Thinking of getting a new smaller chainsaw

[ning]

Yesterday I was cutting some wood - I have a lot of oak that's semi-dry to well-seasoned already down and was just cutting it up
and my "cut most things around here saw" - a 20-year-old Echo CS-305 - wasn't idling well.

When the heat had gotten too much for me I retreated to shade to see if I could adjust it and make it happier, and I made a complete hash of it.
Before I knew it I couldn't get it to stay running below 5000RPM
I'm pretty sure there's a clog in the idle jet or something else; I found a lot of crud/dust/dirt in the carb area when I swapped in a new air filter so it wouldn't be a surprise.

I had a spare carb - they're super cheap online and I hate to say but $12 for a new carb vs the time tearing one apart makes it a no-brainer for a quick fix.
Swapped that in and found a couple fuel lines really need replacement; the one going to the purge bulb just won't stay attached any more.

Overall, super frustrating. Last time I had issues with this saw I'd come >this close< to going battery, but had done the hail-mary with the new carb and got it running better than ever.
I really like the saw, except the air intake system is just begging to ingest crud, and filters never fit quite right on it so the carb area is always getting crap in it.
Probably the biggest turn-off for me with the CS-305 is that the carb is stuff in this little plastic box and it's really tough to make sure that the gasket is in the right place and get the throttle cable & fuel lines set up right... plus the whole "gets really dirty real quick" thing.

I'm thinking at this point of putting it on a shelf for "later" (fix it on a rainy winter day maybe) and get a battery unit for my smaller stuff (lots of 3-6" oak branches) and use my "bigger saw" (what many around here probably call a small saw) - Echo CS-590 (60cc class) to cut the bigger stuff.

The vast majority of my cuts are the smaller stuff; I use anything 3" up for firewood (and smaller than that I usually cut with loppers to use as kindling & grilling wood). I cut a lot more branches down than cutting trees, and then when I do cut trees down, there's probably 10 times more cuts in small stuff than in trunk wood

We have a Greenworks 80V blower and while the blower itself works great, I haven't been impressed by the batteries - the initial (?2-2.5Ah) battery that came with the unit either wouldn't charge to 100% or one of the charge level LEDs was defective; the company sent us a replacement and didn't want the old one back - so good service - but both batteries really don't last very long, never have and a few years later definitely are maybe at 50% of what they used to be - and then the charger suddenly started flashing red after a while of charging either pack -- which is a good indication that the charger isn't working right either now.
I mention all this to say "I'm not doing Greenworks 80V".

The rest of my current battery stuff is Ryobi 18V. In general I'm pretty satisfied with their stuff. Unless some huge recommendation comes for something else, I'm likely to stick with it.

I don't want a saw that's any heavier than the CS-305, which is a pretty light small saw; it's powerhead weight is 7.5 pounds which probably puts it at about 9.5-10# filled up and ready to go.

This rules out Ryobi's 40V saws -- including a reasonable battery it looks like about 12# weight.

Another thread on here mentioned liking the small "pruning chainsaw" type thing. They seem pretty ideal for the small stuff, and Ryobi's 8" brushless unit sounds really great - except there's no oiler. They expect you to oil the chain separately? I see this working if you're using it for actual pruning; for one thing you're cutting green/wet wood, and you're probably not making cut after cut after cut. I have piles of dry oak branches just waiting for me to feel like bending over to deal with them; they're dry, hard, and I could easily do a hundred cuts in 15 minutes. Sounds like recipe for torching chains.

I'm considering the Ryobi 18V 10" brushless chainsaw; it's claimed to be 6.4 pounds without battery and even with a 6Ah battery that would be under 8.5 pounds (call it 9 pounds with oil).
So that would be the same or slightly lighter than my echo; I don't doubt that the echo would still be a bit stronger (assuming it's running) but not having to $#!@ with the CS305 any more would be a blessing at this point.

I do have concerns though about these battery saws in general; I doubt I'll still be able to use any battery saw bought today 20 years from now.

I also have to admit I'm tempted by the CS-2511 -- it's even lighter than the 305, slighter more powerful in stock tune - and a new one is undoubtedly more powerful than my old 305 - and apparently a muffler mod is easy and really makes it scream. Not that I need that. The air filter setup seems much better, and access to the carb is way cleaner. Yeah, it's not cheap, but it's a damn nice useful tool that will last... so... yeah I'm tempted. Not sure about "T" top handle vs "P" rear handle; I'm reasonably experienced with chain saws (>40 years using them as homeowner on acreage, not a pro) so I understand the concerns about one-handed use but I'm tempted by the idea of using a light saw off to the side when cutting up the little stuff, holding and moving the branch with left hand and cutting right.

Your thoughts, prayers, or flames are welcome.

 

[Skeletor]

The husqvarna 543xp dosent get much love but it’s actually a little ripper and it’s light as hell. I have a lot of pro saws and that one always suprised me everytime I use it. I have a 200t and a 194t and the 194 is pretty sweet too for the price. I get a little aggravated with stihls lack of concern for keeping sawdust off of the air filter on all their saws. That being said I still have a few of them.

