Used Chainsaw for Light Use

I'm considering getting a chain saw to maintain a trail behind my house (and turn the plunder into firewood), and for the occasional scrounge. I'd like to keep it cheap, $150 or so, and will be scoping craigslist and maybe pawnshops. What are a couple good options?

There is a Stihl MS170 nearby for $125 that's only been used twice. Good idea or not enough oomf?

Thanks.

"Enough oomf" always depends on what you're cutting (diameter of logs) and the amount (a couple branches, a cord or more, entire trees). Cutting a lot of wood with a small displacement saw can be sloooow.

That 170 is a 30cc saw that's intended for occasional pruning and cutting of smaller branches. It retails for $179 new so you're not getting a lot off. The smallest displacemant I recommend for small firewood production (and general happiness ) is arond 45-50cc. For $150-200, see if you can find a used Stihl 250 (45cc).

Around here, I can buy a nice Stihl 290 all day for $250 on CL. Compared to modern pro saws, it's a little on the heavy side for it's power (56cc), but it's a proven reliable homeowner/firewooder saw.

Just watched a neighbor cut down an ash tree with 45in dia trunk. He used a manlift and a very used MS 170 with about 5 chains. He used a friends Ms 310 w/20in bar on the trunk. The MS 170 had a 16in bar and was used to cut everything but the trunk from the bucket. A small saw with a sharp chain does a lot more work than a big one with a dull chain. Our MS021 with a 16in bar has cut 7 to 10 cords from wood the tree service drops in the side yard for 15years. Easy for an old man to handle and if anything serious goes wrong with it wil be replaced not repaired. I did look long and hard at an MS290 the other day. It's on sale for $370 w/16in bar.
Tom

Thanks guys. I could only find one local Stihl 250 at a local pawnshop for $250.

I came across this Husky on the cheap though, and it's a 53cc unit. Any thoughts? Super cheap and essentially new.

Assuming the ad is accurate, that is a smoking deal on a very capable saw for a firewood cutter.

Go look at it, and if you like the size and weight and it starts and runs right, I'd hand the man a benjamin and be on your way.

I owned a 55 for some time and liked it.

Thanks. Good to know. I emailed the dude last night. No response yet...hopefully he gets back to me and it's still around.

Check out the poulan 5020. 200.00 beans for 50 cc's and a lot of husqvarna parts.

MS211s are showing up on CL often. Had one myself and sold it that way for 210. Excellent shape. I would also recommend the Wild Thing by Poulan for the type of use you are talking about. New for under 150 when on sale.

Let us know if you get it. 55 Rancher is a great saw and $100 is a smokin screamin' deal.

Cool, not a bad price at all for the size. I'll keep that on the radar. It'd be nice to grab something new that I know hasn't been abused.

No 211s in this area that I could find, but I'll keep them on my list too.

Damn, The Wild Thing is nice and cheap, I'm not sure I could buy a purple and green chainsaw though

Sadly, no response to date. I'm really hoping he's one of those people that checks their email once a week...but I'm losing hope.

Usually the good stuff goes quick on CL

Damn, maybe someday I'll be looking for something that few other people have interest in...but that day has yet to come. Gotta jump quick with CL.
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How about this 028 super for $165? Sold by a Stihl Dealer.

http://nh.craigslist.org/grq/3540508731.html

Another contender? Though it may be gone (waiting to hear back from the guy):

http://nh.craigslist.org/for/3512749347.html

I'd snag that 028 in a hot minute. Good power, & for what you want to do will last a lifetime. A C

Thanks AC. I'll call them first thing tomorrow AM to see if it's still around.

Agreed, $165 for a clean 028 Super is a good deal.

If you miss the 028....... I'd look at his other saws. the 113 and P55 look nice.

Also that Shinny looks to be in very nice shape as well.

Thanks all for the advice. I just called, he still has the 028!

My brother works in town and is going to pick it up for me today. I'm pumped.

The eagle has landed! My brother picked it up this AM, said seller was a really good dude, and the saw ran like a champ.

I'll be grabbing it from bro. on Saturday. Can't wait to tear into some trees on the trail behind my house. I'll post some condition pics when it's in my custody...

Looking forward to the pictures!

Have you run a saw much? If not, since you have some time, watch a few videos on youtube for safe saw use (sorry I can't recommend any, maybe someone else here can).

edit: here's one from stihl

Awesome, thanks Hit. I have NOT run a saw much. Just my Pop's little wal-mart Poulan on occasion. I don't know what I'm doing, and welcome any tips, or threads I should peruse.

I appreciate the video and will watch it for sure. I have no interest in chopping off any appendages as a result of ignorance.

I would strongly suggest getting a pair of chainsaw cutting chaps. Proper eye and ear protection for sure.

There is no such thing as a silly question when learning to use a saw, so if you have any questions, please post them and someone here will be able to answer it.

Cutting firewood and using a saw is a lot of fun, but also potentially very dangerous.

That is an excellent video to watch. Well worth the hour it runs. Gather the family 'round.

Heed Hittin'Steel's advice regarding the chaps and other PPE. See the guy in the photo? He's dressed to party.

Mastermech does the 028 super have a chainbrake?

It should, yes.