Which Chainsaw ?

[arto98607]

I also have a 14" for the echo 2511PN. Rear handle is my choice for limbing on ground and felling small stuff.

I would want it 12" and smaller though trees. Tree setting on was drooped with 50cc echo. Be slow going with 25cc. I used the 25cc to limb it out with.

Limbing in tree the top handle versions.


OEM ones are awful stuffed mufflers though. Clones good to go.
OEM needs gutted or a egan pipe or a PSS V2 cnc muffler. Top 2 in testing of aftermarket mufflers pipe.


View attachment 5178393

I was not aware Echo has 2511PN model ! How long has that been around?

It's a 5.7 lbs saw and according to Echo it is: "LIGHTEST REAR HANDLE GAS CHAINSAW IN NORTH AMERICA WITH NANO STYLE CHAIN"


It looks like a good professional model alternative to the lightweight Stihl MS150 C-E and MS201c saws.

 

[xyz123]

I was not aware Echo has 2511PN model available! How long has that been around?

It's a 5.7 lbs saw and according to Echo it is: "LIGHTEST REAR HANDLE GAS CHAINSAW IN NORTH AMERICA WITH NANO STYLE CHAIN"


It looks like a good professional model alternative to the lightweight Stihl MS150 C-E and MS201c saws.

It was out for a long time as the 2511P. That was when they had 3/8LP chain set ups.

The PN is just the oregon nano 325 they finally added as it is best set up IMHO for these.

I've had my PN for a a year and cant recall date tag on it and the P was out way before it.

The P came out in 2020.

As used both tanks full and 12" nano set up on it.

Yes both versions lighter then the 150, So prob the 151 too.

They also have their 355 TH version in the 361 rear handle 35cc like a 201 style. Bigger heavier. Then these little guys.

 

[xyz123]

In lbs and ounces. I think I put the bigger spike on over their tiny one when weighed. I cant recall anymore.
Also mine was weighed with egan pipe too.
Real close to their 5.7 = 5lbs 11.2oz

Echo 2511 rear handle PHO weight dry 2511PN

 

[EddieWalker]

I started out with a Husqvarna and loved it the first year or two, then it became harder and harder to start, and then it failed. I switched to Stihl and loved it for the first year or two, but it also became harder and harder to start. I bought another smaller one for limbing, but it had the same issues. Both went into the shop every year, and I just hated using either of them because of how much effort it took to get them to start.

A couple years ago I bought an Echo from Home Depot that has been awesome. Super easy to start, unbelievable power and super simple to maintain.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-20-in-59-8-cc-Gas-2-Stroke-Rear-Handle-Timber-Wolf-Chainsaw-CS-590-20/204221580

But to be honest, the Echo is the first chainsaw that I bought premixed gasoline for. The Husky and Stihl saws might of been easier to start and keep going if I had used premixed gas in them, so I'm not 100% negative on those brands. There are other features on the Echo that make it nicer to own, like how the chain tightens, how you can see through the plastic fuel tank to see how much you have, and all the power that it has.

I burn less than two cords of wood a year. Most of it is in the Spring and Fall when we have fires on the porch. I also clean up fallen trees on my land and I'm always clearing trees for fencing or my pastures. I cut up those trees into 12-foot lengths so I can pick them up with my grapple and take them to the burn pile.

Having a saw that starts for small jobs makes a huge difference in how quickly that project gets done, and how much I enjoy doing it or hating it. On those days I just fill up the tank and oil for the chain, and never have to fill either up again.

I buy three packs of chains from Amazon. I'll hit a chain with a file when it starts to dull, but after a few times I'll swap in a new chain. They are cheap enough that I'm not going to spend a lot of time sharpening them.

Whatever you buy, make sure to use premixed gas. I think the difference is significant and probably the most important part of starting the saw when you want to use it!!!!!

 

[Yander]

You sound like you will use your saw about as much as I do.

I have two operating gas stihl saws, and one Eggo cordless battery. 90% of the time I reach for the cordless and it's very torquey and useful.

