Chainsaw Sizing

[Olympus]

Fellas, I’m thinking about upgrading chainsaws but I have very little knowledge about what might be “right” for me. Right now, I have 2 saws for different purposes and that system seems to work well though I’m not entirely happy about my saws that I currently have.

One saw is small and lightweight and I use it around the house property (6 acres) for pruning limbs and cutting up down limbs. I also use it at my hunting property for keeping ATV trails cut back from growing in and also for cutting shooting lanes and stuff for new deer stand locations and such. About 7 years ago I bought a Stihl MS 170 and like the size and weight, but the dang chain gets dull almost immediately. I keep it out of the dirt, no rocks, but still I’m constantly trying to keep it sharp. I’m at a point now where the bar needs replaced and I’m wondering if I should just get a new saw altogether and keep this as a backup.

I had a few mature trees fall at my home property and quickly realized the MS 170 was way to small to be cutting up whole mature trees for firewood. So at the time, money was tight and I needed a bigger saw so I bought a Poulan Pro 18” and used it to cut up the big trees. I noticed immediately that the chain stays sharper for a lot longer and I’ve not had any problems aside from it being harder to start than the Stihl. It seems to have plenty of power for what I’ve used it for, but does feel a little cheaper than other brands.

I definitely use the smaller saw way more though. So I guess first question is whether I should stay with my 2-saw system or just get one good quality saw. Second question would be what should I buy to replace my MS 170 with first and then later replace the Poulan with? First priority is really doing something about the MS 170. Aside from being easy to start and being lighter weight, it’s a pain to keep sharp.

 

[HillStreet]

I have a Stihl MS180 that I use in the apple orchard all the time. I use a hand saw a lot for pruning but for bucking downed trees or limbs the Stihl is fine. Also have a Stihl 029 and pole saw too.

Don稚 know why you cant keep the chain sharp, no such trouble here.

 

[KennyG]

Doing the same work, a large saw will stay sharp longer than a small saw. Why? There is more chain and it typically has a larger, more aggressive tooth. Other problems could be a chain that has been over ground when sharpened or just a poor quality chain.

Having two saws is kind of normal. I have a 14" and a 20" and that seems a good spread for me. I don't do that much cutting (maybe 3 cords a year) so mine are cheap - Poulans. You have to be a little careful in how you start them, but otherwise I've been happy with them. The small one is close to 20 years old and about to be retired - it's so old it doesn't have a chain brake. When I replace it I may go battery.

 

[jeff9366]

Your age? As strength ebbs it becomes more difficult to use a chainsaw safely.

One saw is small and lightweight and I use it around the house property (6 acres) for pruning limbs and cutting up down limbs. I also use it at my hunting property for keeping ATV trails cut back.

Consider a battery powered reciprocating saw (Sawzall) to replace your smaller saw. Nine inch blades are cheap, easy to replace on the saw and last a long time. I have a seven year old 18 volt Milwaukee Sawzall but I will replace it soon with a 36 volt Makita reciprocating saw. ( I am tired out before a Sawzall battery charge is depleted.)

Size your larger saw so most of the bar is in the wood, most of the time. Better a more powerful saw with this length bar, than a less powerful saw. Once some significant part of the bar is out of the wood, control becomes a problem.

Are you purchasing Stihl made-in-Switzerland saw chains?

 

[ArlyA]

I've got 4 or so saws that we clear trails with, so these units get used much each summer. What we do, might not be Olympus would like to. Among these, I got a small Stihl which I've not fired up in years. I've also got a MS260 Stihl which is among there pro saws, but not that large of a CC machine. We tend do go light weight since they are commonly carried into the field. The 2 pole saws constitute 95% of sawing we need to do in the field... If we could only own one saw, it would be this type.

 

[wwdiii]

I like a small saw for cutting limbs at my place and branches for shooting lanes at my deer lease. I think I paid 69 dollars about 8 years back or so for a refurbished Homelite 14 inch bar. Pretty sure I've changed it to a 16 inch bar. This cheap saw starts every time on second pull. I've never done anything to it. Its had a hard life. Can't complain.

I have a 291 Stihl for bigger stuff but it doesn't take 24 inch bar saw to cut a tree branch. I've been known to cut a pine tree or two my pole saw also!!!. Got to have a pole saw also. Cheap attachment that fits on a weed eater works plenty good for home use.

 

[Olympus]

I’m 35 years old if that matters.

I had a Poulan Pro pole saw and that thing was super handy but couldn’t keep it running. Ran good as long as it was running wide open. Let off the throttle and it would die. I have found that extended handle loppers work just as good for what I used the pole saw for.

But I either need two size saws or one good saw with 2 different size bars. Would probably be buying Stihl whatever I decide to go with.

 

[radios1]

possibly the oil delivery is too low.. or perhaps improper bar oil?. Stihl is used by pro's for a few good reasons. Poulan is junk, Craftsman chain saws are Poulan saws rebadged!..

 

[Olympus]

possibly the oil delivery is too low.. or perhaps improper bar oil?. Stihl is used by pro's for a few good reasons. Poulan is junk, Craftsman chain saws are Poulan saws rebadged!..

It’s the factory bar and Stihl brand chain. The MS 170 is the smallest model Stihl makes. It’s far from professional grade.

 

[Jchonline]

I have the MS 241, great saw but pricey. I have 45 acres of trees, so it gets a bunch of use. Great balance of weight and power..also starts very easily. And I am at 9000 ft.
16 inch bar.