Good single saw recommendation.

[SS Sniper]

A MS261 would work fantastic for your application. They're one of the best saws Stihl sells. Excellent AV, filtration, inboard clutch, etc. What's not to like?

It's...a...STIHL!!!!

 

[Philbert]

If it is not obvious, this is not the site to ask about 'one best saw' for any application. Kind of like asking 'one best club' to play golf with. That said, you should pick something that you feel comfortable with, and that falls within your budget.

50cc saws are generally good, 'all around saws' for most people for occasional use; but lots of folks have 40cc Craftsman/Poulan saws and are happy with those. I have picked up a few smaller Echo saws (30-40cc) that are light, and nice for carrying and for smaller stuff.

For mountain bike trail use, you might consider one of the newer, 36+ volt battery saws. They are quiet, instant on, and don't require you to carry any flammable liquids. There is a guy on the Oregon PowerNow FaceBook site that posts a lot about doing this in Hawaii.

Philbert

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/36-volt-and-40-volt-chainsaws.256224/#post-4792676

http://www.arboristsite.com/communi...wernow-cordless-chainsaw.179262/#post-3157961

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/stihl-36v-cordless-chainsaw.177392/

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/husqvarna-cordless.183354/

 

[wickedsprint]

I appreciate the recommendations guys. Had not considered a few of the options listed.

 

[SawTroll]

Bottom line it is your own priorities that matter - don't follow any recommendation blindly.

 

[bcaarms]

Pm tlandrum and get price on 2253 ported before he sends it to you. With 3/8 chain it cuts way above it's size.

 

[7sleeper]

For trail work I totally agree with Philbert! A strong 40cc class saw would be great! Don't exclude the Husqvarna 543XP or if an older generation is interesting, I LOVE my Hitachi CS40EK = Tanaka ECS3800/01 or it's stronger brother would be an option Hitachi CS38EL = Tanaka ECS 4500/01. Also am a great fan of the Dolmar 420!

7

 

[SawTroll]

For trail work I totally agree with Philbert! A strong 40cc class saw would be great! Don't exclude the Husqvarna 543XP or if an older generation is interesting, I LOVE my Hitachi CS40EK = Tanaka ECS3800/01 or it's stronger brother would be an option Hitachi CS38EL = Tanaka ECS 4500/01. Also am a great fan of the Dolmar 420!

7

The current 420SC/421 is heavy for just 42cc, but on the flip side the price is low (in the US) for the quality.

 

[treesmith]

I like having a 261 and a 346, use them for different jobs, they complement each other nicely

 

[wickedsprint]

I ended up with a gray NOS Echo CS346 still in the box for basically free as part of a package deal on a generator before hurricane Irma. Sold the generator for a mild profit and kept the saw It worked well for cleanup and should be fine as long as it stays reliable.

 

[Philbert]

Use alcohol-free fuel, and run it dry for extended storage.

Philbert

 

[1Alpha1]

What he said..........^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[Marley5]

I'm actually considering an E-saw for trail maintenance for various reasons.
1. Weight
2. Efficiency
3. No odor in Jeep
4. Because i don't have one.
5. Perhaps i won't need hearing protection ??

At present I'm using a 38cc J-Red which has been a great trail saw but a little heavy for my liking.
BUT the 14" bar is perfect for my rack.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

I ended up with a gray NOS Echo CS346 still in the box for basically free as part of a package deal on a generator before hurricane Irma. Sold the generator for a mild profit and kept the saw It worked well for cleanup and should be fine as long as it stays reliable.

Thanks for letting us know! It's cool to see an op back after over 3 years. Lots of these threads never see any closure.