Here’s this Stihl 017, produced between 1995 and 2002, a small but effective chainsaw. It’s kind of an entry-level tool for home users, part of Stihl’s COMPACT series. So, we can say it’s an ideal tool for household chores.
As a carpenter, I can add something: This saw is light but durable, so it does the job, but not for cutting down huge trees. It’s ideal for occasional use, for small tasks.
It’s worth mentioning, you can find this saw cheaply. Second-hand, you can find a well-maintained model for less than $100. If it drops below $75, it’s a real bargain, I’d say.
Stihl 017 Chainsaw
So, guys, let’s talk about these Stihl 017 and 018 chainsaws, right? They’re like siblings, both from the Stihl Series 1130. But, here’s the thing: the 018 flexes a bit more muscle with its 31.8 cc engine compared to the 30.1 cc of the 017.
Now, after these two, in 2002, we got the MS170 and MS180 stepping up, and guess what? You can still grab them fresh off the shelves today. Or, if you’re eyeing something else, the MS171 and MS181 are worth a peek too.
You know, you often stumble upon the Stihl 017 being hawked online. But hold your horses, folks, before you hit that “buy now” button, make sure it’s the right fit for your needs. And hey, keep in mind, you can snag a brand-new MS170 or MS171 for under $200, so don’t go overboard with the cash splash.
The 017 is your buddy for all sorts of tasks – trimming, pruning, clearing brush, or chopping up small logs for firewood. But, let’s not kid ourselves, it’s not cut out for heavy-duty stuff. Give it some breaks during the day, alright?
And here’s the deal, folks, the 017 is like the rookie of the chainsaw world. It’s got guts, sure, but it ain’t gonna outshine those fancy Oregon chainsaws. Just stick to what it’s good at, and you’ll be golden.
Oh, and speaking of chainsaws, I recently got my hands on an old Stihl 011, packs a punch quite similar to the 017. They’ve got their niches, you know?
As far as I’m aware, there’s only one flavor of the Stihl 017, unlike its cousin, the 015, which comes in multiple flavors.
Specs And Features
Check out this chart from the Stihl site back in 2002, it’s got all the juicy specs for the 017. Here’s a rundown:
• Displacement: 1.84 cubic inches • Engine size: 30.1 cc • Horsepower: 1.6 bhp • Kilowatts: 1.2 kW • Weight: 8.6 pounds
And oh, it was recommended to pair it with a 12 to 16-inch guide bar.
Now, let’s dive into what made the Stihl 017 tick:
• It had auto chain lubrication, so no need to fuss about oiling it up. • Plus, an inertia-activated chain brake for safety. • Air filter access was a breeze, and you could peek into the fuel and oil tanks through a see-through window.
Here’s the kicker: Electronic Quickstop and Anti-Vibration were standard features, which explains why you won’t find any 017 AV, 017 AVE, or 017 AVEQ models out there. Everything you needed came with the base model.
But hey, if you wanted to jazz up your 017, you could retrofit it with a lateral and high-speed chain tensioner, along with Elasto start. The Stihl 023 C, from the same era, already had all these bells and whistles pre-installed.
And if you’re hungry for more info, you can snatch the Stihl 017 manual for an instant download.
Now, for a bit of comparison, let’s peek at the specs for the Stihl MS170 also released in 2002.
When you line them up, they’re practically twins in terms of specs. The MS series was basically a rebranding, but do keep in mind, the newer 170s might have a few tweaks compared to the older ones.
So, if you’re eyeing one of these babies, make sure to check the manufacturing year to nail down the exact specs and features.
Stihl 017 Reviews
Hey folks, take a look at this video showcasing the Stihl 017 in action. You’ll notice it struggles a bit when tackling this 10-inch log. Now, speaking from personal experience, if I were using this saw for firewood, I’d stick to branches no thicker than 5 inches – perfect size for a mini wood stove, you know?
Trying to muscle through thick logs with this little guy just ends up being a patience game, as evidenced in the video. It’s smarter to invest in a beefier saw like the Stihl MS 251 (45cc) or the Husqvarna 460 Rancher (60cc) for those larger logs.
But hey, let’s give credit where it’s due – the 017 shines bright for specific tasks. Plenty of folks swear by its performance. It’s a champ when it comes to limbing, easy to tinker with, and slices through wood like a hot knife through butter.
And here’s an interesting tidbit: many prefer the 017 over the MS170 or MS171, believing that the older Stihl models were built tougher compared to the newer homeowner models.
Having a 017 tucked away as a backup saw is a smart move if you snag it at the right price.
Now, let’s break down the pros: • Being a Stihl, it’s crafted with quality, standing head and shoulders above many other brands. • This saw is built to last, with proper care it can serve you for decades. • Lightweight and nimble, making it a breeze to maneuver.
So, there you have it, folks. The Stihl 017 – a little powerhouse that punches above its weight in the right hands.
017 Stihl Chainsaw
If you decide to go for a Stihl 017 chainsaw, I bet you’ll find it quite handy. I know a bunch of folks who swear by it, using it regularly for all sorts of light tasks. Having a small chainsaw like the 017 is a must-have, alongside a mid-range and a powerful Stihl chainsaw. It’s a solid choice. Oh, and speaking of other options, there’s the Stihl 026 from the same era, a tad more powerful and definitely worth considering.
Any questions popping up? Feel free to drop them in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to check out Ed’s collection of interesting saws: the Stihl 056, Stihl 075, and Stihl 031AV.