What’s the difference between STIHL MS 170 and MS 231? To find out, we’ve performed a thorough comparison between these two chainsaws. The STIHL MS 231 is a step-up in power over the STIHL MS 170, but this additional power is not without a trade-off. For some users, the more powerful MS 231 may be too big and heavy to handle well.
Detail Comparison
| MS 170 | MS 231 | |
| Technical specifications | MS 170 | MS 231 |
| Displacement cm³ | 30,1 | 42,6 |
| Power output kW/bhp | 1,2/1,6 | 2/2,7 |
| Weight kg | 4,1 1) | 4,8 1) |
| Power-to-weight ratio kg/kW | 3,4 | 2,4 |
| Sound pressure level dB(A) | 100 2) | 103 2) |
| Sound power level dB(A) | 111 3) | 114 3) |
| Vibration level left/right m/s² | 5,2/5,5 4) | 3,9/3,9 4) |
| Saw chain pitch | 3/8″P | 3/8″P |
| STIHL Oilomatic saw chain type | PMM3 | Picco Micro 3 (PM3) |
STIHL MS 170
The MS 170 is a light, compact chainsaw with excellent ergonomics and high cutting performance. Designed for woodcutting tasks around the home, it is a practical entry-level model for anyone new to forestry work. The MS 230 is a similar chainsaw, but with a higher power output and a number of other improvements which make it better suited to more demanding jobs. Both the MS 170 and the MS 230 are equipped with STIHL’s Easy2Start system, which allows users to start the engine with minimal effort by simply pulling on the starter handle.
This makes them very easy to use, even if you’re not a particularly experienced chainsaw operator. The main difference between the two models is their weight and power output. While both chainsaws are lightweight enough for everyone to use comfortably, the MS 170 weighs 1.8kg less than the MS 230 and has 10% less power output. This means that, while both models will be able to cope well with most light jobs around the home like cutting firewood or trimming small branches from trees, only the more powerful MS 230 will be able to handle heavier tasks like felling small trees or larger branches.
STIHL MS 231
The MS 231 is the follow on from the MS 230 and was introduced in 2014. The MS 231 shares all of the same features of the MS 230 with a few added extras. For instance, it has a new simplified starting procedure which allows you to get to work quicker, and an adjustable oil pump that allows you to control the amount of chain lubrication. The STIHL MS 170 is perfect for homeowners looking to maintain their property on a tight budget.
It features a 30.1 cc engine with a bar length up to 16 inches, making it ideal for cutting firewood or felling small trees. It also features an easy-access air filter that’s located on top of the engine so you don’t have to remove any covers or panels when servicing your machine.
It’s lightweight at only 10 pounds and comes with an ergonomic handlebar design for comfortable handling during operation. The main difference between the two is that the MS 170 uses a manual fuel pump, which means you have to prime your chainsaw before each use. The MS 231 uses an automatic oil pump which makes it easier to start and requires less effort from you because it will automatically lubricate itself when needed without having to manually do so every time like you would on an MS 170 model .
STIHL MS 170 and MS 231|Engine Displacement
The difference in power output is due to the fact that the MS 231 has a larger engine displacement of 30.1 cubic centimeters compared to 32 cubic centimeters for the MS 170.
A higher engine displacement means a more powerful engine, thus more energy for cutting wood or doing other tasks that require a chainsaw’s capabilities. Fuel tank capacity Fuel consumption varies depending on usage, but both chainsaws have fuel tanks with capacities of 10 ounces, so you won’t have to worry about running out of gas while you’re.
The MS 170 and MS 231 are both lightweight chainsaws with a large engine displacement. The MS 170 and the MS 231 are two similar chainsaws from the STIHL brand. Depending on your budget, either one could be a good option for personal use.
STIHL MS 170 vs MS 231|Power output
The MS 170 has a power output of 1.2 kilowatts which is equivalent to 1.6 horsepower. The MS 231 on the other hand has a power output of 1.6 kilowatts which is equivalent to 2.1 horsepower.
The Stihl MS 170 is lighter than the Stihl MS 231, making it easier to handle, but it has a smaller engine size and lower power output. If you want more power or want a model with slightly better handling, consider the Stihl MS 231 over the Stihl MS 170.
STIHL MS 170 vs MS 231|Weight
To begin with, the MS 170 weighs 4.6 lbs. while the MS 231 weighs 5.5 lbs. This is a significant difference, especially if you plan to be working for long periods of time. The chainsaw you choose should feel comfortable in your hands and not put too much strain on your body as you work.
