Comparison of STIHL MS 170 and MS 231 C-BE

The STIHL MS 170 and MS 231 C-BE are both professional grade chainsaws with excellent power and cutting capacity. They have a number of features that make them easy to start, simple to operate and safe to use. The MS 170 is a popular chainsaw and the smallest of the STIHL homeowner chain saws. The MS 231 C-BE is also a homeowner chain saw, but it has more power and room for the user to grow into it. Here is what you need to know when comparing these two models.

Detail Comparison

Technical specifications MS 170 MS 231 C-BE
Displacement ­cm³ 30,1 42,6
Power output ­kW/bhp 1,2/1,6 2/2,7
Weight ­kg 4,1 1) 5,1 1)
Power-to-weight ratio ­kg/kW 3,4 2,6
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 small chainsaw with many convenient and easy to use features. It has a high power-to-weight ratio, and many of its basic features are the same as those found on larger STIHL models. The compact, lightweight design of the MS 170 makes it ideal for cutting firewood or felling trees up to 12 inches in diameter. The MS 170 also comes equipped with a fuel-efficient, low emission engine that reduces exhaust emissions by 50% compared to the previous model.

STIHL MS 170 is ideal for occasional wood-cutting tasks around the home or farm. Powered by a low-emission engine, the MS 170 chainsaw features a high-tech, fuel-efficient engine that delivers 20% longer run times. It also features a preseparation air filtration system—so effective it results in a two-times longer filter life when compared to previous STIHL models. Weighing just 9.3 pounds without fuel, it is extremely lightweight for easy handling and maneuverability.

STIHL MS 231 C-BE

STIHL MS 170 and MS 231 C-BE

The MS 231 C-BE is a lightweight, high performance saw that is ideal for thinning out smaller trees and clearing brush. It’s powered by STIHL’s powerful 25.4 cc engine and offers an impressive range of advanced features. If you’re in the market for a chainsaw that’s easier to start than your older model but still packs plenty of power, you’ll want to take a look at the STIHL MS 231 C-BE! This handy powerhouse comes equipped with all the features you need – including an anti-vibration system so your hands won’t get tired while working long days.

MS 231 C-BE generates 1.8 kW (2.4 bhp). That is a significant difference in power, so if you need a lot of cutting action for your project, go with the MS 231 C-BE.

The STIHL MS 231 C-BE also features an advanced anti-vibration system with a patented 4-point suspension that absorbs more vibration than previous models. The STIHL MS 231 C-BE is a mid-sized chainsaw that packs a punch. It comes with the convenience of STIHL’s Easy2Start™ system and new starting technology that provides an effortless start without any extra resistance on the pull cord. With more power than its predecessor, the MS 231 C-BE is also equipped with our M-Tronic engine management system, which electronically adjusts to changes in operating conditions and optimizes engine power at all times.

STIHL MS 170 and MS 231 C-BE|Engine Displacement

The STIHL MS 170 has a two-stroke engine with a displacement of 31.8 cc. The STIHL MS 231 C-BE has a more powerful four-stroke engine with a displacement of 55.5 cc. That’s roughly twice as much displacement and means that the MS 231 C-BE has more horsepower and torque than the MS 170.

The engine displacement refers to the volume swept by all of the pistons in the cylinders of a reciprocating engine, and is measured in cubic centimeters (cc). As a result, the MS231 C-BE has approximately three percent more power than its counterpart. The MS170 and MS 231 C-BE also have similar features. Both chain saws have easy start systems and tool-free fuel caps. In addition, their toolless oil caps make refueling and maintenance quick and easy. Both chain saws also have side access chain tensioning for fast adjustments, anti-vibration technology for comfortable operation and ergonomic handles for maneuverability.

On the other hand, MS 231 C-BE has higher power output per displacement than the MS 170. When it comes to STIHL chainsaws, the MS 170 and MS 231 C-BE are two models that are fairly similar. They have different engine displacements, but both engines are high-performance, low emission and fuel efficient.

STIHL MS 170 vs MS 231 C-BE|Power output

Every STIHL chainsaw model has a specific power output (kW) and engine displacement (cc). A combination of these two numbers determines which type of work your STIHL chainsaw is capable of. The power output is measured in kW for the STIHL MS 170 and in kW for the STIHL MS 231 C-BE.

The power output indicates how much horsepower the motor has to cut through wood. The higher the engine displacement, the more powerful the chainsaw will be.

The STIHL MS 170 has a 30.1 cc engine and 1.3 horsepower engine output, and it can cut up to 11 meters per second with its 16″ bar length (the bar length can be increased to 20″ if necessary). The STIHL MS 230 C-BE is more powerful than its brother with a 35.2 cc engine and 1.8 horsepower engine output, allowing it to cut at 13 meters per second with its 18″ bar length (again, this can be increased to 20″). Additionally, the MS 230 C-BE features an additional tool called Easy2Start™, which makes starting the chainsaw significantly easier and reduces effort required by up to 40%.

