Which saw to buy?

[Dale3574]

I am trying to decide between 2 saws. One is a used Sachs Dolmar 112, the other is a new Stihl MS170. I am new to using a chainsaw, but will be doing some trail clearing for a off road vehicle park from time to time. Am I better off buying something new, or is the older saw better made?

 

[computeruser]

Welcome to the site!

That Dolmar saw is much better made, but sourcing parts may be more of a challenge. The MS170 is a bloated, plastic piece of crap, in my experience.

As a new operator, I think you would be better suited with a new saw than an old one, unless you have a really strong inclination toward tinkering with small engines. You should, no, must, make sure you get proper protective gear, also. DO NOT skimp on this!

If I were advising a new sawyer, I'd suggest they look for something like a used Stihl 026, set it up with a short bar (13-16") and then have them read up a lot on cutting best practices. This way they'd have a solid machine that can be had at a good price, that you can get parts for anywhere, and that is a proven and indestructible design.

 

[Rockjock]

Welcome to the site!

That Dolmar saw is much better made, but sourcing parts may be more of a challenge. The MS170 is a bloated, plastic piece of crap, in my experience.

As a new operator, I think you would be better suited with a new saw than an old one, unless you have a really strong inclination toward tinkering with small engines. You should, no, must, make sure you get proper protective gear, also. DO NOT skimp on this!

If I were advising a new sawyer, I'd suggest they look for something like a used Stihl 026, set it up with a short bar (13-16") and then have them read up a lot on cutting best practices. This way they'd have a solid machine that can be had at a good price, that you can get parts for anywhere, and that is a proven and indestructible design.

I agree on some of your points, PPE is most important and do not skimp on that! The 026 is a full on pro saw and vastly over kill for many novice users. The MS 170 is a fine saw.... bloated? hmm you tell me... Stock saw, seasoned hardwood. 10 year old 017.

 

[BC WetCoast]

I ran a 170 on a street tree contract for about a year. The engine was fairly strong but the pawl on the starting cord ratchet was plastic and would wear quickly.

 

[Stihlbillie]

Stihl ms170 all day long.


-chimpboy

 

[Dale3574]

Both of these saws are close to the same price. My whole family are mechanics, so working on a small engine would not be a problem. Just want something that will be good quality.

 

[7sleeper]

170 el cheapo quality, dolmar 112 pro quality.

What would I buy for your task?
Get a Poulan pro 2050 for ~200$, WAY better saw than the 170.

Alternativ, get the Dolmar 421 for ~300$, one of the best saws out there in the 40cc class.

If it should be a smaller saw, get a Echo 400 for ~200$, do a muffler mod retune and be happy.

Personally I would forget any of your above suggestions, because there are MUCH better alternatives to be had.

7

 

[autoimage]

Pm me i have a great saw for u...shindaiwa 360 ...150 shipped its totally ready to go and is better than a 170

 

[Gugi47]

Just get the MS170. You will be happy.

 

[alderman]

Shindaiwa 360 in good shape for $150 is a pretty good deal.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[nomad_archer]

If it should be a smaller saw, get a Echo 400 for ~200$, do a muffler mod retune and be happy.

7

I am a big fan of the muffler modded cs400. I picked one up used for $75 and it is my go to saw around the house. I was very surprised by the saw.

 

[njsawgeek]

I tell yeah what I own a ms290 and wish I bought a ms 250 instead because its lighter and I don't have a great back. I seen a dealer ad selling ms170's for like $159 plus or minu $10 more and really want to just buy one and use my ms290 only on bigger wood. I wish I bought a m 250 or a 361/362 whatever the deal was 2 years ago. I think it was a 361 older model and maybe $150 more... Should have went this route if I new my back would be a mess forever. So Im tempted to buy the 170 or sell my mint 290 for what seems like I could get almost what I paid and just get a new 250. ahh