Stihl MS 171 Vs MS 251 C-BE: Both the STIHL MS 171 and the MS 251 C-BE are lightweight chainsaws that are great for cutting firewood and general property management tasks. The main difference between the two is that the MS 171 is a two-stroke engine, while the MS 251 C-BE is an advanced four-stroke engine. Four-stroke engines have several significant advantages over two-stroke engines: Four-stroke engines like the MS 251 C-BE’s produce less noise, run more quietly, and are more fuel-efficient than their two-stroke counterparts.
Detail Comparison
| MS 171 | MS 251 C-BE | |
| Technical specifications | MS 171 | MS 251 C-BE |
| Displacement cm³ | 31,8 | 45,6 |
| Power output kW/bhp | 1,3/1,8 | 2,2/3 |
| Weight kg | 4,3 1) | 5,1 1) |
| Power-to-weight ratio kg/kW | 3,3 | 2,4 |
| Sound pressure level dB(A) | 99 2) | 103 2) |
| STIHL Oilomatic saw chain type | Picco Micro Mini 3 (PMM3) | Rapid Micro (RM) |
| Sound power level dB(A) | 112 3) | 114 3) |
| Vibration level left/right m/s² | 4/4,5 4) | 3,9/3,9 4) |
| Saw chain pitch | 3/8″P | .325″ |
STIHL MS 171
The STIHL MS 171, like all the best STIHL chainsaws, is built with safety first and foremost. The 171 is equipped with the STIHL Quickstop inertia chain brake, which stops the chain in seconds when activated by the user or upon kickback. One of the biggest reasons for a kickback is a dull chain that needs replacement. The MS 171’s single-lever master control allows you to start and stop both the throttle and choke from one location on the handle. This makes starting the chainsaw easier and helps prevent flooding. The MS 171 can run up to 55 minutes on a single tank of fuel, so it’s great for clearing brush or cutting firewood around the home.
STIHL MS 251 C-BE
The STIHL MS 251 C-BE is a powerful mid-range chainsaw equipped with a number of features for efficient and convenient operation. With its 16-inch bar, this chain saw can take on tough cutting jobs such as felling small trees and pruning branches from medium sized trees. The MS 251 C-BE features a powerful 50.2cc engine that generates 3.9 horsepower and delivers the power to a durable, 16″ bar and chain. This chainsaw has a side-mounted chain tensioning system that makes it easy for you to adjust the chain without tools, so you can get back to work quickly.
The anti-vibration system takes the sting out of long jobs by reducing the vibration produced by the engine and cutting equipment, so your hands won’t get tired as easily. A quick stop chain brake system stops the chain almost immediately after you release the throttle trigger, helping reduce kickback in case of accidental throttle engagement during start up or operation. STIHL recommends using only STIHL replacement parts for the repair and maintenance of your STIHL equipment. We want every STIHL owner to have the best product performance possible, so if you are in need of STIHL repair or equipment maintenance, contact your local authorized.
STIHL MS 171 vs MS 251 C-BE|Engine Displacement
The STIHL MS 171 and the MS 251 C-BE are two of the most powerful chainsaws available today. They share many of the same features, including an anti-vibration system, an easy-access chain tensioner, and a tool-free fuel cap. There is only one thing that sets these two chainsaws apart from each other: their engine displacement. The MS 171’s engine displacement is 30.1 cubic centimeters, while the MS 251 C-BE’s engine displacement is 40.6 cubic centimeters.
This makes the MS 251 C-BE less than 2 pounds heavier than the MS 171, but it also provides a higher power output with less fuel consumption and lower emissions—all thanks to its larger engine size. The STIHL MS 171 and the MS 251 C-BE both have a preparation air filtration system that requires less frequent maintenance for increased convenience. They also both feature an advanced anti-vibration system that reduces user fatigue and allows for longer periods of operation without discomfort in your hands or wrists.
