Recommendations

[braddrum]

Just looking for some advice for my first saw purchase. I live on a 2.5 acre lot, most of it treed, and I would like to thin it out a bit, especially taking out a lot of the poplars. Most of the trees I would be taking down are around 12" with one or two in the 18" range. I have a Stihl dealer in town and out of pure convenience, I would prefer to go with a Stihl. The models they carry in stock are the MS-170/230/251 and 241 C-M (Other models can be ordered). From what I have read, the 170 wouldn't be enough for my use, any recommendations for the other 3? I don't heat my house with wood, though I do go through about a face cord each winter and another face cord for bon fires in the summer.

Thanks for the help

Brad.

 

[o8f150]

look into the echo cs370 and 400,, both would be a good choice too

 

[Roll Tide]

Just looking for some advice for my first saw purchase. I live on a 2.5 acre lot, most of it treed, and I would like to thin it out a bit, especially taking out a lot of the poplars. Most of the trees I would be taking down are around 12" with one or two in the 18" range. I have a Stihl dealer in town and out of pure convenience, I would prefer to go with a Stihl. The models they carry in stock are the MS-170/230/251 and 241 C-M (Other models can be ordered). From what I have read, the 170 wouldn't be enough for my use, any recommendations for the other 3? I don't heat my house with wood, though I do go through about a face cord each winter and another face cord for bon fires in the summer.

Thanks for the help

Brad.

What kind of money are you looking to spend?

 

[braddrum]

My budget is around $550 right now, which what the 241 happens to be priced at right now too.

 

[Roll Tide]

I haven't owned a 241 but from what I've read they are for smaller wood.

 

[huskihl]

You could buy a used 044 on here for $500 and sell it for $500 when you're done

 

[NH Hunter]

For your stated needs I'd say grab the 251, some chaps, helmet, gloves and an extra chain and don't look back. You don't need a ranch or pro saw.

 

[hills bay performance]

+1 on the 251. Might wanna price the 271 or 291 will handle some the larger stuff a little bit easier and not that much heavier

 

[old guy]

241 all the way, it is a pro saw and is head and shoulders above the rest, it is light and powerful for its size.

John

 

[sawfun]

Its doubtful you would regret the purchase of a 241. Its quality will be apparent when using it and the up extra front cost over the homeowner saws won't seem like much in a few years and you will be happy you spent the extra. If you need to run a 24" or longer bar then, as been stated, a good used 044 is a smart way to go.

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

A 241 packs a good punch for its size .

 

[walterg]

1 saw plan. MS241
2 saw plan MS251 and
a MS170
I do all my limbing with a MS170.
Then bucking with a larger saw.

 

[treesmith]

241 ftw

 

[dws_az]

I have a 241 and I'm very pleased with it in 10-12 inch diameter wood.

Out of the saws you listed I would vote for the 241.

As I'm a fan of the pro saws - the other saw that might be worth considering would be the MS261

 

[KenJax Tree]

A Dolmar 421 is $150 cheaper

 

[huskihl]

241 ftw

I don't recall that ever being said before on AS. Better take a picture

 

[drf255]

You could pickup a used 250 for under $200 or a used 260 for under $300 and be set for many years.

If new only, I'd vote 241.

 

[mr.finn]

Whatever saw you buy make sure and leave a few dollars aside for personal protection.

 

[braddrum]

Another dealer in my area is having a decent sale one the Echo 500P, would that be worth the consideration?

 

[Wagnerwerks]

Another dealer in my area is having a decent sale one the Echo 500P, would that be worth the consideration?

If you have an echo dealer... You'll get more saw for the money.