Stihl MS 162 Chainsaw Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
This Stihl MS 162 review points to a 16-inch gas chainsaw for buyers who want a Stihl and can manage its listed 13.3 lb weight. Compare the Husqvarna 120 Mark III if lower listed weight and named starting features matter more.
On this page (9 sections)
- What does this Stihl MS 162 review say about the saw?
- How does the MS 162 compare with other 16-inch saws?
- What does the MS 162's weight mean for handling?
- Which alternatives suit different buyers?
- How should you prepare the MS 162 for its first use?
- What care and use habits help you avoid trouble?
- Is the Stihl MS 162 a good fit for your work?
- How should you choose between these saws?
- Final decision: who should buy the MS 162?
The Stihl MS 162 has a 16-inch bar and chain, a 1.2 kW power figure and a listed weight of 13.3 lb. This Stihl MS 162 review helps you decide whether that combination suits your home cutting, or whether another gas saw's stated features are a better match.
This is a comparison of published specifications and features, not a promise of cutting speed or suitability for every tree. Your experience, the wood, the saw's condition and the instructions for its exact configuration all affect whether it is the right tool for a job.
What does this Stihl MS 162 review say about the saw?
The MS 162 is a 16-inch Stihl gas chainsaw with a listed weight of 13.3 lb. It may make sense if brand preference and bar length lead your shortlist, but buyers who prioritize lower stated weight or named starting aids should compare alternatives first.
Stihl MS 162 16-inch gas chainsaw: Best for Stihl fans
- 16-inch bar and chain
- 1.2 kW
- 13.3 lb
A Stihl option with a 16-inch bar and chain. Its listed weight makes handling and session length important considerations.
Pros
- 16-inch bar and chain
- 1.2 kW power figure
Cons
- Listed weight is 13.3 lb
- Starting and vibration features aren't specified here
Its stated power is 1.2 kW. That figure can help identify the model, but it should not be directly ranked against horsepower or engine displacement figures because those units and measurement conventions differ.
The available details don't specify starting aids, vibration control or chain tensioning for the MS 162. If any of these features are important to your routine, check the manual and exact configuration before you buy.
Who should consider the Stihl MS 162?
Consider it if you want a Stihl chainsaw with a 16-inch bar and expect your work to involve occasional home cutting within the saw's instructions. Its listed weight is a meaningful tradeoff, especially if you'll carry it over a property or make many cuts in one session.
Skip it if you already know that a heavier saw will be uncomfortable, or if a named starting aid or vibration feature is a must-have. The Husqvarna 120 Mark III and 130 and ECHO CS-3510 specify features in those areas that aren't described for the MS 162.
A 16-inch bar does not make the saw suitable for every cut or every tree. Match the job to the manual, your skill level and the conditions on site.
How does the MS 162 compare with other 16-inch saws?
All four saws in this comparison are presented with 16-inch bars or bar-and-chain configurations. The biggest practical differences in the available details are the MS 162's stated weight and power unit, plus the starting and vibration features named for the alternatives.
| Model | Bar | Power or engine detail | Listed weight | Notable stated feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 120 Mark III | 16 in | 1.88 hp | 10.7 lb | Air purge and LowVib dampeners |
| Husqvarna 130 | 16 in | 2.2 hp | 5.7 lb | Fuel pump and LowVib dampeners |
| Stihl MS 162 | 16 in | 1.2 kW | 13.3 lb | Starting and vibration features not specified |
| ECHO CS-3510 | 16 in | 34.4 cc | Not stated | i-30 starter and spring vibration reduction |
The Husqvarna 130's listed weight differs sharply from the other figures. Treat that number as something to verify against the exact saw configuration and its manual before comparing it with the MS 162.
The ECHO's stated engine size is in cubic centimeters, while the other models use horsepower or kilowatts in this table. Those figures don't form a direct power ranking.
For a broader brand comparison, see our guide to Stihl vs Husqvarna chainsaws. If you want a wider shortlist beyond these models, our gas chainsaw buying guide explains what to compare for home use.
What does the MS 162's weight mean for handling?
The MS 162's listed 13.3 lb weight makes handling worth considering before you buy. It is heavier by the stated figures than the Husqvarna 120 Mark III, so carrying distance and the length of your work sessions may affect which saw feels manageable.
Published weights can describe different configurations and may not include the same items. Fuel, bar, chain and oil can also affect what you lift during use, so compare the manuals and the saw as sold rather than assuming the numbers are perfectly matched.
Think about where you'll work as well as how many cuts you expect. A saw carried between several areas of a property creates a different handling demand from one used near a stable work area.
The saw should remain under control throughout a cut. If your grip, stance or reach becomes awkward, stop and reassess the setup instead of trying to finish a cut while tired.
Our guide to how much a chainsaw weighs explains which weight details to compare. For frequent firewood work, use our chainsaws for cutting firewood guide to think through the workload and alternatives.
Which alternatives suit different buyers?
The Husqvarna 120 Mark III is the clearest alternative to compare when stated weight and starting features matter. The Husqvarna 130 and ECHO CS-3510 are worth considering for buyers who want their specified fuel-pump, starter or vibration features.
The Husqvarna 120 Mark III is listed at 10.7 lb and has an air purge system, combined choke/stop control and LowVib dampeners. It suits a buyer who wants those named features and a lower stated weight than the MS 162.
