Mister Twister
ArboristSite Operative
I am looking to get a saw just for trimming branches after felling trees. What is the lightest durable saw? I was thinking MS 170 what do you guys think? ( No top handle saws.)
Looking for the best Trimming Saw
- Thread starter Mister Twister
- Start date
Help Support Arborist Forum:
2000ssm6
Stihl User
MS180, just as small as the 170 but more power. Depends on the size branches you will be cutting, some use 440s and 460s to limb with.
I like a 50cc for limbing myself, 026.
I like a 50cc for limbing myself, 026.
2000ssm6
Stihl User
+1, We ran Don's 420 at the GTG and it was a nice little saw.
TRI955
I'm the man in the box
Personally, I would look at a Shindawia 377. It's a great little saw for trimming...
Mister Twister
ArboristSite Operative
I guess I should have specified I am just a firewood cutter. 50cc is my larger saws I want a small saw that is still durable. I do a lot of limbing for the snowmobile club also. Walking long distances and cutting small limbs and trees so the lighter the better....
MS180, just as small as the 170 but more power. Depends on the size branches you will be cutting, some use 440s and 460s to limb with.
TRI955
I'm the man in the box
377
Dry weight* 9.5 lbs (4.9 kg)
Displacement 2.4 cu. in (38.9 cc)
Output 2.5 hp (1.9 kW)
Fuel tank capacity 15.5 oz (430 ml)
Operating Range 7,000-11,000 rpm
Oil tank capacity 8.5 oz (250 ml)
Bar length 16 in (40 cm)
Fuel 50:1 ratio Gasoline/mixing oil
All Shindawia's are considered PRO saws too....
Dry weight* 9.5 lbs (4.9 kg)
Displacement 2.4 cu. in (38.9 cc)
Output 2.5 hp (1.9 kW)
Fuel tank capacity 15.5 oz (430 ml)
Operating Range 7,000-11,000 rpm
Oil tank capacity 8.5 oz (250 ml)
Bar length 16 in (40 cm)
Fuel 50:1 ratio Gasoline/mixing oil
All Shindawia's are considered PRO saws too....
joecool85
Addicted to ArboristSite
Red will appreciate this:
I recommend the Echo CS-346. 33cc, will cut up to 10 inches pretty comfortably, more if you don't mind waiting a while, it's cheap and it only weighs 7.5lbs. All Echos come with a 5 year consumer warranty and are considered "pro" quality.
**edit**
And if you don't need a new saw, I'd sell you my Craftsman (Poulan 2250), 36cc 12" bar, it weighs about 10lbs (powerhead only), starts easy, runs great and it'll burry the 12" bar and not really bog down. And I'm getting an Echo 302S soon, if you're interested I may consider selling it once I fix it up.
I recommend the Echo CS-346. 33cc, will cut up to 10 inches pretty comfortably, more if you don't mind waiting a while, it's cheap and it only weighs 7.5lbs. All Echos come with a 5 year consumer warranty and are considered "pro" quality.
**edit**
And if you don't need a new saw, I'd sell you my Craftsman (Poulan 2250), 36cc 12" bar, it weighs about 10lbs (powerhead only), starts easy, runs great and it'll burry the 12" bar and not really bog down. And I'm getting an Echo 302S soon, if you're interested I may consider selling it once I fix it up.
Last edited:
bluequill56
ArboristSite Operative
MS180, just as small as the 170 but more power. Depends on the size branches you will be cutting, some use 440s and 460s to limb with.
Yup. I frequently wonder what the appeal of the 170 is when I see it sitting next to a 180. The 180 is a right snappy little saw in the little stuff.
sawinredneck
Addicted to ArboristSite
How much do you really want to spend, and how bad to you have CAD?
You could get the MS200, rear handled version of the 200t, and I doubt anything in that class will touch it!
Echos are fine on a budget, just handle them before hand, a LOT.
Been hearing good things about the little Dolmars.
Love the Shinnies, built like tanks!! A bit pricey and a bit heavy, but run forever!
Look around, handle them, that will mean more than anything. You will have to lug it aroud, not us!
You could get the MS200, rear handled version of the 200t, and I doubt anything in that class will touch it!
Echos are fine on a budget, just handle them before hand, a LOT.
Been hearing good things about the little Dolmars.
Love the Shinnies, built like tanks!! A bit pricey and a bit heavy, but run forever!
Look around, handle them, that will mean more than anything. You will have to lug it aroud, not us!
Nailgunner
ArboristSite Operative
How tall are you? reaching down for branches with a short-arse saw does my back in. I'm wondering if i can get a 16" bar for my little Partner thing, just to get the reach.
2000ssm6
Stihl User
You need to change your name, that post was not cool!
LOL, just ribbing ya!
I have a echo 346 that could go for cheap if anyone wants it.
toddstreeservic
ArboristSite Guru
Husky 346xp. I have a used older version that runs great for sale if anyone wants to buy it.
2000ssm6
Stihl User
That would be a good choice if weight wasn't a big factor, that is a tank compared to the 170s and 180s. Much more power though.....
Poley4
ArboristSite Guru
I've got a 017 with the muffler opened up a bit. It's a decent runner and very reliable, but a 180 would probably be faster.
