A new Stihl MS 170 typically costs about $200-$230 before sales tax, with an average price near $215. Bar length, local dealer pricing, included setup, and whether the saw is new old stock can change the out-the-door total.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New MS 170 powerhead and standard bar | $200 | $215 | $230 | Typical U.S. dealer price before tax |
| Sales tax | $0 | $13 | $23 | Varies by local tax rate |
| Basic protective gear | $40 | $90 | $180 | Chaps, eye and hearing protection, gloves |
| Ready-to-use purchase | $240 | $305 | $430 | Saw, tax, and basic gear; fuel may cost extra |
What a new Stihl MS 170 costs at U.S. dealers
The MS 170 is an entry-level gas chainsaw commonly sold with a 12- or 14-inch bar. A reasonable budget is $200-$230 for the saw itself, averaging around $215 before tax. Promotions, location, and dealer inventory may put a particular listing outside that range.
Most advertised prices cover the saw and its standard cutting equipment, not a full set of safety gear or fuel. The powerhead weighs about 8.6 pounds before adding the bar, chain, and fuel. Buyers should compare the exact bar configuration and included items rather than treating every price as identical.
Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, standard new saw configuration, ordinary availability, and no sales tax or optional accessories included.
How bar, dealer setup, and tax shape the receipt
Because the MS 170 is generally sold as a ready-to-use consumer saw, there is usually no installation labor charge. Some dealers include inspection and basic setup in the price; others may quote the saw separately from optional accessories or delivery. Ask for a written out-the-door estimate.
| Quote item | Typical price | What to check | Budget effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saw with standard bar and chain | $200-$230 | Confirm bar length and included chain | Main purchase price |
| Dealer inspection or setup | $0-$25 | Ask whether it is included | May be waived or bundled |
| Spare chain | $18-$35 | Match chain pitch and gauge | Optional replacement item |
| Fuel and bar oil | $12-$30 | Check required mix and oil type | Initial operating supplies |
| Sales tax | $0-$23 | Depends on local rate and price | Added at checkout |
Setup, consumables, and tax can add roughly $30-$80 without changing the saw’s advertised price. A delivery fee may apply for online or remote-area orders, but many buyers can avoid it by purchasing from a nearby dealer.
Why a 12-inch bar or 14-inch bar changes the deal
Bar length and package configuration can affect availability and the quoted price. A 12-inch bar is suited to smaller cutting jobs and may be listed at the lower end of the range; a 14-inch setup can cost more depending on the seller and included chain. Verify the exact configuration on the invoice.
The MS 170 has a 30.1 cc engine. It is intended for lighter property maintenance, firewood cutting, and occasional use rather than sustained heavy-duty work. A seller may recommend a larger saw for frequent cutting of logs over roughly 12 inches in diameter. Paying more for a longer bar does not increase engine capacity.
Condition matters especially with older inventory. A new saw should be unused, complete, and covered by the seller’s applicable warranty. Confirm that it is not a used, refurbished, or display unit if the listing simply says “new.”
How local dealer pricing differs by region
Prices can vary with dealer overhead, competition, taxes, and stock. As a planning estimate, metro-area quotes may run around 5%-10% above a lower-cost rural or suburban offer, while remote locations can add delivery or limited-inventory charges. These are comparison ranges, not fixed regional price rules.
State and local sales tax can make a bigger difference to the final receipt than a small advertised-price gap. On a $215 saw, an 8% tax adds about $17.20. Compare the final price after tax and any delivery or setup charge, not just the listing price.
What three realistic MS 170 purchase totals look like
| Purchase scenario | Saw | Extras and tax | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest-cost local purchase | $200 | $16 tax; setup included | $216 |
| Typical ready-to-use package | $215 | $17 tax, $20 fuel and oil, $25 spare chain | $277 |
| Higher-cost purchase with gear | $230 | $23 tax, $30 supplies, $150 basic protective gear | $433 |
These examples assume no delivery charge and do not include premium protective clothing. Safety equipment costs depend on what the buyer already owns and whether it meets the task’s needs.
The saw-only figure and the full first-day budget are different numbers. A buyer who already has suitable gear and supplies may stay close to the base price; a first-time chainsaw owner should budget for protection and operating supplies too.
MS 170 versus a used saw or a larger Stihl model
A used MS 170 may cost less, but price alone does not reveal engine condition, chain brake function, compression, or repair needs. A repairable used saw can become a poor value if it needs a carburetor, bar, chain, or professional service. Ask for a cold-start demonstration and inspect safety features before paying.
A larger saw costs more but may be appropriate for frequent cutting or thicker wood. Compare engine size, weight, bar options, and warranty along with the sticker price. For occasional light work, a sound new MS 170 can avoid the uncertain repair bill of a low-priced used saw.
Ways to lower the MS 170 bill without cutting safety
Request prices from two or three authorized local dealers and ask whether setup, a spare chain, or delivery is included. Check for seasonal promotions, but compare the complete package and warranty terms. If a 12-inch bar meets the actual work, there may be no reason to pay extra for a larger configuration.
Buy only the accessories needed for planned use, while keeping required protective equipment in the budget. Avoid paying for add-ons that duplicate gear already owned. Saving $10-$20 on the saw is not worthwhile if it means skipping appropriate eye, hearing, or leg protection.
Before accepting a quote, confirm that the price is for a new MS 170, identify the bar length, ask about setup and warranty, and request the total after tax. A clear written quote makes dealer offers easier to compare and helps prevent surprise charges.