In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

What small saw should I buy?

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

  1. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    Bought cheap and found out later it was toast. Low hours from the looks of it and very clean
     
  2. buzz-saw

    buzz-saw

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    Can you send me a message what you are asking and maybe a picture or two?

    Might be interested?? Dunno
     
  3. buzz-saw

    buzz-saw

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    Offf.... looks like a clamshell motor. Didn't even think of that. Can't just toss a new can on that one.
     
  4. Lehman

    Lehman

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    Yes I think Stihl is slowly going to make all saws
    Mtronic or injection. Honestly probably way less problems and less warranty issues because they don’t need to have the limiters pulled and re adjusted between elevations ect.
     
  5. Kevin in Ohio

    Kevin in Ohio

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    I've had no issues with my 192. Had to replace the isolator spring once in 10 years and that because I was pulling hard when I got it stuck. The advantage of these is they are more compact and easier, in my opinion, to move around. Seems they build some of the lower end saws with more plastic to make people think they are getting a bigger saw. Look at the cc's. I ran a Stihl 009 for my small trim saw for years before the 192. I still prefer the rear handle 192 over the top handled style 009. I believe the 009L had more cc's than a 201.
     
  6. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Consider going the brushcutter route but with the KM131R instead. When the clearing is done - hang up the brush cutter attachment and use it as a polesaw, power broom, blower, string trimmer, edger, bed edger, hedgetrimmer, mini-tiller, etc. (you get the idea). Let the 362 tag along for the 3"+ stuff.
     
  7. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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  8. Lehman

    Lehman

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    I’ve honestly used may ht 130 a lot with the head turned 90 degrees snd clamped back down so I could stand up and cut 3-4” stuff without bending over
     
  9. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Top handle designs are inherently more "difficult" to wrench on as form factor and weight are prioritized over accessibility or ease of assembly. Only an issue if you break it IMO. Air filter designs may be better on the 194T vs a cheap back-handle like the Stihl MS170/180. You'll probably enjoy using the saw more with the 194T vs a MS180 (or similar). Kind of like driving a small sports car vs a muscle-car. Both can make the business, but excel in two very different fields of performance.
     
  10. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Has a tractor with a bushhog been discussed? Rent one, or skidsteer with a mulcher/bushhog? Hire it out? Has to be a farmer with the equipment willing to make a buck in your area. 40 acres is a LOT of ground to cover with handheld equipment.
     
  11. Lehman

    Lehman

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    I’m actually thinking about selling my 090 to put the money on a medium duty flail mowers with hammer blades or pull my John Deere 2025r to clean light brush for trails. Offsets like 34” so I don’t need to drive over everything. Most of the brush is 3/4” or less and the mower is rated to 2”.
     
  12. lukem

    lukem

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    I have a tractor and brush mower, but there would be way too much colateral damage for what I'm after. It isn't 40 acres SOLID, just 500-1000 trees spread out over 40.

    I'm going herbicide on a lot of the "brush" next spring.
     
  13. RCBS

    RCBS

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    If it's 'woody' brush, Triclopyr will be your friend. Diesel works as surfactant. I like ~30/70, herb/diesel for trees but can go down to about 15% for some brush. *Do not get in eyes.
     
  14. lukem

    lukem

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    Yeah, reading up on all that stuff now too. I thought about just doing a basal bark treatment on the buckeyes but I'd rather put them on the ground all at once.
     
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  15. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    The CS361 is also a rear handled top handle. Its a rear handle cs355T. Myself, having had a couple rear handled top handle saws see no downside compared to a normal rear handle.
     
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  16. lukem

    lukem

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    OK. I think it is going to be the 194 then.
     
  17. HoneyFuzz

    HoneyFuzz

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    I figured by now someone would say..." you might as well get a 572xp with a 36" bar..so you don't have to bend down " lol !

    Sometimes..bigger and hot rod stuff is not the thing.
    Me..I have an older Stihl 180 Mini Boss with a 16" bar. It's my favorite little brush / sapling/ trim/ stay on the tractor saw. So light. You mess up a chain..oh well..they are not expensive. Light as a feather too. I can cut real firewood with it too !
    I'd stay away from a top handle too .
    Good luck with your choice !
     
  18. Lehman

    Lehman

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    Let’s not overkill this a 562 or ms 400 with a 28” is plenty unless your real tall. Remember stand up and buck haha.
     
  19. HoneyFuzz

    HoneyFuzz

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    Lol..that just made my day !

    Stand up and buck !!! Now I'm gonna have to watch some Buckin tonight !
     
  20. Lehman

    Lehman

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    Not me honestly he’s not someone i enjoy, I tried early on before he got so big and as time went on and he got more money he became more annoying to me. Says friends 100 damm times a video and sells ax’s that people usually gave him for 400$ after he puts a new handle on a wood burns with torch. You either like him or don’t and I’m in the don’t camp but just personal taste. Also not the largest fan of some of the people he promotes. So to me the stand up and buck is funny along with some of his other phrases like get the gullet. You can take all the gullet out you want if you don’t get the top of tooth it won’t cut.