Which small saw, and advice on 2-3 saw plan

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Which saw would you prefer for limbing?

  • 16" bar on your Stihl MS-261 (50cc) and stop being a baby

    Votes: 9 23.1%
  • Stihl MS-241 with 16" bar

    Votes: 10 25.6%
  • Stihl MS-241 with 14" bar

    Votes: 5 12.8%
  • Echo CS-361P with 16" bar

    Votes: 3 7.7%
  • Echo CS-361P with 14" bar

    Votes: 4 10.3%
  • Echo CS-352 with 16" bar

    Votes: 6 15.4%
  • Echo CS-352 with 14" bar

    Votes: 1 2.6%
  • Other (specify in a post)

    Votes: 8 20.5%

  • Total voters
    39
I have a CS-352. It's great for brush, which is why I got it. But when consistently cutting larger stuff over 4-6" I prefer more power. I use my 025 for small trees and small to moderate limbing. I have a MS362 and a MS460 for larger stuff.

2" off the bar is not going to change the weight a noticeable amount but it will change the balance a little.

You already have the 261 and it's not like it sucks. The 241 is expensive and only 1lb lighter. Unless you're doing a LOT of smaller work I'd just keep the 261.
 
The 241 is expensive and only 1lb lighter. Unless you're doing a LOT of smaller work I'E]

$440 is expensive for a Pro saw?

I wouldn't replace the 261 either, but his poll asked about the 241. So that's what I commented on.
 
That Dolmar in your signature looks like a monster!
Probably my favorite saw that I’ve ever owned. Unfortunately, I no longer have it. I now have a brand new Solo version of the same saw with a ported Dolmar 7910 top end.

2D49122B-0D7B-4F8A-BDE2-524225DE7252.jpeg
 
I think the Echo 361 would be a nice limbing saw. Same engine as the 355t and I really like mine as do many others. It's my first top handle but I use it much more than I thought I would.

Sent from my Moto E (4) using Tapatalk

I agree, I find myself using my little Husky 23 Compact (38cc) a Lot, more than most would expect, until they have a little Top Handle, Handy little saws.

Doug :cheers:
 
The 241 looks like a nice saw, but ~$540. Only you know how much limbing and smaller cutting you do, but I'd look hard to the echo CS352. Lists at ~@250, if you can find a dealer doing the one day sale that's good for 20% off.

I've run a comparable CS346 for several years for this duty and very happy with it. Recently got a CS352 to replace it. While not my first choice i frequently cut 10-12" wood with it just because its already in my hands from limbing.
 
At 6' and 265#, "Husky Man" describes my "Physique" as well as my taste in saws;)

I'm not familiar with Stihls by model#, so my choices naturally run to the All Orange persuasion, for ladder and above the shoulders work, I prefer a Top Handle saw, I have had my 23 Compact for over 20 years, and by the time you are at least at a 3 saw plan, I can't imagine not having a Top Handle.

For limbing a Fallen tree, my 50cc Husky 353 with an 18" Bar is light enough, that I will use it, and be good for bucking up to 14-15" wood without switching saws.

I have bucked Bar thick trees with the 353, but 16" and bigger, there is no point in beating up the 353, and I grab the 266xp.

Doug :cheers:
 
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