I am looking to get a saw for limbing and small tree clean up. A 14 inch bar would be what iam looking for. The ones i was looking at ms170 or the ms 180. My ms250 is too heavy to be swinging around. The 180 has 31.8 cc and the 170 has 30.1 and the weight of both saws are about the same.
14 inch saw for limbing and small trees?
- Thread starter sgrizz
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biggenius29
Addicted to ArboristSite
I have a MS180 that sees absolutly no use. I bought it thinking I was going to use it for limbing, now after I got the 346 the 180 sees absolutly no use.
I would get a good used 026 for the same money as a new 180 and you have a way better saw. Or save up for a MS260 or 346xp.
I would get a good used 026 for the same money as a new 180 and you have a way better saw. Or save up for a MS260 or 346xp.
Work Saw Collector
GTG Coffee Maker
I havn't ran the 180 but have three 170s they are ok for around the yard little trimming jobs. I got all three used at a pawn shop all have gave me no trouble. Just don't over work them bucking big stuff.
MS460WOODCHUCK
Addicted to ArboristSite
A good used 026 would fit the bill great unless you want to buy new then the 260.
2000ssm6
Stihl User
A good used 026 would fit the bill great unless you want to buy new then the 260.
A little overkill for a 14" but a fine saw indeed.
I'd say check out the Stihl MS211, Dolmar 420 and husky 435.
Go for the 170!!
We have a 170 and really like it for small stuff. My dad uses it alot we even bucked up some 14" cherry and oak with it! I use it for wall building when I use 6x6 pt timbers, the small bar gets a better angle than the bigger bars on my poulan s25da's. my 2 cents...
We have a 170 and really like it for small stuff. My dad uses it alot we even bucked up some 14" cherry and oak with it! I use it for wall building when I use 6x6 pt timbers, the small bar gets a better angle than the bigger bars on my poulan s25da's. my 2 cents...
Zombiechopper
Addicted to ArboristSite
I also have a 170. Its sparkling clean from lack of use. Nice enough saw, but it is truly only a limbing saw. I usually just take one bigger saw that will limb and buck.
The 170 is really good for one thing. It makes a great cattle fence building saw. Its perfect for walking the miles building braces before pulling the first wire. I also have been known to use it instead of a weedwacker when the saplings get a little thick in the back forty.
The 170 is really good for one thing. It makes a great cattle fence building saw. Its perfect for walking the miles building braces before pulling the first wire. I also have been known to use it instead of a weedwacker when the saplings get a little thick in the back forty.
SawTroll
Information Collector
The 420 is too heavy for him, if the 250 is (post #1).
If you have a redmax dealer in your area, you might check out the 3800, the 4000 or the 4500. They weigh about 1/2 lb more that the 170/180 series, but you can cut 8-10" hardwood very easily with them.
All of the above are far superior in construction than the 170/180. The 170 is a clamshell homeowner engine. The Redmax saws metioned are built similiar to a pro saw with a vertically split magnesium case, a bolt on cylinder, and a forged rod. They're still plasticy on the outside, but a much better built engine. The 3800 will require a muffler mod, so expect that going in. They're really choked up from the factory. The 4000 will benefit from one as well, but isn't near as choked up as the 3800 without one. Any of them can be modded to significantly out perform a MS200. But of course, that drives the price up.
2000ssm6
Stihl User
LOL, how about the 211 or 435 then?
How's the 211 and 435 compare in weight? I have not messed with either one.
2000ssm6
Stihl User
From only picking up the 435 at blowes, it seems about the same as the 211. I don't worry about weight near as much as troll. The 211's power acts like a bigger saw anyway. For a cheaper limber, the 211 is sweet.
The vids I've seen make it look comparable to the Dolmar 420. What did you say the compression was on the 211? The 420 was up around 190-195, and I believe that has a lot to do with why it's so strong.
HimWill
Addicted to ArboristSite
How "handy" are you with tools?Are you on a tight budget?For an inexpensive answer to your question start reading here:
http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=100462&highlight=Ryobi+10532
Might be what you need,might not be what you "want".
http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=100462&highlight=Ryobi+10532
Might be what you need,might not be what you "want".
2000ssm6
Stihl User
With that new plug size, I could not find an adaptor with a o-ring to seal against the surface well. I got 158psi with another adaptor and that seemed right to me. I pretty sure they don't make near the comp the 420 does. The 211 doesn't spool up quick or scream but holds it's rpms very well. I've been wanting to open up the muff but have had so much other stuff to do.
B_Turner
Addicted to ArboristSite
I bought a 3800 and 4000 (fleabay actually) and really like them. The 4000 has a bit more power, but I have gotten to like the 3800 alot too.
Balanced, compact, air filters seem to stay clean well,etc.
Very nice little trim saws, with a 14 inch 3/8 lp setup working well.
Keeping my eyes out for another 3800 for the right price. Such a pleasant saw to use.
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I have had a 170 and it is ultra light weight. Less than 9 lbs for the power head, and I have no complaints about the 170. But.....
The 211 weighs 12 lbs with a 14 inch bar and chain and tanks full.
It is a big hit with me. Light weight, nimble and cuts like a bigger saw.
The 211 weighs 12 lbs with a 14 inch bar and chain and tanks full.
It is a big hit with me. Light weight, nimble and cuts like a bigger saw.
I have a MS180 and I use it all the time, it is alot easier on the back compared to the 460. I find that I will use the 180 to cut 20" dia oak and it has no problem doing it and uses alot less fuel. I like the quick adjust tensioner, it has never given me any problems as long as I keep it clean.
