STIHL MS 170 vs. MS 250: Choosing the Best Chainsaw for Your Ontario Property

It's one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Dufferin County: "I need a reliable chainsaw for my property. Should I get the STIHL MS 170 or the MS 250?" It's a great question because both are fantastic saws, but they are engineered for very different jobs. Choosing the right one means the difference between a tool that feels like an extension of your arm and one that leaves you feeling frustrated.

This guide cuts through the noise. We'll go beyond the basic specs to give you the practical insights you need, based on decades of experience serving property owners right here in Ontario.

One important update before we begin: the legendary MS 170 has been succeeded by the new STIHL MS 162. Think of it as the evolution of a classic, same lightweight philosophy, but with modern enhancements. For this comparison, we'll look at the MS 170's legacy and its direct replacement, the MS 162, against the more powerful MS 250. By the end, you'll have a clear, confident answer for your specific needs.

 

At a Glance: MS 162 (Successor to MS 170) vs. MS 250

For those who want the bottom line upfront, here's how these two homeowner favourites stack up.

 

As you can see, the specifications tell a story. But the real difference is felt when you're halfway through a pile of wood. Let's break down what these numbers mean for you.

 

The Core Difference: Power and Performance

The most significant distinction between these saws is the engine. With nearly 80% of Canadian chainsaw users opting for gas-powered models, understanding the engine is critical.

The MS 250's 45.4 cc engine produces 3.0 hp, a substantial leap from the 30.1 cc, 1.7 hp engine in the MS 162/170 family. This isn't just a number on a page, it translates directly to cutting speed and capability.

• The MS 162/170 is a master of efficiency for lighter tasks. It has ample power for limbing fallen branches after a storm, pruning overgrown trees, and cutting logs up to about 8-10 inches in diameter for your fire pit. It's quick, responsive, and won't wear you out.

• The MS 250 has the raw torque to be a true firewood workhorse. When you're bucking 16-inch maple or oak logs, that extra horsepower means the chain won't bog down. It cuts faster and handles denser hardwoods with authority, making it the clear choice for anyone processing a cord of wood or more each year.

This power difference also dictates the compatible bar length. While the MS 162 runs perfectly with a 16-inch bar for occasional use, the MS 250's engine is robust enough to comfortably handle an 18-inch bar, giving you more capacity for felling small trees or sectioning larger logs.

 

Handling and Ergonomics: The Feel in Your Hands

Power is useless if the saw is too cumbersome to handle safely. This is where the lightweight design of the MS 162 truly shines. At under 10 pounds, it's incredibly nimble and easy to control, especially when you're making precise cuts or working at awkward angles. For homeowners who might use a saw only a few times a year, this ease of use is a major advantage that reduces fatigue.

The MS 250 is slightly heavier at 10.1 pounds. While the difference seems minimal, you'll feel it after an hour of continuous work. However, STIHL's excellent anti-vibration technology does a remarkable job of isolating your hands from engine vibration on both models, making them far more comfortable than older saws.

A common point of discussion online is the starting procedure. Some users find the MS 250 can be "hard to start." In our experience, this is almost always due to improper starting technique or stale fuel. A well-maintained MS 250 with fresh fuel and a clean air filter, started correctly, is very reliable. The MS 162, with its smaller engine, is typically a bit easier for novice users to start.

 

Matching the Saw to Your Dufferin County Property

The right choice comes down to an honest assessment of your property and the jobs you plan to tackle.

The STIHL MS 162 is Perfect For You If…

You own a typical suburban or small rural property. Your main tasks include seasonal pruning, cleaning up fallen branches after windstorms, and cutting a small amount of firewood for occasional use. You value a lightweight tool that is easy to start, handle, and store. For you, the chainsaw is a problem-solver for occasional, light-to-medium-duty jobs. The STIHL MS 162 is your agile, reliable partner.

 

The STIHL MS 250 is Your Go-To Saw If…

You have a larger property, heat with wood, or consistently tackle more demanding projects. You're not just cleaning up, you're actively managing your woodlot, felling trees up to 16 inches in diameter, and processing multiple cords of firewood for the winter. You need a saw with reserve power that won't back down from tough, dense hardwood. The STIHL MS 250 is the versatile workhorse that will meet your demands year after year.

If you find yourself on the fence, we often advise customers to consider their future needs. If you think your tasks might grow, investing in the extra power of the MS 250 is a decision you're unlikely to regret.

 

Beyond the Saw: The Value of Local Expertise

A chainsaw is more than a simple purchase; it's a long-term investment in your property. Buying from an authorized dealer like Larry's Small Engines ensures your saw is assembled correctly, fuelled, and test-run before you leave. We can provide crucial safety advice and operating tips specific to our region's hardwoods and cold weather conditions. When it comes time for a tune-up or a new chain, you have a partner who knows your machine inside and out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the STIHL MS 170 discontinued?

Yes, the MS 170 has been phased out of the lineup and replaced by the new and improved STIHL MS 162. It fills the exact same role as a lightweight, reliable homeowner saw.

What are the common problems with the MS 170 or MS 250?

Both models are exceptionally reliable. The most common issues we see stem from old or improperly mixed fuel, which can cause carburetor problems. The MS 250 can feel "cold-blooded" and may require a proper warm-up period, especially in our Ontario winters.

Can I cut down a 12-inch tree with an MS 162?

Technically, yes, you can. A 16-inch bar will handle a 12-inch diameter tree. However, the saw's lower power will make the job slow, and it puts significant strain on the engine. For felling trees of this size regularly, the MS 250 is the much better and safer tool for the job.

What's the best bar length for a homeowner chainsaw?

A 16-inch bar is the most popular and versatile choice for homeowners. It provides enough capacity for most common tasks without being unwieldy. The MS 162 is perfectly balanced with a 16-inch bar, while the MS 250 can handle both a 16-inch and an 18-inch bar effectively.