Most of the smaller ones seem to fall in the homeowner category of saws vs pro saws, the 026/036/046/066 and their successors are kind of the champions of the Stihl line (and old slightly smaller variations like the 044/064). I like an MS211 I recently fixed up but people see not much point in a 35cc saw that barely weighs less than the 251 45cc saw (which I have one of too), and both are homeowner category. I think the 020T was supposed to be a pretty decent top handle, the 019T apparently is to be avoided. I guess the 024 was kind of a little brother of the 026, so kind of like the 044/064 in that regard and a good saw. Maybe the 024 and the 020T, beyond that there are a lot of perfectly decent old little Stihls but nothing special.
I have owned and helped maintain numerous 180's and 170's amongst other Stihl homeowners stihls. Less than 3years for a tree service that uses them several hours a week all year likely but your average rural consumer that cuts his firewood and cleans up his property , and doesn't abuse it excessively most often can get near 10 to 25 or more years out of them .
I assumed the OP's intent was more of a completist collection kind of desire from a certain time period rather than any actual saw need. I think most of the homeowner ones work great and will lost forever with care, just not necessarily something for a "collection". The homeowner ones I've repaired for myself that were given up on as terminally broken by a tree service really didn't need a lot to make them whole again. They just didn't have time or skills to repair them, and the Stihl dealer repairing them cost about as much as a new little saw. Clamshells are a great saw to learn saw repair on, because tree services discard them so readily.
I've been looking at the 20V DeWalt pole saw since I own 20V DeWalt tools with some large 6.0AH batteries. Seems well reviewed and surprisingly capable for what it is, and $153 or so for the tool only is a bargain. Want long reach but don't need a $300-400 second hand gas Stihl pole saw much less a $700+ new one and only want it for around my yard and for woods/trail use on some acres of my father's property in Florida.
I have FIVE 019t top handle saws from the 1970s and these are my #1 grab and cut units! 12" bars on two; 16" bars on two; and a 14" on the fifth. Yup -- I have a couple of 026 Pro's as my #1 cutters; a 039 and MS 390 for the big (for me
) stuff; and an 036 with a lonng bar for those cuts I do not look forward too . The 19t's are light-weight; fairly easy on fuel consumption; most easy to chain-sharp and maintain.
Yip , professionals use Stihl clamshells around here a lot to . Some applications they make more sense then an expensive pro saw and leave the owner with a better profit margin for the time they served .
2nd the 180. 044 is my main saw but I always carry an ms180 for backup. My 044 starts great when cold and when hot, but it's a trick to start when warm and I flood it often. Just flip the 180 on and it starts first pull hours after first running it.
I have thought about it, I have a ton of DeWalt batteries, and a DeWalt pole saw that works excellent. I'm sure their chainsaw would be great too for something to throw in the four wheeler for little trail cleanup jobs. As practical as it would be it hurts my heart a little to use an electric saw vs my Stihls. While I use all my saws I still am a collector of sorts and really appreciate the older saws.
Sometimes I think the two 026s I have are not enough, I just love those saws.
You are correct, I'm not simply trying to fill a practical need as much as I am looking to add to my collection. That said, I still use all my saws, and a small top handle would be handy. I have the DeWalt pole saw and it is fantastic. I also have a KM131R with a pole saw attachment and find myself using it much less than the DeWalt.
There are many models of non professional stihl, husqavarna, echo and others that have the longevity of a pro saw. Personally have a 180 I've ran the snot out of for 18 years. Pro saws have higher power to weight, response time, ease of field maintenance.............., but don't necessarily last longer.
For small stuff, dirty stuff, roots, can't beat a pruning blade in a battery reciprocating saw.
