Husqvarna 120 Mark II vs Stihl MS 170: A Simple Comparison

Introduction

When choosing a chainsaw for property maintenance, it's important to select a model that is lightweight, easy to handle, and fuel-efficient—ideal for small to medium cutting tasks, unlike the heavy-duty models used for large tree cutting or storm cleanup.

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II and Stihl MS 170 are two popular chainsaw options that strike a great balance of power and convenience for homeowners. Known for their reliability, Stihl chainsaws like the MS 170 are trusted by many for smooth and efficient performance.

In this guide, we’ll compare the Husqvarna and Stihl chainsaws, looking at their engine performance, weight, balance, and bar length, highlighting their strengths and differences to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Features of Husqvarna 120 Mark II

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II is a reliable entry-level chainsaw designed for homeowners who need a lightweight yet powerful tool for small to medium cutting tasks.

Here are its key features:

Engine Power & Performance

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II, featuring a 38.2cc engine producing 1.88 HP and 1.4 kW of cutting power, is perfect for trimming branches, cutting firewood, and light tree work. It delivers 133% of the max engine power speed, with a chain speed of 16.8 m/s (9,000 RPM). The engine can reach a max speed of 13,000 RPM, with a higher idle speed of 3,000 RPM for smooth operation.

X-Torq® Engine Technology

The X-Torq® engine is a key feature of the Husqvarna 120 Mark II, reducing fuel consumption by 20% while lowering emissions. This improves efficiency, extends runtime, and makes the chainsaw more eco-friendly.

Air Injection System

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II has an Air Injection system that removes large amounts of dust and debris before they reach the air filter. A spinning flywheel with cooling fins pushes heavier particles outward while directing cleaner air to the filter. This extends the filter's life, reduces maintenance, and maintains steady performance.

Easy Starting System

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II has an Air Purge System that removes trapped air from the fuel system, ensuring quick starts with fewer pulls. It also features an Easy Start system, reducing resistance by 40% for a smoother startup.

LowVib® Technology

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II has LowVib® technology with rubber dampeners to absorb vibrations, reducing hand and arm strain. With vibration levels of 2.1 m/s² (front) and 2.7 m/s² (rear), it ensures a more comfortable and smoother operation.

Lightweight & Balanced Design

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II weighs 10.7 lbs (4.8 kg) without a bar and chain, offering excellent balance and easy handling for comfortable use over long periods.

Bar Length Option

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II supports 14-inch to 18-inch guide bars, offering versatility for different cutting needs. This allows for better cutting capacity, making it suitable for felling small trees and cutting branches up to 10 inches thick.

Fuel & Oil Capacity

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II holds 10 oz of fuel and has a 145ml oil tank with an oil pump capacity of 1.0-1.2ml/min. This means it consumes about 21ml of oil per hour, ensuring smooth operation.

Features of Stihl MS 170

Engine Power & Performance

The Stihl MS 170 features a 30.1cc 2-MIX engine delivering 1.7 HP, making it ideal for trimming branches and cutting small firewood. With a max power speed of 8,500 RPM and a top engine speed of 14,000 RPM, it ensures fast and efficient cutting. The idle speed of 2,800 RPM keeps it stable when not in use, offering smooth operation.

Lightweight & Compact Design

Weighing 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) without the bar and chain, the Stihl MS 170 is lightweight and easy to use. Its ergonomic design offers good balance, reducing fatigue during extended use. This durable, compact chainsaw is ideal for trimming small trees, cutting branches, and maintaining the yard.

Anti-Vibration System

The Stihl MS 170 features an anti-vibration system that reduces hand and arm strain and fatigue. This system minimizes chainsaw rattling, ensuring a steady, comfortable grip for longer cutting tasks.

Bar Length Options

The Stihl MS 170 supports 12-inch to 16-inch guide bars, making it versatile for pruning, trimming, and cutting small logs. While not designed for heavy-duty tasks, a 16-inch bar is ideal for chopping firewood and general yard work.

