Lightest chainsaw?

[Marvinlee]

We wanted the lightest chainsaw made for small pruning. The Echo 26CC seemed to have the least weight so we bought one and like it. Now, I see the Makita DCS230T sold in the UK is claiming to be the world's lightest chainsaw at 2.5 kg. Power is 1 HP. Is there anything lighter? I seem to remember a small chainsaw using an Ohlsson & Rice engine. Does anyone else recall seeing one.

 

[computeruser]

Stihl MS192t is pretty light, same with the 25cc RedMax.

The O&R saws are low on displacement, but they're old metal saws so their weight is not in keeping with what you'd expect. Assuming you could find one, don't expect to be able to find parts very easily or consistently, even on the used/NOS market.

What is your purpose here, to just have the lightest saw possible? If it is, then I'd suggest forgetting the chainsaw angle and buying a nice handsaw or two. There comes a point (getting down to 1hp would be past that point, in my opinion) where the saw is so gutless as to make a handsaw faster in many instances.

 

[Marvinlee]

Thanks, Computeruser. My first interest in a light chainsaw was to get one that would be very easy for my wife to use. The little Echo has worked well for her because it has an easy-start system that sets the choke and half throttle with one movement. After that, I just got curious. I'm finding that saws feel heavier as I get older, so weight is getting more important.

 

[Austin1]

A few years back I had a pro take down the tree in my back yard, and he used a little dolmer top handle as his climbing saw said it was the best he ever used thats all I can add to this. except it was a very big job took two day's and the city had to shut down or better yet take down my power lines! of course he fell in love over my Sp 105!wanted to buy it. That tree was a 34 inch poplar. I should never have let him try my saw!!!But it gave me alot of respect for those climbers!Your all nut's! But he said the same thing about me and Forrest fires as I used to fight them!

 

[MAG58]

I think Dolmar PS 221 TH is one of the smallest, but after what I believe you can't get it in US? http://www.dolmar.com/site/managed/html/produkt/4475/PS-221_TH

 

[computeruser]

I think Dolmar PS 221 TH is one of the smallest, but after what I believe you can't get it in US?

Nope, that model isn't available here. The only top handle we have is the new 3410. We did have the 3300, but it was a thoroughly uninspiring performer with bad ergonomics. (Owned one for a few tanks and promptly sold it)

Around here I think that the RedMax 25cc and the Stihl 192t are about as light as you're going to get. There is a rear-handle version of the 192 that is supposed to be released shortly. It should be a good performer for someone who wants a sub-7lb saw with good performance.

Though it weighs a smidgen more, I finally had a chance to run a Dolmar 401 this weekend. With the muffler opened up a bit (it is needlessly restrictive in stock form) it is a VERY nice 8lb saw. By the time I got to test it the chain was a bit dull, but even still it easily outruns the Echo CS-34x saws (muffler-modded) and the MS180 (even with a narrow kerf chain). Pro-grade construction, too - magnesium crankcase, decompression button, bolt-on cylinder, etc.. It retails for around $250, which is less than half of the cost of an MS200non-T. Unless you need a top handle saw I think that the 401 is THE 40cc-and-under saw to get.

 

[Timberhauler]

I have an MS210,it's a pretty lightweight little fella.I'm not sure of the ratings are on it,but for what it is,it cuts well

 

[stumpjumper83]

I dunno, If I was starting a new saw operator, the saw would have to be a rear handle. Now I learned with a 044 and a 20", but I had a couple close calls too. I think that top handle saws lack the leverage that a rear has. they also bait the operator to one hand the saw due to their balance. Log dogs are also nice to have. As far a echo's go the 330t is an easy saw to start and pretty well balanced. For a climbing saw it has an oiler that it ran off the crank so if its running its pumping which for me means its drooling on my leg. Next climber will be a 200t.

 

[RED-85-Z51]

http://www.tanaka-usa.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ECS-3301

Tanaka ECS-3301
32cc 1.6hp
7.3lbs

 

[RED-85-Z51]

Echo CS-306 powerhead only weighs 7.5lbs 30.1cc

Echo CS-302 Powerhead only weighs 8.1lbs 32.6cc

 

[computeruser]

http://www.tanaka-usa.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ECS-3301

Tanaka ECS-3301
32cc 1.6hp
7.3lbs

Heavier than a 192t, and it handles like CRAP in my hands.

