Stihl MS 170 vs Husqvarna 120 Mark III
Quick take: The Husqvarna 120 Mark III costs $1 less; the Husqvarna 120 Mark III has more engine (38.2cc); the Stihl MS 170 swings a longer bar (16"); the Stihl MS 170 is lighter at 8.6 lb.
| Spec | Stihl MS 170 | Husqvarna 120 Mark III |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $220 | $219 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (4,401) | — |
| Power Type | Gas | Gas |
| Use Case | Homeowner | Homeowner |
| Engine | 30.1 cc | 38.2 cc |
| Rated Power | 1.3 kW | 1.4 kW |
| Voltage | — | — |
| Kit Battery | — | — |
| Bar Length | 16" | 14" |
| Bar Range | 12-16" | 14-18" |
| Chain | 3/8" Picco pitch / .043" gauge (61 PMM3) | 3/8" mini pitch / .050" gauge |
| Weight | 8.6 lb (powerhead only) | 10.7 lb (powerhead only) |
| Warranty | 2-year consumer (1-year commercial) | 2-year consumer (extendable to 4 with fuel registration) |
Pros & cons
Stihl MS 170
- ✓Real Stihl build and dealer network at a $219.99 price that undercuts most big-box homeowner saws
- ✓8.6 lb powerhead is light enough for overhead limbing and long cleanup sessions without fatigue
- ✓3/8" Picco low-profile chain is cheap to replace and easy to sharpen for beginners
- ✓IntelliCarb compensating carburetor keeps it running as the air filter dirties
- ✓Massive verified track record — 4.5 stars over 4,401 Ace Hardware reviews
- ✓Sips fuel; a tank goes a long way in yard-duty use
- ✗Underpowered for firewood — owners report it bogs and slogs in logs over ~12 inches
- ✗No side-access chain tensioner; adjusting the chain means loosening bar nuts the old way
- ✗Anti-vibration system is minimal compared to the MS 250 and up, so hands buzz on longer cuts
- ✗Clamshell engine and plastic-heavy construction aren't built for rebuilds or hard hours
- ✗Newer MS 172 successor is already on stihlusa.com, so the 170's days look numbered
Husqvarna 120 Mark III
- ✓One of the cheapest routes into a dealer-supported gas saw
- ✓Light and neutral-balanced — comfortable for limbing sessions
- ✓X-Torq engine sips fuel compared to older small saws
- ✓Sold and serviced everywhere: Lowe's, Tractor Supply, and dealers
- ✓Mark III revision now runs bars up to 18 inches
- ✗Cold-start pull count is the recurring owner complaint
- ✗Plasticky build next to Husqvarna's own 435 II
- ✗Tool-required chain tensioning feels dated at this price
- ✗Shares value-tier internals with Poulan — the badge is the upgrade
- ✗Underpowered for regular bucking of hardwood