Looking for a new smaller saw?

[Tenn_Blue]

Replacing an older craftsman 14" chainsaw (RIP).

I have a bigger saw (Stihl 026) for thicker stuff, but liked the smaller saw for trimming and lighter work - less to carry, less fuel, more nimble in brush, etc.

Used saws for a long time, but just ocasional use, UP TO NOW :laughing: We have a wood stove and plenty of land/trees, so I see myself "driving" the saw a lot more often. We have a lot of hickory and hard wood to cut.

Been reading a lot and looking at different models - want some advise.

Looks like the Stihl ms170 or the Echo cs310 are comperable examples of my small short saw concept that I have looked at. Both seem to be more or less similarly priced. I have dealers for both reasonably close (considering we live in the country), but never dealt with either of them. Preference or other suggestions?

One of the stores suggested that I go with a bigger (more hp) lightweight saw and put a short bar on it - (something like a sthl ms210) - might do better in the harder wood, and I could switch to a second longer bar if I needed to. That makes sense and would be more versitile. And any of the newer saws will be lighter than my big old one.... Have any of you gone this route? and what saw would you recommend?

I dont want to go cheap, but also dont want to spend a huge amount of money if I don't need to - too many other things we need to buy :confused2: Had hoped to get a couple more seasons out of the craftsman before replacing it, oh well!!!

 

[EddieWalker]

I have two Stihl saws and One Echo saw and and Echo weed eater. The Echo starts a lot easier. If I was out shopping for another saw, or anything gas oporated, Echo is going to be my first choice. Nothing else that I've used even comes close.

Eddie

 

[arrow]

I'd say you are looking for a saw in the 36 to 40 cc range. Saws made by all the major manufacturers will not disappoint. Smaller saws cut better with smaller chains. My preference when getting a 40 cc chainsaw is to get one with 3/8 mini chain as opposed to .325. I like .325 for 50 cc's. In these saws' desciption, it might state "saw comes with a 3/8" chain". Do not get confused as this is not the 3/8 chain found on a larger saw. It is much smaller chain but cuts very well. I once owned and used a Solo (I think a 642 ) with a 16" bar and 3/8 mini chain. Cut like a girl breaking up with ya. They have a couple sized smaller but I wouldn't get anything under 35CC.

Just another note. When I was in the business of logging, it was critical for me to have a local dealer take care of me. If you are running 5 or 6 chainsaws and they are running for hours everyday, they break. As a result, you always had 2 or 3 in service. For the homeownwer or occasional cutter , I think you can buy at the most convenient place and if it's online so be it. The converse is true as well. If you want a particular brand of saw but the nearest dealer is an hours drive, don't fret that either.These things rarely get busted up by the homeowner as opposed to the wood cutter. Unless of course you run over them with the tractor. Some manufactuers such as Husky and others have anti online selling policies so you cannot get some parts that way. No man should be with one chainsaw anyway so one always has one or 5 or 6 saws to fall back on.

 

[Egon]

Check out the different Major Brands of saw and find one that feels comfortable weight wise. The bar length is easily changed to what you desire.:thumbsup:

Chances are very good that a Sthil dealer can service a Husky saw and vice versa.

 

[LD1]

If you have a dolmar dealer in your area, take a good look at the PS350 and PS420. They may not be the lightest on the spec sheet, but they are light and a little saw. They have a primer bulb so starting is easy. The also have the 3/8 lo profile chain as well.

I am not one to use a small saw, but dad bought a PS350. I was very impressed with the AV on that saw. You can't even feel any vibration at all in your hands. Prior to this saw, it was a husky 136. The PS350 is just a uch better saw all around. And the PS420 is the same saw with a little bigger piston/cylinder. Prices run ~$250 for the PS350 and ~$300 for the PS420 from a dealer.

 

[mountainlake]

Between the Cs310 and MS170 or 180 I'd sure go with the Echo, a lot better build quality. Dolmar, Efco, Makita and Echo all have way more quality than the home owner Stihl and Husky saws. Steve

 

[BruceWard]

I bought a MS170 in October of 2008 to cut a 240' x 6' path down a 30 degree slope. I liked it so much that I turned around and cut up the bulldozer piles from 1.5 acres of clearing with it. I had an 028 in the truck, it only came out once or twice when I hung the MS170 in larger logs that collapsed on it (user error).

Last fall I lent it to my Dad who has two 028s and a 039. I did not see it again until last week. He has been using it to clear shooting lanes and trim trees for deer hunting.

Last week I started using it to cut up trees from a 70'x150' clearing. It starts like new, typically on the 3rd pull. The more I use it the better it runs. I think we have burned through four chains with a couple others near their last sharpening.

