Smaller saw to use mainly for limbing and light firewood?

[Hutch]

Hey everyone,

I figured this would be a good place to pose a question. I have a almost dead Stihl 021 that has done the job, but i'm in need of a new saw. I do mostly limbing, and the occasional felling of up to about 10" Weight is a concern and I would like to keep it under 10lbs for the powerhead. Shouldn't need much more than a 16" bar but the very occasional 18 might be needed. I'm looking at a few models, but really I want a good power/weight ratio, ergonomics, vibration dampening, and reliability. I am considering the Stihl MS200 or Dolmar/Makita 401 at the moment. I'm the kind of guy who appreciates quality, and am willing to pay within reason. The MS200 is about $530 which seems on the high side. I haven't even looked at the Dolmar, but it seemed in the same class. I obviously would like a pro class saw. I know opinions come cheap, but if you have a lot of experience with these saws i'd appreciate some advice. Who knows, there may be another saw I havent even considered!

Thanks-Jay:bang:

 

[clearance]

Hey everyone,

I figured this would be a good place to pose a question. I have a almost dead Stihl 021 that has done the job, but i'm in need of a new saw. I do mostly limbing, and the occasional felling of up to about 10" Weight is a concern and I would like to keep it under 10lbs for the powerhead. Shouldn't need much more than a 16" bar but the very occasional 18 might be needed. I'm looking at a few models, but really I want a good power/weight ratio, ergonomics, vibration dampening, and reliability. I am considering the Stihl MS200 or Dolmar/Makita 401 at the moment. I'm the kind of guy who appreciates quality, and am willing to pay within reason. The MS200 is about $530 which seems on the high side. I haven't even looked at the Dolmar, but it seemed in the same class. I obviously would like a pro class saw. I know opinions come cheap, but if you have a lot of experience with these saws i'd appreciate some advice. Who knows, there may be another saw I havent even considered!

Thanks-Jay:bang:

Welcome to the site. 346XP.

 

[BC_Logger]

I would go with a stihl 026 or a husky 353

 

[Urbicide]

Welcome to AS. I agree with Clearance, 346XP.








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[peter399]

346XP. Your smile will reach your ears.

 

[bowtechmadman]

Another vote for the 346XP, will do you well with 16 or 18" bar.

 

[SawTroll]

Welcome to AS. I agree with Clearance, 346XP.

I also agree, but if you want it really light, Husky 339xp ("new edition").

I have a almost new 339xp, and it performs really well, for such a light saw. :biggrinbounce2:

What I use it for, resembles your description pretty closely........

 

[Hired Gun]

Another one for the 346XP. They are a great saw!

 

[rreidnauer]

I also agree, but if you want it really light, Husky 339xp ("new edition").

I have a almost new 339xp, and it performs really well, for such a light saw. :biggrinbounce2:

What I use it for, resembles your description pretty closely........

+1 Looks like the 339xp goes for about $450US and meets your requirement perfectly.

 

[TDunk]

Welcome to the site. Either the 346 or the Dolmar 5100.

 

[SawTroll]

Welcome to the site. Either the 346 or the Dolmar 5100.

None of them meets his weight requirement, the Dolmar miss it by quite some margin (it is heavier than they state).........:biggrinbounce2:

 

[computeruser]

MS200. Pull the muffler screen, retune, and go to work. Run a 14" bar on it and you'll be happy. Otherwise, if you're OK with a bit more weight and bulk then a 346xp would be nice, minus the cat muffler. Keep the bar short and you'll be a very happy camper.

The Dolmar 401 is a nice saw once you open up the muffler, and retune. Heck, you could even buy it new AND get it ported for less than the cost of either of the above two saws.


Husqvarna 238se with a 13" NarrowKerf bar makes a super limbing and trimming saw:

It can even cut larger firewood with its 13" bar:

 

[blis]

MS200. Pull the muffler screen, retune, and go to work. Run a 14" bar on it and you'll be happy. Otherwise, if you're OK with a bit more weight and bulk then a 346xp would be nice, minus the cat muffler. Keep the bar short and you'll be a very happy camper.

The Dolmar 401 is a nice saw once you open up the muffler, and retune. Heck, you could even buy it new AND get it ported for less than the cost of either of the above two saws.


Husqvarna 238se with a 13" NarrowKerf bar makes a super limbing and trimming saw:

Even better than 238se would be 242xp if you dont mind the weight, its a beast with 8t sprocket@15k rpm's...

 

[Just Mow]

Welcome, MS200 is well worth the price. The saw screams and is perfect for what you are wanting it for.

 

[GASoline71]

Welcome, MS200 is well worth the price. The saw screams and is perfect for what you are wanting it for.

Yup... MS200 rear handle... good saw.

Gary

 

[Hutch]

Thanks for the responses!

So, where is the best place to pick up a 346XP? The local dealers are not that easy to deal with. Maybe order it via the internet?

Jay

 

[Just Mow]

Thanks for the responses!

So, where is the best place to pick up a 346XP? The local dealers are not that easy to deal with. Maybe order it via the internet?

Jay

Go to yout dealer and get the Stihl MS200, it is better.

 

[epicklein22]

Just like gasoline71 said, get the ms200 rear handle. It will be a light, nimble, professional saw that should meet your requirements. It is rated at 35cc and the powerhead weighs 8.4 pounds. A 14'' bar would be ideal.

 

[Just Mow]

Just like gasoline71 said, get the ms200 rear handle. It will be a light, nimble, professional saw that should meet your requirements. It is rated at 35cc and the powerhead weighs 8.4 pounds. A 14'' bar would be ideal.

Exactly what I have been saying. It is truly an awesome saw.

 

[Hutch]

I have seen and handled the MS200 and it is quality built. You can tell it's german model. Anyone know of a dealer who will cut a deal on one?? Around here they are $530. It's just a bit out of my range, but I do like it. I'd probably go with the 14" bar for now.