Recommend a 16" 50cc saw that will beat out a Stihl 026

[777funk]

The Stihl has this going for it:
-runs great
-nice build quality
-fairly compact for power
-runs a 16" bar with .325" chain very well

And this that it does not have going for it in my opinion:
-a little heavy probably by comparison to other saws
-burns more gas than some other saws

So with all that said, I like the saw. I owned an 028 wood boss and felt the 026 was a better saw (smaller and just as powerful).

So what is there that will equal or beat out my little 026 (any brand including Stihl)?

 

[earlthegoat2]

This is where it would have been nice if the MS241 hadn’t been discontinued in the US.

IMO, that was a handier package for the .325 16” than the 261.

 

[Mad3400]

If we are talking new, MS 261.


Mad3400

 

[WoodmanSr]

The Stihl has this going for it:
-runs great
-nice build quality
-fairly compact for power
-runs a 16" bar with .325" chain very well

And this that it does not have going for it in my opinion:
-a little heavy probably by comparison to other saws
-burns more gas than some other saws

So with all that said, I like the saw. I owned an 028 wood boss and felt the 026 was a better saw (smaller and just as powerful).

So what is there that will equal or beat out my little 026 (any brand including Stihl)?

Well. You answered your own question unless something I'm missing. 026 in good condition might be hard to best, $ for $. Maintain it & keep a sharp chain.
So specs put 026 at 10.7# pho... not heavy at all.
Is it weight & balance or say Fuel/Oil range. Working time on one fill of fluids? Tank sizes have influence as does new stratocharging type saws fuel efficiency. Not a Stihl guy but own, I enjoy running o-series... excellent engineering for their time, very durable, worth keeping a runner.

 

[irhunter]

-a little heavy probably by comparison to other saws
-burns more gas than some other saws

Very soon, someone will be here suggesting the Husky 346xp.

While we wait, the OP can tell us what saws he is writing about which pull like the 026 but are lighter.

As far as fuel efficiency, I have come to believe the current Stihl pro 50cc saws (e.g., MS261, MS261CM) burn less gas than the older pre-strato saws (026). But, I have never done anything like a careful side-by-side comparison.

While I think of the 026 air filter/choke arrangement as less-than-ideal, the 026 and MS260s seem like excellent 50cc saws. I would not be without one.

Roy

 

[J D]

Yup, if new isn't a requirement & you can find one - a good NE 346XP. If weight is more preferable than durability get a 345/350 & bolt a 346 jug & slug on it.
Open muffler up & set squish for a bit more pep... or get a decent porter to grind on it if you really want it to scream

 

[777funk]

Very soon, someone will be here suggesting the Husky 346xp.

While we wait, the OP can tell us what saws he is writing about which pull like the 026 but are lighter.

As far as fuel efficiency, I have come to believe the current Stihl pro 50cc saws (e.g., MS261, MS261CM) burn less gas than the older pre-strato saws (026). But, I have never done anything like a careful side-by-side comparison.

While I think of the 026 air filter/choke arrangement as less-than-ideal, the 026 and MS260s seem like excellent 50cc saws. I would not be without one.

Roy

You'll be waiting a while. Lol. I have no experience with lighter saws that pull the same. I just figured there probably are some now that we're around 40 years into 026 history.

 

[EchoShindaiwaMakitaDolmar]

If you can, find someone with an Echo 501p and give it a whirl to see how it performs for you.

 

[irhunter]

I just figured there probably are some now that we're around 40 years into 026 history.

I agree. Odd, how little things have changed.

I have very little experience with saws running 3/8LP chain, but the small saws I have cut with (Husky 36 and Stihl 021) pulled surprisingly well. There is a guy on this site who runs MS180s commercially after moderate modification (he does not port them). He has posted his recipe for MS180 mods (see below). I wonder about one of his MS180 running 3/8LP versus a 026 running .325 chain.

Roy


https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/stihl-ms180-upgrades.365661/

 

[WoodmanSr]

Yup, if new isn't a requirement & you can find one - a good NE 346XP. If weight is more preferable than durability get a 345/350 & bolt a 346 jug & slug on it.
Open muffler up & set squish for a bit more pep... or get a decent porter to grind on it if you really want it to scream

I agree 346xp NE is a screamer (own one). But, to be honest I find them thirsty on fuel. Fuel makes HP. Port it up & guess it guzzles even more.

I read OP question different. If desires more fuel efficiency or fuel run-time. Stihl 026, 346xp, 346xp NE, 501P, etc are few ounce to each other. Weight debate seems off the table.

Is the answer Stratocharged model fuel efficiency. Not my choice.

If fuel run-time I only need to compare Partner 5000 platform to 346xp NE. Granted are 1# heavier. Those 5000 series are tankers, love that about them, run-time on the log [Partner 5000, Jonsered 490, Poulan Pro 325]

Measured my units as data.
-- 346xp NE = 500 ml fuel
-- 5000 series = 640 ml fuel
-- 026, don't have one, guessing close to 500ml also.

So, to me, the OP should consider fuel efficiency or tank size. Maybe on path to acquire a Strato... nothing else fills ask quite equal or better.

Edit: so I concede after looking.. Stihl ms261 IntelliCarb & ms261cm Mtronic specify 16.9 oz (500 ml). As Strato model those should have fuel efficiency & power advantages. But, I'm not in camp of $729 DSRP to get fuel economy. Yes, shiny new replacement & unlimited budget.

 

[jackdaripper]

How about you grab a 5105 and run that puppy?

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

The Stihl has this going for it:
-runs great
-nice build quality
-fairly compact for power
-runs a 16" bar with .325" chain very well

And this that it does not have going for it in my opinion:
-a little heavy probably by comparison to other saws
-burns more gas than some other saws

So with all that said, I like the saw. I owned an 028 wood boss and felt the 026 was a better saw (smaller and just as powerful).

So what is there that will equal or beat out my little 026 (any brand including Stihl)?

Depending on what muffler is on that 026 you could get a nice little bump in performance by opening it up a bit. Sounds like you’re mostly happy with it why spend the money on a new saw. Unless you just want something new that is.

 

[StoneyMeadowMaple]

I have a 550xp here, it’s a very handy little saw. I have an 18
On it, I see no reason why it wouldn’t be perfectly happy with a 16 if someone chose