14" Picco 3/8" Bar -- Need Powerhead

[esterbrook]

I've acquired a newer Stihl 14" bar (.05"). I came with a newer 3/8" picco sprocket and a handful of newer or new 50 DL 14" 3/8" chains. So I have a fairly nice trim saw setup minus the powerhead. I think it all came off a MS170. From the story, the guy didn't like the 170 and put the original sprocket, bar and chain back on the saw and took it back for trade in.

I have a 271, an old 048, and an old Echo 500 VL. The 271 is my main saw and I'm fine with it. The 048 is a fairly heavy old saw but runs great...usually only used when I need to cut something needing a 25" bar (I have a full 28" setup for it too). The 271 was bought to replace the Echo 500. I leave the Echo at the cabin now.

So my question: What powerhead would y'all recommend for this little trim saw set up? I don't mind new, but I'm totally fine with used. My two old saws still run like champs. I understand how quality equipment can last forever.

I mainly thin forest for homeowners in SE WY. Drop 50 trees in a weekend (per forest service recommendation). The majority is the size of your calf to the size of your thigh. So I really just want a saw I can delimb. I'll use the 271 for anything else I'm doing, like cutting to stove length. 12 hours of trimming with the 271 isn't the ideal situation.

Any recommendations? 30-35CC seems to be the target. Seems like MS200, 210, 211, 230, and 250 are all options.

 

[HarleyT]

I've acquired a newer Stihl 14" bar (.05"). I came with a newer 3/8" picco sprocket and a handful of newer or new 50 DL 14" 3/8" chains. So I have a fairly nice trim saw setup minus the powerhead. I think it all came off a MS170. From the story, the guy didn't like the 170 and put the original sprocket, bar and chain back on the saw and took it back for trade in.

I have a 271, an old 048, and an old Echo 500 VL. The 271 is my main saw and I'm fine with it. The 048 is a fairly heavy old saw but runs great...usually only used when I need to cut something needing a 25" bar (I have a full 28" setup for it too). The 271 was bought to replace the Echo 500. I leave the Echo at the cabin now.

So my question: What powerhead would y'all recommend for this little trim saw set up? I don't mind new, but I'm totally fine with used. My two old saws still run like champs. I understand how quality equipment can last forever.

I mainly thin forest for homeowners in SE WY. Drop 50 trees in a weekend (per forest service recommendation). The majority is the size of your calf to the size of your thigh. So I really just want a saw I can delimb. I'll use the 271 for anything else I'm doing, like cutting to stove length. 12 hours of trimming with the 271 isn't the ideal situation.

Any recommendations? 30-35CC seems to be the target. Seems like MS200, 210, 211, 230, and 250 are all options.

The ms210, 230, and 250 are pretty much the same saw, and the sprocket/bar and chain would pop right on.

 

[HarleyT]

The sprocket on the ms200, well it is likely different. Not sure and too lazy to check... I believe it uses that same bar tail pattern, so the bars and chains would work.

 

[grizz55chev]

The 200t is the best of the saws Harleyt mentioned, but they’re pricy and no longer being made. Hutzl sells a kit,all China clone stuff.

 

[Colt Marlington]

I like my old 009L.

Maybe an MS180.

 

[Duane(Pa)]

MS-241! Hell of a saw...

 

[TheTone]

Of the Stihls, the 025/MS250 would be the biggest bang for the buck, IMO. It can handle most anything in that bar size range, and has a good power to weight ratio. Parts are plentiful and cheap. For some unknown reason the starters tend to be unusually hard to pull, and this would come into play if you had back/shoulder problems. Also, they flood easily, but this is part of the learning curve.

 

[esterbrook]

The 200t is the best of the saws Harleyt mentioned, but they’re pricy and no longer being made. Hutzl sells a kit,all China clone stuff.

The 200t seems to be an in-tree pro favorite...the price reflects that fact.

I’m really looking for as light as possible. My 271 will just be sitting there waiting to crunk out the tree. But when you are limbing out tree after tree after tree all day, I just need something to zip through <5” limbs.

 

[esterbrook]

MS-241! Hell of a saw...

The 241 is a great all-around smaller saw but it’s only 8ccs smaller than the 271. I’m looking for a little more differentiation from my primary saw.

 

[esterbrook]

I like my old 009L.

Maybe an MS180.

I’m fairly certain the bar won’t fit the MS180. Not sure on the 009L, but the 009 is a nice little setup

 

[HarleyT]

I’m fairly certain the bar won’t fit the MS180. Not sure on the 009L, but the 009 is a nice little setup

The ms170, and the ms180 are pretty much the same saw.

 

[Franny K]

Any recommendations? 30-35CC seems to be the target. Seems like MS200, 210, 211, 230, and 250 are all options.

Makita 3601 and modify bar tail as needed. My guess is the spare sprocket was unnecessary, just chain gauge different, 0.043 vs 0.050.

 

[Colt Marlington]

I’m fairly certain the bar won’t fit the MS180. Not sure on the 009L, but the 009 is a nice little setup

Not for sure on this, but I think they might all be the same mount. Except the MS170/180 comes with the mini bar and chain, .043 and 1/4 pitch...or 3/8picco I don't know.

I just got a new bar for my 009L. $29.99 plus tax. I got a few new chains already.

 

[esterbrook]

Not for sure on this, but I think they might all be the same mount. Except the MS170/180 comes with the mini bar and chain, .043 and 1/4 pitch...or 3/8picco I don't know.

I just got a new bar for my 009L. $29.99 plus tax. I got a few new chains already.
View attachment 714783
View attachment 714787

That’s the same part number as my bar.
I suspect the difference on the 170 and 180 is the sprocket is a .043” gauge. I have a .050” sprocket as well so I could probably put this setup on damn near anything.