026 vs 028 For First Saw

[Courage]

Hello, I'm new to this forum, so I'm not sure if this is the right section to be posting this in... Feel free to move it or tell me how to if I posted it in the wrong section. My parents gave me $300 for my 18th birthday to go buy my first chain saw with. The only chainsaw I've used has been my dad's 036. He was thinking I would want an 028 or an 026. From reading a bunch about those 2 saws, I had decided that I wanted an 026 because of it being lighter and newer. After searching for a while though (since the beginning of October), I've realized that most of the 026's in our area that are for sale need to be rebuilt, while there are 3 028's that (according to the sellers) are ready to go. Would you guys hold out for an 026, or buy one of the 028's? This saw will be my only saw for a while, but eventually I will probably get something bigger. Most of the trees we cut down and buck up are 12" and smaller. I would like to be able to keep this saw going for as long as possible because of it being a gift so I know that parts availability is important, but I'm not sure which is better for that...
I would appreciate any and all advice! I'm leaning towards an 0 series Stihl, but if you have a different recommendation I'd like to hear it and your reason behind it so that I can consider all my recommended options! Thanks in advance!
Courage

 

[holeycow]

Keep your eyes pealed for a pristine 026, 260. Husky 346, 353, jonsered 2153, 2152

buy a saw in beautiful condition rather than a particular brand. Parts availability is nice to rely on..

i may have missed a couple of good ones to keep your eye out for. Be patient and expand your search.

a good 50cc saw is a pleasure to run in "up to 12" wood.

ps, if you are in a hurry, don't pass up any known good model in your price range. 028 included. Buy yourself a nice saw in beautiful to excellent mechanical and (hopefully) cosmetic condition.

 

[johnsayen]

If you don’t have chaps yet those would be on my list too. And a helmet/face shield. I’m not the safety police and I wish someone had pushed them on me sooner.

 

[Maintenance supervisor]

The 028 is a fine saw( I own 3) , one thing to keep in mind is that they came in 3 flavors 42mm,44mm,and 46mm with a factory pop up piston aka the Super028 which is the best of the 3. There's somw aftermarket support for the 028 but not like the 026. You can basically get all the parts for an 026 but not an 028 new. That being said millions of 028s are out there and running. 2 of mine I paid less than 25.00 a peice for and I dropped some nice size trees with the Super .
For 3 bills you should be able to purchase a "like new 028" that will last you 2 generations.

 

[r black]

Hello, I'm new to this forum, so I'm not sure if this is the right section to be posting this in... Feel free to move it or tell me how to if I posted it in the wrong section. My parents gave me $300 for my 18th birthday to go buy my first chain saw with. The only chainsaw I've used has been my dad's 036. He was thinking I would want an 028 or an 026. From reading a bunch about those 2 saws, I had decided that I wanted an 026 because of it being lighter and newer. After searching for a while though (since the beginning of October), I've realized that most of the 026's in our area that are for sale need to be rebuilt, while there are 3 028's that (according to the sellers) are ready to go. Would you guys hold out for an 026, or buy one of the 028's? This saw will be my only saw for a while, but eventually I will probably get something bigger. Most of the trees we cut down and buck up are 12" and smaller. I would like to be able to keep this saw going for as long as possible because of it being a gift so I know that parts availability is important, but I'm not sure which is better for that...
I would appreciate any and all advice! I'm leaning towards an 0 series Stihl, but if you have a different recommendation I'd like to hear it and your reason behind it so that I can consider all my recommended options! Thanks in advance!
Courage

the 026 is lighter but less power, i have owned both good saws , step up to the ms261 .......

 

[Mad Professor]

Why not start with the 036? same weight as the 028 and a lb heavier than a 026

 

[r black]

Why not start with the 036? same weight as the 028 and a lb heavier than a 026

i believe he is using one now , see post , i would get a light an powerful ms261 for wood 12 inches and under

 

[Iffykid]

IMHO the two best power to weight ratio saws Stihl built is the 044 and the 026 series of saws including the 260 and 261.
If I was just looking for a 26 saw there are plenty around these parts in the $250-350 price range by waiting on the right deals I have bought my last 4 in the $100-150 range the best being the $100 2018 Stihl 261 which needed a new chain and the top wrap handle AV mount screwed back in.

 

[atpchas]

Courage, if you do look at any 028s, be kind to yourself and steer clear of the older ones with front-adjust chain tensioners. Side-adjust makes your life soooo much easier.
That said, I side with those recommending the 026/260 or 036/360.

 

[holeycow]

Hmmm..SO much easier?

while a side chain tensioner is convenient, a front tensioner is certainly not a deal breaker. I rarely even have to adjust my chains...small saws, short bars, barely an inconvenience imo.

 

[sawfun]

I've had both and prefer the 026 but an 028 super is worth the extra pound as it's more powerful. I'd pass on a regular 028 unless you really need a saw now. It's too bad your so far up north as I'm in Portland and have a clean 026 I'd let go of, but the shipping would likely be a deal breaker.

 

[mogulmasher]

I'm with sawfun, I'd stick with a 026 unless you find a 028 Super. If your patient your budget is all you'll need to find a good saw.

 

[bwalker]

Many parts are no longer available for the 028. I'd go 260 or 261 if your stuck on Stihl.
If not 346XP. It flat out smokes the 026 and has better antivibe and filtration.
The 026/260 are as reliable as an anvil but the suck power wise when compared to the 346.
If you do decide on a 260/026. Muffler mod it and through a Walbro WT194 on it right away.

 

[sawfun]

Agreed, muff mod , adjustable carb, 18" bar and .325 chain are a very good combo. Non-safety chain, such as the Stihl yellow chain in semi or full chisel, cut best for me.the early red lever 026's are great.

 

[holeycow]

And don't turn up your nose at a 353 or 2152. They are great saws too.

 

[RCamo]

Many parts are no longer available for the 028. I'd go 260 or 261 if your stuck on Stihl.
If not 346XP. It flat out smokes the 026 and has better antivibe and filtration.
The 026/260 are as reliable as an anvil but the suck power wise when compared to the 346.
If you do decide on a 260/026. Muffler mod it and through a Walbro WT194 on it right away.

I have an 026 and it's been a workhorse. I upgraded to the Walbro WT194, but I have to ask bwalker - what is the muffler mod you're talking about?

 

[Courage]

Thanks so much for all of your help guys! I really appreciate it! It sounds like although the 028 is a good saw I should hold out for an 026 or one of the other ones that you guys recommended. I'd love to hear any more recommendations any of you have.

 

[bwalker]

I have an 026 and it's been a workhorse. I upgraded to the Walbro WT194, but I have to ask bwalker - what is the muffler mod you're talking about?

The stock outlet is around 3/8" add two more 3/8" holes above and below stock outlet. Not too obnoxious noise wise and a noticeable bump in power.
This saw responds well to a base gasket delete as well.

 

[RCamo]

The stock outlet is around 3/8" add two more 3/8" holes above and below stock outlet. Not too obnoxious noise wise and a noticeable bump in power.
This saw responds well to a base gasket delete as well.

Thanks for the info bwalker, I'll definitely try that.

 

[billyboy]

Don’t forget to retune after muf mod. You need to give it more gas. Many threads here for how to. Burble or four stroking out of the cut and running clean in the cut.