Product Description
The STIHL MS 172 C-E Gasoline Chainsaw is a lightweight, versatile cutting tool designed for residential property maintenance, firewood preparation, pruning, storm cleanup, and occasional cutting of smaller trees and logs.
Powered by a 31.8cc STIHL 2-MIX gasoline engine, the MS 172 C-E produces approximately 1.9 horsepower while maintaining a compact and manageable design. Its engine technology is engineered to balance cutting performance, fuel efficiency, and reduced exhaust emissions compared with older conventional two-stroke designs.
The U.S. configuration includes a 16-inch STIHL Light 01 guide bar and a low-profile 3/8-inch Picco saw chain. This setup provides a practical balance of cutting reach, control, and reduced weight for routine property-maintenance work.
STIHL Easy2Start technology reduces the pulling force required to start the engine. Instead of requiring a fast, forceful pull, the starting system stores energy during a smoother pull and releases it to turn the engine over.
A side-access chain tensioner allows the chain tension to be adjusted from the side of the sprocket cover using the included combination wrench. This arrangement keeps the user’s hands farther away from the sharp chain during adjustment.
The MS 172 C-E also features a Master Control Lever that combines the primary starting and operating functions into a single control. An anti-vibration system helps reduce engine and cutting vibration transferred to the handles, improving comfort during longer jobs.
A transparent fuel tank allows the remaining fuel level to be checked without opening the cap. The compensating carburetor helps maintain more consistent engine performance as the air filter becomes dirty, reducing the frequency of immediate filter cleaning during normal use.
Key Features
31.8cc STIHL 2-MIX Engine
Delivers approximately 1.9 horsepower in a compact format suitable for residential cutting and maintenance work.
STIHL Easy2Start
Reduces the force required to pull the starter cord and makes engine starting more controlled.
16-Inch Light 01 Guide Bar
Provides useful reach for firewood, branches, small logs, and general property maintenance while keeping the saw manageable.
Low-Profile Picco Saw Chain
The standard 3/8-inch Picco chain is designed to produce precise cuts with reduced kickback characteristics when used correctly.
Side-Access Chain Tensioner
Allows the chain to be adjusted through the side of the sprocket cover using the supplied combination wrench.
Anti-Vibration System
Helps reduce engine and cutting vibration transferred to the front and rear handles.
Master Control Lever
Combines operating, starting, choke, and stop functions into a single control.
Transparent Fuel Tank
Allows the operator to see the approximate fuel level without removing the fuel cap.
Compensating Carburetor
Helps maintain a more consistent fuel-to-air ratio as the air filter collects debris.
Lightweight Residential Design
Designed to remain maneuverable for pruning, firewood cutting, and general cleanup work.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | STIHL |
| Model | MS 172 C-E |
| Unique Model Name | MS 172 EasyStart 16 |
| Generated SKU | STI-MS172CE-16-GAS |
| Product Type | Gasoline chainsaw |
| Engine Type | STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 31.8cc / 1.9 cu. in. |
| Engine Power | 1.4 kW |
| Horsepower | Approximately 1.9 HP |
| Starting System | Recoil start with STIHL Easy2Start |
| Standard Guide Bar | 16-inch STIHL Light 01 |
| Standard Chain Type | STIHL 3/8-inch Picco |
| Chain Pitch | 3/8-inch P |
| Chain Tensioning | Side-access tensioner |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline and two-cycle engine oil mixture |
| Fuel-to-Oil Ratio | 50:1 |
| Recommended Fuel Ethanol Content | No more than 10% |
| Carburetor System | Compensating carburetor |
| Vibration Reduction | STIHL anti-vibration system |
| Primary Control | Master Control Lever |
| Fuel-Level Visibility | Transparent fuel tank |
| Recommended Use | Residential and occasional cutting |
| Standard Configuration | Guide bar and chain installed or supplied by dealer |
| Assembly Origin | Assembled in the United States from domestic and foreign components |
STIHL specifies a 50:1 gasoline-to-two-cycle-oil mixture and recommends fuel containing no more than 10% ethanol.
Recommended Applications
The STIHL MS 172 C-E is suitable for:
- Cutting residential firewood
- Pruning larger branches
- Storm and yard cleanup
- Cutting small logs
- Property and grounds maintenance
- Occasional cutting of smaller trees
- DIY outdoor wood projects
- Homeowners needing a compact gasoline saw
It is not positioned as a large professional forestry or heavy-felling chainsaw.
Guide Bar and Chain
The standard U.S. version is equipped with a 16-inch Light 01 guide bar and a compatible STIHL low-profile saw chain.
The lightweight bar helps reduce overall system weight and supports easier maneuvering during pruning, limbing, and cross-cutting jobs.
Replacement chains and guide bars must match the exact pitch, gauge, drive-link count, and model configuration specified by STIHL.
Fuel Requirements
The MS 172 C-E uses a two-stroke engine and requires gasoline mixed with approved two-cycle engine oil at a 50:1 ratio.
Use only properly prepared fuel that meets STIHL’s requirements. Fuel containing more than 10% ethanol can damage the fuel system and may affect warranty coverage.
What’s Included
- 1 × STIHL MS 172 C-E gasoline chainsaw powerhead
- 1 × 16-inch STIHL Light 01 guide bar
- 1 × Compatible STIHL 3/8-inch Picco saw chain
- 1 × Guide-bar scabbard
- 1 × Combination wrench or scrench
- 1 × Operator’s instruction manual
- Manufacturer safety and warranty documentation

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