Keep in mind that the weight of these two models doesn’t include the bar or chain, and both bars and chains add additional weight to the overall weight of the saw itself. If you plan to use either of these models for any period of time, it may be worth investing in a lightweight bar and chain combo in order to reduce fatigue when operating the saw.
STIHL MS 170 vs MS 231|Power-to-weight ratio
The power-to-weight ratio refers to how much power a machine delivers in relation to its weight. For example, if you took two chainsaws with the same engine displacement but one was larger than the other, it would have a higher power-to-weight ratio because it would deliver more power per pound of body weight. If you had two chainsaws that were identical except for their fuel tank capacity, then one with a larger fuel tank would have a higher power-to-weight ratio because.
The STIHL MS 170 chainsaw is a small, lightweight saw with a power-to-weight ratio of 1.4 hp/lb. The saw features 1.4kW of engine power and weighs in at just 10.7 pounds, making it perfect for light-duty work such as pruning branches and felling trees under 8″ in diameter.
The STIHL MS 231 is essentially an updated version, with the same basic specifications but with an improved power-to-weight ratio of 1.5 hp/lb (up from 1.4). The MS 231 also has more torque than its predecessor, which makes it better suited to cutting through thicker branches and larger trees (up to 18″ in diameter). It weighs 11 pounds and is currently available for around $200—$20 more than the MS 170—but it comes with a four-year warranty instead of two years.
STIHL MS 170 vs MS 231|Sound pressure level
One thing that sets these two chainsaws apart from each other is the amount of sound pressure level (SPL) they create when operating at full throttle.
The MS 170 also has a lower sound pressure level than the MS 231. This means it will be quieter while running, which can be helpful if you’re working near neighbors or family members who may get annoyed by a loud noise. With all of that said, there are several factors that make the STIHL MS 231 ideal for heavy-duty tasks like clearing land or felling trees.
STIHL manufactures a full line of powerful, lightweight and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. The company strives to provide consumers with high quality tools to help them create and maintain the beauty of their homes, gardens and landscapes. STIHL has been a leader in innovation for more than 80 years by creating technology and design that set the standard for the industry. STIHL offers more than a thousand different products including chain saws, trimmers, blowers and sweepers.
STIHL MS 170 vs MS 231|Sound power level
The sound power level of a STIHL chainsaw measures how loud it is when in operation. A lower decibel rating indicates that the product produces less noise than similar products in its class.
The STIHL MS 170 has a sound power level of 106 dB(A), making it one of the quietest chainsaws in its class. The manufacturer recommends wearing hearing protection when operating this machine due to its loud sound output during operation.
The MS 170 has an average sound power level of 110 dB(A), while the MS 231 is slightly louder at 115 dB(A). By comparison, a normal conversation between two people is typically around 60 dB(A).
STIHL MS 170 vs MS 231|Vibration level left/right
The STIHL MS 170 comes equipped with 19 different vibration levels on its handlebars which can be activated or deactivated to customize your mowing experience. This feature makes it easy to adjust your mowing speed depending on how difficult the grass or other obstacles are while turning on the mower. Some homeowners have stated that this feature allows them to cut through thick brush without having to increase their speed too much, letting them finish faster and spend less time waiting for their lawn to get sufficiently cut.
STIHL MS 170 vs MS 231|STIHL Oilomatic saw chain type
Both chainsaws use STIHL Oilomatic saw chain type Picco Micro 3 (PM3). This narrow kerf saw chain has an extremely small radius cutting corner, making it ideal for pruning and carving wood. The bumper spikes on the guide bar help prevent kickback and absorb impacts when bucking and limbing, while the square-shaped tie straps are durable and reliable under pressure.
The oil flow is adjustable for different applications or types of wood. The Picco Micro 3 saw chain requires less power from the saw than standard cutting attachments, so it’s ideal for use on smaller chainsaws like those in.
STIHL MS 170 vs MS 231|which is better
Both saws feature a manual fuel pump to eliminate the need to prime the unit before starting it. The anti-vibration system on both models reduces fatigue during operation, and both saws can be used with 12 inches or 14 inches guide bars, although they come standard with a 12 inch bar. Differences While both chainsaws offer a similar level of power, one of the main differences between the models is that the Stihl MS 231 has a two-mix engine while the MS 170 does not.
STIHL MS 170 and STIHL MS 231 are both high-performance chainsaws that are suitable for pruning and other light-cutting jobs. Both chainsaws are available at a price of around $200. This makes them ideal for individuals that want to buy a good quality chainsaw without breaking the bank.
The End
The Stihl MS 170 and the MS 231 are both compact and lightweight chainsaws that are designed for occasional use. These chainsaws share many similarities, but there are some key differences between them as well. Knowing these differences can help you select the model that is best for your needs.