Looking for a new smaller saw?

[Tenn_Blue]

Replacing an older craftsman 14" chainsaw (RIP).

I have a bigger saw (Stihl 026) for thicker stuff, but liked the smaller saw for trimming and lighter work - less to carry, less fuel, more nimble in brush, etc.

Used saws for a long time, but just ocasional use, UP TO NOW :laughing: We have a wood stove and plenty of land/trees, so I see myself "driving" the saw a lot more often. We have a lot of hickory and hard wood to cut.

Been reading a lot and looking at different models - want some advise.

Looks like the Stihl ms170 or the Echo cs310 are comperable examples of my small short saw concept that I have looked at. Both seem to be more or less similarly priced. I have dealers for both reasonably close (considering we live in the country), but never dealt with either of them. Preference or other suggestions?

One of the stores suggested that I go with a bigger (more hp) lightweight saw and put a short bar on it - (something like a sthl ms210) - might do better in the harder wood, and I could switch to a second longer bar if I needed to. That makes sense and would be more versitile. And any of the newer saws will be lighter than my big old one.... Have any of you gone this route? and what saw would you recommend?

I dont want to go cheap, but also dont want to spend a huge amount of money if I don't need to - too many other things we need to buy :confused2: Had hoped to get a couple more seasons out of the craftsman before replacing it, oh well!!!

 

[EddieWalker]

I have two Stihl saws and One Echo saw and and Echo weed eater. The Echo starts a lot easier. If I was out shopping for another saw, or anything gas oporated, Echo is going to be my first choice. Nothing else that I've used even comes close.

Eddie

 

[arrow]

I'd say you are looking for a saw in the 36 to 40 cc range. Saws made by all the major manufacturers will not disappoint. Smaller saws cut better with smaller chains. My preference when getting a 40 cc chainsaw is to get one with 3/8 mini chain as opposed to .325. I like .325 for 50 cc's. In these saws' desciption, it might state "saw comes with a 3/8" chain". Do not get confused as this is not the 3/8 chain found on a larger saw. It is much smaller chain but cuts very well. I once owned and used a Solo (I think a 642 ) with a 16" bar and 3/8 mini chain. Cut like a girl breaking up with ya. They have a couple sized smaller but I wouldn't get anything under 35CC.

Just another note. When I was in the business of logging, it was critical for me to have a local dealer take care of me. If you are running 5 or 6 chainsaws and they are running for hours everyday, they break. As a result, you always had 2 or 3 in service. For the homeownwer or occasional cutter , I think you can buy at the most convenient place and if it's online so be it. The converse is true as well. If you want a particular brand of saw but the nearest dealer is an hours drive, don't fret that either.These things rarely get busted up by the homeowner as opposed to the wood cutter. Unless of course you run over them with the tractor. Some manufactuers such as Husky and others have anti online selling policies so you cannot get some parts that way. No man should be with one chainsaw anyway so one always has one or 5 or 6 saws to fall back on.

 

[Egon]

Check out the different Major Brands of saw and find one that feels comfortable weight wise. The bar length is easily changed to what you desire.:thumbsup:

Chances are very good that a Sthil dealer can service a Husky saw and vice versa.

 

[LD1]

If you have a dolmar dealer in your area, take a good look at the PS350 and PS420. They may not be the lightest on the spec sheet, but they are light and a little saw. They have a primer bulb so starting is easy. The also have the 3/8 lo profile chain as well.

I am not one to use a small saw, but dad bought a PS350. I was very impressed with the AV on that saw. You can't even feel any vibration at all in your hands. Prior to this saw, it was a husky 136. The PS350 is just a uch better saw all around. And the PS420 is the same saw with a little bigger piston/cylinder. Prices run ~$250 for the PS350 and ~$300 for the PS420 from a dealer.

 

[mountainlake]

Between the Cs310 and MS170 or 180 I'd sure go with the Echo, a lot better build quality. Dolmar, Efco, Makita and Echo all have way more quality than the home owner Stihl and Husky saws. Steve

 

[BruceWard]

I bought a MS170 in October of 2008 to cut a 240' x 6' path down a 30 degree slope. I liked it so much that I turned around and cut up the bulldozer piles from 1.5 acres of clearing with it. I had an 028 in the truck, it only came out once or twice when I hung the MS170 in larger logs that collapsed on it (user error).

Last fall I lent it to my Dad who has two 028s and a 039. I did not see it again until last week. He has been using it to clear shooting lanes and trim trees for deer hunting.

Last week I started using it to cut up trees from a 70'x150' clearing. It starts like new, typically on the 3rd pull. The more I use it the better it runs. I think we have burned through four chains with a couple others near their last sharpening.

I would not hesitate to buy a MS170 or MS180. When buying I thought I would only use it for very small jobs. But it is really nice to carry around all day so I hardly ever use a bigger saw. If I were buying again I might spend more on a more powerful lightweight Stihl.

 

[BruceWard]

I went with Stihl due to lack of an Echo dealer nearby and loyalty to the local Stihl dealer my family has used for two generations, possilby three.

 

[smstonypoint]

I would not hesitate to buy a MS170 or MS180. When buying I thought I would only use it for very small jobs. But it is really nice to carry around all day so I hardly ever use a bigger saw. If I were buying again I might spend more on a more powerful lightweight Stihl.

I can't comment about the virtues of Echo, Dolmar, etc., but my experiences are similar. I've got a larger saw (MS290), but I'm not getting younger and would much rather use the 170 if conditions permit.

Steve

 

[Topkicker]

I bought a Stihl 210 for limbing. Great little saw. Starts easy and has the 3/8 picco chain. Cuts fast for a light saw. I think it was replaced this past year by the Stihl 211. MS 211 Chain Saw - Powerful Mid Range Chainsaw Features | STIHL