The engine displacement is measured in cc (cubic centimeters) and it gives you an idea of how powerful a chainsaw is as well as how much fuel it uses while operating. A higher engine displacement usually means more power and more fuel efficiency, which can be especially important if you’re using a saw for long periods of time or on.
STIHL MS 171 vs MS 251 C-BE|Power output
The STIHL MS 171 is a great choice for anyone looking for something easy to handle and easy to use. It provides enough power for clearing your yard or cutting firewood. It has a 2-MIX engine with an adjustable carburetor setting, allowing you to choose between the highest level of performance or lower emissions. It also features a tool-less fuel and oil cap. The MS 171 has a 35.2 cc engine that puts out 1.8 kW (2.4 bhp) power output, which makes it ideal for handling smaller cutting jobs.
The STIHL MS 251 C-BE is a great choice if you’re looking for something with a little more power that doesn’t sacrifice ease of use. It has the same easy-to-use features as the MS 171, but offers more raw power thanks to its powerful 45.6 cc engine, which puts out 2 kW (2.7 bhp) of power output. The MS 251 C-BE also features a Quick Chain Adjuster so you can adjust the chain tension without tools, and an adjustable automatic chain oiler that helps keep your chain properly lubricated while you work.
STIHL MS 171 vs MS 251 C-BE|Weight
The STIHL MS 251 C-BE has all the comfort and ease of the MS 251, but is easy to start and adjust on the fly. It features a pre-separation air filtration system—extending the cleaning life of the air filter so you have less maintenance. The MS 251 C-BE starts easily with just a gentle pull, which is ideal when it’s chilly or you’ve been away from power tools for a while. The combi tool is integrated into the rear handle, so it’s always there when you need it (and out of the way when you don’t).
As with all STIHL products, our chain saws are designed for reliability and built for the long haul, and they have what it takes to help you in the field, whether you’re maintaining a fenceline or out in the forest with a cordless chainsaw. If you’re not sure which STIHL chainsaw is right for your needs, check out our Chain Saw Buyer’s Guide. The MS 171 chainsaw is built around one of our new fuel-efficient engines with enough power to cut through small trees, clean up after a storm or fell larger trees. The STIHL MS 171 also features an advanced anti-vib.
STIHL MS 171 vs MS 251 C-BE|Power-to-weight ratio
STIHL is one of the most respected brands in the outdoor power tool industry. With a wide range of products, from chainsaws to handheld blowers and everything in between, it’s no wonder STIHL dominates many categories. This is especially true of their mid-range chainsaws, where the MS 171 and MS 251 C-BE reign supreme.
While these two chainsaws are similar in many ways, there are some important differences that could help you decide which one best suits your needs. Power-to-weight ratio This is a biggie—the MS 171 weighs almost four pounds less than the MS 251 C-BE. And that’s not all; it’s actually lighter than its predecessor, the MS 170, while maintaining more power and torque! When you factor in that the MS 251 C-BE is a Consumer Reports “Best Buy,” you might be wondering why anyone would buy the heavier saw if they don’t need the extra power? Well, there’s a good reason for this, and it’s all about how much work you need to get done.
STIHL MS 171 vs MS 251 C-BE|Sound pressure level
The STIHL MS 171 is part of the Farm & Ranch Series and is available to purchase at a STIHL dealer near you. The MS 171 is an entry-level saw, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in power or performance. In fact, it has many of the same design characteristics as the MS 291, including a pre-separation air filtration system and anti-vibration technology.
This mid-sized saw is great for pruning and felling small trees, cutting firewood and storm cleanup. It also features an adjustable automatic oiler with an oil level indicator window. The MS 251 C-BE is part of the STIHL Homeowner Series, which means it’s designed for occasional use around your home and yard. It’s a great option for homeowners looking for a chainsaw with enough power to handle everyday tasks like storm cleanup or tree maintenance.
