30cc vs 50cc chainsaw for cutting 8" hardwood

[Franny K]

Would 50cc chainsaw cut any faster 8" hardwood than 30-35cc chainsaw ?

Well yes it would. The 50cc one will have 7 tooth drive with 8 optional for the size you state. The 35cc one will have 6 tooth drive. If you cut other than strictly crosscut as in cutting flush to the larger piece especially in hardwood things slow down. If you are speed oriented put 1.7 kw (2.2hp) as a minimum for your small saw. Even 45cc is quite a bit faster than 35 or 36cc. The time pulling brush may be so significant that the overall time hardly will make a difference. The smaller chains have less metal in the cutters so they sharpen easier.

 

[Dacha]

Couple variables come into play. Often canceling each other out.

So there is no shortcut.

Thanks

 

[moxiemaul]

The heavy work is in the cleanup not the sawing.. a few secs differentlce in the cut doesnt compare much to the cardio youll get hauling and tossing what you cut up

 

[EastCoastGreg]

Short answer is yes a 50cc is going to cut that size wood faster. Even my modified narrow kerf chained 30cc class climbing saws will not keep up with a high quality pro grade 50cc.

Honestly, I don’t think I would ever put a 12 or 14” bar on a 50cc saw. I use 16,18, and 20 inch on my 50cc saws depending on the application. That’s just my preference though.

Not all, but some other factors that play into it are chain speed and type. Some saws have faster chain speeds therefore are usually going to cut faster when used properly. It is very difficult to explain every aspect that influences how fast a saw cuts.

More importantly, if you can handle a 50cc saw without issues then go for it as it will cut faster and be less bending or over reaching.

 

[Dacha]

I am close to getting ms212 - 38cc.
I have ms170.

I need backup saw as i drive 100 miles to where i use them.

And really want to be sure at least one will run.

Otherwise i would just stay with 1 saw.

 

[EastCoastGreg]

I am close to getting ms212 - 38cc.
I have ms170.

I need backup saw as i drive 100 miles to where i use them.

And really want to be sure at least one will run.

Otherwise i would just stay with 1 saw.

The ms212 has .7 horsepower more so you should see a difference in cutting speed.

I agree with having a backup saw given the distance for sure. I always have several saws with me no matter what because all sorts of things happen and have happened to me.

Not sure what type of chains you use but you will see a speed improvement by going with “non-safety” if you are not already.

 

[AxFan20]

The ms212 has .7 horsepower more so you should see a difference in cutting speed.

I agree with having a backup saw given the distance for sure. I always have several saws with me no matter what because all sorts of things happen and have happened to me.

Not sure what type of chains you use but you will see a speed improvement by going with “non-safety” if you are not already.

If you have an MS170, step up to 50cc. Why buy a duplicate size saw? All the major brands have something in that range. Husky 545, Stihl 261, Echo 501. Try to find a discontinued Echo 4910 for a smaller wallet. Skip the newer Echo 4920

 

[Valpen]

I am close to getting ms212 - 38cc.
I have ms170.

I need backup saw as i drive 100 miles to where i use them.

And really want to be sure at least one will run.

Otherwise i would just stay with 1 saw.

I just noticed that you are in Europe. The MS241 is a 42cc killer saw that is no longer available in the US.
If you can afford it, you should consider it, and put a light 16" 3/8LP/picco bar and chain on it and you will not regret it.
It is a pro-level saw that fights WAY above its weight class.

MS170 - 1,3kw, 30cc, 3,9kg
MS212 - 1,8kW, 38cc, 4,6kg
MS241 - 2,4kW, 42cc, 4,5kg

Both can run the same bar/chain setups....

 

[Dacha]

Ms172, ms182, ms212, Easy to Use, Easy to Maintain, Reliable

all 3 can be bought for the price of ms 241.

If money is no object then maybe yes ms 241.