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What small saw should I buy?

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by lukem, Nov 16, 2024.

  1. lukem

    lukem

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    I have a ton of buckeye saplings and honeysuckle bushes to remove on about 40 acres and the 362 is more saw than I'm willing to carry around for this job.

    Would prefer a Stihl. I don't think I want a top handle. Looking for best saw for the job. Must be gas. Willing to buy once and cry once.
     
  2. Mrxlh

    Mrxlh

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    Stihl MS241, Husky 543XP, Echo 4310SX. The Husky is available here, the 241 and 4310 are available in Europe, but can be had here.
     
  3. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    Is Stihl 261 not an option? Pro saw 50 cc bar and chains interchangeable
    Backwoods Savage has one I believe

    if 50cc is to big Stihl has 241
     
  4. Horkn

    Horkn

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    Whatever it is, you want light. Are these all small trees?
     
  5. The Wood Wolverine

    The Wood Wolverine

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    Iā€™d get one of those top handle Echos. Had the pleasure to run one and dang, they are light and nimble. T.Jeff Veal could confirm model number, it was his. 2511 I believe.
     
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2024
  6. lukem

    lukem

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    Most are 2"-3". Some up to 8" but not many. They are taking over in a few areas. Several hundred to cut.

    Buckeye may as well be made from styrofoam so they cut really easy.
     
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2024
  7. Deererainman

    Deererainman

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    Stihl 201 C EM

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    Horkn, Bjorn, eatonpcat and 11 others like this.
  8. Deererainman

    Deererainman

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  9. lukem

    lukem

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    Expensive one there. Not sure if I am willing to go there unless it's an absolute light saber.
     
  10. lukem

    lukem

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    Interesting. Under 6 lbs sounds nice.
     
  11. Chud

    Chud

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  12. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    2-3 inches I use weed wacker with 10 inch cross cut blade Stihl 131 will take out 3ā€ sugar maple than cut bigger ones..

    on poplar brush hod on tractor
     
  13. lukem

    lukem

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    I thought about going that route but chainsaw has more uses.
     
  14. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    This is the weight of my Stihl MS241 with oregon speedcut 18" bar and stihl 23RS .325 chain. Full of gas and oil. The MS201 rear handle is lighter and probably more suitable for your needs out of the two. I had one of those as well. They are pretty snappy.

    IMG_20240323_152446351~3.jpg
     
  15. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    Perfect for what he's doing if he wants to stay with stihl.
     
  16. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    This is what I kept and sold the MS201. Both were ported by kevin. Its my favorite saw.
     
  17. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    If you go that route, get the PN version. They have the smoother, faster cutting .325 nano bar and chain. The 3/8lp is chattery on these lil guys.
     
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2024
  18. dave_026

    dave_026

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    I am a big fan of my MS-250 it is light, dependable, great on small trees and can even cut good size wood if its all you have on you. An additional bonus is lots of homeowners buy them and put them on facebook marketplace. My current one (gave my prior 250 to my brother who just cleans up storm damage) was only $125 but I got a great deal as a guy was moving house.
     
  19. Kevin in Ohio

    Kevin in Ohio

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    I would suggest looking into the Stihl 194 CE. The price is a lot less than the 201. I bought a 192C new when they came out and have used it a lot. This year I cleared a 3/4 mile long fencerow that was out as much as 50 feet. Ended up cutting close to 50 cord. I, like you, prefer the rear handle for brush clearing/general use. I use the 192 to cut stuff about 8 inches and down, then an 028 for the stuff up to about 2 1/2 ft. Biggest gets the 660. When clearing I have found about 75% of the time it's all small limb wood and at the end of the day, using a light saw makes a big difference with fatigue. Being able to reach one armed is a factor for me and gets the job done.

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    Last edited: Nov 16, 2024
  20. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    I forgot about those. They are nice little saws too. Probably 1/2 the cost of the 201.