It features the STIHL ErgoStart system, which facilitates smooth starts. This chainsaw’s minimal weight combined with an effective vibration dampening system means it handles easily during detailed work.

Overall User Experience

Stihl MS 170

  • Customers appreciate its reliability and power for general purpose cutting. However, some users note that its performance can diminish with larger jobs, indicating it’s better suited for lighter tasks.

Stihl MS 151 TC

  • Designed for professional use, many users have lauded its lightweight build and cutting precision. Yet, its higher price point might limit its appeal for casual users who do not require specialized features.

In summary, while the MS 170 offers a solid all-around performance for general users, the MS 151 TC is tailored for professionals seeking high accuracy and control in their cutting tasks. Each chainsaw performs optimally within its designated scope, making them both valuable options based on user needs.

Feature Comparison

Stihl MS 170 vs. Stihl MS 151
Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw for Tree Care
VS
Stihl MS 151 TC Chainsaw for Professionals
Power Source
Gas Powered
VS
Gas Powered
Horsepower
1.6 hp
VS
1.0 kW
Weight
4.6 kg
VS
3.3 kg
Guide Bar Length
30 cm
VS
25 cm
Wattage
1200 watts
VS
N/A
4

Cost, Value, and Customer Feedback

When evaluating the Stihl MS 170 and MS 151 TC chainsaws, price and customer feedback play significant roles in determining their value for potential buyers.

Pricing Overview

Stihl MS 170

  • Approximate Price: $558
  • This chainsaw offers a balance of performance and cost, making it a budget-friendly option for casual users and homeowners.

Stihl MS 151 TC

  • Approximate Price: $825
  • Targeted towards professionals, this chainsaw comes at a premium, reflecting its advanced features and lightweight design optimized for precision tasks.

Value for Money

The MS 170 delivers good value for those seeking an efficient tool for light to moderate tasks. Its combination of reliability and relatively low cost positions it as an accessible option for users like homeowners or weekend warriors.

In contrast, the MS 151 TC although higher-priced, caters to specialized needs. Users seeking precision cutting and ease of handling in professional settings may find this investment justified for enhanced productivity and efficiency.

Customer Feedback

Stihl MS 170

  • Generally positive reviews highlight its ease of use and reliability for routine cutting jobs. However, some customers note limitations in power when handling larger trees, which could be a drawback for more demanding users.

Stihl MS 151 TC

  • Many professionals praise its lightweight design and the cutting precision it affords. The STIHL ErgoStart system is commonly appreciated, facilitating quicker startups. However, the higher price point may deter casual users who require less specialized functionality.

In summary, both chainsaws have established a solid reputation among users, each excelling in their respective niches while presenting distinct advantages dependent on user needs and budget limitations.


Final Verdict

After thorough examination, the Stihl MS 151 TC emerges as the superior choice for professionals requiring precision and ease in tree care, thanks to its lightweight design and advanced features. Conversely, the Stihl MS 170 is best for casual users needing a reliable chainsaw for light to moderate tasks. Which model aligns best with your cutting needs?

1
Best Value
Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw for Tree Care
Amazon.com
Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw for Tree Care
2
Professional Choice
Stihl MS 151 TC Chainsaw for Professionals
Amazon.com
Stihl MS 151 TC Chainsaw for Professionals
13 Comments
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  1. I’ve been using the MS 170 for a couple of months now and honestly, it’s a beast for its size! Perfect for my backyard projects and super user-friendly. I don’t have experience with the MS 151 TC, but it sounds interesting, especially for more detailed work… I wonder if it’s worth the switch? 🤔

    • Thanks for your input, Tommy! The MS 151 TC is indeed lighter, which can help reduce fatigue during extended use.

    • Totally agree! The MS 170 is such a solid choice for homeowners. I hear the MS 151 TC is lighter though, which could be better for long use!

    • If you’re doing heavy cutting, stick with the MS 170. I’ve seen the 151 TC struggle a bit with big logs.

  2. Just bought the MS 151 TC based on my needs of cutting branches rather than full logs. It’s super light and easy to handle, but I feel it might lack power for bigger jobs. Anyone think it can handle heavier stuff? 🤷‍♀️

    • It really depends on what you’re cutting. The 151 TC is great for smaller jobs, but I wouldn’t push it too hard. But for limbs and smaller trees, it’s perfect!

    • Exactly, Jenny! It’s designed more for precision and light work, not really heavy-duty cutting.

  3. The specs look interesting, but honestly, all this means nothing without user experience. Anyone here actually used both? What about reliability? 🤔

    • Thanks for sharing your experience, Liam! Reliability is high for both, especially for homeowners.

    • I’ve used both! The MS 170 feels more rugged, while the 151 TC is definitely more… dainty? 😂 But both are great in their own right just… different!

  4. I’m gonna throw it out there… the MS 170 won’t let you down if you’re a casual user. I’ve had mine for years, and still purrs like a kitten! 😂

    • Billy_Bob’s experience speaks volumes! Glad to hear it’s holding up well! Reliability is a key reason many choose the MS 170.

    • Wow, years? I’m impressed! I just got mine and I hope it’s just as reliable! What kind of cuts do you use it for?

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