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Deal.ai › Compare

STIHL MS 172 C-E Chainsaw vs Husqvarna 120 Gas Chainsaw

The Husqvarna 120 is the better first saw for most homeowners: its anti-vibration system and chain brake make limbing and pruning less tiring and safer, and 38 cc is enough for a 14-inch bar. The STIHL MS 172 C-E gives you a longer 16-inch bar, Easy2Start, a side-access tensioner and a diagnostic socket, and STIHL's dealer network is a real advantage for service. Neither is a felling saw for big trunks; pick the STIHL if reach and easy starting matter most, the Husqvarna if comfort and smooth cutting matter most.

  • Choose the STIHL MS 172 C-E if you want a longer 16-inch bar, pull-start assistance and a side-access chain tensioner, and you value STIHL dealer support.
  • Choose the Husqvarna 120 if you want a lighter-feeling, lower-vibration saw for pruning, limbing and firewood cleanup.

Prices

  • STIHL MS 172 C-E Chainsaw: $219.99 at Russo Power Equipment (last seen Nov 13)
  • Husqvarna 120 Gas Chainsaw: $219.99 at Metcalf-Pacella Materials (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: both cost the same at the latest prices (Nov 10 and Nov 13)
STIHL
STIHL MS 172 C-E 16" Gasoline Chainsaw

STIHL MS 172 C-E Chainsaw

STIHL MS 172 C-E 16" Gasoline Chainsaw

$219.99at Russo Power EquipmentChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Russo Power Equipment
Pros
  • 16-inch bar handles bigger limbs and small logs
  • Easy2Start reduces pull effort on cold starts
  • Side-access tensioner makes chain adjustments quick
  • Diagnostic socket helps a dealer spot problems early
  • Strong STIHL dealer and parts network
Cons
  • No anti-vibration system listed, so hands tire faster
  • Longer bar adds forward weight
  • Smaller engine can bog in hard wood with a buried bar
Husqvarna
Husqvarna 120

Husqvarna 120 Gas Chainsaw

Husqvarna 120

$219.99at Metcalf-Pacella MaterialsChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit Metcalf-Pacella Materials
Pros
  • Anti-vibration system cuts fatigue during long pruning sessions
  • 38 cc engine pulls its 14-inch bar strongly
  • Chain brake and safety chain standard
  • Simple, proven homeowner layout
Cons
  • 14-inch bar limits the size of wood you can cut in one pass
  • No start-assist or diagnostic features
  • Chain tensioning is less convenient than side access

What separates them

STIHL MS 172 C-E ChainsawHusqvarna 120 Gas Chainsaw
Bar length16-inch Light 01 bar, cuts larger limbs in one pass14-inch bar, better suited to limbs and small logs
Engine sizeSmaller displacement, tuned for light homeowner work38 cc, more grunt for its shorter bar
Anti-vibrationStandard STIHL damping, no anti-vibration system listedBuilt-in anti-vibration system reduces hand fatigue
StartingSTIHL Easy2Start plus Master Control LeverConventional pull start with choke and purge
Chain tensioningSide-access tensioner, adjust with a bar wrenchTool-assisted tensioning at the bar
SafetySTIHL Quickstop chain brake and safety chainChain brake and safety chain included
Diagnostics and serviceDiagnostic socket tracks usage and flags issues; wide STIHL dealer networkNo diagnostic port; Husqvarna dealer support varies by area
Weight and handlingLonger bar shifts weight forwardShorter bar and anti-vibration make it easier to control overhead

Price history

$249.99$219.00
Oct 29Nov 13
  • STIHL MS 172 C-E Chainsaw: lowest $249.99 on Nov 13 at Coastal Farm & Ranch.
  • Husqvarna 120 Gas Chainsaw: lowest $219.00 on Oct 29; $219.99 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

STIHL MS 172 C-E Chainsaw

  • Russo Power EquipmentNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $219.99Checked Nov 13
    Visit Russo Power Equipment
  • SouthernStatesCoopNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $219.99Checked Nov 13
    Visit SouthernStatesCoop
  • St. Peters True ValueNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $219.99Checked Nov 13
    Visit St. Peters True Value
  • Coastal Farm & RanchNew

    Availability unknown

    $249.99Checked Nov 13
    Visit Coastal Farm & Ranch

Also available at

  • Hartville HardwareCheck price at Hartville Hardware
All 4 stores and price history →

Husqvarna 120 Gas Chainsaw

  • Metcalf-Pacella MaterialsNew

    In stock

    $219.99Checked Nov 10
    Visit Metcalf-Pacella Materials
  • Tractor Supply CoNew

    In stock

    $219.99Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Tractor Supply Co
  • SawSuppliers.comNew

    In stock

    $239.99Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit SawSuppliers.com
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by husqvarnasales (98.5% positive, 14,500 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $219.99Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSTIHL MS 172 C-E ChainsawHusqvarna 120 Gas Chainsaw
Power Type—Gas
Saw Style—Straight Bar
Safety Features—With Chain Brake, With Safety Chain
With Anti-Vibration System—Yes
Color—Orange
Bar Length—14 inches bar
Engine Size—38 cc
Chain Pitch—0.38 in pitch
Horsepower—1.88 horsepower
Chain Gauge—0.05″ chain gauge
Security Features—Chain Brake
Power Source—Gasoline

What reviewers say

Husqvarna 120 Gas Chainsaw

Owners of the Husqvarna 120 generally treat it as a dependable light-duty saw that starts and cuts well for its size. Most praise its low vibration and safety features for the price. The common complaint is that it runs out of power on bigger wood.

What people mention
  • PowerMixedOwners say it cuts fine in small wood but bogs down in larger or harder logs.
  • VibrationPraisedThe anti-vibration system keeps hand fatigue down during longer trimming sessions.
  • StartingPraisedMost owners report it starts easily once the choke and primer routine is learned.
  • Bar lengthCriticisedThe 14-inch bar is seen as short for anything beyond branch and small-log work.

Questions and answers

Which is better for pruning and limbing?
The Husqvarna 120. Its anti-vibration system and shorter 14-inch bar make it easier to control at shoulder height and less tiring over a long session.
Which cuts bigger wood?
The STIHL MS 172 C-E, because its 16-inch bar reaches through larger limbs and small logs in one pass. Neither is meant for felling big trunks.
Which is easier to start?
The STIHL, thanks to Easy2Start and the Master Control Lever. The Husqvarna uses a standard pull start with choke and purge.
Is the Husqvarna worth stepping up to over the STIHL?
Step up if comfort and smooth cutting matter more than bar length. The Husqvarna's anti-vibration system and 38 cc engine make it the more comfortable saw for repeated pruning.
Which lasts longer?
Both are homeowner-grade saws with similar lifespans when run on fresh fuel mix and kept sharp. The STIHL's diagnostic socket and dealer network make problems easier to catch and fix.
Do both have a chain brake?
Yes. The STIHL has Quickstop and the Husqvarna lists a chain brake; both also ship with a safety chain.

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