The Husqvarna 130 includes a fuel pump and combined choke/stop control, along with LowVib dampeners. Its stated weight is 5.7 lb, a figure that differs sharply from the other saws here, so verify the configuration before letting that number decide your purchase.
ECHO says the CS-3510 has an i-30 starter that reduces starting effort by 30 percent, plus a three-point spring vibration reduction system. Its listed engine size is 34.4 cc, but a weight is not stated in the details used here.
Choose between these saws by prioritizing the feature that will matter during your actual work. A buyer who wants Stihl can favor the MS 162, while someone focused on specified starting and vibration features has more to compare among the alternatives.
The best gas chainsaws for home use guide can help you compare additional models. If the MS 162 remains your choice, read its instructions for starting, chain tension and maintenance before its first use.
How should you prepare the MS 162 for its first use?
Set up the MS 162 according to its manual and check that the saw, bar and chain configuration match the job. The listed 16-inch bar is a starting point for planning, not permission to cut wood of any size.
Before starting, put on suitable chainsaw protective equipment and choose a clear work area. Keep other people away, plan where you will stand and where the cut material may move, and avoid working from an unstable position.
Read and follow the manual's directions for fuel, chain lubrication, starting, chain tension and safety controls. Do not guess at fuel mix or adjustment details from another saw's instructions, because requirements can differ between models.
If you are new to chainsaws, get proper instruction before operating one. A chainsaw can cause severe injury, and an appropriate bar length does not replace safe technique or training.
What care and use habits help you avoid trouble?
Keep the chain sharp and correctly tensioned according to the manual. A dull or poorly adjusted chain can make cutting harder and encourage forceful handling, so stop when the cut does not proceed as expected and inspect the saw safely.
Check the saw before each session for visible damage and confirm that the safety parts work as instructed. Clean and store it as the manual directs, and use only the specified fuel and lubrication.
Common mistakes include choosing by bar length alone, ignoring the complete saw weight, and assuming a feature from another model is also present on the MS 162. Avoid forcing the saw through wood, cutting above shoulder height or continuing when fatigue makes control harder.
Don't assume that the 1.2 kW figure predicts how quickly the saw will cut your wood. Wood species, condition, chain sharpness, technique and maintenance all influence the work.
Is the Stihl MS 162 a good fit for your work?
The MS 162 may fit occasional home cutting if a 16-inch bar suits the job and its listed weight feels manageable. Look elsewhere if a lower stated weight or specified starting and vibration features are higher priorities.
For firewood, consider how often you'll cut, the size and condition of the wood, and where you'll work. Follow the manual and use suitable protective equipment whenever operating a chainsaw.
A 16-inch bar does not mean every cut is appropriate or safe for a particular user. Don't use a chainsaw above shoulder height, and get training if you're new to chainsaw work.
How should you choose between these saws?
Choose the MS 162 if you want a Stihl saw with a 16-inch bar and are comfortable with its listed weight. Choose the Husqvarna 120 Mark III if its lower stated weight and named starting features align better with your priorities.
Consider the Husqvarna 130 if you want its fuel pump and LowVib features, while verifying the unusual weight figure for the configuration you plan to buy. Consider the ECHO CS-3510 if its specified starter and vibration reduction features fit your needs.
The comparison scores weigh stated specifications and features against the needs of someone shopping for a home gas saw. They don't predict how a saw will perform in your hands or on a particular cut.
For a second look at the Stihl and Husqvarna lines, read Stihl vs Husqvarna chainsaws. If firewood is your main task, use the firewood chainsaw guide to compare that workload with other options.
Final decision: who should buy the MS 162?
In this Stihl MS 162 review, the decision comes down to whether you prefer a Stihl with a 16-inch bar enough to accept its listed weight and the limited feature details available for comparison. Buy it if those tradeoffs fit your work and the manual supports your intended use.
Choose the Husqvarna 120 Mark III if a lower stated weight and named starting aids matter more. Compare the Husqvarna 130 or ECHO CS-3510 when their specified starting or vibration features are a stronger match for how you plan to work.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Stihl MS 162 a 16-inch chainsaw?
Yes. The Stihl MS 162 is specified with a 16-inch bar and chain, making it comparable in bar length to the Husqvarna 120 Mark III and 130 and the ECHO CS-3510 here.
Bar length alone doesn't determine whether a saw suits your work; consider the wood you cut, your handling comfort and the saw's manual.
How much does the Stihl MS 162 weigh?
The MS 162 has a listed weight of 13.3 lb. That figure makes it worth comparing with the Husqvarna 120 Mark III, listed at 10.7 lb, especially if you expect to carry the saw or work for longer periods.
Is the Stihl MS 162 suitable for firewood?
It may suit occasional home firewood cutting when the wood size and your experience match the saw's manual. The available details identify a 16-inch bar and chain, but don't guarantee a recommended diameter or cutting rate.
For more demanding or frequent work, compare the saws in our firewood chainsaw guide.
What should I compare before choosing the MS 162?
Compare weight, bar length, starting aids and the type of work you expect to do. The MS 162 has a 16-inch bar and a listed weight of 13.3 lb; the Husqvarna 120 Mark III adds named starting and vibration features at a lower listed weight.
Read the manual and confirm the exact configuration before buying.
