Looking for a chainsaw that won’t break the bank but still packs enough punch for real work? Picking the right model can feel like finding the best hotdog on the Fourth of July—everyone has an opinion, and the options can get overwhelming. To clear up the noise, we tested three top-rated STIHL chainsaws under $300 on one of the toughest wood types around: dense hickory. Whether you’re a seasoned weekend warrior or a homeowner who needs something reliable for yard cleanup, you’ll find out which saw is right for you.

Our hands-on test was done in true American style—on the 4th of July, with plenty of sunshine, sunscreen, and a whole lot of sawdust. We cut straight through the hype (and some really dense wood) so you can make the smartest choice for your needs. This is your your direct, no-nonsense STIHL chainsaw buyer’s guide.

Hickory isn’t just hard, it’s legendary for its density and resistance. If a chainsaw can make it through hickory, it can handle nearly anything you’ll cut at home. For our comparison, we went after a thick hickory log with a diameter well above what most homeowners would attempt. This wasn’t just a test—it was a battle of power, endurance, and value.

Testing chainsaws on huge hickory logs helps show you which models have enough strength for serious jobs and which ones are better kept for lighter tasks. Every miss, stall, or struggle in these cuts tells you exactly what to expect when you get your own saw home.

All three saws we tested are priced under $300, use a 16-inch bar and chain, and are gas-powered. But each has its own perks, tradeoffs, and user profiles. Let’s break it down.

• 16-inch bar and chain: Fits most backyard jobs from limbs to firewood
• Gas-powered engines: All deliver dependable cutting power
• Side-access chain tensioners: Make quick adjustments easier for all skill levels
• STIHL build quality: You expect durability, and you get it
• Under-$300 price tag: With room to spare for protective gear

• Price: $219.99 ( product details )
• Power: 1.6 horsepower
• Best for: Cleaning up branches, storm debris, trimming small trees

The MS162Z keeps things simple and affordable. If your cutting needs stick to small limbs and minor yard work, it does the job. Just don’t expect it to chew through thick trunk wood. The basic side-chain tensioner works well, and while it’s lightweight, it lacks advanced features like easy start. Don’t forget to protect yourself—not just with a good saw, but with sunscreen and eye gear, too.

• Price: $249.99 ( product details )
• Power: 1.9 horsepower
• Best for: Those wanting more punch for moderate tree work and all-around versatility

The MS 172 C-E is $30 more than the MS162Z, but that upgrade gets you a lot. You get an Easy Start pull system, making it easier for anyone in the family to fire it up. The bump in horsepower helps the saw dig through larger or denser wood with less struggle. It keeps the same side-access chain adjuster, so you still won’t need tools to make chain adjustments. For homeowners who want extra confidence for medium felling and regular yard jobs, this is a substantial leap in value.

• MS 182Z Price: $269.99 ( product details )
• MS 182 C-BE Price: $369.99 ( product details )
• Power: 2.0 horsepower (both)
• Chain: Thicker .050" gauge (vs. .043" on MS162/172), runs a 6355 chain for more aggressive cuts
• Unique to MS 182Z: Metal bumper spikes for more control and stability during big cuts, standard chain adjuster
• Unique to MS 182 C-BE: Easy Start feature (like the 172 C-E), plus a tool-less chain tensioner for on-the-go adjustments

Both MS182 models provide more muscle and can handle thick, stubborn wood better. The tool-less adjuster on the MS182 C-BE is perfect if you hate carrying tools or just want fast adjustments in the field. The metal spikes on the bar help keep the saw steady and bite into the log, giving added leverage and control.

Choose the MS 182 if you want pure power and don’t mind using a scrench. Go for the MS 182 C-BE if you like easy starts and tool-free adjustments for quick maintenance.

Putting specs aside, what really counts is how easily these chainsaws chewed through tough hickory. Here’s what happened when each model went head-to-head with the densest wood around.

The MS 162Z felt underpowered during large felling cuts, especially trying to chew through thick hickory. It struggled to make progress and showed why you shouldn’t use a smaller saw for anything bigger than light cleanup. If you try to cut down a full-grown tree with this one, you’ll likely get frustrated or stall out halfway through.

But: For limbs, small branches, and other light work on the ground, it’s just fine. The basic design makes it beginner-friendly and easy to maintain, but know its limits.

