Best small Saw

[GregHarrison]

After visiting here a few times I am awed by the level of knowledge you guys have. After doing the muffler mod on my 026, it really cuts, at least as well as you could expect for its size.
Now for my question. I do a lot of trimming of small trees and cutting them into sections for disposal. Size being no more than 4 inches dbh. My 026 gets sort of heavy cutting up the really small tops and branches. Can anyone recommend a light saw for my purposes. I would expect it to have after looking at some specs about 2.3 bhp and weigh maybe 8 lbs. Am I being realistic and such?
Thanks in advance
greg harrison

 

[McCartman]

MS180 Stihl would be my reccomendation. Gutsy little bugger for it's size!

 

[jack-the-ripper]

how about a bow saw.

 

[166]

The Dolmar PS-401 will have the most power for the weight w/o going to a top-handle.
The specs on the PS-401 are 2.3bHP and 8.4lbs (PHO with No Side Cover) 9.0lbs with side cover

http://www.dolmarusa.com/site/managed/html/produkt/4087/PS-401

Steve

 

[davefr]

I have a Dolmar DCS401 and a Stihl MS180. They are both excellent little saws.

I'd give the edge to the MS180 but that's probably because it has the Picco Micro Narrow chain and the Dolmar has std. 3/8 X .50 chain. The MS180 can almost keep up with a 026 with that chain. It's an amazingly capable little saw.

 

[badcars2]

i have an 0-11 that just wont give up. most people here dont like them, but hey it is dependable as the tides!!

 

[Former Saw Builder]

Stihl 009L is a great little saw but you better hurry they are being discontinued this year......

http://www.rockymountainsupply.com/chainsaws/stihl_009L.htm

009L Chain Saw

Has a larger, more powerful engine than the 009EQ, but no additional weight. Compact handle. Great for trimming and cutting small trees.

 

[Stihl Crazy]

Redmax 3800 or 4000 would be my pick.

 

[BostonBull]

How about a MS200?

 

[alderman]

Shindaiwa 360

I just took delivery on a used Shindaiwa 360 this afternoon. I think this is going to be a welcome addition for the type of work you describe. I took her for a test run this afternoon and compared to the 488 I usually run, this saw was noticably lighter. Amazing how much difference a couple of pounds make.
This saw is supposedly putting out 2.5 h.p and weighs in the 8-9 lb. range.
The chain on this saw could use some attention so there was a noticable load on the motor when I put her to some 12" Alder.
The one drawback on this saw is there is only one stud holding the clutch cover on, I really don't know if this will affect operations.
I know I'm in the minority here with all the Husky and Stihl folks on board, but the Shindaiwa line of equipment has been very good to me. As it is not as popular as some others I've been able to pick up some good buys on e-Bay.
If I went this route, I'd make sure I had a dealer nearby to supply routine parts as I don't believe Shindaiwa will sell direct.:blob4:

 

[woojr]

If money's no issue I can't see how you can get better than the ms200 with the handle in the rear. It seems like the bar and chain are really well tuned to the saw. In fact, I use mine instead of the 260 on stuff up to a foot where the positioning for my back is better. If you have back problems (like I do) using that lightweight is day and night from the 260. Easy on gas and your ears as well. Good luck, woojr

 

[Lakeside53]

Like the others have said - MS200 if money's no object, or MS180 if you want to be economical.... don't, whatever you do, let the dealer talk you into the the "easy-start" MS 180 model... PITA.

 

[retoocs555]

On the cheap side... Homelite Super 2. I could send you a dozen of them for what you'd pay for a new Stihl.

On the expensive side... The MS200 is a really sweet saw

But, if the tree is on the ground I don't see why you'd need to spend big bucks for a really nice top handle saw. Seems like what your really need is something light and reasonably priced.

 

[16gauge]

Redmax 3800 or 4000 would be my pick.

I am continually surprised by the overall performance of the Redmax 3800. It is balanced, has low vibration and noise. Not a felling saw but I'm thinking it may be better than the Echo 3450...my other favorite small saw. Having said that the 3450 is easier at light trimming on the ground or limbing from a bucket. Maybe the Red does not really fit in the small saw category at 2 lbs. more. C'mon...help me make up my mind!

 

[pbtree]

346XP would be my choice...

 

[SawTroll]

Husky 336 probably is a good option (ask Mike Maas), and should be less money than a MS200.
339xp would be even better, but probably not available in the US for some reason.

If money is really tight, MS180.

 

[belgian]

If money's no issue I can't see how you can get better than the ms200 with the handle in the rear. It seems like the bar and chain are really well tuned to the saw. In fact, I use mine instead of the 260 on stuff up to a foot where the positioning for my back is better. If you have back problems (like I do) using that lightweight is day and night from the 260. Easy on gas and your ears as well. Good luck, woojr

I chose the MS 200 for exactly the same reasons. Very powerful little saw and you can use it all day long without hurting your back (I also have back problems).
Bying that saw was one of the best decisions I made

 

[DougNH]

I thought the 372XP was a small saw

 

[RES]

Has everyone forgotten the legendary top handle Stihl 020AV. A saw that remained in Stihl's lineup for more than 30 years until replaced by the MS200.

 

[belgian]

242 xpg

Not that I really needed it, but have a second hand Husky 242 XPG coming my way. I am anxious to try this one out, as some scandinavian friend told me recently this should be a good saw.

My wife told me if I was to buy one more saw afther this one, I'd to join the banned brothers soon.