Need new lighter Stihl saws due to continuing and progressive leg & back problems

[RCR 3 EVER]

Need help in recommending another saw for my wife to use and also a saw for me to use.
I will probably need to sell the Stihl MS 361 or maybe sell it to family member because I can not start it let alone lift it. It will start I just can NOT stand on my feet steady enough for the pulling.
Left leg is nearly total numb and barely able to support me. My right leg has many areas of numbness and lack of muscle control. Therefore, I am not going to be cutting down any trees where I may have to move out of the way fast.

I am looking for a saw that is lighter than the 361 and usually easier to start. The 361 and 16 in bar was perfect for our property, but now is simply too heavy too carry. I hope to be just cutting the tree into fireplace logs not doing the limbing. I can't be standing at a cut waiting all day for the saw to get through a 16-20" tree either. Hopefully I will manage to get thru 1 tree/ weekend. Heck, first I have to get to property, which I have not been able to do either for over a year either.:angry2::msp_bored::msp_bored:

AS for my wife she would like to use a Stihl saw somewhere around the weight of the husky 36 which is barely running. If need be she can use the 362 to cut trees down and limb with the smaller Stihl saw. The trees would have to limbed before I get near the tree to cut it since I easily trip since I can't lift legs over obstacles.

I have been waiting nearly 8 months for approval from insurance co for power wheelchair. They say if I can use a walker for 15 ft I do not need a chair. I say what about the trip back from the 15' or up and down wheelchair ramps which are impossible for me. I am getting fitted for one sometime in Oct. Meanwhile lawsuit trickles on and Occupational therapists recommend house renovations nearly $100,000:jawdrop:

Anyway if there are any recommendations for lightweight Stihl saws for my wife and I that we may purchase sometime in near future let me know.

The 361 probably only had about 4 gals of gas used in it. My back problems did not allow much use of it.

 

[medic8852]

Not sure exactly what you are looking for, but stihl shows a MS250 C-BE that the powerhead weighs 10.8lbs. I have a ms250 (not the c-be) and it is a fine running little saw. I run mine with a 16" b/c and .325 chain and it cuts fine. Could probably actually drop it down to a 14" and make it a real nice cutter. The "E" in the MS250 C-BE is the stihl easy to start. From the videos i've seen of it, there is little to no effort in starting it.
Almost forgot, in the "pro" models, there is a MS201 C-E. Also has easy to start and weighs 8.82 lbs.
Like Zogger says, the elastostart is available and most dealers will let you try something out.

 

[zogger]

Stihl has those elastostart models. Go to the dealer and try a few out?

Good luck man, rough row to hoe you got there.

 

[rullywowr]

Simple. The Stihl you need is actually a model called a "Husqvarna". Try the 550XP AT for example...50cc, 10.8lbs and 3.75 HP stock. Compare that to the 261 @ 11.6lbs and 3.75HP.
:yoyo::chainsawguy:
.

 

[KenJax Tree]

There was a guy here yesterday looking to buy a 361.

 

[D&B Mack]

I second (or third :msp_confused the Stihl Easy2start systems. They work really well. Just have to go and pick up the saws that work for you.

 

[rullywowr]

I second (or third :msp_confused the Stihl Easy2start systems. They work really well. Just have to go and pick up the saws that work for you.

I have heard they don't like to be drop started however. You need to pull them in a linear fashion as the "helper" spring is expecting that. Too much, too quick will result in you "tacoing" the recoil assembly.

 

[o8f150]

i just built a ms-250,, my wife is able to use it since it is light enough

 

[GASoline71]

I have heard they don't like to be drop started however. You need to pull them in a linear fashion as the "helper" spring is expecting that. Too much, too quick will result in you "tacoing" the recoil assembly.

Why in the hell would you dropstart a saw with the EZ 2 Start feature?

Gary

 

[KenJax Tree]

Why in the hell would you dropstart a saw with the EZ 2 Start feature?

Gary

Some guy that posted here yesterday did it to his 201 and destroyed the starter assembly and wanted to know if anyone else had a problem.

 

[GASoline71]

All I can say is... Wow...

Gary

 

[hangfirew8]

The ms250 has a good power-to-weight ratio at 10.1lbs and 3HP, but if weight is your bigger factor than power, you might consider the Husqvarna 435. It is 9.2 lbs and 2.2HP. Yes it'll take you longer to make the same cut, but it is about as light and easy to handle as you can get.

I don't think it is available in Easy Start, but I drop start mine all the time. The key is to follow (the rest of) the instructions- take out all slack in the starter first, and don't keep pulling hard when the cord runs out.

I recently hand sharpened the stock H30 chain on mine, and the results are awesome- well, awesome for a little saw, anyway! :msp_tongue:

HF

 

[donjr5]

The MS250 CB-E does have Easy 2 Start. It also responds well to a muffler mod.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[tree monkey]

jmp0145 is looking for a ms 361

 

[imagineero]

maybe 026 pro or 241cm? Some of the better electric saws are pretty good if you have power where you cut. Nice and quiet, reasonably light and no starting to worry about. As with any saw, you need a good sharp chain to get anywhere.

