Thinking of getting a new smaller chainsaw

[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.