STIHL MS 171 vs MS 251 C-BE|Sound power level
Sound power level: The sound power level of the MS 171 is 103 dB(A) as compared to 112 dB(A) for the MS 251 C-BE. These values are crucial when using your saw in an urban area where there might be noise regulations or you don’t want to disturb the neighbors. When using the MS 251 C-BE, you’ll need to use hearing protection, whereas with the MS 171 you can probably get away without any ear protection depending on where you are.
STIHL MS 171 vs MS 251 C-BE|Vibration level left/right
Both are lightweight, ergonomically designed, fuel efficient and built to last. They vary in their power output, weight and features, but both fit well into the homeowner category of power tools. The STIHL MS 171 is a popular choice for property owners. It is designed for use by homeowners who are looking for a powerful but comfortably lightweight chainsaw to help with firewood cutting, clean-up after storms or tree pruning around their home.
The STIHL MS 251 C-BE is also a popular choice with homeowners because of its high torque over a wide range of speeds. This makes it ideal for yard clean-up tasks such as cutting small logs or felling trees up to 12″ in diameter.
STIHL MS 171 vs MS 251 C-BE|Saw chain pitch
A saw chain has three essential factors that make it work: pitch, pitch length, and pitch width. Pitch is the distance from the cutting edge of the chain to the center of the wheel. Pitch length is simply the distance from the back of the wheel to the tip of the chain. Pitch width is simply a measure of how wide a cut will be with a given pitch.
The new MS 251 M-CS and the MS 171 M-BCS both have the same saw chain pitch, but they are different in the following ways: 1. MS 171 has a 2-point reduction gear instead of a 4-point reduction gear, which means it is softer on the drive sprocket teeth.
STIHL MS 171 vs MS 251 C-BE|STIHL Oilomatic saw chain type
The STIHL MS 251 C-BE is an upgraded version of the MS 251. It has many of the same features as its predecessor, but it also includes the Easy2Start™ and Quick Chain Adjuster systems. The MS 251 C-BE is a great choice for homeowners who want to upgrade from a smaller, less powerful chainsaw. The STIHL MS 171 is extremely popular among homeowners who are looking for an economical yet high-quality chainsaw. It’s considered a “mid-range” saw, meaning that it’s not as powerful as some of the larger models in the STIHL line, but it’s also not as expensive.
This makes it perfect for those home users who don’t need a professional-grade saw, but who still want something with plenty of power to tackle all their tasks around the yard with ease. STIHL offers two different kinds of chains for their chainsaws: Oilomatic and Picco Micro™ (PM). The PM chain is designed to be used with smaller cutting attachments and has a more aggressive design than Oilomatic. It’s best suited for pruning limbs and other light work where precision is needed rather than sheer cutting power.
STIHL MS 171 vs MS 251 C-BE|which is better
The MS 251 C-BE is a lot more powerful than the MS 171. The MS 251 has a 2.4 hp motor, which packs almost double the punch of the 1.3 hp motor on the MS 171. This difference can be felt as you use them to cut down trees or clear brush. The MS 251 will make quick work of anything you throw at it, while the MS 171 will struggle with some of the heavier jobs.
The cutting bar on the MS 251 is not only longer than that on the MS 171 (25″ vs 16″), but it’s also thicker (3/8″ vs 3/8″). The extra length and thickness allow it to cut through larger pieces of wood with greater ease. The price difference between them is quite substantial. The MS 251 C-BE costs $50 more than its cheaper counterpart, but you get what you pay for (although it’s not clear if you actually need that much power for what’s essentially going to be a weekend warrior tool).
Summary
MS 171 and MS 251 C-BE are really two different machines, so there’s no direct comparison you can make between them (besides perhaps comparing the durability and reliability of these two machines). MS 171 is a belt sander that has been on the market for over four decades because it is an extremely powerful, durable, and reliable machine overall. MS 251 C-BE is a much newer model – introduced only about three years ago – with a few modern upgrades/improvements (notably in dust collection) and that also has a much lower cost of ownership (approximately half of what an MS 171 might cost).