The Shtil MS 170 portable chainsaw is an excellent assistant in running a household and country house, during outdoor recreation and on hikes. The product is intended for cutting bushes and branches, cutting down small trees and preparing firewood. Professionals use units of this class for artistic wood carving, making statues and large souvenirs. The product is also used in landscape design to give an original shape to pillars, grass, shrubs and other plants on the site.
Technical characteristics of Stihl MS 170
The Shtil MS 170 chainsaw is designed for work in the garden. It is light, moderately powerful and responsive. Chainsaw power 1.8 l. With. if you convert this to kilowatts, it will be 1.3. Of course, this is not enough for serious tasks, but for sawing up trash, preparing firewood for the barbecue and simple construction tasks, this is quite enough. Saw weight 3.9 kg. Thanks to such a low weight, even a woman can easily handle it. The working volume of the cylinder is 30.1 cm³, the cylinder has a diameter of 31 mm. The chainsaw is equipped with a 35 cm long bar, which corresponds to 14 inches.
You can watch the video below of how the Shtil MC 170 chainsaw is unpacked, prepared for use and started for the first time.
Modifications
Like its older brother, Shtil MS 180, the MS 170 chainsaw can have an improved modification. For example, the STIHL ElastoStart system can be installed on it, which reduces the engine compression resistance due to an additional starter spring installed.
Another useful option of the MS 170 chainsaw is the quick chain tension system. You can tighten the chain with it even without using a special key, which is very convenient. As a rule, keys are often lost. Photo of the system below.
The side chain tensioner is also designed to facilitate the operation of the tool, since in the standard version it is not very convenient to adjust the chain tension of this chainsaw. The adjusting screw is located behind the tire on the crankcase, and when the chain is tensioned, the tire gets in the way. In some cases, when the chain is accidentally touched, it can cause hand injury.
Comparison with competitive saws
If you compare the Husqvarna 236 and the Stil MS 170, then in terms of power characteristics, the Husqvarna is slightly ahead. Its power is 1.4 kW while the calm one has 1.3. But in terms of fuel consumption, the Stihl MS 170 is the leader, because its engine capacity is much smaller and is 30.1 cm3 versus Husqvarna’s, 38.2 cubic meters.
The Husqvarna is equipped with an environmentally friendly X-Torq® engine, which significantly reduces the maximum power of the chainsaw. With a volume of 38.2 cm3, the saw should produce much more power. For example, the Stihl Ms 180, with an engine capacity of 31.8 cm3, is capable of producing a power of 1.5 kW.
Fake and original
The more popular the technology is on the international market, the more often you can find Chinese fakes that have a similar appearance and a more affordable price. The original Stihl MS-170 chain saw should have a price within 10 thousand rubles, anything much lower is a fake.
Experienced equipment owners have learned to recognize a fake even visually:
- body casting is rough, porous, low quality;
- the color is duller than the original chainsaw;
- in the original, the air filter screw is located at the end of the instrument, in Chinese fakes - in the upper part, etc.
We offer detailed information on how to identify a counterfeit chain saw “Shtil” MS-170 in this video:
Instructions Shtil 170
The instructions for the Shtil MS 170 chainsaw are written in as much detail as possible (as are the instructions for the Shtil 180). And it begins, as is customary among the Germans, with safety precautions when working with a saw.
The next thing you can learn by reading the instructions is the saw technique. The material contained in this section will be useful not only to those who are going to use a chainsaw for the first time, but also to those who have already used it more than once. For example, this section describes in as much detail as possible how to properly fell a tree, cut a wedge, safely trim pinched branches, and a lot of other useful information that cannot be found anywhere else.
The instructions for the Shtil 170 chainsaw were written by professionals, so you should not ignore reading them.
Of great interest, in the instructions for the chainsaw, is the clause about felling trees with a large trunk diameter using various sawing techniques.
Further in the manual for the unit, you can find out everything about the technical characteristics of the chain. What is a pitch, cutting edges, links, everything is written about in the simplest and most intelligible language possible.
For those who have never started such equipment, the user manual contains a detailed algorithm on how to do this (read how to start a Shtil chainsaw). Moreover, the important point is in what position to do this as safely as possible. If you scroll further, you can find out how to sharpen a chainsaw chain, properly clean it after work and store it for long-term storage.
The last thing that is useful to read in the instructions is the fault table. It contains as succinctly as possible useful information about malfunctions, their symptoms and solutions.
Malfunctions and repairs Shtil 170
The main malfunctions of the Stihl MS 170 chainsaw are not original and correspond to malfunctions typical of any two-stroke saws. For example this:
- The engine does not start;
- No spark;
- No fuel supply;
- The engine starts, but does not develop maximum power;
- The saw does not idle.
Now let’s try to understand in more detail why these malfunctions occur and how to eliminate them.
Important: repairs on the Stihl 170 are considered one of the most expensive in its class, because the saw is not widely used and for this reason, spare parts for its engine are more expensive than, for example, on the Shtil 180. Repairing the piston on the Stihl MS 170 will cost a pretty penny.
The engine will not start
As a rule, if the engine does not start, the first thing you need to do is check for fuel in the tool tank. Next, you need to unscrew the spark plug and check the spark; if there is a spark, but the engine does not start, then the problem is in the fuel system and it can be solved by a complete diagnosis of the fuel system.
No spark
If there is no spark on the chainsaw and for this reason it does not start, you need to start diagnosing by checking the spark plug itself; for this you need to install a new one that is in good working order.
