Stihl midweight recommendation

[johndeerefarmer]

I have a Stihl 026 that we have had since the early 90's. It's running a solid steel Oregon bar and 3/8" yellow chain. It cuts fast but it's too heavy for lots of use.
Several years ago I tried a MS180 but it cut too slow and was hard to start. I borrowed a neighbor's MS211 but it also cuts slow and the oiler doesn't work good. I also have a Stihl MS151 for trimming. I need something between these two..

What's a good lighter weight Stihl that cuts fast? Or can you change the sprocket and put a yellow chain on any of the lighter saws?

 

[Mad Professor]

026 is lightweight. But I'm used to running a 038 all day.

You are looking for a small saw. Only ones I have use for are top handles.

 

[Bango Skank]

MS241CM if you can find one. Or a rear handle MS201.

 

[Brushwacker]

025-ms250.
They take considerable less effort handling , are fairly snappy and inexpensive. I been using them decades for my main go to light weight and never found anything better for the purpose.

 

[johndeerefarmer]

025-ms250.
They take considerable less effort handling , are fairly snappy and inexpensive. I been using them decades for my main go to light weight and never found anything better for the purpose.

MS250 shows powerhead is 10.1 lbs. My 026 is 10.8 so not enough difference there. I would like about a 2 lb drop if possible. I have bad elbows and forearms so the lighter the better. Thanks

 

[johndeerefarmer]

MS241CM if you can find one. Or a rear handle MS201.

201 looks pretty good. Can you run yellow chain on it?

 

[Mad Professor]

201 looks pretty good. Can you run yellow chain on it?

Yes, 3/8 LP/picco. Stihl has semi- and full- chisel, 63PM and 63PS

 

[ericm979]

Stihl 63PS3 is really good chain. Cuts fast and stays sharp. I run it on my MS241CM. It's not yellow chain without anti-kickback features. But the anti kick back chain cuts just as well for everything except bore cuts. It'll do them but it's slower.

Even lighter and easier to start would be a Echo CS362. But it's got less power and will cut slower.

 

[lone wolf]

MS 241C great saw.

 

[Townie]

I have an 026 and 543XP. The XP is easier handling. I had a 250, but find the 543XP a better saw.

 

[Maintenance supervisor]

Ms400

 

[Townie]

If weight is your biggest limiter, the Stihl 180 may work. Of course you're limited on the size and amount of wood you'll cut with the smaller saws, but if it keeps you in the woods cutting, that's a good thing.
Getting old sucks. LOL.

 

[farmer steve]

MS250 shows powerhead is 10.1 lbs. My 026 is 10.8 so not enough difference there. I would like about a 2 lb drop if possible. I have bad elbows and forearms so the lighter the better. Thanks

Like @Bango Skank said. MS241. Great lightweight saw with decent power. Hey @Edwad. Got any new ones laying around?

 

[Edwad]

Like @Bango Skank said. MS241. Great lightweight saw with decent power. Hey @Edwad. Got any new ones laying around?

Hi Steve. I sold all the 241s.

 

[johndeerefarmer]

Any thoughts on the MS194CE vs the MS201CEM. The 194 is 1 lb lighter and cheaper. I assume it's made in China or USA vs Germany for the 201. The 201 also has M tronic technology.
I assume the 201 has an adjustable oiler and the 194 doesn't?

Can you use yellow chain with the 194?

Thanks

 

[BIG JAKE]

Any thoughts on the MS194CE vs the MS201CEM. The 194 is 1 lb lighter and cheaper. I assume it's made in China or USA vs Germany for the 201. The 201 also has M tronic technology.
I assume the 201 has an adjustable oiler and the 194 doesn't?

Can you use yellow chain with the 194?

Thanks

Have you thought about putting a short bar on the 026? I have a 192T that I can hold and cut with one hand, but it won’t hold a candle to a good running 026. If you can find an MS200T in nice shape I think you would b happy with that