looking for best chan saw in 14" class. Wants light weight, reliability

slaveToHorses · Jan 17, 2016

I have plenty of saws up to 32" (Echo, Poulan, Husky, Stihl). Heck I have 40 acres of timber and heat with wood. enough said.

I have had a little echo CS-3000 I have had so long I can't recall. I have repaired it numerous times from heavy use. Of all my saws, it is the one I prefer the most because it is so small and light and has run it's little heart out. I can hold it at shoulder height and start it cold. It originally came with a 16" bar and I replaced it with a 14" bar. It was the one I always had hanging from my climbing belt.

It is finally to the point where it needs a total overhaul. It is way down in power now.
I could choose to do a full go through, but I really think it is time to get a new saw.

I don't climb trees anymore, unless it's an emergency! So I don't really think I want a top handle saw.

But something small and really light weight would be great. Looking for 14" size or a 16 that I can fit a 14 to.
Naturally I want it to be reliable. It would get used almost every weekend at the least.
I want something I can still get parts for!

s219 · Jan 17, 2016

Hmm, Echo recently released this little beauty:

Chainsaws, Professional-Grade Chain Saws, Top Handle Chain Saws | ECHO USA

I have not seen or run one, but it's a pro saw, about the size of a top-handle, but in a rear-handle configuration.

4570Man · Jan 17, 2016

Pick a saw of the brand you like best and buy it. My vote is for a Husky XP.

roadhunter · Jan 17, 2016

I'd go look at the Echo offerings and find a replacement you like the feel of. I know I love mine.

gladehound · Jan 17, 2016

s219 said:
Hmm, Echo recently released this little beauty:

Chainsaws, Professional-Grade Chain Saws, Top Handle Chain Saws | ECHO USA

I have not seen or run one, but it's a pro saw, about the size of a top-handle, but in a rear-handle configuration.

I have an Echo 355T which is a top handle saw but form the looks of the one in the link, the CS-361P might be the 355T with a rear handle instead of top handle. If so, I'd vote for it. I love my 355T! Small, light, and runs it's heart out. It's an impressive little saw. Been nothing but reliable.

motownbrowne · Jan 18, 2016

I'd go with a 241-cm if it were my money. Otherwise, I hear great things about the Redmax small saws and I certainly like the Echo products. Based on using it weekly, and wanting good parts availability, the Stihl would be my vote by a good margin.

RalphVa · Jan 18, 2016

I've a 40v Kobalt.

Never have used it long enough to know how long the battery lasts, but you could always pack extra batteries. It only takes the 2.0 AH ones though, not the 4.0 AH.

Ralph

LD1 · Jan 18, 2016

Dolmar ps351 or ps421 if it was me

DFB · Jan 18, 2016

Are you wanting a rear handle saw or is it the top handle design you want to stay with. We have both Echo and Jonsered top handle saws for small pruning saws at the Orchard.

Most of the guys grab the Jonsereds over the Echos now (only because there newer I think) but they are a very nice small saw and start real easy too and have plenty of power.

Chainsaw CS 2139 T

I have had an Echo CS280E for many years always has been reliable little saw and never not started easy.