Opinions on an 034

[deerlakejens]

I have a chance of picking up an 034 for a reasonable price but can't find much info searching this site or Mike Acres. It would be a true back up saw, just for large diameter fir, cedar and the occasional big leaf maple. What's the longest bar this saw can handle? How would it compare to an Echo 650EVL?

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

You're from Woodinville? Do you know Lakeside53? If not, you should.

The 034 is a fine saw, but not exactly what one thinks of when one thinks of large diameter stuff. Around our parts, that saw and the similar 036 can run 24" bars, but that'd be about it if you want it to work well for you. How "large" are the large fir and cedar you're thinking about?

Jeff

 

[deerlakejens]

Yes, I have met Andy a few times and have received excellent advice from him a couple of times already. The firs tend to be about 3' and I have been able to get at them one side at a time with 18'' bars but would like to have a saw with a little more reach when I get further up the trunk. I cut just enough for my stove each year, so speed isn't as much as as issue as convenience. I usually get access to downed wood that often is well guarded by our invasive blackberries, so clearing and cutting from one side is often a real plus. I did pick up the 650EVL and haven't had a chance to use it on any decent sized wood but am going out tomorrow to buck up a 2' fir. The 034 opportunity just sort of popped up and I wondered if it was worth picking up.

 

[rickyrooster]

an 034 with a 20" bar is plenty. 24" would be pushing it. it is a great saw, if i could get one cheap i would buy it. you can also get cheap cylinder and piston kits for 036 stihls on ebay and they will bolt right on the 034 saws. that will give you 60ccs. you can also get a duel port muffler and add another 1/2 hp. i would want to do this if i was going to run a long bar.

 

[bigjayfromwa]

034

Using an 18in bar on a three footer? That sounds like a heck of a lot work. I have an 034 just as my small saw and running a 24 with full comp it runs alright...just doesnt have much power when you bury it. I'd just recommend using full skip if you planning on cutting the big stuff. Or pick up a 44 or a 66 and do it with one cut.

 

[clearance]

They are an awesome little saw, you could probably run a 24" if you ran skip and took it easy.

 

[sawn_penn]

I have a chance of picking up an 034 for a reasonable price but can't find much info searching this site or Mike Acres. It would be a true back up saw, just for large diameter fir, cedar and the occasional big leaf maple. What's the longest bar this saw can handle? How would it compare to an Echo 650EVL?

I don't think you'ld see any major difference between the abilities of a 034 and a 650EVL.

I think the 034 is a marginally newer saw, but the 650EVL has a bigger engine.

If you want another saw in the same class (as a backup), go for it. If you want a different type of saw to round out your selection of tools, maybe hold out for something else. If it's a low low price, what the hey, buy it!

 

[Lakeside53]

Deer: Get the 034. I had one for 10 years (mine was the super, but the 34 is almost a good) and I cut everything around Woodinville with it...
It's dead simple to fix, you can get all the parts for it, and, almost everything from a MS360 pro - made up until 2002, bolts right on.

Around here, in good condition, less than $300 is a steal. I sold mine for $375 a few months back.

If you need me to check it over, you know where I live!

If you just want to cut those big fire, I'll sell you my 051 with a 36 inch cheap (relatively speaking).

 

[davefr]

I have an 034 that I modified by swapping in an 036 jug, opened the muffler, and richened it up a tad.

It's a great performer with a 20" bar but if you're talking really big wood (ie 3') then I'd use an 046/066.

The 034 seemed like an orphan in Stihl's lineup but they're powerfull, lightweight, easy to work on, and there's plenty of parts on Ebay. (OEM and aftermarket)

Make sure you have a good boot and pulse line. Past threads indicate that lean seaze was an issue with 034's.

 

[Lakeside53]

Make sure you have a good boot and pulse line. Past threads indicate that lean seaze was an issue with 034's.

I can't see that the 034 is any different to the 036 with respect to "lean seize" as it uses exactly the same components.. I find them to be extremely reliable, and even the very first models (18 years old?) still run fine or can be fixed easily. IMHO lean seize is mainly due to bad gas (or no oil) and/or people messing with the carb settings.

 

[046]

I had an 034 super, that had displacement aprox. same as 036. ran a 20in bar with no problems, but liked an 18in bar better.

it was a real work horse, took down lots of wood with that saw. would highly recommend if you can only have one saw.

other wise go with MS 460/260 combo. or 372/346 combo.

 

[Gravely Grinch]

My 034 is a great little saw, buy it if it's priced right. I got ~100 bones in mine and most of that was bar, chain and sprocket.

 

[v8titan]

I have had my 034 for 13 years now without a single mechanical problem. I run a 20" ES bar with RS chain and I mostly cut large oak, maple and ash for firewood. Maybe 4 to 5 cords per year. As far as the power is concerned, you do need to take it easy when cutting the big stuff. As long as you let it cut, it will get the job done. I have been toying with the idea of replacing the jug and piston upping to an 036 displacement, but have not got around to it yet. No regrets here on the saw.