If a spark does not appear, you need to look at the gap between the flywheel and the ignition coil; if this does not help, then only replacing the ignition module will help.
No fuel supply
A fuel supply problem is very difficult to diagnose, and it is for this reason that diagnosis is best carried out at a service center. If it is not possible to contact specialists, then you should start diagnosing by checking the fuel filter, which is located in the saw tank.
Next, you need to check the fuel line for cleanliness; to do this, you need to disconnect the fuel supply hose from the carburetor and blow into it.
Use special equipment when purging, as gasoline vapors are hazardous to health.
If the line is clear, the problem may be a leaky fuel pump or a lack of air pulse. To check, you need to remove the carburetor and check the tightness of the mounting screws. Next, using a thin wire, clean the impulse channel in the rubber pipe of the carburetor. If these steps do not help, the saw must be sent to a service center for diagnostics.
The engine does not develop speed
If the chainsaw starts, but when you press the gas it does not develop speed, while it idles and does not stall, the first thing you need to start with is to check the air filter for contamination. If it is heavily soiled, it can be washed in water and dried, and then installed on the chainsaw.
If these steps do not help, the fuel filter may be clogged. It must be removed from the tank and checked for blockages. Replace a dirty filter; if after this the situation has not changed, the saw should be sent to a service center, where specialists will determine and eliminate the cause.
The saw stalls at idle
As a rule, if the unit stalls and does not idle, the problem is air leaking into the engine crankcase, carburetor, or under the gasket, between the carburetor and the rubber cylinder pipe. You can find where air leaks occur using a special device called a vacuum gauge. Such a device is available from the official representative for the repair of Shtil chainsaws.
User manual
Now we invite you to read the operating instructions for the chainsaw in more detail. This will help avoid many breakdowns and save your own time and effort.
Preparing the Stihl MS-170 chain saw for work
Immediately after assembling the chain saw, the chain is tensioned and the fuel and oil tanks are filled with working fluids. The fuel mixture is prepared in advance at the rate of 5 liters of gasoline (92) and 100 ml. Stihl oils for two-stroke engines. The operator once again checks the tension of the fasteners and starts the chainsaw according to the instructions. Immediately after the first start, the idle speed and the degree of oil supply to the chain are checked.
Running in a chainsaw
The main points are as follows:
- The fuel mixture for 4-8 tank fills is prepared by increasing the amount of engine oil.
- The chainsaw is used in a gentle mode - at 50% of the power of the power plant, no more.
Maintenance
Maintenance work is carried out in several stages:
- Daily maintenance before and after use. The actions are aimed at checking the performance of the Shtil chainsaw before operation and cleaning work upon completion of sawing work.
- If problems or malfunctions occur, or when sharpening the saw chain, scheduled maintenance is carried out.
Serious operational problems require the intervention of professionals from service centers.
Chainsaw problems
Let us briefly list possible malfunctions in the operation of the Shtil 170 petrol chain saw.
The engine does not start, stalls:
- no fuel;
- the ignition system fails;
- the fuel supply system does not work;
- the carburetor is not adjusted or dirty;
- the air filter is clogged.
Doesn't develop speed:
- fuel or air filters are clogged;
- carburetor malfunction.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the full version of the instructions for the Shtil MS-170 chainsaw.
Reviews Stihl MS 170
In conclusion of the article, I would like to consider a real review from a buyer of the Shtil MC 170 chainsaw taken from a large online store.
Advantages:
- Not heavy;
- Quite powerful;
- Comfortable;
- Well put together.
Flaws:
- It's hard to start when it's cold;
- A little expensive.
A comment:
After we finished construction, there was a lot of wood waste left. Moreover, we asked our neighboring builders, they cut down two large birch trees for firewood on their site. They disturbed them. So we decided to buy a saw. Stihl 170, I liked it right away. Comfortable and lightweight. We looked at cheaper options, for five to six thousand, but they didn’t really suit me. Either it won’t start, or the oil is leaking, in general, everything is wrong. We decided to pay more, but buy a quality tool, so as not to have to drive back and forth between the dacha and the service center.
The advantages of the purchase are obvious, oil consumption is not high, and it consumes gasoline decently. But since I bought a saw for the first time in my life, I can’t adequately estimate the cost.
I was told a little late that there are saws with easy starting, so I would have bought it. This would make the already easy operation of the chainsaw even easier. The neighbor's birch trees were cut with a chainsaw with great difficulty, but they were really thick, and we had to cut on all four sides. In general, my opinion about the saw is positive, just a little expensive.
I'm glad I bought it and recommend it to everyone!
October 27, 2016, Moscow
Advantages and disadvantages
The unit is popular among home craftsmen and professional lumberjacks.
The product has the following advantages:
- High build quality. All parts and mechanisms are made with great precision and fit together well.
- Durability and reliability. The unit is made of durable and corrosion-resistant materials. He is not afraid of bumps and falls.
- Comfort at work. The machine's engine runs quietly and the low level of vibration does not cause premature fatigue. The saw is lightweight and easy to manipulate.
- Affordable price. The price of the new product compares favorably with analogues produced in Europe, Japan and South Korea.
- Long service life. The chain saw parts are wear-resistant and can be easily and quickly replaced if necessary.
- Multifunctionality. It is possible to install a headset to perform tasks of various types. The machine is used for decorative carving, mowing plants and felling trees.
As for the disadvantages, owners note increased oil consumption due to the constant operation of the pump supplying lubricant to the chain. In addition, there are difficulties with starting when the engine does not start at negative ambient temperatures. Users in our country are not always satisfied with the price of branded equipment.
