Under 9lb 40cc class saw - Suggestions please.

[THALL10326]

I am sure this has been kicked around a lot but I searched and did not find full satisfaction yet.

So ... I currently have an MS-210 ... but it is underpowered for what I want and the ratio of power to weight seems a bit off and the saw is a homeowner saw.

I plan on getting rid of it ... but want to get an excellent pro saw replacement for limbing and a rare climb or two.

Specs I want:

1. Under 9 lbs [Prefer under 8]
2. 39-42 cc's
3. Run 3/8 x .050 16" w/ 3/8 x 7 rim sprocket.

Thus far I am looking for a 339xp and perhaps a 338xpt. [Though I don't prefer a top handle]

I need the 40cc class ... so that bumps stihl ...

Any other options out there?

Shindaiwa, Echo ... older poulans, I really don't care ... as long as they spec and are pro design saws ... and can be found in pristine shape.



TIA !!! :smile:

If most of your work is limbing on the ground the last thing you want is a top handle saw. The saw you want is a MS200 rear handle but thats around 650.00. Its under 10pounds, plenty powerfull. You say "can be found in pristine shape", are you saying your looking to buy used? If so disregard the MS200, even used ones in great shape fetch 350-400.00.

 

[SawTroll]

You said 3/8x7 .050. Is that regular or lo-pro 3/8.

3/8x7 lo-pro is doable on a 9lbs 40cc saw, but regular 3/8 would be a very bad idea. .325 narrow kerf (7-pin) probably is a better idea anyway.....

If the 9lbs limit is firm, you can't find a saw that is built like a traditional pro saw, witha ertically split magnesium case.
Your only real option is the 339xp, and it comes standard with a rim set-up and .325 NK (at least it does here). I am not sure it has the power that you want though, and it is not an easy saw to do major work on.

 

[THALL10326]

You said 3/8x7 .050. Is that regular or lo-pro 3/8.

3/8x7 lo-pro is doable on a 9lbs 40cc saw, but regular 3/8 would be a very bad idea. .325 narrow kerf (7-pin) probably is a better idea anyway.....

If the 9lbs limit is firm, you can't find a saw that is built like a traditional pro saw, witha ertically split magnesium case.
Your only real option is the 339xp, and it comes standard with a rim set-up and .325 NK (at least it does here). I am not sure it has the power that you want though, and it is not an easy saw to do major work on.

Sawtroll is the 339xp a top handle or a rear handle?

 

[SawTroll]

Edited post (edit doesn't work at the moment).

You said 3/8x7 .050. Is that regular or lo-pro 3/8?

3/8x7 lo-pro is doable on a 9lbs 40cc saw, but regular 3/8 would be a very bad idea. .325 narrow kerf (7-pin) probably is a better idea anyway.....

If the 9lbs limit is firm, you can't find a saw that is built like a traditional pro saw, with a vertically split magnesium case.
Your only real option is the 339xp, and it comes standard with a rim set-up and .325 NK (at least it does here).
I am not sure it has the power that you want though, and it is not an easy saw to do major work on.

 

[SawTroll]

Sawtroll is the 339xp a top handle or a rear handle?

Rear handle - based on the 338xpt.

 

[Brewmaster]

You said 3/8x7 .050. Is that regular or lo-pro 3/8.

3/8x7 lo-pro is doable on a 9lbs 40cc saw, but regular 3/8 would be a very bad idea. .325 narrow kerf (7-pin) probably is a better idea anyway.....

If the 9lbs limit is firm, you can't find a saw that is built like a traditional pro saw, witha ertically split magnesium case.
Your only real option is the 339xp, and it comes standard with a rim set-up and .325 NK (at least it does here). I am not sure it has the power that you want though, and it is not an easy saw to do major work on.

Thats what I figured ... thanks !!!

 

[THALL10326]

Rear handle - based on the 338xpt.

Ok, that will suit his needs, anything but a top handle for working on the ground...

 

[Brewmaster]

You said 3/8x7 .050. Is that regular or lo-pro 3/8?

3/8x7 lo-pro is doable on a 9lbs 40cc saw, but regular 3/8 would be a very bad idea. .325 narrow kerf (7-pin) probably is a better idea anyway.....

If the 9lbs limit is firm, you can't find a saw that is built like a traditional pro saw, with a vertically split magnesium case.
Your only real option is the 339xp, and it comes standard with a rim set-up and .325 NK (at least it does here).
I am not sure it has the power that you want though, and it is not an easy saw to do major work on.

You think it will be low on power?
What setup would compensate for that?
What more powerful lighter solution would you suggest? [Given - adding another pound.]

 

[minnnt]

Would you consider the 346xp? It's 5kg's, so around 11lb's but it is the best saw for limbing that is made atm.

Also look at the makita dcs4301 or dolmar 420. 42 or 43cc's and around 4.3kg's. 10lb's ish.

 

[striperswaper]

man up and get the MT4000

 

[SawTroll]

You think it will be low on power?
What setup would compensate for that?
What more powerful lighter solution would you suggest? [Given - adding another pound.]

Well, it sure have more power than the MS210 you have, but still only 2.4hp. I just assumed you wanted more, mainly because you said 3/8x7.

You probably need to add more than just one pound to gain a substantial amount of power and get a traditional buildt pro saw, and then the weight are getting too close to the lighter 50cc saws.

 

[Team FAST]

The cs 400 is 10.1 pounds

If you take an Echo CS400 and gut the cat (do a muffler mod) you will eliminate enough weight to get the saw below 10bs

 

[Brewmaster]

man up and get the MT4000

Now we're talkin'

Is this a true EFCO Italian made model?

Looks like a nice saw.

 

[nmurph]

a 250 is 3hp, durable, and a tick over 10lbs on paper.

 

[Brewmaster]

Well, it sure have more power than the MS210 you have, but still only 2.4hp. I just assumed you wanted more, mainly because you said 3/8x7.

You probably need to add more than just one pound to gain a substantial amount of power and get a traditional buildt pro saw, and then the weight are getting too close to the lighter 50cc saws.

Yeah ... my 50cc is a PS-5105 Dolmar ... it is amazing and with a 16" bar it is an extreme beast.

I'm trying to get the lightest one I can ...

 

[SawTroll]

...
Also look at the makita dcs4301 or dolmar 420. 42 or 43cc's and around 4.3kg's. 10lb's ish.

More like 4.7 (more with cat), or around 10 1/2lbs. They have the cat muffler in the US.

That one, and the new MS241, actually are the models I had in mind when I wrote "too close to the lighter 50cc saws in weight" in the post above......

 

[brages]

Duh! Makita DCS401/Dolmar PS401

 

[nmurph]

NLA new......and the 5100/5105 is 12lbs, despite the specs.

 

[SawTroll]

Yeah ... my 50cc is a PS-5105 Dolmar ... it is amazing and with a 16" bar it is an extreme beast.

I'm trying to get the lightest one I can ...

Well, that is far from the lightest 50cc saw (weight specs aren't true).

Regardless of that, here is my "bottom line" opinion;
Forget the "intermediate" options, and just consider what a MS200 rear handle or a 339xp can do for you. Delete the 40cc saw from you list if the answer is "little, really".

I would not have bought the 339xp if it wasn't that I thought it would fit the wife in the woods. The actual use it is getting is mostly cutting brush and cutting up planks etc for fire starters.

 

[brages]

NLA new......

Original poster doesn't care -- he specifically suggested "older poulans" as an example.