Best light weight saw for limbing?
- Thread starter JKendrick87
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JKendrick87
ArboristSite Operative
We’ve got a big oak down right now with limbs 8-12” diameter
JKendrick87
ArboristSite Operative
We’ve got a big oak down right now with limbs 8-12” diam
what about a used MS260?
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Gone fishing
This is an Echo 360, not as good as a Stihl MS201. 14" buried in birch.
My echo 3510 gets stupidly slow in oak over about 8".... in my opinion.
The echo 400 is much better in that size wood, but the av isn't the greatest.... about like the ms170 I'd say.
What part of the state are you in? I'm down in the SE hills and its not too hard to find an Echo dealer.
They are not as nimble as a 241 ,I just think the 241 is real hard to beat all around.
thompsoncustom
ArboristSite Guru
That's what I use and it works great but it's also turned up alot. out of the box the 261 is much better but if you plan on doing some work to it then it doesn't matter either way.
I wouldn't mind getting one of the knock off top handle 25cc for under a 100 bucks and turning that up. would be a super light saw.
JKendrick87
ArboristSite Operative
45 mins North of Cincinnati
JKendrick87
ArboristSite Operative
What do you think a fair price would be for the 260?
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I was limbing some hickory today with my 241C running a 16" bar with round ground Picco Super chain.
A very nice combo.
I've been meaning to square grind a loop of the PS but still haven't.
A very nice combo.
I've been meaning to square grind a loop of the PS but still haven't.
JKendrick87
ArboristSite Operative
Price?
I am glad to see that @lone wolf has come forth with a MS200 rear-handle alternative for you.
Those of us whom have one, swear by them.
IMHO a MS200 rear-handle with a 16" bar has the best balance, weight, reach, and power for limbing that is obtainable (MS241 with 16-18" is next best).
It is also a perfect saw for those of us that are slightly older, not as flexible as we used to be, and not quite in the same condition as we once were, and should be using a lighter, smaller, safer saw than what we once used.
But they are "pre-emissions", "prof-level" and scarce, and therefore expensive (and sought after).
12" oak is not a problem for a MS200 as it uses a narrower chain than the 290 and the 310 (so it has less wood-width to cut), I expect it is the same chain and bar as the 170. The few extra seconds used in cutting a big limb compared to your larger saws will pay off in your reduced fatique and increased safely of using a light, balenced (and correct) tool for the job regardless of your age and condition.
JKendrick87
ArboristSite Operative
My local shop has a used 201 for around $300
650.00
That is the high value they are not in demand. I guess if you really need it its worth it to you.
The site gurus here will give some detailed advice regarding this price, but if it is your local shop, they may have some sort of warranty/return policy for regular customers. A compression test would be the minimum. The other question to ask is: "Why is it for sale?", as normally they are kept, used and/or repaired. You should do what you can to ensure that the unit is "Used" and not "Abused".
The equivalent of $300-400 is what a decent used MS201 sells for in Norway on our "CraigsList", but everything is more expensive in Norway.
JKendrick87
ArboristSite Operative
JKendrick87
ArboristSite Operative
Are we thinking of the same saw? This is the 201t top handle?
