STIHL MS 172 Petrol Chainsaw
Price range: £241.91 through £249.49
Product information & specifications
STIHL MS 172 Petrol Chainsaw Review
This review dives into the STIHL MS 172 petrol chainsaw, focusing on who it suits, its standout features, detailed specifications, how it compares with closely related models, practical usage tips, and concise answers to frequently searched questions. If you’re looking for a capable homeowner chainsaw with efficient cutting performance and user-friendly operation, the MS 172 brings a balanced blend of power, control and low-maintenance design.
Who the STIHL MS 172 Petrol Chainsaw is for
The STIHL MS 172 is ideal for homeowners who want dependable performance for cutting firewood and managing small trees with confidence. It suits users who value quick starts, smooth handling and smart features that simplify setup and maintenance. With its choice of 12-inch or 14-inch guide bars and a high-performance 3/8″ P chain, it’s well matched to garden, yard and property upkeep where precision, efficiency and comfort matter.
Key features
Efficient 2-MIX engine with strong cutting power: The STIHL 2-MIX engine delivers excellent cutting performance while reducing fuel consumption. Four-channel technology guides the fuel–air mixture precisely for optimal combustion, helping you work efficiently even under load and supporting compliance with the EU Stage V emissions standard.
12″ or 14″ bar with high-performance 3/8″ P chain: Choose the bar length that suits your typical tasks. The 3/8″ P saw chain runs a narrow kerf for lively cutting response and impressive bite, ideal for firewood processing and controlled small-tree work.
Comfortable anti-vibration system: Buffer and spring elements reduce vibration transmission to the handles, helping your hands and arms stay fresher during longer cutting sessions and promoting precise control.
Single-lever operation with easy restarts: A combi-lever design simplifies starting and stopping. Thanks to the stop function, the control lever returns to the operating position automatically, so warm restarts are immediate and fuss-free.
Side-mounted chain tensioning: Chain adjustments are quick and protected via a side-mounted tensioner accessed through the sprocket cover—ideal for fast re-tensioning and chain replacements.
Reduced-maintenance carburettor compensator: The compensator maintains engine performance, fuel consumption and exhaust consistency even as the air filter loads up, allowing extended work periods between cleanings.
Transparent fuel and oil tanks: At-a-glance level checks make it easy to top up on time, supporting smooth cutting and proper chain lubrication across the day.
Extended domestic warranty option: Extend the standard domestic warranty to 3 years with the purchase of 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix fuel at the point of purchase, with dealer registration.
STIHL MS 172 Petrol Chainsaw specifications
- Displacement: 31.
8 cm³ - Engine power: 1.
40 kW (1.
90 HP) - Bar length options: 30 cm / 35 cm (12 in / 14 in)
- Saw chain pitch: 3/8″ P
- Groove width: 1.
10 mm - Device weight without refuelling: 4.
5 kg - System weight without refuelling: 4.
97 kg / 5.
05 kg - Power-to-weight ratio: 3.
20 kg/kW - Device length with bumper spike: 395 mm
- Sound pressure level: 101 dB(A)
- Sound power level: 112 dB(A)
- Vibration level (left/right): 3.
5 / 3.
2 m/s² - CO2: 849 g/kWh
- Engine technology: STIHL 2-MIX with four-channel technology
- Emissions: Complies with EU Stage V
- Anti-vibration system: Yes
- Operation: Single-lever with combi-lever and stop function
- Chain tensioning: Side-mounted
- Tank design: Transparent fuel and oil tanks
STIHL MS 172 Petrol Chainsaw vs similar models
MS 172 vs STIHL MS 170: The MS 170 is a well-known entry point for light yard tasks. The MS 172 builds on that approachable format with a modern 2-MIX engine, lively 3/8″ P chain performance and convenient touches such as side-mounted chain tensioning, an easy-restart combi-lever and transparent tanks. For homeowners who value up-to-date efficiency and streamlined handling, the MS 172 presents a confident step forward while keeping operation familiar.
MS 172 vs a step-up homeowner model (e.g., STIHL MS 181): The MS 172 keeps weight and balance pleasingly agile for all-round property maintenance. Those who prioritise added comfort features or broader cutting capacity may consider a step-up model, while the MS 172 shines for its nimble power, efficient fuel use and clear, user-centric controls. Both paths are strong; the choice simply reflects whether you prefer lightweight versatility or an emphasis on higher-capacity trimming and bucking.
Usage tips
- Pick the right bar length: choose 12 inches for maximum agility or 14 inches for a touch more reach when cutting firewood and small timber.
- Use the side-mounted tensioner: check chain tension regularly and make small adjustments from the sprocket cover side for fast, protected re-tensioning.
- Keep the chain sharp: a sharp 3/8″ P chain with a narrow kerf delivers the quick, smooth cuts this saw is designed for.
- Monitor levels at a glance: the transparent fuel and oil tanks make top-ups effortless—maintain proper chain oiling for consistent performance.
- Leverage easy restarts: with the combi-lever and stop function, warm restarts are immediate, helping you move efficiently between cuts.
