Small saw choice

[Blowdown1]

I need a small, light saw for limbing, firewood and cleanup work. I'm getting tired of using a 359 for stuff that only requires a small saw. I'm looking at some used and NOS saws. What would be your choice (service for all should be accessible here, so that isn't a big concern)?

CS-3450 $129 new
DCS341 $140+ (auction) new
CS-305 $140+ (auction) new
CS-300/3000 $140+ (auction) used
2137 used $70+ (auction) used

thanks

 

[Lawn Masters]

Welcome to the forum.

I'd go with the Echo CS 3450 first, second choice would be the Dolmar. If you can find it a good Stihl 026/260, Husky 346XP, or its equivalant model would be suitable.This is assuming you do keep your chains razor sharp, and everything is in good shape.
The 2137, is what I believe a saw sharing components with a crappy poulan model, but I'm not sure.

 

[WRW]

I don't recommend less than 45cc (ballpark) for limbing and firewood. Anything less and you'll be picking up the 359 out of frustration. Anything smaller will weigh about as much as the 45cc saw anyway.

 

[Stumper]

Personally I would consider your 359 a pretty good choice for the task you decribe. I tend to run bigger saws (68-80cc) for big cuts and then grab a 50cc saw for the small wood and brush. I agree with Bill that smaller saws are frustrating-too slow and too much bending over -unless you are small of stature-then a 40cc saw may delight you.

 

[DanManofStihl]

small saw

I would recommend a stihl ms 180 I have one and I love it granted it will not be the fastest but it is very light and great for pruning. I also had a husky 141 It was also a great saw.

 

[Lawn Masters]

perhaps if you modified that 359 you have now you'd be fine.
a little muffler mod, and some carb tuning to follow the muffler mod, and you're in business.

 

[tony marks]

i think u on the rite track with that smaller rear handled echo..i wouldnt opt for the top handle 3000 unless you gonna be climbing.jmo.. good luck

 

[Newfie]

perhaps if you modified that 359 you have now you'd be fine.
a little muffler mod, and some carb tuning to follow the muffler mod, and you're in business.

Does that kind of modification make a saw significantly lighter?

 

[Toneman]

Those little echos are nice saws. Only thing I hated on the one my brother has is the oregon "intez" adjustment for the chain. I ended up converting it back to the tried and true adjusting screw. Don't know why Oregon wasted there time and money on the intez system

 

[WoodTick007]

The key to purchasing a "usefull" saw in the ten pound class is to not look at "lowest price". The thing you must look at iin your purchase is what saw has the highest factory rated HP and RPMS. When you find, and purchase this saw you will be happiest. Until then keep using your 359.

Perhaps you could look at the Stihl ms200.

 

[oldwild]

i myself am looking to pick up a Husky 350 this week, should fill the bill for a smaller saw, but I don't see much difference between it and the 353.

 

[Chopwood]

I thought a 359 was a small saw?

 

[Blowdown1]

I actually was using a Mild Thing for awhile on loan but had to give it back (not too sorry, but it was handy at times). Plenty of power for limbing and smaller cuts, ???? thing just vibrated you to death. And it isn't very light. But w/ a 14" bar on it was a lot easier getting in the branches of blowdowns and clearing stuff than using a heavier 359 w/ a 20" bar. (and posed less risk of getting the nose of the bar into something in that mess of branches).

 

[oldwild]

after finishing tree line, am defintely looking for a smaller saw than my 3400. Have alot of small scrub, that wouldn't work with the bigger saw. Finished one tree line up today with the exception of the scrub. Have got another tree line to start here soon, and either a 350 or a 353 would fit the bill. The 350 is available locally, but not the 353 or even a 346XP. Wife doesn't like the 346 due to the speed, but want something she can handle and give me a hand, that is where I think the 350 will fit the bill. I can't see too much of a difference between the 350 and the 353, anybody have any input on that.......

 

[Dolmar_Tech_Mgr]

Lets see i would recommend the Dolmar. Need I really say more.

 

[oldwild]

don't think I have a dolmar rep around here! Will check from work tomorrow!

 

[brent denny]

The 353 is more of a pro saw. It has a little bit more power but the main difference is the magnesium crankcase on the 353 vs the plastic one on the 350. The 353 also has a quick release top cover which is a little handier than the screws on the 350 when it comes time to change the air filter. Both good saws but the 353 probably has a longer life expectancy.