Looking at a Husky 435 for the smaller stuff (have the Husky 460) Any input on this saw or other light saw also see a few "refurbished" on flea bay but think new would be safer bet Was looking at a Sthi 201 I think but like $650 seemed up there are they worth the extra cash?
The 201 is a specialized tool for tree services, thus the price... Worth it for firewooding? No... Not unless you just really love a top handle saw... But they are well built... Can't believe I just said that about a Stihl... The 435 is a low cost option, but should serve you well if taken care of. I'm a Husky fan, but it's pretty hard to beat Stihl's small home owner saws like the 170 / 180 ...
I bought one once and sold it after using it once, but I did use it on some nice size logs, I just thought it was somewhat underpowered for firewood. That was also before I was familiar with muff mods and such, I know a mm woke my 445 right up.
The 201 rear handle is a great carving saw... But it's a "Pro" grade, thus the price... I'd much rather have a 346xp for ~500 bucks!!! If you can find one that is... Great balance, good power, and ~10 lbs... Also pro grade, but better than the Stihl counterpart...
For the $269 plus the free case I would have a hard time not getting the 435. The stihl 170 is only like $200 right or is it $300?
The MS 170 is $149 right now at my dealer. Stihl days is going on and you get a $30 off coupon. If looking at the regular 435? The. I'd say grab it if it's cheap? The 435T (top handle was more $$) I had both and preferred the 435. The top handle didn't have enough "Umph" IMO.
I can't say enough good things about the 346........ I also have a stihl 170. The 170 is a nice little saw, but it is really just for limbs with the little picco chain. $150 is a heck of a price Dex. I assume your thinking of picking one up?
So the 170 will be $120!! Dang. My uncle has an 017 that I have run its OK for limbs and stuff to say 8"s but bigger and it just takes forever. But at that price I'm thinking of grabbing one!
My favorite 50cc is the Dolmar 5100, but only cause they have an inboard clutch. Other than that, I'd say anyone who owns and uses a 346xp is of your mindset... They love em'... Heck, I really like em' too... Cept' for that annoying outboard clutch...
Its $180 normally. So the $150 is with the $30 discount. I bought one for my Father for Christmas last year and for limbs, it's a darn good saw.
A pain to put the chain on compared to an inboard. Stick the saw and try and remove the power head to cut it free on a. Saw with outboard clutch.
Thanks went with the Husqvarna 435, the 346xp was (?) replaced with the 550xp looked sweet at 10 LBS but almost $600 the 170 I think I would burn up fast cutting firewood.
I would not use a 170 for more than climbing or a yard saw or for an occasional tree. I don't have that kind of patience to cut with one. But at that price if u get 5 yrs outta it you can buy another that's in poulan wild thing territory.
I actually cut with a 170 and an 028 wood boss for several years before having my eyes opened to Dolmar and Husky saws... the 170 hung in there pretty good.. Just had to feed it plenty of fuel to keep it cool... As far as the outboard clutches, there's absolutely nothing wrong with them... Heck, they actually run cooler... But I just prefer the inboard set ups for general maint. and chain swaps is all... That, and 5100's are just plain sexy!!!
