Stihl MS-171 vs MS-180

[TN Cattleman]

Both of these saws have been out for a while, with the 180 having been out for quite some time. Is the 171 a improvement or is the older designed 180 a better saw? Both seem to be priced about the same. Most of the time a manufacturer will axe the older model of something within a year or two, but this has not happened with these lower priced small saws. Poll attached, but also please post your comments.

 

[SteveSr]

The old 180 is non-strato and larger displacement than the 170. I believe that the 171 is a newer design strato saw.

Also if you do decide to buy one of these you will be doing yourself a favor to get it setup from the get-go with a 3/8 LP (Stihl pico) .050" gauge bar and chain. Leave the .043" gauge to the pole saws that it was originally designed for!