I need advice on which chainsaw to buy. My husband passed away and I need a good, reliable chainsaw that isn't too heavy or too hard to handle. He used a Stihl 029 and an 056 for many years. Milled a lot of lumber with the 056. We cook and heat with wood, but I now have a propane stove. We still go through about 8 cords or so. I'm in my late 50's (and not as strong as I used to be) and my son is 17 (strong as an ox). Trees around here are usually about 10" to 14", but some are larger. I have a bandsaw mill now for lumber. Do I need to get a saw in the Professional level, or would a Homeowner Stihl be good for us? Money is an issue, but safety and reliability are most important. Thank you.
Advice Needed: Chainsaw for an older woman
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If an older 026 stihl is available for 250,00 or less
that would be my recommendation
that would be my recommendation
Kyfan
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Any of the smaller units from a reputable manufacturer will do. I would recommend something in the 50cc class to give you enough power while still being light weight. As for a pro saw or not I buy them just because I like having the best tool I can afford. I love my stihl ms261cm but if you dont want to spend that much money and have a good dealer nearby I would look into echo i have used a friends cs490 and for your tasks it would be more than enough. And you would have more to spend on ppe and chain.
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Do you still have the 029?
If so, have you tried using it?
Or is it too big?
If so, have you tried using it?
Or is it too big?
LonestarStihl
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241 or 261 would be great I think unless starting the saw is a major issue then in my opinion that’s where the Stihl ez start really shines. Any shoulder injuries or just ina omitting to pull it over. In that case maybe a ms250 with ez start? Not as good power to weight but if the starter is needed then it is what it is
Thank you for the advice! My late husband kept the 029 running for many years, and eventually replaced it a year or so before he died when he could no longer keep the 029 going. My son and I were away for a few weeks, and the new saw was gone when we returned. I don't remember what model number, but it was a Stihl. I do have a shoulder injury from trying to start a snowmachine at -40 one morning. No pain anymore, but stiff and I have trouble pulling pull ropes on older equipment. My son has no problem though, and will be taking over most of the firewood.
If the 029 is to much weight then about the best option is going to be a used 026 or new 261 in my opinion. At about 3lbs lighter it is about the only saw that stihl has that will keep you in the 029 power range but a lot lighter. Plus with the decomp for easier starting. Cost will be the down side factor since it is a pro saw, but if taken care of would last a VERY long time.
LonestarStihl
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If you’re not the one doing the cutting most the time then you may not have to worry about the greater compression. The Stihl ez start was too easy for my house because my 3 year old was able to turn it over. It’s a great feature for those who need it but I imagine it adds a few ounces to the saw. If it’s your son doing it then the major consensus would probably be the 026-261 saw. I have a ms261cm I’m and it’s an amazing saw and nice weight. I don’t personally use the decomp but it can be helpful for turning it over if you needed to do it
The 241 and 261 are great saws. I forget the circumstances but I needed a 20" saw on short notice and bought a Stihl MS290. I think I was doing something for my brother in law in Ohio, and was on vacation with no tools, so I just ran in the first Stihl dealer I saw and bought it. I literally leave it on the back of my truck, in all weather, and it just won't die. It's not a pro level saw, but I've gotten 10-15 years of good service out of it.
buttercup
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A 018 / MS180 with a 12" bar should get through 20" of wood with an exceptional pleasant light weight and maneuverable frame, at the cost of a biscuit. Might not be the state of art but perhaps what you actually need.
That said, I would recommend a battery powered saw if you want something practical.
That said, I would recommend a battery powered saw if you want something practical.
Welcome to A.S.!
You describe a few different uses here (firewood for heating, milling lumber), and at least 2 users. It might be that you need / want 2 different saws, which is not bad, because that also gives you a back up.
You seem to have a preference for STIHL saws; they come in 'Homeowner', 'Farm & Ranch', and 'Professional' grades. I would recommend at least the middle range, such as the MS 25o, MS251 (smaller, lighter) or MS291, MS391 (larger, heavier). Maybe a smaller saw for you and a larger one for your son?
https://www.stihlusa.com/WebContent/CMSFileLibrary/downloads/Chain-Saw-Comparison-Chart.pdf
'Older' users typically face 2 issues; the weight of the saw, and starting. A saw like the MS250 / MS251 is not as heavy as some more powerful saws, but still pulls a 16" bar well. As noted, it also is available in an easy2start model:
https://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/homeowner-saws/ms251cbe/
I am also a fan of the better battery powered chainsaws, which are push-button start, and capable of 'real work'. These make a great 'second saw' for someone who has difficulty starting a conventional 2-cycle saw, as well as eliminate most of the noise, fumes, maintenance, etc.
https://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/battery-saws/msa200cbq/
https://www.arboristsite.com/commun...chainsaws-and-outdoor-power-equipment.177392/
Philbert
LonestarStihl
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Philbert said it very well in my opinion. Pretty wise man there
billyboy
ArboristSite Operative
You might try going back to the store where the new saw was purchased to see if they have a record of the model and serial number and take it to the police if they do. Pawn Shops usually have to check serial numbers on some of the things they take in with local police to make sure it isn't "hot".
I would also recommend an 026 pro, 261 or 028 WB "electronic quickstop" or 028 super. only about 1 lb heavier than 026. There are really good 50 cc saws in Makita, Husqavarna, Dolmar, Etc. Buy the one that has best local dealer support or a good mechanic who works on more than one brand. If you buy used take your son along and a #27 torx and pull the muffler off to check for wear marks, smears, on the cylinder and piston. Good used pro saws can be had for 1/3 to half of new and will last for years. Do a search on this site for 50 cc saws and you will get a good education tho you may have to wade thru some BS'ing along the way
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Late fifties!!!
Big difference!!!!
I gave my mother inlaw, aged "Cough" late 70s, a 180 with easy start and tool less chain adjuster.
she can start it, and light enough to handle, 16" bar.
she can start it, and light enough to handle, 16" bar.
buttercup
Addicted to ArboristSite
Myself, I’d go electric. Don’t buy the saw for how you are now, buy the saw for how you will be 5-10 years from now. Get a serious saw for your son. For him, I’d recommend a 046/460/461 with a 28” bar. For you though, I’d be looking into whatever is the best battery powered saw out there, or if you happen to already be wedded to a particular battery platform, whatever saw that may be. Cordless saws are extremely convenient. No pulling on a rope, no tuning, just chain tension and sharpening. I understand the new Milwaukee 18V is very good. Personally however I have found that Milwaukee tools do not hold up well to damp conditions.
Kyfan
ArboristSite Member
I have never had good luck with Milwaukee tools. I have felt as though the last few years they are all marketing and no substance. Although I mainly use grinders so that may not apply to their chainsaws
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