Small Saw

retired007 · Jul 1, 2012

Need small saw that is easy to start,light weight(8lbs or so) and dependable. What would you recommend?

Thanks

arrow · Jul 1, 2012

Don't know how extensive your cutting will be but if it is only occasional, I'd recommend just about anything (except maybe Poulan) . If it is for regular use, first recommendation is Dolmar 350 (but is closer to 10#) Light weight is usually home owner except fpr Dolmar. Echo would be probably the best bet for you as Dolmar's service and product distribution is a crap shoot there are so few of them.

Baby Grand · Jul 1, 2012

I have an Echo CS-305 that I've been been using for the past 6 or 7 years.
14 inch bar.
Cheap.
It's bullet proof.

Vermont Echo CS-305 Chain Saw

LD1 · Jul 1, 2012

About the only way to get that light is with a plastic cased homeowner saw. And since you are asking, I assume you dont want to just run to walmart and pick up a craftsman or poulan.

I second the Dolmar PS-350 or even the 420. The 420 is the same saw just a bigger jug and slug for more power in the same package. These saws are typically in the $250-$300, and for the money, I dont think there is a better small saw out there.

chainsaw Mike · Jul 2, 2012

I would personally recommend any of the top handle Tanaka chainsaws. Every model in the series has the features you are looking for. All of the top handle saws come with a 3 year consumer warranty, have S-Start for 50% easier starting, and weigh anywhere from 8-10 lbs. They even meet California emissions standards without any loss of power!

LD1 · Jul 2, 2012

I wouldnt reccomend a top-handle saw to anyone unless they are climbing trees for a living. All chainsaws are dangerous, but a top-handle is MUCH more so, especially in the hands of a homeowner type user. The lighter weight is enticing, but a few lbs more for a much safer saw just makes more sense to me.

murphy1244 · Jul 2, 2012

Echo CS-271T top handle saw that weighs 7Lbs.

arrow · Jul 2, 2012

It is not simply the "weight" of a saw governing handling comfort. Top handles were designed to be used in a bucket and many times with one extended hand to provide more reach. Thus lightness being critical to one handed operation. A rear handled saw at 10 Ibs could conceivably feel lighter than an 8 pound top handle because of weight dispersion between a two handed grip. Ever notice how some chainsaws actually feel better balanced and giving the impression of lighter weight when a longer bar is installed? Its actually heavier with the longer bar but it "feels" lighter. In my estimation, balance is much more important than weight as far as handling a screaming chainsaw in the more traditional ways.

xyz123 · Jul 2, 2012

retired007 said:
Need small saw that is easy to start,light weight(8lbs or so) and dependable. What would you recommend?

Thanks

Exactly what are you going to be using this for? Bucking or Limbing? What size wood etc.

Limbing I like my top handle saws (plus I can 1 hand when needed). Yeah yeah I know. Bucking I prefer the rear handle, even though I have used the top handles for doing such. Heck I used my Solo 637 top handle (only because I sold my 200T) to make 60+ tomato stacks, ripping and cutting to length. Just because of the light weight of top handle.

Just throwing other ideas out there to look at.

I liked the Redmax 3800 (no longer made) for light weight saw in rear handle with pro type build. Bolt on cylinder etc. Not like that clamshell plastic saws like the MS170 etc cheap and light though.

Shindaiwa 377 was another nice pro type built saw that was light weight.

Treemonkey1000 · Jul 3, 2012

My thoughts would be unless you have been handling saws for a long time and are familiar with kickback and wood under tension you stick with a rear handle saw. Top Handles are great for lightness and speed. Down side is if you get over confident reaching with it or start to get tired the saw doesn't care. We just had a proffesional tree climber cut his wrist pretty badly in a tree the other day. He stayed in the tree holding up his wrist and hand until rescue could pluck him out and treat him. So even the pro's can get bit when they aren't expecting it. For the money on a saw that is not going to be used fairly often the Echo is a good deal. I haven't run Dolmars but have heard a lot of good about them. Right now I am running Husky's and Stihls for my work.