Great "limber"? ...

[Big Donnie Brasco]

I really hate to keep "returning to the well" for all this free advice, but you all have yet to steer me wrong!

I am getting a SAH - WEEEET Stihl 036 for felling and bucking <---(look at me using the right terms)

However I am sure that eventually that beauty might get a little heavy if I am doing a lot of limbing. I may be wrong, but if I am harvesting a ton of hedge and smaller species this summer I may want to grab a small CL special to remove all the limbs.

I am not necessarily looking for an exact brand/model, but something like "any 30cc -14" bar..etc will suit your needs".
Torn between buying a CHEAP big box saw, or getting a CL special and getting my feet wet on working on one!

ANY input is always greatly appreciated!

BDB

 

[Jags]

I don't carry any other saw. It takes more time for me to bother getting the other saw, filled running and back to the tree. I am already limbed and making chunks. Many here do like the little saws for that, but they might be bucking with a bigger saw.

Nothing wrong with a small limb saw, but I don't consider the 036/36x too big of a saw to swing for limbs.

 

[Jags]

BDB - give that 036 a shot. If it turns out too heavy for ya for limbing just hit it with your purse and grab a little saw.

 

[Danno77]

I actually like a bigger saw for limbing, especially if it means I don't have to bend over to get stuff. That being said, I completely endorse buying another saw. Maybe like a MS170/180 on CL or a brand spanking new Chusky from eBay.

 

[Big Donnie Brasco]

BDB - give that 036 a shot. If it turns out too heavy for ya for limbing just hit it with your purse and grab a little saw.

BOOM! ... that just happened!

Maybe I should get THIS one!

 

[mikefrommaine]

I thought I had this one sold but I sold the guy a different saw. I'll make you a good deal

 

[Danno77]

Now you are talking!

 

[StihlHead]

Depends on the size of the limbs, and number of them. I used to start out with my 361 limbing out the lower end of fir trees, but switched to an 025 or 026 for smaller stuff and the difference toward the end of the day was GREAT! Lighter, smaller, more agile saw. Not as fast, but worth the cost in time with the light weight and easier use.

I would recommend the MS211 for what you want. I consider it the half size 361. You can get them used (near new) for under $200. Some have issues with the oiler line leaking, but that is an easy fix. Good limber and thinning saw, also good for tops and even good for climbing. You can put a rim drive on them and Stihl has a new PS non-safety full chisel Picco chain out now that will cut a lot faster than the semi-chisel safety stuff that they tend to sell smaller saws with. I run mine with a 16 inch bar and it has no problems with it.

 

[Big Donnie Brasco]

Thanks Mike, I am sure that is a screaming deal on a great saw but I am sure that shipping alone would be more than my "budget"!

Which is ZERO !! I figure I'll use my 036 and see how it goes. I just wanted to get ideas just in case!

Thanks!

 

[Danno77]

Wild thing with a 12" bar, would probably scream through small stuff and be super maneuverable.

I have a 42cc craftsman that I'm itching to try, really runs well...

 

[mikefrommaine]

Thanks Mike, I am sure that is a screaming deal on a great saw but I am sure that shipping alone would be more than my "budget"!

Which is ZERO !! I figure I'll use my 036 and see how it goes. I just wanted to get ideas just in case!

Thanks!

I wouldn't wish that saw on my worst enemy.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

After years of debating we bought a Stihl 180 last winter for limbing. I'm amazed at how well that little thing cuts. Does much better than I though. In my case it is my terrible back and using the small saw definitely is a big help. Now I wish I'd bought one sooner.

 

[JoeyD]

I agree with Dennis, two Benjamin's and you will have a sweet combo.

 

[bioman]

The saw on the right PS32

 

[bioman]

Bought the ps 32 new $199.95 delivered. fantastic saw. I'm old & slow & just don't want to stumble around with the 7900 24" trying to limb. I usually work buy my self & take my time. 9 lbs full of gas & oil I'm good to go. KEEP CUTTIN !

 

[buggyspapa]

While I'm not crazy about my Echo in anything bigger than 8", it'll go about twice as long as the 036 on a tank of gas, takes about 2/3 of the time to file a chain, and when I'm getting tired is still easy to maneuver, whereas the 036 feels like an anchor. Faster, but heavier and more prone to close calls if tired, and potentially more dangerous. Dragging around a heavy saw in a big top gets old. I was in the top of a red maple with a 30" DBH trunk a couple of weeks ago, but I had loaned the Echo out, and I found I just wasn't comfortable with the Stihl. My buddy with his 029 tried out the Echo on a different tree and preferred it to the bigger saw to make headway in the stuff from 6" on down. Get a second, smaller saw (less than 40cc's) if you can afford it. But, for Pete's sake, NOT A PINK ONE! Sheesh...

 

[buggyspapa]

Mike, how about selling that 024? Had your fun with it yet?

 

[buggyspapa]

Hah! Looks like some familiar pix on CL of that 024. I knew it.

 

[bigbarf48]

I've got an ms170 and love it. 179.99 new. Or scour CL for an older smaller saw. If you're handy you could have a nice little saw for cheap! I see poulan 2000s around all the time. A couple days ago a brand new echo top handle popped up for 140. Keep an eye on CL there are deals to be had

 

[amateur cutter]

Used ms192t & 026 16" bar are my limbers. These guys said it with a smaller lighter saw for cutting tops/limbing. I've limbed with all my saw / bar combos, & like the 026 the best. 192t is a good climber & brush saw. Took apart some oak tops this weekend, small stuff/ 16" & down. 2 tanks on the 026, just under a cord in 2 hours & was gone. I like the lighter saws till I get into the bigger stuff. A C

 

[Jack Fate]

Stihl T192 OR what ever newer model of same . I can't stop using it ,had it 3 yrs.now got other stihl's even a new 362 I use it 3 to one over my other saws.I do live in a woods I GOT A LOT of limbs.
Thinking I need another top handle back up now , Better take that CAD pill doctor gave me

 

[DexterDay]

The MS 170 for under $180 is a great deal... Mine is a screamer. The 192-t is a nice saw, but I like the 170 better. My 260 was a Great, small, light, and Fast saw to run.

But for most people an Earthquake (lots on AS have them) Homelite, Wild Thingy, or Craftsman will suffice. Lots on CL for $25-$75. Or brand new for $125.

 

[mikefrommaine]

Mike, how about selling that 024? Had your fun with it yet?

It's becoming one of my favorite saws. With an 8-pin and chisel chain it's great for limbs. Hard to tell a difference between it and the 026 on anything smaller than 8"

Was that you that emailed me the offer? I've got to stop posting what I paid for my saws on here. Or at least say I paid double what I did.

 

[Big Donnie Brasco]

You guys are always so full of information!
I may have found a trade deal on CL, trading a PC for a 028 !

Great... I don't even OWN a saw yet and I got the CAD !!

 

[Nixon]

Want a great limber and decent small saw ? 550XP ,555 ,or 545 husqvarna .