New saw search

Looking for some advice from the pros here at FHC

Here's my thoughts
I have an 029. Yes, I know it's not a perfect saw, but I got it used, like new, and priced right. (I can upgrade later)
I have since learned that I don't like the weight.(13 pounds) And that's my biggest problem with it.

I want a "smaller" saw. Less weight, and better power to weight ratio.
I got a deal next door where I can cut firewood after the loggers move out. So we are talking tree tops here.
I'm guessing most of my cutting will be in the 3"- 14" range. Probably toward the smaller end of that scale.

Is there a smaller framed saw that will meet my needs as a firewood saw?
I think I'd like to have a 12" bar on this saw. I'd like this to be a saw that will last.
I'd like it to be a Stihl because I have a dealer nearby and have three other Stihl machines.
(I'm not really that brand loyal, it's really about convenience)

I have a list of all the Stihl saws from their site, including CC's, Hp, Weight, (no pricing)
I've looked through the list of 12-16" saws and a few stood out

The MS 201 (farm & ranch) looks to have the best Power to weight with 35 CC
The MS 192 (farm & ranch) looks to be the lightest with 30 CC .
The MS 211 looks OK in the home owners line 35 CC.
The MS 241 looks like a powerhouse in the Pro line 42 CC , but still less than ten pounds.
The 170 and 180 should be the least money but the P/W ratios are not as good.

Are any of these saws what you would consider as, good enough to cut all day, with little wear and maintenance?

I'm looking for quality first, a light weight saw that will cut firewood all day, last, and something that I can get parts and service for locally. A shiny new saw is great, but used is good too. (Stock, no mods)

Am I asking too much out of a 30-35 (42) CC saw?

Thanks for all your help.
Tim

 

It looks to me like you are on the right track looking at 35 to 40 cc saws. Don't limit yourself to just Stihl saws. Other brands like Husky, Echo and Dolmar also make very nice saws.

 

Like I said , I'm not brand loyal, but I've never even seen a Dolmar, no dealers here. I've only seen Echo at a hardware store(no service). I'm ok with Husqvarna, there is a dealer nearby but I usually don't deal there. There is a Jonsered dealer and he is a nice guy to talk to. Carries a few lessor known brands.
I'll try to check them all out before i pull the trigger on one

 

I like good saws built to last. So, I buy only pro saws now. But, I use them for work prepping log sales and such so, the need is there. They are of only the brands known to currently build good, reliable, saws. I have zero problems with used as that is where all of my pro saws have come from. I personally like my 372 XP's for what you describe. But, the weight of them don't bother me. That away I don't need a stable of job specific saws. I have a few saws that will do everything I ask of them. From small limb topping to huge trunked trees. They all make the wood pile and do it very quickly.

I understand from your post this isn't your desire. So, of the saws you've listed, I'd go with the 241 Stihl. They are a little saw with a huge attitude. They will flat out RUN.

If you are interested I want to make a suggestion. If you went with a Stihl 362 or a Husqvarna 562, you'd have a saw that would handle a 20 inch bar or, a small bar for your topping needs. It would be much more diverse and multi-faceted versus a 42 cc saw htat will be regulated to only a 16 inch bar tops. Plus, something to consider when cutting logging slash in top wood is that a shorter bar works you a lot harder in most circumstances than a longer bar. You have to bend over and squat a lot more, reach and hold a lot farther from the body, etc.... Where as a saw as I've described will run a longer bar with minimal weight . Just something to consider.

BTW, if I didn't go the pro route in the saw, I'd get a Husqvarna 555 and be happy with it. God Bless

 

Since you have an 029, it's good for a "bigger" saw.

I'd say get an ms211. I ran my parents new ms211c this past winter and loved it. Low weight cuts fast, stihl. Enough said.

 

Since you are considering the MS211 you should also look at the MS250 and MS251. They are a tad heavier but more power, but they are probably getting close to the weight of the 029. I have a MS250 and it cuts about like an 026 or MS260. The 192 has MS170 power but I think it is lighter. The MS201CE is another option but it is pretty expensive for what you get. I think since you said you are looking for a saw with a better power to weight ratio the MS241 is what you are looking for. You also mentioned a MS170 I have one and it does pretty good for what it is. It is a slow for me in anything over 8'' or 10''.

 

I love my 260 Pro for the work you describe. I haven't run a 241, but I bet I'd like it just as well.

 

It looks like the MS 241 CM would be my choice in a Stihl. I'd like to stay in the 10 lb range. 12" bar
9.9 lbs
3.1 HP
$559 msrp
would probably get a 12" and 16" bar

The Husqvarna 543xp looks comparable
9.9 lbs
2.95 hp
$529

I will continue to look for Jred and Echo models in the 10 lbs range

I really appreciate all your input and opinions

(Looks like a 261 or 362 would be a good upgrade from the 029. )

 

I have a 241c with a 16" bar, you keep the chain sharp, and that little thing will cut. I cut 12" and 14" stuff with out much trouble at all, but it has had a muffler mod. I really like it for a small saw. In a 60cc saw I really like my 555, hard to beat IMHO, also make sure you give ECHO saws a good look, loving mine.

 

I to have a Stihl MS241CM and love it. Had it for 2 years and no complaints yet. I would take a look at the Stihl MS 261C. It will handle a 20" bar and less bending over for cutting on tops and lighter than the 029.

 

I think MasterMech nailed it. Get a 50cc pro saw if you want to unload your 029. I have a 13" bar on my 550xp, and it's a DREAM to use. I found the 18" bar that came with it too clumsy in thick stuff, I prefer to move around than be lazy with the longer bar. You might be happy in the short term just putting the shortest bar you can on that 029 and saving some weight there. Maybe even converting to a rim sprocket setup and jumping up a size to get faster chain speed.

But a 40cc pro saw would be an excellent companion to the 029. A 40cc "non-pro" saw would be ok too, but I'd stay away from the smaller Stihl 170/180 series for firewood duty.

 

I'll lend you an almost new, gently used MS250 indefinitely. After the stroke I don't anticipate cutting much for a long while. I often prefer cutting with it over my MS290.

 

the 261 would be a good replacement for the 029. Is this how CAD gets started?....
lol

 

that price is hard to beat....


i just dont like borrowing (or lending OPE)( ESPECIALLY chainsaws)
never works out in the end.

 

I would encourage you to try out a 550xp or the slightly less expensive 545 if you can. The 2 pounds on paper doesn't sound like much, but it makes a big difference to me. The saw is light and compact, sips fuel, but has plenty of power. It gets the most use of any of my saws.

 

I'm always open to trades...got any firewood to trade?