Whats a good little trim/limb saw?

[jaytee]

I'm looking to buy a good little saw just for clearing brush/small trees 4 inches or less in diameter. I used to have a little green poulan but it just wasn't much, couldn't keep the darned thing running. Looking for something with a 10 inch bar and lightweight.

 

[blis]

how 'bout 339xp??

 

[Log Splitter]

Depends on how much you want to spend.

I bought a MS 180 last fall to replace my 30 cc Poulan. The difference in quality was obvious right away. The Stihl starts easier, idles perfectly, and is real smooth in the cut with the narrow kerf chain. You mentioned a 10" bar, I think you would like the standard 14" bar that comes on the MS 180 as it balances the saw very well. Save your money and stay away from the Easy2Start system, IMO.

Of course, if money is no object, consider a rear handle MS 200. It has a little more HP, half a pound less weight, and is pro quality.

 

[computeruser]

Dolmar 401. Best darned little saw out there, especially if you open up the restrictive muffler. 9lbs, magnesium (not plastic!) crankcase, vertically-split crankcase with bolt-on cylinder, and it is both nimble and quick. $250 or less, brand new. With a 14" bar it should be a great setup for your purposes.

More expensive saws like the Stihl MS200 or Husqvarna 339 are great, but $$$$. Cheaper alternatives like the Echo 346 or Stihl MS180 are also good, reliable performers, but for about the same money I'd sooner run the Dolmar 401.

 

[Woodie]

Dolmar 401. Best darned little saw out there, especially if you open up the restrictive muffler. 9lbs, magnesium (not plastic!) crankcase, vertically-split crankcase with bolt-on cylinder, and it is both nimble and quick. $250 or less, brand new. With a 14" bar it should be a great setup for your purposes.

Dang, I didn't realize the 401 was essentially pro (or at least semi-pro) quality! I just checked out the Dolmar site, and it mentions the following feature: "Simple half-throttle operation by means of side knob"

What are they getting at there...is that a feature for starting the chainsaw? I'm sure not going to run it at half throttle!

Thanks for pointing that one out...I'd never even considered it!

 

[Stihl Crazy]

My choice would be a Redmax 3800, check out their website. I plan on getting one.

 

[mbopp]

Echo 345, 346, 3450's can be had pretty reasonable on Ebay.

 

[robby26wi]

Dolmar 401....Bought one for my wife and i cant set it down...awsome little saw ....very very pleased...215 at my local dealer...No one can beat that for what you get..

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

how 'bout 339xp??

X2!

 

[Timberhauler]

I love my Stihl MS210...I use it pretty much for exactly what you described.

 

[robby26wi]

I would have to say that for 50 dollars less then the 210 its a much better saw for the money...Even if they where the same price the 401 seems to have much better guts...

 

[cuttinscott]

the Dolmar PS 401 has a little brother called PS341

The Dolmar PS401 has a little brother called a PS341 all the same features with a 33 cc engine and a MSRP of $219.95 with a 14" This saw will run between a 10" through a 16" with ease. This saw is a great entry level PRO saw.

Scott

 

[mark ormond]

Stihl MS180

I bought the 180 2 years ago
use it in wood to drop 60 - 70 scotch pine.
I do just as much work as guys with saws twice the size, they have arm ache i dont
A sharp chain is the key not power
Cant fault it cost me about £100 is that about 200 dollars
Mark

 

[robby26wi]

well the 210 is 9.7 lbs and 2.0hp and the 401 is 8.8 lbs and 2.3hp...

 

[Luke]

Here's another vote for the 401. Redmax 3800 is smoother, but didn't seem to have as much power and is all plastic if I remember correctly.

 

[2stroke2]

I have a dolmar PS 340 ,it nice and light , has a 12 inch bar and has good power for its size.

 

[Pablo26]

Yea, that 340 is a cuter than the 401. Is it all plastic or have any mag at all?
I am in need of a dealer a bit closer, but I might have to call them and inquire on their prices. Like that 569 for a 7900.

 

[Log Splitter]

Well, we've gone and done it. We've recommended Stihl, Dolmar, Husky, Echo, and Redmax. The guy probably went back to Home Depot and bought another $100 Poulan.

 

[Peacock]

I am just fine with my little hand numbing 009.

 

[cuttinscott]

Yea, that 340 is a cuter than the 401. Is it all plastic or have any mag at all?

??

The PS 340/PS341 are a PRO saw they have mag cases vert P&C vert split ccases everything is Quality on this model. Do not Mistake the PS341 for the PS34 that was a plastic attempt at a homesaw and it ended up way too heavy and too hard to work on. The PS 341 is a excellent value

Scott