Shaun

 

[singinwoodwackr]

Left leg is nearly total numb and barely able to support me. My right leg has many areas of numbness and lack of muscle control.

I have been waiting nearly 8 months for approval from insurance co for power wheelchair. They say if I can use a walker for 15 ft I do not need a chair. I say what about the trip back from the 15' or up and down wheelchair ramps which are impossible for me. I am getting fitted for one sometime in Oct. Meanwhile lawsuit trickles on and Occupational therapists recommend house renovations nearly $100,000:jawdrop:

not trying to be a dic...but...from the symptoms you describe you have spinal damage or at least a completely blown disk. I would set the saw aside until you get your back fixed rather than sell it. Has your doc given you any sort of prognosis after surgery? After 3 in the last 3yrs and have had to learn what I can and can no longer do.

 

[RCR 3 EVER]

Thanks for all the replies I will have to check out the model numbers and check out the starting at nearest store. AS far as drop starting I do not think I could handle that at least aggressively anyway unless someone is hanging onto my back and supporting me so I do not fall over or I could lean against a tree. The EZ 2 start feature sounds interesting, is that the same as the compression button on my saw or something else? Electric saws are not an option for 125 acres, that would be a mighty long extension cord and heavier than the saw.:msp_smile:

I just want to cut trees on the ground and not lay in bed of trailer watching others cut the stuff up. The Massey Ferguson tractor will be impossible to use since it is too high off the ground and I can not stand on 1 leg to hoist myself up. We are not able to afford new tractors unless I get heapfulls of money from lawsuit. That will mostly go towards renovating house and truck for my new back and leg problems.

As far as diagnosis I have partial spinal cord paralysis -1 leg is unable to support my weight and other has problems, + numerous other conditions. The paralysis started within 2 days after fusion of 2 herniated disks that were compressing and cutting into nerves. My condition is progressing worse.

 

[sefh3]

Thanks for all the replies I will have to check out the model numbers and check out the starting at nearest store. AS far as drop starting I do not think I could handle that at least aggressively anyway unless someone is hanging onto my back and supporting me so I do not fall over or I could lean against a tree. The EZ 2 start feature sounds interesting, is that the same as the compression button on my saw or something else? Electric saws are not an option for 125 acres, that would be a mighty long extension cord and heavier than the saw.:msp_smile:

I just want to cut trees on the ground and not lay in bed of trailer watching others cut the stuff up. The Massey Ferguson tractor will be impossible to use since it is too high off the ground and I can not stand on 1 leg to hoist myself up. We are not able to afford new tractors unless I get heapfulls of money from lawsuit. That will mostly go towards renovating house and truck for my new back and leg problems.

As far as diagnosis I have partial spinal cord paralysis -1 leg is unable to support my weight and other has problems, + numerous other conditions. The paralysis started within 2 days after fusion of 2 herniated disks that were compressing and cutting into nerves. My condition is progressing worse.

Sorry to hear about your condition. I see you are in MI. Well so am I. I'm down by Ohio. I also have an MS250. PM me where your at. If your close by, I don't mine bringing the saw over for you to try out. If you like it, then go buy a new one or buy mine.

 

[Scooterbum]

If your not cutting large trees any more then the MS 211 C-BE should do everything you need and the both of you can use it.

I would go with a 14" bar instead of the 16" though. Good luck and let us know what you choose. Always good to hear feedback on the smaller saws.

 

[zogger]

Thanks for all the replies I will have to check out the model numbers and check out the starting at nearest store. AS far as drop starting I do not think I could handle that at least aggressively anyway unless someone is hanging onto my back and supporting me so I do not fall over or I could lean against a tree. The EZ 2 start feature sounds interesting, is that the same as the compression button on my saw or something else? Electric saws are not an option for 125 acres, that would be a mighty long extension cord and heavier than the saw.:msp_smile:

I just want to cut trees on the ground and not lay in bed of trailer watching others cut the stuff up. The Massey Ferguson tractor will be impossible to use since it is too high off the ground and I can not stand on 1 leg to hoist myself up. We are not able to afford new tractors unless I get heapfulls of money from lawsuit. That will mostly go towards renovating house and truck for my new back and leg problems.

As far as diagnosis I have partial spinal cord paralysis -1 leg is unable to support my weight and other has problems, + numerous other conditions. The paralysis started within 2 days after fusion of 2 herniated disks that were compressing and cutting into nerves. My condition is progressing worse.

No the easytostart system lets you pull it out slow, then it trips and starts itself fast. It's like winding up a spring, plus they have or might have an elastic piece for the starter handle that acts like a towstrap, a little stretch and give, then it pulls hard and fast for you.