POWER+ 16" Chain Saw (40cc)

The EGO POWER+ 16” Chain Saw features an advanced, high-efficiency brushless motor that delivers power equivalent to a 40CC gas chainsaw without the noise, fuss, or fumes

egopowerplus.com

 

[jay3534]

Thanks for the replies.
I have been using a worn out Poulan 16" for years / I can't pull it hard enough and long enough to start it.
Frankly had not thought about battery powered. Since it won't be used a lot battery may the way for me to go.
Ideas on battery power?

 

[dodge man]

Do you have any battery powered tools that the batteries would work in a saw? I’d probably go with Dewalt ot Stihl.

 

[bigtiller]

Thanks for the replies.
I have been using a worn out Poulan 16" for years / I can't pull it hard enough and long enough to start it.
Frankly had not thought about battery powered. Since it won't be used a lot battery may the way for me to go.
Ideas on battery power?

I think that would be a wise decision for someone with a bad back & bum shoulders.

What ever brand of 18 volt tools you have is the brand for you.
I like the top handle saws with one battery best, they are light weight and easier to prune with.

For storm damage or cutting down small to medium trees, shop for top handle saw with 2 batteries, they will work longer & harder.

Makita makes both 18 & 36 volt top handle saws.
I have their 18V one and it does everything for me.
It works great in combination with the pto wood chipper.

 

[airbiscuit]

Echo for the Win!

 

[rumwrks]

So I love my big old Husky.. but dollars for value it's dang hard to beat the echo's. They're mostly more simple saws than some of the newer husky/stihl stuff and there's plusses and minuses to that.

There's some trade offs with a shorter bar needing to bend over more.. but you also get a lighter saw.

On the echo side in your size range.. I have an echo cs-310 which is a 33cc saw .. and runs like a 33cc saw which is to say you can't be in a huge hurry with it and it'll run a 16" bar in soft wood but prefers a 14" bar for all around and not-to-aggressive of a chain, don't be in a huge hurry. Having said that it starts easy, is super lightweight, and works more than well enough for light trail clearing up to maybe 12" stuff (I've cut bigger but it gets tedious). It's great for limbing trees (I prefer a bigger/longer saw for limbing down logs because longer bar/less bending over).

I also have the next size up with a CS-501P which happily runs an 18-20" bar, weighs a bit more, cuts a fair bit faster.. It's more of an "on the tractor scabbard" sized saw than an "easily carried a long ways by hand" although it's still not super heavy saw by any means. I keep that one mostly on the tractor and it's kind of my "up to 18 diameter" wood cutting saw. I don't own one personally, but I've also used my buddies Stihl MS261 which is more or less competitive with the CS-501P and it's a really nice saw (nicer than the 501 really certainly faster...) but for my medium use prosumer use the 501 was a lot better value for me.

For light work the G2511 clone a couple folks mentioned is a stellar value. It's not some thing I'd use for felling or bucking much.. but for trail work and light limbing (I have a LOT of limbing to do haha) and brush work it's really nice. I'm not a climber but it'd be a decent saw for that as well. I've seen it as cheap as $57 (I paid about $90 - still a good deal). Also surprisingly easy to start.

In any case getting into the pro lines or at least the farm & ranch lines you generally get a lighter saw for the same power, you do pay for it.. but as I've gotten older I sure appreciate the weight difference . The 310 is definitely more of a homeowner saw but it's a pretty decent one in that class IMHO - I surfed a lot of arborist sites and there were numerous threads where pro's were using it as well.

I can't speak to the electric much, they more modern ones do get really good reviews though.

 

[SandyKron]

I have a 450 Husky Rancher for the big logs which is easy for me to start because of the decompression button. I put a stick through the handle to hold it down so I can use both hands to start it. For the smaller trees and branches, if I can drag them over to my woodworking shop I like to use my little electric chainsaw to cut them up, as it only weighs a few pounds. My back sucks too. I'm not opposed to bringing my generator where I need to use it. I went to Harbor Freight and bought a Bauer battery chainsaw that I really like, but I think the bar is only about 10", and the run time is about 45 minutes. I also have a Bauer weedeater and a drill that I can use the same battery in.

 

[ACfixer]

Get a Stihl 271 Farm Boss. Comes with an 18-inch blade. To me it's the gold standard for a homeowner machine, friendly price but professional build quality.

