Looking for a saw that fits my needs.

I have been reading numerous threads on here but seem to keep going in circles. I am cutting a trail and need a chainsaw to cut some trees down (9" average) and also need to buck some trees that have fallen. The fallen trees are about 14-16". I think I need something with a 16" bar. I want to keep it light since I will be hiking through the woods with it. So far I have almost bought:

Stihl MS180
Stihl MS200
Husky 435
Husky 445
Echo cs370

Before I started doing research I bought a Ryobi gas powered saw ( a new green one) that actually almost ran long enough to buck a tree! After I returned it I decided to do some research on chainsaws, ending up here. I have visited my local Stihl dealer and am unsure of the quality of there lower end saws, such as the MS180, the Huskys are at Lowes and seem a little bit better put together, the Echo seems nice. Am I going to notice any difference between these chainsaws or should I just get the cheapest one, maybe an MS170? Thanks for the help!

A good used Stihl 026/260 or Husky 350 would be my choice. The 170/180 Stihls are tough as nails and pretty compact though. They won't like a 16in. bar for the most part however. The 200 is a great saw but it is way overpriced for what you need IMO. Check out the classifieds section here.

All the saws you've listed or consumer grade homeowner saws, except the MS200. It's way overpriced for what you're wanting to do. For the same money you can get a stronger saw more adept for what you're wanting to do. I recommend any good quality 50cc saw. The Husky 350 would make a great starting point. Also include the Husky 353 and 346. Stihl 026/260/261. Dolmar 501/5100/5105. There are others.

+1 on any quality 50cc saw...

...or stronger (darn CAD).

I dunno, I've recommended the MS180 to several people around here that kept burning up Wildthings. Not a one of them has had a problem in years of service doing home owner work and all of them have thanked me for the suggestion.

Get a Stihl or Husky from a Real Saw Dealer. Stay away from the big box stores.
50cc would be a good size.

MEATSAW said:

Looks like the work you'll be doing will be mostly small stuff. I know this is heresy to say on this site but you can what you need with a 40-45cc saw, and not have to spend the kind of money to get a pro-grade 50cc saw. I think an Echo cs400 with 16" bar is a good saw for the money. I use a Stihl MS211 at work for exactly what you are doing: trail maintenance. An MS250 would also be a good saw if you are buying new.

The catch is buying a saw for what you need now, or buying a saw that can do what you need now, and also what you may need in the future. This is where the recommendations for a 50cc saw begin to really make sense. The problem with getting homeowner grade 50cc saws in your application will be the added weight. This where a pro-grade 50cc saw is golden. But you'll pay for this step up in quality and power. If you want to go this route I would recommend the Husqvarna 346xp with 16" bar.

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Agreed, a 180 or 211 will do what he wants fine, remember, LIGHT trail saw, not a "One saw for all" recommendation.

Saw

I would say look at a 40cc saw or 50cc would be a better choice:msp_smile:

USED 026 pro! Or the Echo cs 370. Ive had both and they both run great. Infact i cut all sorts of crap with the Echo. The stihl i still have yet to run it thru its paces.

Is this for the initial clearing of a trail or maintenance?

Thanks for all the replies! If I go the MS 180 route is it worth it to get the easy start? They both have the tooless chain adjust, the dealer said he does not like them but has not had any problems with them. The dealer is getting some MS 170's in tommorow and he said they are now coming with 16" bars on them. Is the MS 180 going to perform much better than the MS 170? So many choices........the Echo seems to be a good value for a person such as myself. Basically the saw is going to be strapped to a backpack and only be used occasionaly. Thanks for the input!

dan42 said:

If I go the MS 180 route is it worth it to get the easy start?

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Don't bother. It adds weight and you should be able to start it fine without it.

TreePointer said:

Is this for the initial clearing of a trail or maintenance?

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I am initially clearing the trail but will also be maintaining it. I live just north of Atlanta so I am mainly dealing with alot of undergrowth and such. The big trees I am just going around but I need to cut some smaller ones, and of course cut a path through the fallen trees...these are the larger ones (14-16"). I am cutting a trail around my subdivision and up to the main road so people can walk to the store in town. It will be a total of about 3.5 miles. I am about a half mile into it now....lots of work! I also do a bit of volunteer work for the local mountain bike trails, so I will be using it for that too.

I would go with a ms290. These saws where built for what you are doing. This will give you the options to run anywhere from 16-20" bars. Smaller bar to intial pass and the the bigger bar for the undergrowth.

sefh3 said:

I would go with a ms290. These saws where built for what you are doing. This will give you the options to run anywhere from 16-20" bars. Smaller bar to intial pass and the the bigger bar for the undergrowth.

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On a backpack? REALLY?

Hi, I would say MS170, except it will struggle bucking 14"-16". It's very light & reliable, but obviously has it's limitations. The price is good too. Check on where they are being made now though! My local Stihl guy told me that the new ones are coming from China?

sefh3 said:

I would go with a ms290. These saws where built for what you are doing. This will give you the options to run anywhere from 16-20" bars. Smaller bar to intial pass and the the bigger bar for the undergrowth.

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Does seem intrigueing, but heavy, I am a dainty fellow. It does seem to have alot to offer!

ClayKann101 said:

USED 026 pro! Or the Echo cs 370. Ive had both and they both run great. Infact i cut all sorts of crap with the Echo

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That sounds like the ticket, thats what I want to do "cut all sorts of crap"

250 vs 290, no brainer in my book

When you go from an MS250 to a290, I think you go up in weight about 3 pounds or so. Get the 250 and save your back. I know of several that are in use, and they give pretty good service.