 

[Jstpssng]

I didn't read to the end, but do know that Echo carbs seem to be their weak point. I just spent $100 to have a new one put in the 490 which I paid $300 for in 2021. It's still under warranty, but that doesn't cover the carburetor.

If you do decide to go electric let us know how it works out. I've been thinking about getting one for cutting the occasional tree out of the road, but probably would end up using it often for simple cutting.

 

[Hay Dude]

I’m eyeing up a CS-2511, too
$500 at my dealer but they have a 15% off sale in Feb.
Not sure I want to wait that long…

 

[oosik]

I have two Stihl saws. 192 & 280. I prefer the smaller, lighter one. I don't cut the large Ponderosa pines any more.

I only cut those that become infected with the Pine Bark beetle.

 

[ponytug]

I am a rank amateur arborist, but FWIW, here goes.

I still have a medium Stihl gasoline powered saw for the big stuff, but I went to electric a while back with corded Greenworks and HF saws, and love them other than dragging cords around. I love the quick start/stop, and not worrying about it igniting anything.

To your question, I would go with the Ryobi because you have the batteries. Husquavarna 350 is an amazing battery powered saw at $500, but not cheap, and its big brother the 540TXi is more like $1,050, and more powerful but it is way out of my league or needs. August Hunicke has a couple of videos using the Husquavarna and DeWalt, if you are interested.

Not too long ago, I got a coupon for a Skil 12" 20V (CS4562B) at less than the cost of a battery, so I bought it figuring I could dump it on Craigslist or eBay, if I didn't like it. It works great for me taking out small trees and limbs, and for aerial work, though I don't get very high. It works best (for my uses at least) at close to full chain speed, i.e. not much low end torque. Because the chain stops so quickly, I find myself using it a lot to trim brush to feed into the chipper. The live oaks around here seem to grow with lots of branches at close to 90 degrees to the main branch and are too strong for the hydraulic infeed of my chipper, so cutting the small side branches speeds the chipping way up. I don't worry about putting the saw down in wood dust or leaves and igniting things. I liked the Skil well enough to buy the pole saw version as well.

Good luck!

All the best,

Peter

 

[ning]

The husqvarna 543xp dosent get much love but it’s actually a little ripper and it’s light as hell. I have a lot of pro saws and that one always suprised me everytime I use it. I have a 200t and a 194t and the 194 is pretty sweet too for the price. I get a little aggravated with stihls lack of concern for keeping sawdust off of the air filter on all their saws. That being said I still have a few of them.

Looks like the 543xp is ten pounds, powerhead only. Completely different category of saw than the 2511 which is barely more than half its weight.

I’m eyeing up a CS-2511, too
$500 at my dealer but they have a 15% off sale in Feb.
Not sure I want to wait that long…

I've got too much cutting to do between now and then; I'm looking to buy Real Soon Now.

I have two Stihl saws. 192 & 280. I prefer the smaller, lighter one. I don't cut the large Ponderosa pines any more.
I only cut those that become infected with the Pine Bark beetle.

I very occasionally pull out the Stihl 031AVE for kicks. Still runs well, still cuts. Still heavy lol. I keep it because I have room for it and a chainsaw that runs is worth keeping.

 

[Hay Dude]

I've got too much cutting to do between now and then; I'm looking to buy Real Soon Now.

Same.
I’m scheduling tree removal and already have quite a bit scheduled for October and on.

 

[5030]

I have 3 Stihl's. 2 are shelf queebs and one I use. I have an 090 as well as an 075, both with 2 man bars and both are insanely heavy and both sound like MX bikes. On the shelf, devoid of gas and oil. I'll probably sell both at some time in the future as both are very desireable collector saws. Bought them both new many, many years ago.

I also have an 028 I bought at the same time as the 2 big ones and I use it regularly even today and it has the option and hard to find heated handle as well. 40+ year old saws, all magnesium alloy castings too. No plastic except the top shroud and no chain brakes either.

I also have a pair of Echo's, a Timber Bear or wolf or whatever it's called and a top handle CS arborists saw. I use the top handle a lot, I modded it, aftermarket muffler, no CAT and pulled the limiter caps. Runs like a scalded dog on canned fuel which use all I use anymore, Echo Red Armor or Tru-Fuel 50-1. I modded the Timber whatchamakallit as well. Muff mod, Red Beard velocity stack and oiled foam air cleaner plus the offset crank key. Kept the stock ignition coil however.

The CS top handle is the lightest chainsaw produced by any manufacturer today. I believe it weighs under 8 pounds with a 12" bar and pico chain attached. Nice saw. I get my saws at dealer price always. I work part time for my Kubota dealer and he sells Echo as well so he gives me wholesale pricing.

 

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Not too long ago, I got a coupon for a Skil 12" 20V (CS4562B) at less than the cost of a battery

Is that quoted 10 pound weight including the battery?

Their "pruning saw" version (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQY3H755) has the oiler, I can't fathom why Ryobi's doesn't
Really that form factor just seems ideal for one-handed cutting of lots of branches. Making me mad, ryobi...