 

[B_Turner]

I'm in the camp that says if you are not up in a tree, then a tailed saw is much better. Easier, more control and safer. Because your hands are farther apart basically.

Up a tree the top handle makes sense.

I was at Lakeside53's place today looking at his small tailed Stihl and it was cute. (What a place he has!) Also got a chance to run an 084 and kind of liked it. I swear it is smoother in the cut than my 066. I had to fight the urge to buy a bigger saw.

 

[bytehoven]

If the 192 rear handle weighs in near the 6.6lb weight of the 192T, that would be a great choice and a safer way to go.

I don't regret my purchase of the 192T for a second. However, I realize it is inherently more dangerous as a top handle saw.

 

[Freakingstang]

http://www.tanaka-usa.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ECS-3301

Tanaka ECS-3301
32cc 1.6hp
7.3lbs

Good running little saw. I have one in blue clothing (makita version) that has only had two tanks run threw it. Will make someone a heck of a deal!!! I use a 50cc saw for my small limbing saw, and I don't climb, so it doesn't get used...

 

[046]

totally agree, folks that are not climbing should not be operating a top handled saw.

a silky hand saw is what I use most of the time while climbing anyways. Husky 335xpt only comes out when silky is too small. it's amazing how fast silky saws will cut.

try a Stihl 017 (MS170)for a light rear handled saw. standard equipment for climbers with asphunt, in Tulsa anyways. you can get a new one for aprox. $170, 8.6lbs 30cc

 

[RED-85-Z51]

meh, I see nothing wrong with top handle saws...

I learned on a Homelite XL, I never got hurt, and I cut alot!

No goggles, PPE, nothing.

No chain brake, spark arrestor, Low kickback chain, NOTHING

I still love that saw!

 

[rbtree]

I'm in the camp that says if you are not up in a tree, then a tailed saw is much better. Easier, more control and safer. Because your hands are farther apart basically.

Up a tree the top handle makes sense.

I was at Lakeside53's place today looking at his small tailed Stihl and it was cute. (What a place he has!) Also got a chance to run an 084 and kind of liked it. I swear it is smoother in the cut than my 066. I had to fight the urge to buy a bigger saw.

I have a 192T, albeit a woods modded one. I imagine that, in stock form, it would lag or cut close to how a 3400 Echo cuts...it's rated at 1.8 hp, I think. I'd never consider the tiny Redmax 2500, or little Dolmar, or any saw with less power than either one of the 1.8 hp saws. A good sharp handsaw is the tool of choice for most pruning cuts under 2-3 inches anyhow.

Yep, BTurner, Andy's place is mighty fine, ain't it?

Here's a pic of the pin oak log you guys will be milling.....

 

[B_Turner]

I have a 192T, albeit a woods modded one. I imagine that, in stock form, it would lag or cut close to how a 3400 Echo cuts...it's rated at 1.8 hp, I think. I'd never consider the tiny Redmax 2500, or little Dolmar, or any saw with less power than either one of the 1.8 hp saws. A good sharp handsaw is the tool of choice for most pruning cuts under 2-3 inches anyhow.

Yep, BTurner, Andy's place is mighty fine, ain't it?

Here's a pic of the pin oak log you guys will be milling.....

Cool, it's even up off the ground! Thanks for the pic.

Yea, Andy's place is amazing. Nice to get a chance to see how the other half lives. Made him run my 7900 just so he could see how a real saw ran.

 

[rbtree]

Cool, it's even up off the ground! Thanks for the pic.

Yea, Andy's place is amazing. Nice to get a chance to see how the other half lives. Made him run my 7900 just so he could see how a real saw ran.

Hohummm..he's seen my ported 7900 in action, and the ehp 372 that is faster still....

here's andy trying out my 5100S when I had the pipe on it...

 

[MAG58]

And here is a new small one, McCulloch ProMac33 / Partner P33