Smaller Saws, Shorter Bars: Aging

Right Dennis !! All these machos with their 36" bars don't have time for micro brews.
I tried my 261 with a 20" bar. Dropped too much in power and the bar seemed awkward. 16" is my go to.
The logs get rolled up for cutting, so not much bending.
Although I find I'm grabbing the 009 or 170 more and more for limbing.

It was +/- 9 F a week or so ago. The 261 wouldn't start, compression release or not. My long time dealer pulled it once , it turned over with one pull. "You're too weak. Pull hard and fast you idiot. "
He was right....love being told off by a higher ranking.

 

Yes but at 77 you could probably out work half of the millenials in my area they do not burn wood or even own a saw there is no phone app to do firewood more power to you I hope I am still cutting at 77 JB

 

I'm 55, overweight and have arthritis. That said I'm in no way ready to give up on big saws. 66cc 24" is the smallest saw I use and I get giddy like a school girl if something requiring the 120cc 60" saw comes along. I like to saw.......moving the logs and brush not so much. And kneeling or bending over to buck rounds just hurts.

 

Same here. Used a ms250 for years. Always a sore back. Just switching to an XP 550 with an 18” bar was a huge improvement. Basically the same weight but less stooping over.

 

I can still handle a bigger saw, but I find I use my 260 more than my 461. If I am limbing a fallen tree, I use my Kombi pole saw without the extension. I cN stand away from the tree and reach in from 3-4 feet away and stay out of the brush.

 

XP550.has similar specs to MS261...BUTT no flippy caps !! And more torque.
Join the FC Club...it's free, no dues. No tools, K.I.S.S., remove with gloves in snow, fall in love with Stihl.

 

Ok that one really cracked me up.

 

I'm only 35 and still prefer the lightest saw that will get the job done. Although I find myself grabbing my 3700 with an 18 a lot lately. The 355t gets used till the wood gets over about 10 inches.

 

Yep, this is a big deal. I run 20 or 16 inch, I just find the longer one hurts less over time.

 

Hey, don't bend from the back........
"Bend zee knees " ( training sarge on how to lift your 80 lb field pack ).

 

That works fine till the knees wear out.

 

Both my 550 XP’s have flippy caps. They’re not 1/4 turn but toolless

 

Army Jump team landing ( Parade Ground ) at Acceptance Day at West Point.
"Lad" !

 

I was wrong. Didn't know that Huskvarna stole flippy caps.

 

Not stole. We prefer acquired by accident.