Easy Start System

The Stihl MS 170 features QuickStart technology for effortless ignition and a semi-automatic choke to prevent flooding. It also includes the IntelliCarb system, which automatically adjusts the air-to-fuel ratio when the air filter gets clogged. This keeps the engine running smoothly at the proper RPM, ensuring consistent performance even with a dirty filter.

Fuel & Oil Capacity

The Stihl MS 170 has an 8.5-oz fuel tank and a 4.9-oz oil tank, ensuring efficient fuel use with minimal refueling interruptions. Its Ematic Lubrication System controls oil flow with guide bar ramps, keeping the chain well-lubricated while reducing oil consumption by up to 50% for smoother operation and better efficiency.

Side-Mounted Chain Tensioner

The Stihl MS 170 features a side-mounted chain tensioner, allowing quick and easy adjustments without removing the clutch cover or needing extra tools.

Husqvarna 120 Mark II Vs Stihl MS 170

Engine Power & Performance

When choosing a lightweight chainsaw, engine power matters less than ease of use and efficiency. The Husqvarna 120 Mark II has more horsepower, making it better for cutting thicker branches and small logs. In contrast, the Stihl MS 170 delivers smooth general trimming and light-cutting operation.

While the MS 170's 14,000 RPM compensates for its lower horsepower, helping it cut faster, the 120 Mark II's higher idle speed keeps the chain moving even when not actively cutting. This can be useful but also means the engine may heat up more. The MS 170 is ideal for pruning and firewood cutting, but it's not suited for light felling or limbing tasks.

Weight and Balance

The Stihl MS 170 is lighter (8.7 lbs), making it easier to maneuver, especially in tight spaces or overhead tasks. Its well-placed controls allow for quick adjustments, reducing strain during extended use. This makes it a great choice for beginners or those who prefer a lightweight, small-size tool for trimming and firewood cutting.

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II, weighing around 11 lbs, offers an ergonomic handle and a well-balanced weight-to-power ratio, making it stable for cutting thicker branches. However, its extra weight may cause fatigue faster, especially for new users.

The MS 170 is the better option if portability and comfort matter most. If you need more stability and cutting power, the 120 Mark II is a solid choice.

Bar Length Options

The Stihl MS 170 supports 12-inch to 16-inch bars, making it ideal for light-cutting tasks like trimming and firewood chopping. The shorter 12-inch bar offers better precision for smaller jobs, while the 16-inch bar handles thicker branches but isn't suitable for heavy-duty cutting.

On the other hand, the Husqvarna 120 Mark II supports 14-inch to 18-inch bars, offering more flexibility. The more extended bar allows for cutting slightly thicker logs and small tree felling, but it lacks a 12-inch option, making it less maneuverable in tight spaces.

Fuel and Oil Efficiency and Maintenance

Both chainsaws are fuel-efficient, but the Husqvarna 120 Mark II has a larger 10 oz fuel tank, meaning fewer refueling stops than the Stihl MS 170's 8.5 oz tank.

The MS 170's simpler design makes it easier to clean for maintenance. However, it lacks the Air Injection system found in the 120 Mark II, which helps keep the engine cleaner by filtering out heavier particles. This means the MS 170's air filter may need more frequent cleaning.

In terms of oil usage, the MS 170 features an Ematic guide bar, which optimizes oil flow and reduces consumption. The 120 Mark II lacks this system, leading to higher oil use over time.

Price and Value

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II costs slightly more but offers more power, while the Stihl MS 170 is lighter and more affordable, making it a great budget-friendly choice.

Brand reputation plays a key role in resale value. Stihl chainsaws, known for their quality, tend to hold their value well in the market. This is important because your chainsaw could be a valuable asset when you upgrade or change tools.

Maximize Your Performance with the Right Chainsaw

Choosing the right chainsaw is all about balancing power, weight, ease of use, and, of course, your specific needs. Whether you opt for the Husqvarna 120 Mark II or the Stihl MS 170, both are excellent choices for small to medium cutting tasks.

If you’ve decided on Stihl chainsaws, there are a variety of models available to suit different tasks. You can find the perfect fit for your needs at trusted Stihl chainsaw dealers in Texas, such as Diamond Tractors and Equipment, offering a wide selection of reliable Stihl equipment.