best model years for stihl 026

[pmbou]

So the time has come to buy a saw and I like the Stihl 026.
Mostly I will use it for trail clearing and firewood.

Question is, what model year is best?
Models change over time (epa carbs, mufflers, piston dia, tank caps, etc).
I have looked all over for model year info, but no luck.
What years were the walbro wt-194 carbs used in 026's?

Any help is much appreciated.
Great site BTW!

 

[Jacob J.]

In my mind, the 026 saws from 1994 to 1997 or so were the best. You could still get the WT-194 fully adjustable carb, the fully adjustable oil pump, and they had the best porting. The non-pro MS-260 saws from 2000-03 seemed to run better than the Pro versions from what I've seen.

 

[flashy]

I had a bad one in about 1998 or so. Carb needed constant adjustment and the air cleaner cover wouldn't stay on. Got rid of it.

 

[banjobart]

Mine's a 2002 and it runs fine with a muffler mod. Nothing has fallen off it yet. Carb is fine.

 

[Oldsawnut]

Almost any pre epa are really great saws. I have had several of the earlier 026's and they always impress me. Just enlarge the 4 exhaust holes to 3/8 each and fatten it up a tad. I did have one newer 026 pro but the old ones were much better IMO.