I would not hesitate to buy a MS170 or MS180. When buying I thought I would only use it for very small jobs. But it is really nice to carry around all day so I hardly ever use a bigger saw. If I were buying again I might spend more on a more powerful lightweight Stihl.

 

[BruceWard]

I went with Stihl due to lack of an Echo dealer nearby and loyalty to the local Stihl dealer my family has used for two generations, possilby three.

 

[smstonypoint]

I would not hesitate to buy a MS170 or MS180. When buying I thought I would only use it for very small jobs. But it is really nice to carry around all day so I hardly ever use a bigger saw. If I were buying again I might spend more on a more powerful lightweight Stihl.

I can't comment about the virtues of Echo, Dolmar, etc., but my experiences are similar. I've got a larger saw (MS290), but I'm not getting younger and would much rather use the 170 if conditions permit.

Steve

 

[Topkicker]

I bought a Stihl 210 for limbing. Great little saw. Starts easy and has the 3/8 picco chain. Cuts fast for a light saw. I think it was replaced this past year by the Stihl 211. MS 211 Chain Saw - Powerful Mid Range Chainsaw Features | STIHL

 

[BruceWard]

I can't comment about the virtues of Echo, Dolmar, etc., but my experiences are similar. I've got a larger saw (MS290), but I'm not getting younger and would much rather use the 170 if conditions permit.

Steve

The strange thing is that I am relatively young. But I do not cut firewood. I cut for clearing and all day long. A lighter saw makes me more mobile. If I were going out to cut a truck load of firewood as quickly as possible I would probably take a big saw.

 

[Tenn_Blue]

Well, as usually is the case, research has made me more confused!!!

Looking at the Echo saws, I may go up to the CS352 - little bigger engine and supports a longer bar as well. Hadn't really heard about echo saws. I see they don't offer different grades of saws like Husky and Stihl - which "level" would you compare the echo's to? Are they really "pro" level saws?

Also read about an EFCO saw? Never heard of them either, and only know of one place to buy (online). Not sure how that would work out if I needed service or for chains and air filters.

Friend of mine has a makita - same as the Dolmer(?) - his is bigger than I want, but it seems to be a nice saw - but they are a little expensive.

Wrestling now with the "occasional, landowner, or professional" status. I don't want to buy a disposable saw that won't last. Willing to pay more for quality and something that will last. While I won't be cutting every day, I do see this saw getting a fair amount of use over the years...

Ive read conflicting positions about Stihl and Husky occasional use saws. Some put them just one step above the disposables, while others claim that for "real world use", they are all you will ever need. Problem is, most of the saws I am looking at are homeowner level saws - the pro saws are too big (aside from the top handle models).

 

[EddieWalker]

I have both Echo and Stihl. Both are excellent saws, but for me, I like Echo better because of how much easier they are to start, and for the money, you get more saw, or for the same size/power, you spend less for Echo.

Both my Echo and Stihl saws came from the same dealer. I also bought my Scag mower from him too. I've spent a fair amount of money there, and so have a lot of other people. He recomends Echo over Stihl, but wil sell you either.

I can't comment on the other brands except to say that I went the route of buying Husqvarna first and hating it. Hard to start and it didn't last very long. It might have been a dud, because I know others who have had much better luck then I did. After that I went with Poulon Pro. I figured I'd go disposable and just get another one when that one burned up. It ran good and had plenty of power, but after sitting for a few months, it was a nightmare to get to start again.

I bought Stihl after that. I like Stihl, but when I went in to buy my weedeater, my dealer talked me into the Echo instead. More power, bigger gear head for the same money compared to Stihl. When I went back to buy a pole saw, he did the same thing. He showed me the Stihl model and the Echo. It was a big difference for the money, and I went with Echo. I'm very impressed with Echo. There is a HUGE difference in how easy it is to start.

I don't think anybody who buys Stihl will regret it, but if you had one of each, I know that you will grab the Echo before the Stihl.

Eddie

 

[ultrarunner]

I don't think anybody who buys Stihl will regret it, but if you had one of each, I know that you will grab the Echo before the Stihl.

Eddie

Sounds like me to a tee... I like my Echo so much I keep it in the truck with me at all times.

 

[newbury]

I've Efco and Stihl in the 35CC class.
The build of the Stihl 021 is far better than the Efco. The Efco has a finicky carb.

But when you get down to the small size like that there are GREAT tradoffs. The saws are built to be disposable items.

A while back a hardware chain in the mid-west was selling Tanaka/Hitachi for $50 after double rebate. I posted http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/chainsaws/181573-good-new-16-hitachi-saw.html when they were $100 w/ 1 rebate.

