Need a new small side kick saw. Opinions wanted!!

[sixspeed042]

hey gang! I've run into a problem...i need a new saw!
I have my ms 440 and a 390 i use for all my larger cuts...and I have my 009 i use for climbing and pruning small stuff. Well, the 009 is a good saw, but it's 1.7hp just doesnt do many favors for my thickening woods. I use a wood burner to heat the house, and i have 25 acres of thick woods. I usually try and cut about once a month, which usually involves a fullday or 2 of cutting. I've been sucking it up and using the 440 with s 20" to do almost all of my cutting, besides the brush. well, i'm getting worn out and tired of not being able to feel my forearms for the next 2 days after cut-fest!
cutting to the chase, I'd like a smaller lighter saw for the 8-14" wood I'm coming across. I'm a huge stihl fan, but I'm not sold on a ms 170 or 180 homeowner saw. Trying to get your opinions on which saw to get.
I'd like to stay under $250 price wise. I want 35-45cc or anything over 2.2hp
and a 16 or 18" bar. I'm open to all suggestions... but so far this is what i have come accross
-jonsered 2036 and comparables
-efco 3700 (menards has them on sale for 179 right now)
-stihl ms 180
-husky 235 or 240
-echo cs 370

thanks! please let me know of any suggestions or experience with any of these or other comparables.

 

[JJuday]

I'd go with the one that has a great dealer and close to home, a dealer that won't give you the buffalo eye when you walk in the door. All those saws will be fine for what you want them for, it just boils down to dealer sales, and aftersales support. Get one tomorrow and let us know about it! JJuday

 

[logging22]

Your price range is bad. But on that note, i built a couple of 025s for less than 30 bucks. They are fun to run and mine are really loud!! Go figure! Oh yeah, welcome to AS!!

 

[Erick]

Where 'bouts ya at in Hooterville????


My pick would be (was/is) a Redmax 3800.

But a little Ryobi Referb might be right up your ally also.



Good luck with this thread but I fear its gonna get ugly before long.

 

[logging22]

Where 'bouts ya at in Hooterville????


My pick would be (was/is) a Redmax 3800.

But a little Ryobi Referb might be right up your ally also.



Good luck with this thread but I fear its gonna get ugly before long.

Too late, your here!!!!

 

[JJuday]

Forgot to mention, if you are just looking for a limber then what's the need for 16''/18'' bars? Kinda defeats the purpose. Most of those saws will be pushed with a 16'' bar even in 14'' wood. Balance would be an issue with that long of a bar too. Somethin's to think about. JJuday

 

[Erick]

Too late, your here!!!!

Yeah I know what ya me..... hey wait a minute!!!!

 

[logging22]

Yeah I know what ya me..... hey wait a minute!!!!

HAHA, got ya brother.

 

[Andyshine77]

You'll need to spend more than $250 if you want to buy new. If you can find a Dolmar 401 buy it, the new Dolmar 420 is also a killer little saw, it runs more like most 50cc saws. I do however like my MS211, it's a bit expensive, but a well made little saw.

Vid of my 211.

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[Birdhunter1]

Since you are a Stihl guy why not look at a 260, 026 or even an older 024. I've got an 024 for the exact purpose you are wanting one and it is my favorite saw. I run a 16" bar on it with the Stihl RSC) chain on it and while it is best in 12" and under wood I have run it in 16" wood. Not teh best performer in 16" wood, but runs great in 12" and under. And considering it is superlight you don't really get tired with it.

024's can be had on ebay for near the $150 dollar mark.

 

[mactodd]

Your price range is bad. But on that note, i built a couple of 025s for less than 30 bucks. They are fun to run and mine are really loud!! Go figure! Oh yeah, welcome to AS!!

:agree2:
My 025 is quickly becoming a favorite for firewood sized cutting. Light, a screamer, and inexpensive. An 026 pro/MS260 may be more desireable for the adjustable oiler, but it will cut all day long without wearing you out.

 

[sixspeed042]

let me clear up a couple things... I want something fairly light. the 026 in my opinion is too much for what i'm looking for. the 390 and the 440 do me just fine with a 20" bar. the 009 i primarily use for limbing/climbing. I'm looking for a smaller saw i can chop up smaller logs with once on ground. no climbing, no felling. it just gets tiring swinging the 390/440 around for 5 hours....and it's equally tiring to wait for the 009 to grow some :censored:. I have a craftsman 42cc 16" thats perfect for all of that...but it's a :censored: and never works right.

 

[sixspeed042]

as far as dealers go, i have a stihl elite dealer and an echo dealer 10 minutes from me. both are good and have bought several parts from them for good prices and great service.

 

[Andyshine77]

Some of the best little saws have already been mentioned.

 

[Zombiechopper]

I've never heard a bad thing about a 211. I actually like my 170 but all I use it for is fence posts and landscape ties and cutting up pallets.

 

[Birdhunter1]

Sixspeed that is the exact reason I went with an 024. Not for felling timber but for working on them once on the ground and working with it for hours on end. It is a 42CC 16" saw like your Craftsman but this one runs right!

 

[Wildman1024]

Sounds like you should be looking for one of these poulan/craftsman saws. These are little screamers and will amaze you. You should be able to pik one up for less then $50 either off CL or Ebay.

 

[ckelp]

i have 2 poulan version of your craftsman saw one has a 20" bar for great for limbing the other one has a 16" with a stihl full comp chain just bad ass for a cheep saw never had problems with ether

 

[wigglesworth]

I would find a good 011 or 012 P&C, port them and put them on the 009 you already have. I built one a while back, and it flat rips. You could do that for a lot less money than buying another saw. Just my .02

 

[ckelp]

I would find a good 011 or 012 P&C, port them and put them on the 009 you already have. I built one a while back, and it flat rips. You could do that for a lot less money than buying another saw. Just my .02

lookin at your rep no one cares about your .02 j/k