- Work comfortably: let the anti-vibration system do its job—use a relaxed, secure grip and steady stance for precise control.
- Fuel correctly: use a petrol-and-engine-oil mix as recommended for 2-stroke engines to support performance and longevity.
Frequently asked questions
What bar length does the STIHL MS 172 use?
The MS 172 is available with a 12-inch (30 cm) or 14-inch (35 cm) guide bar, so you can match the saw to your typical cutting tasks.
How powerful is the STIHL MS 172?
It has an engine power of 1.
40 kW (1.
90 HP), delivering lively performance for firewood cutting and small-tree work.
How much does a STIHL MS 172 weigh?
The device weight without fuel is 4.
5 kg. The system weight without refuelling is 4.
97 kg or 5.
05 kg, depending on bar and chain.
What chain does a STIHL MS 172 use?
It runs a 3/8″ P saw chain with a narrow kerf for high cutting performance and responsive handling.
Does the STIHL MS 172 have anti vibration?
Yes. An anti-vibration system with buffer and spring elements reduces vibration at the handles for more comfortable work.
What fuel mix does a STIHL MS 172 use?
Use a petrol-and-engine-oil mixture suitable for 2-stroke engines. The 2-MIX engine is designed for efficient fuel use and low emissions.
How to tension the chain on a STIHL MS 172?
Use the side-mounted chain tensioner, accessed through the sprocket cover, for quick and secure re-tensioning and chain replacement.
What is the STIHL MS 172 warranty?
A domestic warranty is included, and you can extend it from 2 to 3 years by purchasing 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix fuel at the same time and having the product registered at the point of purchase.
| Displacement | 31.8 cm³ |
| Power | 1.40 kW |
| Engine power | 1.90 HP |
| CO2 | 849 g/kWh |
| Device weight without refuelling | 4.5 kg 1) |
| System weight without refuelling | 4.97 / 5.05 kg 2) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3.20 kg/kW |
| Bar length | 30 / 35 cm 3) |
| Bar length | 12 / 14 in 3) |
| Groove width | 1.10 mm |
| Groove width | 43 in |
| Saw chain pitch | 3/8"P |
| Device length with bumper spike | 395 mm 1) |
| Sound pressure level | 101 dB(A) 4) |
| Sound power level | 112 dB(A) 4) |
| Vibration level, left | 3.5 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration level, right | 3.2 m/s² 5) |
Product Info
Product Info
Side-mounted chain tensioning allows for protected, easy and quick chain tensioning and replacement. The tensioning screw is inserted laterally through the sprocket cover.
The compensator is a control system in the carburettor, which uses pressure compensation to ensure that engine performance, exhaust gas quality and fuel consumption remain virtually constant over a long period of time, despite increasing contamination of the air filter. You do not need to clean the air filter until there is a noticeable drop in performance. This means that you can work for a long time without maintenance.
With the transparent oil tank, you can easily and quickly check the fill level of the chain oil. This means that you always know when you need to add chain oil for efficient work over long periods.
Thanks to STIHL four-channel technology, you can work with your power tool with very low fuel consumption and high performance. The four overflow channels guide the fuel-and-air mixture into the cylinder in a targeted and more compressed manner, which optimally burns the fuel and significantly increases the performance of the engine.
Only one start position is required on the combi lever. Thanks to the stop function, once the machine is turned off the control lever immediately moves back into the operating position. This allows a warm machine to be restarted immediately.
With the STIHL 2-MIX engine, you can reduce exhaust emissions and fuel consumption, and therefore operating costs. This 2-stroke engine is low-maintenance and uses fuel efficiently even at high power levels. Use a mixture of petrol and engine oil as fuel. The STIHL 2-MIX engine complies with the strict EU Stage V emissions directive.
Vibrations can occur when you put your power tools through their paces, and these are particularly noticeable in the grip area. The buffer and spring elements of the STIHL anti-vibration system reduce the transmission of vibrations to the handle area and therefore to your body. The result is that your power tool is more comfortable to hold and your work is much less tiring.
Warranty & Manuals
Warranty
STIHL offer a 1 year professional warranty or 2 year domestic warranty with all of their machines.
The following exceptions apply:
- AK System, AS System and AI Line cordless products aren't covered under warranty when used by professionals
- AP System machines, batteries and chargers - 2 year professional warranty
- Pressure washers - 2 year professional warranty or 3 year domestic warranty
- Mowers, tillers, shredders, scarifiers & iMOW machines
Extend your Stihl warranty by an additional year when purchasing a STIHL Smart Connector with selected machinery from the petrol and cordless range. Extends your petrol warranty from 1 to 2 years AND 2 to 3 years on select cordless tools.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery
UK Standard Delivery from - £11.00
Estimated delivery 2-4 days
Free Delivery available for orders above £150 Inc VAT
Estimated delivery 2-4 days
Returns
Returns
30-Day Return Policy
Faulty returns please call us on 01603 754890
For more information on shipping options, visit our contact us page