hawk45
ArboristSite Lurker
I'm 40 and finally getting my first saw. After years with an ax and pull saws, I'm doing it. Usually just chopped up some down wood for the fire, but have some real tasks this spring.
I have to take down about 6 small/medium (8"-14" dia) size trees in the yard this year and have a bunch other in the back already down I want to cut up. I was at the landscaping shop today and they are a Stihl dealer, so I went in and looked a bit. Then headed home to do some research.
Now outside of the pending work in the yard, I'll want something compact enough to take camping and just for general trimming and maintenance. It will probably come out 5-6 times a year with the biggest bulk cutting up wood for the winter and the backyard fire pit. I don't heat my house with wood, it's just for the extra warmth and aesthetics in the great room.
I'd like to stay near the $400 mark. I was looking at a saw from each of the 3 Stihl groups (Homeowner, Farm, Professional). While I know the Professional would be optimal, do I need it? Is it worth the money for my needs? I only want to buy one to last me forever (which lends to the Pro model) but I'm sure the Farm and Homeowner are no slouches as well. I thought about a used, but don't want to deal with getting something too beat up or having to replace/repair right out of the gate.
Ones looking at:
MS 251 (Homeowner) - 45CC, 2.9HP, 10.8 LBS
MS 291 (Farm) - 55CC, 3.76HP, 12 LBS
MS 261 (Pro) - 50CC, 3.75HP, 11.6 LBS
I appreciate the help from those with more experience than I in this realm.
Hawk
UPDATE: Choice made, see post #48 (page 3) for details. Thanks everyone!
I have to take down about 6 small/medium (8"-14" dia) size trees in the yard this year and have a bunch other in the back already down I want to cut up. I was at the landscaping shop today and they are a Stihl dealer, so I went in and looked a bit. Then headed home to do some research.
Now outside of the pending work in the yard, I'll want something compact enough to take camping and just for general trimming and maintenance. It will probably come out 5-6 times a year with the biggest bulk cutting up wood for the winter and the backyard fire pit. I don't heat my house with wood, it's just for the extra warmth and aesthetics in the great room.
I'd like to stay near the $400 mark. I was looking at a saw from each of the 3 Stihl groups (Homeowner, Farm, Professional). While I know the Professional would be optimal, do I need it? Is it worth the money for my needs? I only want to buy one to last me forever (which lends to the Pro model) but I'm sure the Farm and Homeowner are no slouches as well. I thought about a used, but don't want to deal with getting something too beat up or having to replace/repair right out of the gate.
Ones looking at:
MS 251 (Homeowner) - 45CC, 2.9HP, 10.8 LBS
MS 291 (Farm) - 55CC, 3.76HP, 12 LBS
MS 261 (Pro) - 50CC, 3.75HP, 11.6 LBS
I appreciate the help from those with more experience than I in this realm.
Hawk
UPDATE: Choice made, see post #48 (page 3) for details. Thanks everyone!