I like the cs400 Echo a lot. Has a very smooth starter which is easy on my sometimes tender shoulder. Little more power then a 180 and they can be had on ebay $250ish. I haven't run the smaller echoes.
You could pick up an ms170 ($179 price tag) or watch for a used 1 and use the180 toolless parts and bar& chain extras.
If u r willing to spend more the ms250 would be significant gain in power. YOU can convert it to picco bar and chain and interchange the 180 b& c. Not sure about the tooless. The 250 did at 1 time have the toolless option.
I think a 2 saw option might make your woodcutting chores go better. May be a 170 and ms250 or ? would be an affordable upgrade?
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