as all have said the ms170 is a great choice for your needs , i have used one for far more than it was designed for , i tend to take care of my tools but the 170 is the exception other than basic sharpening and filter cleaning it does not get touched it always has gas in it and its the only saw i let others use so that shows how comfortable it is to operate , friends , neighbors , ladies have all used it , its not pampered in any way and it always works, around here they are 179.00 in my opinion they are a great value add the 6 pack of oil and double your warranty , you cant go wrong .
Your wife would find that an Echo CS-310 or CS-352 will start a lot easier for her, and the anti-vibe system is smoother than a 170. There is a 310 for sale on CL around here for $125. Good little saws.
thinking this may fit your needs, I believe the description is in error and should read MS180C. I think they go for $250 new, + the $50 case. It's got the old style gas and bar oil caps on it so it makes me wonder how old it actually is https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/tls/5084302554.html Stihl Chain Saw Brand New - $150 Brand New model SC 180. Brand new never used. Comes with carry case and blade cover. Bainbridge Island show contact info Illana http://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/homeowner-saws/ms180cbe/
That's not a MS180C-BE. It's a plain MS180. They retailed for about $199 plus the case. Great little saws.
so educate me on it, the 'C' stands for what? the "be" is the easy start? or no tool chain tensioner? Stihl gets pretty confusing at times
The C technically stands for Comfort. It could mean that the saw has a bunch of options like the Easy2Start recoil, an elastostart starter handle, primer bulb, special lightweight vibration reducing paint, who the heck knows? It's been used in so many different ways that it's become meaningless. The BE just means that it has the easy2start recoil and the tool-less chain adjuster. Newer professional grade Stihls use the C on the recoil to designate M-tronic equipped saws. You'd think the would have gone with an M but........
If it helps- I bought a used 180-C for the wife. She liked it, but I use it most of the time. I love it, good little saw. $125 on CL. Tough time of year to find a good deal though.