 

[ponytug]

Is that quoted 10 pound weight including the battery?

Their "pruning saw" version (Amazon.com) has the oiler, I can't fathom why Ryobi's doesn't
Really that form factor just seems ideal for one-handed cutting of lots of branches. Making me mad, ryobi...

Hard to believe Ryobi would make a chainsaw without an oiler, but I believe you.

The Skil weighs less than 10lbs, because the shipping weight includes a charger, and a fancy engineered hook to hang it on. If it is critical, I can go weigh it. Skil lists the tool, bar and chain at 5.5lbs, and the battery at under 2lbs, plus 5oz of oil or so. (200ml) Call it 8lbs-ish.

All the best,

Peter

 

[ericm979]

One of the new neighbors brought by his new electric saw for a short lesson. I wasn't impressed with the saw. I don't remember what brand it was but it was one of the new companies that made their name with electric tools. Greenworks is one of them but it could have been a different one. The saw had a lot of plastic stuff that looked cheap. The chain adjustment was flimsy. And when the chain was what I consider tight enough the saw wouldn't run. I had to loosen the chain to where I was worried about it derailing before the saw would turn. It wasn't all that strong and would stall easily.

Most of my saws are pro level Stihls with one Echo CS352 so maybe I'm used to high quality stuff. I don't mind plastic parts if they're sturdy and well engineered. The Echo is all plastic and is well made except for the air filter.

Having said that if I was going to buy a small saw now it'd be battery. But likely one from a saw company, not a company that's new to saws. The Stihl battery saws look nice but they're expensive. Echo and Husqvarna make battery saws and I'd probably look at those.

 

[Darth_DMack]

I have two chain saws.

I inherited my Dad's old Stihl MS280 when he passed, had my brother completely go through it, and it's a powerful little saw... but, man is it hard to crank! Super cold natured, and it definitely IS finicky.

My brother showed me the technique, but it's hit or miss and gives my elbows fits.

When it runs, it runs well...

But my second saw is a Skil 40V battery powered saw. I use this 95% of the time. I have many Skil 40V tools, and plenty of battery packs. This little saw does fine up to 5-6" trees, have even tackled larger pines with it, but I am in the market for another "gas" saw.

I'm not brand partial... my brother loves Stihl, but I have Husky's all around me.

I'd love to have one just a WEE bit smaller than my MS280... that can tackle the larger jobs that my Skil just can't handle.

 

[RSKY]

I went the cheaper route and got the Lowes Kobalt 40-volt chainsaw. I am totally pleased with it. I also have their 40-volt leaf blower, hedge trimmer, and line trimmer. So I now have four batteries and never run out of battery power. I run out of power before all the batteries do.

RSKY

 

[Hay Dude]

Mentioned this on another thread. Found a Stihl 201 TC on FBM for $400. They want $829 for a new one.
But reviews on them are mixed.

 

[Runner]

I have an Echo CS 271T and have used it a bunch exactly as you describe. It is the "homeowner" version of the 2511 and is therefore a little cheaper. I have had it for a couple of years and love it. Very light and plenty of power. I can only imagine that the 2511 would be even better.

 

[kozal01]

Check out this thread on the CS2511 Echo 2511T is an amazing saw!

A lot of good information about it there and for a small saw this one is hard to beat.

 

[Gem99ultra]

What you DON'T want is a Stihl MS194T. Nice looking little prunning saw - if you can ever get it cranked. Best to have a spare set of elbows or a gorilla handy...

 

[2manyrocks]

I bought the Echo CS-271T a year or two ago to have a lighter gas saw. Also bought one of the Echo gas pole saws at the same time. The top handle saw feels different in the hand. About the same time I bought a top handle, another member bought the light Echo regular handle saw. I think you should hold each of them in the store to see which you prefer.

The Echo gas pole saw is significantly better than the 40v battery powered pole saws I own. I really like being able to cut off downed tree limbs without having to bend over plus I feel like its safer. With the power head being opposite the cutting head end, the air filter doesn't pull in as much debris. It's well balanced and the weight being distributed on my shoulder via a carry strap doesn't bother me.

The battery powered pole saws are good for cutting where you need to make a cut and then set the saw down for a bit, then another cut here and there because you aren't having to start/restart a gas engine. But for a lot of sustained cutting of larger oak tree limbs, I'd suggest sticking with a gas saw.

 

[ning]

Having said that if I was going to buy a small saw now it'd be battery. But likely one from a saw company, not a company that's new to saws. The Stihl battery saws look nice but they're expensive. Echo and Husqvarna make battery saws and I'd probably look at those.

Reading & watching reviews of the Echo I'm very tempted. Pro quality saw seems like it'll be more likely to last and that thing is hella light.
HomeDepot has a special right now but it's on the 0.050/⅜ chain version (DCS-2500T), not the 0.043/0.325 version (DCS-2500TN). Seems like a small saw like this is the perfect case for a nano chain, what's the downside?

I'm guessing the bigger chain version wasn't selling as well. The nano version is currently $160 more because the bigger chain one is on special... wondering if you can get a new bar & chain & sprocket to DIY a nano version for less.