Defdice
ArboristSite Lurker
Have you checked out the Echo cs-4510? The vibe numbers on that seem about the same as my beard trimmer
Need a saw, need recommendations please.
- Thread starter 7echo
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@7echo 261 is a much better saw than the 250. The 250 can be a bear to start.
I'd take a hard look at the Echo CS-4910. Same cc as the Stihl, about half the price and a nice saw.
cuttinstihl
ArboristSite Operative
Definitely the MS261 if you’re willing to shell out the $$$ or the Echo CS4910 or 590 as a cheaper alternative.
The MS250 isn't a terrible saw...but I would suggest the 261 as well if you can afford it. Professional level saws will last longer, be lighter and more powerful. Not to mention made out of better materials. Of course, the price reflects that.
Is a professional level saw required for 5 acres? Probably not, but they're a whole lot nicer to deal with in my opinion.
Echo is not a bad option if you prefer a cheaper alternative to Stihl professional line.
Is a professional level saw required for 5 acres? Probably not, but they're a whole lot nicer to deal with in my opinion.
Echo is not a bad option if you prefer a cheaper alternative to Stihl professional line.
You've got 5 acres now, but what do you plan on doing with it? Is it partially wooded and you're just trying to keep the lanes clear, and clean up limbs in your yard? If so, I'd scrap the idea of a gas saw and go get a Dewalt battery powered saw. Get a pole saw, trimmer, and blower that use the same battery while you're at it.
Is it a 5 acre wood lot that you want to clear so that you can build on it? If so, the 261 might be a little on the small/light side. I'd go with the 400.
Are you just cutting some wood for an occasional campfire? 261 is still overkill so I'd still lean towards a battery powered machine.
Are you starting to heat with firewood? 261 is a great place to start, and not a bad place to end.
FWIW, I don't see much practical benefit to the MS250 series. Yes they are cheaper, they will do the job, and it takes a long time to wear them out. Problem is that the infrequent use combined with crappy gas will eventually lead to carburetor issues that don't exist with a battery powered saw. A good battery powered saw will keep up with an MS250, and will never fail to start. So long as batteries will last long enough to do what you want, they are probably the best bang for the buck especially if you combine them with other tools that use the same batteries and charger. If you need to be able to cut an entire truckload or more at one time, then you definitely need a gas powered tool and the headaches that eventually come with them.
Just my 2 bits,
Mark
Is it a 5 acre wood lot that you want to clear so that you can build on it? If so, the 261 might be a little on the small/light side. I'd go with the 400.
Are you just cutting some wood for an occasional campfire? 261 is still overkill so I'd still lean towards a battery powered machine.
Are you starting to heat with firewood? 261 is a great place to start, and not a bad place to end.
FWIW, I don't see much practical benefit to the MS250 series. Yes they are cheaper, they will do the job, and it takes a long time to wear them out. Problem is that the infrequent use combined with crappy gas will eventually lead to carburetor issues that don't exist with a battery powered saw. A good battery powered saw will keep up with an MS250, and will never fail to start. So long as batteries will last long enough to do what you want, they are probably the best bang for the buck especially if you combine them with other tools that use the same batteries and charger. If you need to be able to cut an entire truckload or more at one time, then you definitely need a gas powered tool and the headaches that eventually come with them.
Just my 2 bits,
Mark
Why on earth would you reccomend a makita or dolmar? Makita announced last year they were going to stop making gas saws. Thats a hard pass for me or anyone else that want something you can get parts for.
And heavier saws will not absorb vibrations because they are heavier.
I'm with the masses, get a ms261 untill you need something bigger.
link
Gone fishing
You want it to "be able" to cut with a 16" buried in wood, and accationly a 20" occasionally? MS261.
You want to do that with authority? MS400.
You usually cut less than 16" of wood you dont need to carry more weight than the MS261.
You really "do not" want to carry more weight than you absolutely need to - in the long run buddy.
You might be big and strong, you might be a Yeti - Im just sayin... jumping around the forest for 3-4 hours is a lot different from lifting the saw without gas and oil comfortably at the store.
My favourite saw is a MS 241c-m, it can do just about anything - fell a 28" tree with a 14" bar.
But if I need a 20", I prefer a 70cc saw.
If you are a young man, the ms 250 will do what you want and is not that costly. But, they kick back like a mule sometimes. But young and strong you will not know it. It is a good powerful saw and Stihl has been making them for years.
very nice husky 359 in the trading post offered by a very good looking seller. ( at least that's what my mother said)
Bought a CS-4910 last week. It replaced a 27 yr. old Stihl 025. I love it, easy to start, AV is good. Can run 16"-20" bar.
Maybe his screen name? Lol, I agree.
I will definitely ck out the Echo 4910. It has the compression release feature that will make it easier to pull. I am no longer young so don't want, or need, a big saw. I want a saw that will run a 20" bar but will have a 16" most of the time. A 16" on a 261 will be an awesome set up. I have always run saws with a smaller than max bar, they just cut so well when not running the max bar and chain.
The Echo 4910 is $380 and the Stihl 261 is $700. The money saved there will pay for plenty of extra chains and a bar.
I use my battery recip saw with a pruning blade for limbs, works great. I need a gas saw for the bigger stuff tho.
The Echo 4910 is $380 and the Stihl 261 is $700. The money saved there will pay for plenty of extra chains and a bar.
I use my battery recip saw with a pruning blade for limbs, works great. I need a gas saw for the bigger stuff tho.
Yeh good advice, spend the extra now and if you look after it it will last years and be nicer to use all those years too. I have the Stihl and Husky, depending on the saw i don't think there is much difference in quality between the two, they are both good.
He's 90% a troll, and hardly ever gives good advice.
Nice saw. Got mine for $225, put a few things into it. It wears a 24” with full skip. Cuts everything…no issues in 30” logs.
Well I picked up a Stihl MS261 today. Got a 16" and 20" bar and some extra chains. Already put it to work and am really pleased so far.
Thanks for the comments and suggestions!
Thanks for the comments and suggestions!
You made the right choice. Thank God.
some of the recommendations were alarming, to say the least, given that you very carefully laid out your situation. Some of these guys are clueless, apparently...
the ms250 vibrates way too much for you and is basically a very overpriced cheaply built saw
the dolmars are beautiful saws that are well built, smooth and durable but unfortunately have been discontinued. Not necessarily a good thing over time.
you don't need a 60cc saw
the Echos are not in the same league as your new Stihl
anyway, it's fortunate that you can read between the lines.
good luck with your new saw!
some of the recommendations were alarming, to say the least, given that you very carefully laid out your situation. Some of these guys are clueless, apparently...
the ms250 vibrates way too much for you and is basically a very overpriced cheaply built saw
the dolmars are beautiful saws that are well built, smooth and durable but unfortunately have been discontinued. Not necessarily a good thing over time.
you don't need a 60cc saw
the Echos are not in the same league as your new Stihl
anyway, it's fortunate that you can read between the lines.
good luck with your new saw!
Congrats. I went with the 4910 mainly factoring in price and my own needs and usage. The 261 is a great saw, though! Glad you are happy!!
Congrats on the new saw!
FWIW, as far as anti-vibe goes, I frequently wear Atlas 300 gloves (knit poly gloves with dipped palm) when I'm working. I wear them when I'm dealing with firewood because they hold up a lot longer than leather gloves, they aren't too hot in the summer, but they are also warm enough when temps are below freezing. I'm not sure if it's true or not, but it sure seems like the rubber palms help some with vibrations. I've never set out to test that theory, just something I've noticed over the years so your mileage may vary...
