I'm looking for a limber, 14-16" bar light saw

MossflowerWoods · Apr 21, 2012

I love my MS-290 with the 20" bar.

But recently I was cutting down a large cherry tree and I borrowed my tenants 14" Stihl for the limbs I had to climb up the tree to get, and it was nice and light.

I was cutting down brush and shrubby stuff on the side of my large pond with my 290 and I was getting tangled up, and came close to falling into the pond twice. I've still not finished the job yet.

I was at the dealer looking for chaps and I looked over the Stihl 180 16"...

What is a good new (or used) small saw I can use alongside my larger saw for the treetops, and trail clearing, etc.

Or do I just exersize more and stick to my 290 for everything?

Thanks in advance.
David

smstonypoint · Apr 21, 2012

David,

I have Stihl's MS 170 (14" bar), their least expensive saw. I bought it in 2009 and have been using it to clear brush, dead trees, etc. on my farm.

So far, so good. I like its lightweight and I always reach for it, rather than my MS290, for small trees, limbing, etc. One thing I don't like about it is that it does not have toolless fuel and oil caps. That being said, I'm not a fan of the caps on my 290.

Although I'm hoping that I won't be in the market for another small saw in the near future, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another 170.

Steve

MossflowerWoods · Apr 21, 2012

smstonypoint said:
David,

I have Stihl's MS 170 (14" bar), their least expensive saw. I bought it in 2009 and have been using it to clear brush, dead trees, etc. on my farm.

So far, so good. I like its lightweight and I always reach for it, rather than my MS290, for small trees, limbing, etc. One thing I don't like about it is that it does not have toolless fuel and oil caps. That being said, I'm not a fan of the caps on my 290.

Although I'm hoping that I won't be in the market for another small saw in the near future, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another 170.

Steve

Steve,

The 180 was only $199, how much less was the 170?

A worthy consideration.

Thank you.
David

LD1 · Apr 21, 2012

The MS290 is underpowered and overweight IMO. So I can see your yearning for a limber saw.

If you are not loyal to stihl, visit a dolmar dealer. It appears you have 7 of them within 50 miles of you:thumbsup: Thats a good thing because the ONLY bad thing about dolmar is lack of dealers (kinda like kioti

).

I suggest you give the PS350 or PS420 a try. One heck of a small saw and super smooth.

I am not sure on current prices, but last year were around $250 and $300 respectivly. They are both basically identical, the 420 just has a larger jug and piston. So therefore a little more power on the same platform. (using tractor analogies, kinda like the L3200 and L3800 kubota.:thumbsup:

MossflowerWoods · Apr 21, 2012

LD1 said:
The MS290 is underpowered and overweight IMO. So I can see your yearning for a limber saw.

If you are not loyal to stihl, visit a dolmar dealer. It appears you have 7 of them within 50 miles of you:thumbsup: Thats a good thing because the ONLY bad thing about dolmar is lack of dealers (kinda like kioti).

(using tractor analogies, kinda like the L3200 and L3800 kubota.:thumbsup:

I'm considering the muffler mod for more power, but for me, it seems like a flipping awesome saw now.

I only find 2 Dolmar guys, and the closest one is really just a Husky guy, and likely does not have a Dolmar on the shelf (but I will check).

I'm really looking for a little saw to compliment my big saw.

And using tractors analogies what is a Kubota?:confused2:? I've never heard of one of those!

David

The Deerslayer · Apr 21, 2012

David-
I also have the MS 290 which is great for the bigger jobs, but I needed a smaller saw for limbing etc. I looked at the MS 170with a 16 inch bar and was ready to go that route when I realized the MS 180 was only $20 or so more. For the extra $ it came with steel dogs vs. plastic and it has the toolless chain adjuster. Very pleased with the saw overall. Between both saws, I am able to handle all that I need to without getting tired sooner than necessary. Good luck and let us know how you make out.
-Michael

dex3361 · Apr 21, 2012

I recently bought a Echo CS360 (36 cc)this is a top handle saw designed for arborist work and smaller limbs. They come with 12"-16" bars and I got the 14" to keep it a bit lighter. Quality seems to be good and power seems good but its not really broke in yet. :thumbsup:

archerynut · Apr 21, 2012

I have a MS250 that I use as my limbing saw. 16" bar for me. I love this little saw and I think it has a great power to weight ratio. I don't think that it is too heavy, my other saw is a ms441 so it seems really little In comparison.

LD1 · Apr 21, 2012

MossflowerWoods said:
And using tractors analogies what is a Kubota?:confused2:? I've never heard of one of those!

David

Thats too funny.

Kubota: (noun); the best orange tractor ever made

Which two dolmar dealers are you talking about?? All I did was go to the dolmar dealer locator and put in ladysmith VA, and 7 came up under 50 miles. But I know that isnt always accurate. BUT...a lot of dolmar dealers (and good ones to boot) are ones that most people dont even know exist. Little shops out in the sticks and down back roads. No advertizement or whatnot.

Personally, I'd stay away from a top handle UNLESS you are wanting a climbing saw.

I cannot remember who it was now on here, but someone a year or so ago got a PS350 or 420 based on my reccomendation and really likes the saw. I'll look and see if I can find who that was.

But none-the-less as goes with tractors, you are only doing yourself a dis-service if you dont at least try the other brands. Contact one of the dolmar dealers and see if he's got a 350 or 420 to let you step out back and make some chips. I honestly think you will be sold if you get that opportunity. They are ALOT smoother than any other small saw I have ran.

And there is always ebay, if you arent worried too much about dealer support and can work on things yourself.

EDIT: just found it. It was IslandTractor that got the PS420 I reccomended and he seemed pretty happy with the decision.

MossflowerWoods · Apr 21, 2012

LD1 said:
Thats too funny.

Kubota: (noun); the best orange tractor ever made
:laughing::laughing::laughing:

Which two dolmar dealers are you talking about??

LD1,

I found Pendleton's Hardware & Power Products which is a Husky dealer with a repair shop, and the other is way out in Culpeper pretty much a 100 plus mile round trip.

I would like to see/try a Dolmar...

David