Best for:

• Storm debris
• Small branches
• Minor trims
• Occasional limb removal

Not suitable for big-diameter wood or felling large trees—simply not enough power.

The second you switch to the MS 172 C-E, you know you’re running a stronger saw. The Easy Start system means less yanking and less strain, which helps if multiple people in your household need to use it. It made large cuts much easier, though the thick hickory did still make the saw work hard. The 1.9 horsepower was enough to finish the tough felling cut, but not without a little patience and smart saw work.

Why it’s better:

• Noticeable power increase for just $30 extra
• Easy Start great for anyone, any age
• Comfortable for regular use and multiple rounds of trimming
• Can handle moderate tree felling and bigger limbs

Pros:

• Easiest to start
• More power means faster cuts
• Still light and maneuverable

Testing the MS 182Z really showed what that extra horsepower and chain gauge bring to the table. The thicker .050" chain bites deeper and doesn’t bog down as fast as the lighter-duty saws. Metal bumper spikes dig into the wood, keeping the saw steady and reducing kickback risk. The MS 182Z handled aggressive cuts and stubborn sections of hickory with confidence, powering through where the others struggled.

The MS 182 C-BE, not directly tested on the wood, has the same engine but adds features for tool-free chain adjustment and easy starting—ideal if you want maximum convenience.

You’ll like the MS 182Z / 182 C-BE if you:

• Frequently cut denser firewood or bigger logs
• Want a saw built for aggressive work without constant stalling
• Prefer durability and fewer maintenance steps

MS 182Z: Pure control and power, great value for those who don’t mind basic adjustment.MS 182 C-BE: The choice for hassle-free adjustments and starting, best for those who need simple, on-the-go fixes in the field.

MS 162Z is plenty if you:

• Mostly clear after storms
• Trim smaller limbs
• Tidy up the yard once in a while

But if you even think you’ll need to cut anything bigger, bump up to the next model. The MS 162 isn’t built for big trunks.

Homeowners Wanting Versatility and Value

MS 172 C-E is the stand-out choice:

• Great for regular use and moderate cutting
• Easy Start feature means less arm strain
• $30 more for far better performance is a smart investment

In short:

• MS 172 C-E is your weekend warrior saw. Good for most property owners, easy for everyone at home to use.

MS 182Z is the clear winner for those who:

• Cut large firewood regularly
• Need more control with metal bumper spikes
• Don’t mind manual starting

MS 182 C-BE is ideal if you:

• Don’t want to carry tools just to adjust your chain
• Prefer hassle-free easy starts
• Work remote or do fieldwork often (great for hunters, ranchers, and farm use)

Price and Features Cheat Sheet

Looking for more hands-on info? Check the full STIHL MS 182 specs and details or MS 182 C overview .

Sometimes the job needs even more power. For the thickest trunks, the STIHL MS 250 (around $430) was used to finish off the gnarliest cuts our smaller saws couldn’t complete. The MS 250 gives a pro feel at a homeowner price—look out for our next video, where we test the MS 250 as the best chainsaw under $450.

Stay tuned for the upcoming review, and check the MS 250 product page if you want bigger power right now.

Don’t forget the basics—your safety gear is as important as your equipment. Use sunscreen, gloves, safety glasses, and chaps every time you work. STIHL’s Easy Start features help prevent sprains and pulled muscles, especially for new users or those with less upper body strength. Even if your model doesn’t have it, use strong, smooth pulls to avoid kickbacks and false starts.

Always check:

• Bar and chain tension
• Fuel and lube levels
• Safety features (chain brake, throttle lock)

Chainsaws are heavy-duty tools. Use respect and the right gear, and you’ll get years of safe, reliable service.

After real-world cutting in one of the toughest woods in America, here’s what stands out:

• MS 162Z is fine for branches and super-light work.
• MS 172 C-E is the best value for most homeowners—it’s easy to start, versatile, and reliable.
• MS 182Z offers more power and better control for heavy cutting.
• MS 182 C-BE is right for those who put a premium on convenience and field fixes.

Choose your saw based on what you really need, not just price. Invest a bit more for the right features, and you’ll save time, effort, and maybe even a sore arm.

Stay sharp, cut safely, and enjoy your time outdoors knowing you’ve picked a trusted STIHL chainsaw.

Thanks for reading—see you in the next review!

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