Stihl 026

[Jason280]

What's the general consensus on the Stihl 026? I'm looking to pick one up to replace an MS210C, and ws curious if there is enough difference between the two to justify the change. My plan is to run a 16" bar for general trimming and limb work.

The 026 I'm looking at belongs to a friend, and is in pretty good shape. Starts easily, but does blow a lot of blue smoke. Idle is a bit high, but throttle response is great. I know the idle can be easily adjusted, but my concern is the blue smoke. Would it be worth taking a chance on the saw for $75?

 

[w8ye]

Get it
the blue smoke is likely from it setting around for a while

 

[w8ye]

I have a woods ported 026 with a 16" bar and 3/8" chain and it is a sweetheart

 

[sawjunky23]

Is it an 026 Pro or not? I think and 026 pro for $75.00 would be a deal even if it needed a rebuild. I have one and they are a great little saw. As far as the blue smoke goes, ask your friend what he is running for a mix. Maybe he is running his mix a bit rich which could casue some excess smoke.

 

[Jason280]

Its not a Pro model, and not sure on the mix. I'll have to ask...

 

[sawjunky23]

Its not a Pro model, and not sure on the mix. I'll have to ask...

I am not sure what the exact difference is between the pro and regular model is, I'm sure somebody with more saw knowledge could answer that. I wouldnt be affraid to take a gamble at $75.00 bucks though.

 

[atpchas]

Pro model has a compression release (of questionable use on a 50cc saw) and an adjustable oiler. I know of no one who thinks the non-adjustable 026 has difficulty oiling a 16" bar. If anything, folks complain that the non-adjustable oils too well. My two cents is that the pro designation for the 026 is more marketing than valuable feature.

 

[w8ye]

The pro has a compression release and a adjustable oiler. The power is the same.

 

[MnSam]

The non "PRO" model is still a professional model saw, and quite a bit better saw than your 210. Buy it. Then you could probably sell your 210 on the bay for twice that. The blue smoke is either a heavily mixed gas or improper tune. Either way it sounds like it is getting plenty lube to the cylinder, which is better than not enough. Again, buy it, now, before someone else does.

 

[w8ye]

Later on you could make your 210 into a 250 and use it as a spare chainsaw

 

[MillerModSaws]

It's worth $75 bucks even if it won't run. I would check there's about a 3 year span that the carbs will only have a low adjust. Other than that there the same saw. Some of the old 026 did not have adjustable oilers but most do the biggest difference is the compression release. All 3 of these are just 026. Adjustable oilers bit non compression release.

 

[spindrift7mm]

210 not even close to the 026 in power or quality. 026 is one of the best small saws made, even compared to the new tech saws

 

[Rockjock]

Pay the 75 and never look back. With the help of the gents on here you will have a saw that will amaze you! I have a 026 running a 16 B&C .325 pitch and it is a pleasure to run. I keep thanking DieselShwan for it I am sure he is sick of it!

 

[Wood Doctor]

I got tired of putting up with the quirks of my 025. Then I bought a good running 026 Pro. The 025 is now silent most of the time and I'll save it for backup only. I cannot imagine a finer small-to-medium size chain saw that the 026 Pro. It runs and runs and runs...

 

[Brushwacker]

I wouldn't sell my 021 just because of buying an 026. If I don't have use for a saw that is different but I find in different situations I don't want to be using my best or better saws. Some situations I am happier to use a lesser saw. Preserves the lives, of my better ones for when I do benefit from using them and some times I can just slow down and keep cutting and catch my breath at the same time using a lesser saw.

 

[Wood Doctor]

I wouldn't sell my 021 just because of buying an 026. If I don't have use for a saw that is different but I find in different situations I don't want to be using my best or better saws. Some situations I am happier to use a lesser saw. Preserves the lives, of my better ones for when I do benefit from using them and some times I can just slow down and keep cutting and catch my breath at the same time using a lesser saw.

That's precisely why my 025 is not up for sale. Besides, its 18" bar uses the same chain (68 DLs with .325 chain) as my 026 with a 16" bar on board. Hard to believe but true.

 

[fearofpavement]

I have never seen an 026 with an adjustable oiler that wasn't the pro version. I have three currently and none of them have an adjustable oiler. I wouldn't pay extra to have one as they all oil just fine. One thing is that they'll pump oil at idle but I rarely idle any saw for very long. If it's going to be more than the few seconds required to move to the next cut or move something out of the way, I just shut it off and start it back up when I'm ready. As someone else stated, the saw is worth $75 even not running. They're a good saw and parts are readily available.

 

[Stihlofadeal64]

For $75. each in good condition I'd buy 10 asap.
If you buy it and decide to get rid of it I'll just give you $75 for it and you can send it on down!
(Careful a line may be forming with hands raised )

 

[thinktwicez71]

buy it , I just bought one myself that was non running but in great shape , a little testing and parts replacement ( seals and lines ) for under 40.00 and im in business with a sweet saw. go for it , you will love it .

 

[Jason280]

Picked up the 026 today, here are a few pics: