Description
The STIHL MS 172 petrol chainsaw is designed for homeowners who regularly prepare firewood, maintain trees around a garden or property, and need more cutting performance than an entry-level occasional-use saw.
Its 31.8 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine produces 1.4 kW / 1.9 hp and is available with either a 30 cm / 12-inch or 35 cm / 14-inch guide bar. The MS 172 sits between the lighter STIHL MS 162 and the more powerful STIHL MS 182, making it a strong all-round choice for regular domestic wood cutting.
Select the required bar length above. Both versions use the same engine and provide the same power output; the difference is the size and weight of the cutting attachment.
STIHL MS 172 at a glance
- 31.8 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX petrol engine
- 1.4 kW / 1.9 hp output
- 30 cm / 12-inch or 35 cm / 14-inch guide bar
- 3/8-inch P narrow-kerf saw chain
- 4.5 kg powerhead weight without fuel, guide bar or chain
- STIHL anti-vibration system
- Side-mounted chain tensioning
- Combi-lever with automatic stop return
- Transparent fuel and chain-oil tanks
- Carburettor compensator
- Assembled and checked by Masseys before handover
Who is the STIHL MS 172 suitable for?
The MS 172 is intended principally for homeowners and domestic users who need a dependable petrol chainsaw for regular rather than intensive daily use.
Typical applications include:
- Preparing small and medium firewood
- Cutting fallen branches from a safe working position
- Pruning suitable woody branches at ground level
- Maintaining small trees around a garden or property
- Cutting timber for garden and DIY projects
- Seasonal storm clean-up where the conditions are safe
- Felling appropriately sized small trees where the operator is trained and competent
The MS 172 is not a professional forestry chainsaw. It is not designed for daily commercial logging, sustained cutting of large hardwood rounds or felling mature and technically difficult trees.
Should you choose the 12-inch or 14-inch MS 172?
| Option | Best suited to | Product number |
|---|---|---|
| 30 cm / 12-inch | Smaller firewood, lighter handling, pruning and work in tighter garden areas | 11482000006 |
| 35 cm / 14-inch | Medium domestic firewood and customers wanting additional guide-bar reach | 11482000241 |
Choose the 12-inch version if manoeuvrability and lower cutting-attachment weight are most important. Choose the 14-inch version where the additional reach is genuinely useful.
The 14-inch bar does not increase the engine power. Both versions use the same 31.8 cm³ engine, so customers regularly cutting large or demanding timber should select a more powerful chainsaw rather than relying solely on a longer guide bar.
31.8 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine
The STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke engine produces 1.4 kW / 1.9 hp. It is designed to combine useful domestic cutting performance with efficient fuel use and compliance with current EU Stage V emissions requirements.
The engine uses either STIHL MotoMix premixed fuel or a fresh 50:1 mixture of suitable petrol and quality two-stroke engine oil. Straight petrol must never be used.
3/8-inch P narrow-kerf saw chain
The MS 172 is fitted with a 3/8-inch P cutting system. Its narrow cutting kerf helps the compact engine deliver effective cutting performance for domestic firewood and garden-maintenance work.
The exact replacement chain depends on the selected guide bar, chain gauge and number of drive links. Always check the markings stamped on the guide bar or ask the Masseys team to identify the correct replacement.
The compatible STIHL Cut Kit 2 is available for the 30 cm / 12-inch configuration and includes a Rollomatic E Mini guide bar and two matching PMM3 saw chains.
STIHL anti-vibration system
Buffer and spring elements reduce the amount of engine vibration transmitted to the handles. This helps make the chainsaw more comfortable during suitable cutting work, although correct technique and regular breaks remain important.
Side-mounted chain tensioning
The chain-tensioning screw is accessed from the side of the sprocket cover. This position helps keep the operator’s hands away from the sharp chain when making an adjustment.
Switch off the engine, engage the chain brake and follow the operating instructions before checking or adjusting chain tension.
Combi-lever with stop function
The MS 172 uses one principal lever for starting, running and stopping. After the engine is switched off, the control returns automatically to the operating position, making a correctly warmed machine more straightforward to restart.
Transparent fuel and chain-oil tanks
The translucent tanks allow the operator to check the fuel and chain-lubricant levels without opening the caps.
Engine fuel and chain oil are separate. A 50:1 petrol and two-stroke oil mixture powers the engine, while suitable chainsaw chain oil must be added to the separate oil tank to lubricate the guide bar and saw chain.
Carburettor compensator
The compensator helps maintain engine output, exhaust quality and fuel consumption as the air filter gradually becomes contaminated. The filter must still be inspected and maintained in accordance with the STIHL operating instructions.
STIHL MS 172 technical specifications
| Model | STIHL MS 172 |
|---|---|
| Product type | Domestic petrol chainsaw |
| Engine | STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke petrol engine |
| Displacement | 31.8 cm³ |
| Power output | 1.4 kW / 1.9 hp |
| Powerhead weight | 4.5 kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain |
| Guide-bar options | 30 cm / 12 inches or 35 cm / 14 inches |
| Saw-chain pitch | 3/8-inch P |
| Chain adjustment | Side-mounted chain tensioning |
| Fuel | 50:1 petrol and suitable two-stroke oil mixture, or STIHL MotoMix |
| Chain lubrication | Separate chainsaw chain oil |
| 12-inch product number | 11482000006 |
| 14-inch product number | 11482000241 |
Specifications checked against current STIHL UK product information. Confirm the selected guide-bar length, product number, GTIN and cutting attachment before ordering replacement parts.
How does the MS 172 compare with other STIHL chainsaws?
| Model | Best suited to | Why choose it? |
|---|---|---|
| STIHL MS 162 | Occasional light domestic cutting | Lower-cost entry model for smaller firewood and garden tasks |
| STIHL MS 172 | Regular domestic firewood and garden maintenance | More output than the MS 162 while retaining manageable homeowner dimensions |
| STIHL MS 182 | More frequent domestic cutting and heavier timber | Additional engine output and larger bar options |
| STIHL MS 212 | Regular higher-volume firewood and demanding property maintenance | Greater power reserve for more substantial domestic cutting |
| STIHL MS 231 | Larger properties, smallholdings and more frequent use | Higher-capacity step-up model for customers needing more performance |
Browse the complete STIHL petrol chainsaw range or all petrol chainsaws available from Masseys.
What is included?
- STIHL MS 172 petrol chainsaw
- Selected 30 cm / 12-inch or 35 cm / 14-inch guide bar
- Matching STIHL saw chain
- Guide-bar scabbard
- Combination tool
- Operating and safety instructions
Fuel, two-stroke engine oil, chain oil and protective equipment are not included unless explicitly stated in a separate promotion or package.
What should you buy with the MS 172?
A petrol chainsaw requires suitable fuel, chain lubricant, maintenance equipment and protective clothing. Depending on what you already own, consider:
- STIHL MotoMix, two-stroke engine oil and chain lubricant
- A replacement chain matched to the selected guide bar
- STIHL Cut Kit 2 for the compatible 12-inch model
- A suitable sharpening file or STIHL 2-in-1 EasyFile
- Chainsaw helmet with face and hearing protection
- Chainsaw gloves
- Chainsaw protective trousers or chaps
- Chainsaw safety boots
- A stable saw horse for firewood processing
Masseys recommendation
The MS 172 is a good choice for customers who have outgrown a very light occasional-use chainsaw but do not need the weight, power or cost of a larger property-maintenance or professional saw.
Choose the 12-inch version for smaller logs, pruning and easier handling. Choose the 14-inch version where the additional reach is useful, but remember that both versions have the same engine output.
Customers who regularly cut large hardwood rounds or process significant quantities of firewood should consider the MS 182, MS 212 or MS 231 instead of continually operating the MS 172 near the upper edge of its domestic capability.
Why buy the STIHL MS 172 from Masseys?
Masseys is an authorised STIHL dealer based in Woodville, near Swadlincote. Our garden-machinery team can help you choose the correct guide-bar length, identify the right replacement chain and explain the fuel, oil and protective equipment required.
- Genuine UK STIHL machinery
- Authorised dealer warranty support
- Chainsaw assembled and checked before handover
- Advice on guide-bar length and replacement chains
- Genuine STIHL parts and accessories
- In-house garden-machinery servicing and repairs
- Collection from Woodville, near Swadlincote
- Local delivery options across many surrounding areas
For ongoing maintenance and workshop support, visit our garden machinery servicing and repairs department.
STIHL domestic warranty extension
Eligible domestic users can extend the standard two-year STIHL warranty to three years when five litres of STIHL MotoMix is purchased with the machine and the chainsaw is registered by a STIHL Approved Dealer. Eligibility remains subject to STIHL’s current warranty terms.
Chainsaw safety
Chainsaws can cause serious or fatal injury. Read the complete STIHL operating and safety instructions before use and obtain appropriate practical instruction.
Wear suitable chainsaw leg protection, safety boots, gloves and appropriate head, face, eye and hearing protection. Keep other people and animals away from the work area.
Do not operate a chainsaw from a ladder, above shoulder height or in a position where falling timber cannot be controlled. Large, damaged, leaning or technically difficult trees should be handled by a suitably trained and qualified professional.
Frequently asked questions
Is the STIHL MS 172 good for cutting firewood?
Yes. It is designed for regular domestic firewood preparation and appropriately sized small and medium timber. Customers processing large hardwood rounds frequently should consider a more powerful chainsaw.
Is the MS 172 suitable for a first petrol chainsaw?
The MS 172 is relatively compact and has straightforward controls, but all chainsaws are high-risk machines. First-time users should obtain practical instruction, wear the correct protective equipment and read the operating manual fully.
What is the difference between the MS 162 and MS 172?
The MS 162 is STIHL’s lighter entry-level homeowner saw for occasional work. The MS 172 provides greater engine output and is better suited to customers cutting firewood or maintaining trees more regularly.
What is the difference between the MS 172 and MS 182?
The MS 172 has a 31.8 cm³ engine producing 1.4 kW. The MS 182 provides more power and is better suited to more frequent cutting or heavier domestic timber.
Should I choose the 12-inch or 14-inch MS 172?
Choose the 12-inch version for lower cutting-attachment weight, easier manoeuvring and smaller firewood. Choose the 14-inch version where additional guide-bar reach is useful. Both versions have the same engine output.
How much does the MS 172 weigh?
STIHL specifies a powerhead weight of approximately 4.5 kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain. The complete operating weight is higher once the cutting attachment, fuel and chain oil are added.
What fuel does the MS 172 use?
Use STIHL MotoMix or a fresh 50:1 mixture of appropriate petrol and quality two-stroke engine oil. Never use straight petrol.
Does the MS 172 need separate chain oil?
Yes. Engine fuel and chain lubricant are separate. Add suitable chainsaw chain oil to the oil tank before use.
Which replacement chain fits the MS 172?
The MS 172 uses a 3/8-inch P cutting system, but the precise chain depends on the chosen bar length, gauge and drive-link count. Check the markings on the guide bar or ask Masseys before ordering.
Does the STIHL MS 172 arrive assembled?
Masseys assembles and checks the chainsaw before handover. The operator must still complete the prescribed pre-use checks before every working session.
Can the MS 172 be used professionally?
It is a homeowner chainsaw rather than a professional forestry machine. It is not designed for daily commercial logging, large-tree felling or sustained heavy hardwood processing.