STIHL MS 170 vs MS 231 C-BE|Weight

The MS 170 has an engine displacement of 31.8ccs and produces 1.7 horsepower. It weighs 11 pounds without its guide bar or chain installed. The MS 231 C-BE has an engine displacement of 45.6ccs and produces 2.6 horsepower. It weighs 13 pounds without its guide bar or chain installed—its greater weight means it’s more stable when you’re using it, which can be especially helpful if you need to cut a large tree or branch at a severe angle.

The STIHL MS 170 chainsaw is the smallest and most lightweight of the STIHL homeowner saws. MS 170 has a 1.5-horsepower gas engine and a 16-inch bar and chain that are ideal for clearing brush and cutting small trees around the yard or garden. The STIHL MS 231 C-BE, on the other hand, is an upgraded version of the MS 230 model with improved features to make it easier to use. This upgraded model also has a 1.5-horsepower motor but comes with an additional Easy2Start technology to assist with starting the engine, along with a Quick Chain Adjuster for adjusting the chain tension without tools.

STIHL MS 170 vs MS 231 C-BE|Power-to-weight ratio

The MS 231 C-BE is a high-torque chainsaw that is both economical and environmentally conscious. This unit has an excellent power-to-weight ratio and features the STIHL Quickstop inertia chain brake for added safety.

Power-to-weight ratio is defined as the amount of power in watts that a chainsaw has compared to its total weight in kilograms.

It’s often used to measure engine performance and is important because it can affect how much work you’ll be able to do efficiently with a particular tool. This is especially true if your job involves trimming trees or cutting down branches over an extended period of time.

STIHL MS 170 vs MS 231 C-BE|Sound pressure level

When it comes to sound pressure levels, the STIHL MS 170 has a sound pressure level of 106 dB(A) while the STIHL MS 231 C-BE has a sound pressure level of 109 dB(A).

The MS 170 and the MS 231 C-BE are both part of STIHL’s Farm & Ranch line of chainsaws. They’re built to be powerful, easy to start and comfortable, and have the power to do some serious heavy-duty cutting, but they have different features that might make one a better choice for you than the other. The MS 170 is great for basic home use, while the MS 231 C-BE has additional features that make it more suitable for professional use.

STIHL MS 170 vs MS 231 C-BE|Vibration level left/right

Vibration levels are one of the most important things to consider when you’re looking for a chainsaw. The vibrations that come from using a chainsaw can really take a toll on your body and cause long term damage to your muscles and joints. If you want to give yourself the best chance at avoiding injury, then it’s important that you choose a saw with low vibration levels. There are two different measurements that can be used to gauge the vibration level of a chainsaw: the left/right measurements and the front/back measurements.

The left/right measurement tells us how much vibration will be transferred over to your right hand versus your left hand. The front/back measurement tells us how much vibration will be transferred to the handles at the front of the chainsaw versus the handle at the back of the chainsaw. These measurements are typically given in meters per second squared (m/s2).

The MS 170 and the 231 C-BE both have the same anti-vibration system, which dampens the vibrations of the engine and chainsaw as a whole. Also, they both have the same weight of 5.5 pounds, with no difference between the two in that regard. The MS 170 is slightly less expensive than the MS 231 C-BE at $199.95 versus $329.95. However, it’s important to note that there is a reason for this price difference: you get what you pay for with these chainsaws.

STIHL MS 170 vs MS 231 C-BE|which is more better

The main difference between the MS 170 and MS 231 C-BE is that the latter has a simplified starting procedure. The MS 170 requires manual choke and primer pump to start, while the Easy2Start™ technology in the MS 231 C-BE enables you to start the saw with a fraction of the effort required by other chainsaws. This makes it a great option for homeowners who want to put less strain on their bodies when they’re completing cutting tasks around their property. Another main difference between these two STIHL chainsaws is that the MS 231 C-BE is equipped with an automatic chain oiler.

This feature keeps your bar and chain properly lubricated, so you can cut for longer periods of time without having to stop for maintenance. It also helps extend the life of your saw; since lubrication is critical in preventing friction from wearing down your tools, having an automatic oiler can mean getting more work done over time with fewer repairs needed.

The MS 170 has a one-piece wrap handle, while the MS 231 C-BE has a double wrap handle for added control and comfort during operation. Both models are equipped with anti-vibration systems that absorb vibration from the engine at its source, isolating it from the operator’s hands and arms for increased comfort during operation. The STIHL MS 170 is a compact chainsaw with a bar length ranging from 12″ – 16″. It is ideal for pruning small trees.

The End

Both chainsaws are equipped with decompression valves located right on the cylinder. This makes them very easy to start as it reduces compression by as much as 40% when starting. They also have side access chain tensioners that allow for quick and effortless chain adjustments. The chain brake can be activated manually or automatically through inertia in the event of a kickback situation.