Ms 180 or Echo 346

[kawcrasher]

I'm looking small, light saw to replace old homelite super 2. I only want to spend around $200 and stay less than 9 lb. My questions are will a 180 hold up as well as the echo and are either of these saws fast enough that I'll put the down 361?

 

[wagonwheeler]

Though I do like my cs3000...I don't like it's chain adjuster or it's air filter location. Ditto for the 346. Most posts on the 180 have been positive and though I think it used to have the same crummy front adjuster I beleive they all have the quick adjust now - which may be handy on that saw.

But I basically don't pick up my 3000 any more. 361 mostly. Then 025.

Chaser

 

[talon1189]

I Love my little MS 180 I use mine for smaller climbing jobs + limbing on the same and "Little Bubba" has been a hero so far He is both light weight + he has more power than you would expect for a saw in the $200.00 range IMO >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Talon

 

[Just Mow]

Get the 180.ou will like the power and the chain adjuster. Good saw for the money.

 

[upandcommer]

I just picked up an 018c for my wife to use as a limbing saw so she can help with the firewood. I got it used so it was cheap a 14" pmn chain and bar is a great investment it is light great anti-vibe pleanty of power for this set-up nothing to complain about. Grab an ms180c and never look back.

 

[computeruser]

Another member had a similar question a while back. You can find the discussion here: Small Saw Choices.

My vote is for the Echo for the reasons I list in the linked discussion. But the 180 is also a very good saw. You would be fine with either.

 

[kawcrasher]

Thanks computeruser, I checked that thread a few days ago, Might be what got the echo in my head. Does anyone know if parts stay available for a while (10 years or so) on discontinued echos? How about piston rings on these saws 1 or 2? Or which cuts faster?

 

[kawcrasher]

Talon and Just Mow, Do you guys like that chain adjuster, It was one of things I was afraid of- looks kinda breakable.

 

[SawTroll]

How about the Husky 336?

It probably is a bit more than 200 USD, but it should be a way better option than those discussed here so far - where is Mike Maas????

 

[kawcrasher]

I like that strange looking little husky, but its going for about $360-400 usd. Cheaper than ms 200 but more than what I want to spend for a small saw. It seems my small saws are the ones that get the abuse.

 

[Just Mow]

Talon and Just Mow, Do you guys like that chain adjuster, It was one of things I was afraid of- looks kinda breakable.

It makes it easy to use. I do have to clean it out a little more than the regular adjuster but I have not run into any problems and the saw is over two years old.

 

[talon1189]

It makes it easy to use. I do have to clean it out a little more than the regular adjuster but I have not run into any problems and the saw is over two years old.

I agree with Just Mow......It just takes a little longer to clean out the clutch cover area. A cool way to adjust the chain without having tools >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Talon

 

[SawTroll]

I like that strange looking little husky, but its going for about $360-400 usd. Cheaper than ms 200 but more than what I want to spend for a small saw. It seems my small saws are the ones that get the abuse.

Btw, I just noticed that the 339xp now is made availiable in the US as well - at last some real competition for the MS200.....

 

[kawcrasher]

I went to check out some saws yesterday at my kubota dealer. But all really learned is that its time to find a new dealer.I knew more about the 180 than he did, but if he didn't know the answer he was quick to make something up, only 1 pro saw a 441, no echos although he is a echo dealer, and no husky pro saws- told me there was no difference between husky pro saw and a homeowner saw. Also no chance of bar/chain swaps said he would have order anything other 14" and safety chain, he don't even stock anything but safety chain. I did get to handle a 180 and I think its moving down on my list. So now I'm looking for a new saw and new dealer.

 

[talon1189]

If all you want to spend is $200.00.........you will not get a real saw and your choices are extremely limited. Find a real dealer......he sounded like an idiot :bang: Maybe look at Ebay for a used saw I would buy the MS 180......it is tough to beat at $200.00 :biggrinbounce2: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Talon

 

[computeruser]

Yup, find a new dealer. You'll quickly learn that it is a waste of your time to ask 99.9% of saw dealers anything.

As for a saw, you can get the little Echo for about $160 new in box on eBay.

 

[GitWood]

Yup, find a new dealer. You'll quickly learn that it is a waste of your time to ask 99.9% of saw dealers anything.

As for a saw, you can get the little Echo for about $160 new in box on eBay.

I think that you are a little harsh on the dealers. In my experience only about 98% are useless. Unfortunately that is not unique to saws. It applies to everything from toasters to trucks.

I'm also fond of the little Echos. Nothing bad to say about them.

 

[kawcrasher]

The echo is looking pretty good. Got Shindiawa(?) dealer near by might go look at a 360. It is ashame to see a decent dealer go down hill thought.I'm not sure if I even still want to deal with them for tractor parts anymore. I am going to find a new saw dealer for sure.

 

[kawcrasher]

I found a dealer today that seemed pretty good, real helpful and didn't even seem to mind muffler mods. Any he has 2 009L's left and will let them go for the same $ as a ms180. No AV but an adjustable carb and .5 hp and only .4lb heavier. What do you guys think of these old saws?

 

[kawcrasher]

Just to let you I ended up getting a Echo 346 off ebay for $159 including shipping.