So if a brand new B&C would normally cost $30 the difference to $50 or even $100 for a powerhead plus the B&C is small. It's not like a Stihl 660 for $1000 w/ a $70 B&C.

So wait until a great sale and buy whatever is on sale, maybe buy two for when the first one fails. Now if you were going tp be off in the bush and needed a RELIABLE small saw get a Stihl ms 260/261.

 

[20 20]

All good advice given, I own stihl now and truely feel they are the best bang for the buck. My saws start within no more then 3 pulls, if it takes more then something is probably wrong. I also feel the dealer can make or break the consumers ideas of a machine. I have delt with bad stihl dealers and they can leave a sour feeling in ones gut.

 

[arrow]

Well, as usually is the case, research has made me more confused!!!

Looking at the Echo saws, I may go up to the CS352 - little bigger engine and supports a longer bar as well. Hadn't really heard about echo saws. I see they don't offer different grades of saws like Husky and Stihl - which "level" would you compare the echo's to? Are they really "pro" level saws?

Also read about an EFCO saw? Never heard of them either, and only know of one place to buy (online). Not sure how that would work out if I needed service or for chains and air filters.

Friend of mine has a makita - same as the Dolmer(?) - his is bigger than I want, but it seems to be a nice saw - but they are a little expensive.

Wrestling now with the "occasional, landowner, or professional" status. I don't want to buy a disposable saw that won't last. Willing to pay more for quality and something that will last. While I won't be cutting every day, I do see this saw getting a fair amount of use over the years...

Ive read conflicting positions about Stihl and Husky occasional use saws. Some put them just one step above the disposables, while others claim that for "real world use", they are all you will ever need. Problem is, most of the saws I am looking at are homeowner level saws - the pro saws are too big (aside from the top handle models).

You can buy online. Filters are easy enough to get and chains you can get anywhere. If you can buy a saw online, you can get parts for it as well the same way. I know what you mean about research, it makes things way more complicated than they need to be. I've used so many saws that I have no preference to any one of them. I buy and sell saws just to try them out as I have this addiction stemming from being a logger over 20 years ago. I have no business buying what I buy now as I did when I logged but what the hey. A saw is a saw to me. Pro saws are made to be used every day. The saws they call "prosumer" or medium placed saws will also do you very well. I will say the most important thing to you right now is feel. I don't care what the company is. You have your priorities and if weight and balance is important, go handle some saws. A good handling saw to you is more important than longevity as there is absolutely no guarantee on that finicky lady and you want to be comfortable right now when using a chainsaw. I've had good and bad saws with the same model number. If you want to stick with the local dealer, buy whatever he has. Buy the saw that talks to you. (they all talk to me as they know I'm a good listener so I take them home to continue the conversation) I like a fast, light saw with a narrow kerf chain for brush or sapling cutting.

 

[mountainlake]

I have both Echo and Stihl. Both are excellent saws, but for me, I like Echo better because of how much easier they are to start, and for the money, you get more saw, or for the same size/power, you spend less for Echo.

Both my Echo and Stihl saws came from the same dealer. I also bought my Scag mower from him too. I've spent a fair amount of money there, and so have a lot of other people. He recomends Echo over Stihl, but wil sell you either.

I can't comment on the other brands except to say that I went the route of buying Husqvarna first and hating it. Hard to start and it didn't last very long. It might have been a dud, because I know others who have had much better luck then I did. After that I went with Poulon Pro. I figured I'd go disposable and just get another one when that one burned up. It ran good and had plenty of power, but after sitting for a few months, it was a nightmare to get to start again.

I bought Stihl after that. I like Stihl, but when I went in to buy my weedeater, my dealer talked me into the Echo instead. More power, bigger gear head for the same money compared to Stihl. When I went back to buy a pole saw, he did the same thing. He showed me the Stihl model and the Echo. It was a big difference for the money, and I went with Echo. I'm very impressed with Echo. There is a HUGE difference in how easy it is to start.

I don't think anybody who buys Stihl will regret it, but if you had one of each, I know that you will grab the Echo before the Stihl.

Eddie

You put that well, most times when I let someone that has a Stihl use one of my Echo saws I have a hard time getting it back and they want to know where to get one. Steve

 

[Army grunt]

I have a new McCulloch with a 16" bar, great saw, vibration is no longer there its shock mounted, also has a easy pull feature,an with my back its inportant. love it...
Army Grunt

 

[Saxman]

If you are still looking for a saw, the next time you are at a Stihl dealer look at the MS211. It is a fairly new model and is an impressive preformer for a under $300 dollar saw.

Steve