 

[Little Red Tractor]

Get a 18" or 20", really helps not have to bend and reach as far.
Get a $600 Stihl or Husky both offer professional saws that have better balance, power, and speed.
Other option is go with a good battery saw.
Purchase at least one spare chain and file sharpening kit and have them show how to use.
Use brand name bar oil.
Use 100% non-ethanol gas with the oil from saw maker. Or buy premix gas/oil.

Get a pair of chainsaw chaps and glove, wear safety glasses and ear plugs.
store the saw in a heated space in the winter, so much easier to start.

There was a LOT of great advice in that post! I'll double-down on safety equipment, whether you're new to using saws or an seasoned old guy.

 

[Joe Batt]

I bought a "WEN" (cheap battery powered from Amazon). It's the best saw ever. About the time the battery is out of juice, so am I. I wouldn't use it to cut fire wood, but I use it to keep my 45 acre cleaned up. I've dropped a 20" diameter tree and cut it into small enough pieces to drag with the tractor.

I do have an Oregon plug in saw for firewood (after I drag the logs up to the house). I really like that the blade immediately stops when I take my finger off of the trigger.

There is at least on 2 cycle saw at the bottom of my pond. This WEN has lasted longer than any residential quality 2 cycle saw for me.

 

[xyz123]

There is at least on 2 cycle saw at the bottom of my pond.

Thanks for another good morning laugh.

So glad I didnt take a drink of coffee before reading your post.

Would have looked like this.

 

[Tr3kker]

I need a new chainsaw for homeowner use. 14 or 16 inch bar. Going to do limbing and cutting down small to medium sized trees. Bad back / bum shoulders etc. Recommendations needed.

I have both gas and electric chainsaws, mostly Stihl; for your use I would go with a battery powered. If you don’t use a chainsaw often or if you don’t have other 2-cycle engines, it doesn’t make much sense to go the 2-cycle route. Stihl makes good battery powered saws, but I would honestly go with whatever battery system you already have (Stihl, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, …). There’s not a ton of performance difference in saws that size. Most of the chains are going to be .325 or the 1/4 pico; buy a spare chain and keep them sharp. Lastly, be sure to check the bar & chain oil level. Gas saws are designed to run out of gas and oil about the same time, so it’s easy to fill both. You will run out of oil before your battery is depleted so be sure to check.

 

[jay3534]

Thanks

 

[BlueKnife]

Little chainsaws with a top handle can be very tiresome on hands and I would never get one of those (again).

I think they are mostly meant for tree climbers.

That is precisely what they're meant for. I did tree work for 25 years and used a top handle saw extensively. Top handle saws are a bad idea for a homeowner, not only because, as you say, they're extra tiring, but mostly because they are significantly harder to control, especially for a less experienced user. Stay away from them unless you're going to be climbing trees with the saw hanging from your harness.

The OP mentioned small to "medium" sized trees. That's quite the subjective term. What I think of as a "medium" sized tree is not something I would want to be felling with a battery powered or any of the small gas powered saws that have been brought up in this thread. It can be done, but it really sucks. Would be good to get some clarification from @jay3534 on what he/she means by that.

Just generally speaking though, I would agree with the recommendations for Echo saws. They're the best bang for the buck, IMO. I would take one of them over a Stihl or Husky homeowner or mid grade saw.

 

[Kwalityguy]

I need a new chainsaw for homeowner use. 14 or 16 inch bar. Going to do limbing and cutting down small to medium sized trees. Bad back / bum shoulders etc. Recommendations needed.

I’m older with recent rotator cuff surgery. I use a Ryobi 14” 40v. No problem pulling a rope anymore. Battery last as long as I do before wanting a break. I have a second battery if I’m feeling spunky. Also like no oil, gas, carb issues, spark plug, tuning, winterizing…

 

[EddieWalker]

Of the three Stihl chainsaws that I own, two of them are small ones for cutting limbs. I bought one of them brand new, and was given the other by a friend. Both worked fine, but where hard to start. Once you got them started, they ran fine. But after using them a few times I realized it wasn't worth the effort having them out in the woods when I already had a bigger saw. For me it's just faster and easier to cut off all the branches and cut the log to length at the same time, with the same saw.

I really don't know why I still have the Stihl saws. They are just sitting in my shed. The only one I use is the Echo.