I might try a chainsaw...

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ilmbg

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I am thinking about getting a smaller chainsaw. I have to depend on others when I need something cut. Now, I am not strong due to having broken my neck several years ago, and female. What about a 16 or 18"? Are there any gas that have electric start- I am concerned about not being able to start a pull-start? What about a lighter model in weight? A smaller handle/grip would help- something for a smaller hand.
What do you suggest?
Also- I have been seeing 'ECHO' brand. I have not heard of them before.
Thanks
 
You might want to check out chainsaw shop and explain your handicap to them. That way you'll have a chance to pick among many saws.
 
I agree with the above, check out your local shop. I bet they'll even let you start a few models to see if you can find one that is easy enough to start. Certainly "easy starting" is all very relative to the user. Most folks can start Stihl saws in 2-3 pulls, but are the pulls "easy" for everyone? Dunno.

And depending on how much cutting you want to do don't rule out an electric chain saw. I've never used one but I know they are out there. Might be perfect for what you need. And they start very easy!
 
How about an electric husky? Or you could buy a cheapo and see if a local shop can make you a decent chain.
I would make sure to run a heavy gauge cord not very far off a strong outlet.

husky:

(broken link removed to http://www.consumersearch.com/chainsaws/husqvarna-316e)
 
Ryobi makes a 18v chainsaw I believe. I thought about getting one just for smaller limbing and cutting small branches for kindling, but I also already have some Ryobi "one-plus" tools, and therefore have batteries. If you had to buy batteries as well, it may not be worth it.
 
I have a 10" 18V that came with one of those cordless toolkits. I wouldn't go out and process a pile of logs with it but I am amazed at what it cuts and it is very convenient.
 
+1 on the electrics. My 63yr old mother has one and loves it. The only problem is portability. Might need a lot of cord to get into the woods.
 
The easiest starting saw I've used is the Craftsman/Poulan 42cc. It has too large a bar at 18". The primer bulb makes all the difference. Maybe other brands have a primer bulb also? I think there is a 33 CC poulan also.

Matt
 
Justin M said:
Check out the Stihl MS250C. It has the Easy2Start system and it light weight. You could run a 16" or 18" bar, but I would recommend the 16".
I haven't tried the Easy2Start system but it sounds just like what the doctor ordered. Go to a saw shop and give one a go.

(broken link removed)
The Stihl MS 250 C-BE gas chain saw with Easy Start is similar to the MS 210 C-BE, but it has more power and can be fitted with a longer bar, thus increasing its cutting power and the size of wood it will cut. The MS 250 C-BE starts easily and runs smoothly.

Standard features on the MS 250 C-BE include the Stihl Easy2Start system, an Elastostart handle and a purge pump primer that all work together to make this saw extremely easy to start. The spring-assisted starting system eliminates the need for nearly jerking your arm out of socket to start the engine. The assist spring winds each time the operator slowly pulls the starter cord. When the assist spring reaches the correct tension, it releases and engages the starter spring, starting the engine. The MS 250 C-BE also features tool-less chain adjustment, tool-less fuel and oil caps, and a carburetor preheat shutter for adjusting to summer or winter use. This model uses a 3-bhp gas engine to run the 16-inch cutting bar.

The Stihl MS 250 C-BE proved every bit as easy to start as the MS 210 C-BE, so we conclude that the easy starting must be due to the Easy2Start spring-assisted starting system. With its extra power, the 250 C-BE cuts even more quickly and easily than the 210 C-BE, and it weighs very little more. The saw feels well built and sturdy and doesn't vibrate excessively. If we put the 18-inch bar on this body, we are confident we could easily accomplish bigger tasks, including felling larger trees.
 
Just because I'm sitting here reading the Stihl catalog I see that the MS 192 C-E also has the Easy 2 Start system and seems to be lighter than any other of their chainsaws coming in at 7.4lbs.

A couple more weight figures are:
MS 180CBE - 9.3lbs
MS 211CBE - 10.1
MS 250CBE - 10.8

non- E2S
MS 170 - 8.6
MS 171 - 9.5
MS 180CB - 8.8
MS 181 - 9.5
MS 200 - 7.7
MS 211 - 9.5
MS 250 - 10.1

Now, most here will agree that a pound or more for a significantly more powerful chainsaw may make your work go faster therefore you spend less of your own energy in the long run.

Hope this info helps.
 
Justin M said:
Check out the Stihl MS250C. It has the Easy2Start system and it light weight. You could run a 16" or 18" bar, but I would recommend the 16".
+1 or the 180 didnt see dano post but its dead on!
 
smokinjay said:
Justin M said:
Check out the Stihl MS250C. It has the Easy2Start system and it light weight. You could run a 16" or 18" bar, but I would recommend the 16".
+1 or the 180 didnt see dano post but its dead on!
one more thing: I'd like to mention that those weights are listed as "Powerhead Weights," so the bar and chain are extra weight, getting a shorter bar/chain combo will reduce a little too.

If you get anything less than the 250 then you are limited (according to my catalog, anyway) to a 12 to 16 inch bar, just an FYI. If you have weakness issues then I might suggest that tossing around anything that is diameter over 20 inches isn't going to be even possible, so you could probably get by with a 12 inch bar! (remember that a bar is the total length, and you need to take off about 2 inches to know how much bar you actually have for cutting)
 
BTW, I'm no chainsaw expert, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night....
 
Wow- lots of great info from you! I can't wait to try the Stihl 250 E2S! I can't use electric because I am very rural. Today my neighbor cut for me. I am in the Northern Rocy Mountain area, so have to be portable!
What would be the difference between the Stihl 250C and the 192 C-E? The 7.4 # sounds great.
Today my neighbor was using a Craftsman 42. It was difficult for him to start and wouldn't go through some of the wood. It was just tuned up and a new chain yesterday.
I am thinking a 16" blade.... I have looked online at Lowe's, Home Depot and Sears...
 
ilmbg said:
I have looked online at Lowe's, Home Depot and Sears...
Go to a real dealer, if possible.
Please wear chaps and whatever other safety equipment you can bear to use for eyes, ears, hands, feet, face, etc.
 
ilmbg said:
Wow- lots of great info from you! I can't wait to try the Stihl 250 E2S! I can't use electric because I am very rural. Today my neighbor cut for me. I am in the Northern Rocy Mountain area, so have to be portable!
What would be the difference between the Stihl 250C and the 192 C-E? The 7.4 # sounds great.
Today my neighbor was using a Craftsman 42. It was difficult for him to start and wouldn't go through some of the wood. It was just tuned up and a new chain yesterday.
I am thinking a 16" blade.... I have looked online at Lowe's, Home Depot and Sears...
comparing the two (I'll call them the 192 and the 250, so don't confuse them with similar named ones just because I'm shortening them here)

POWER: The 192 has 1.7hp and the 250 has 3hp. A significant difference that you WILL notice.
WEIGHT: I already said it, but the 250 weighs about 3lbs more.
COST: the 250 will cost about 30 dollars more (my local store has 340 for the 192 and 369 for the 250)

My choice would be a clear winner with the 250, but you can't deny the size benefits of the smaller 192. I'd want my wife starting with the 192, more power isn't always better for beginners. I'd liken it to a $3,000 golf club set. I'm not gonna golf so much better with that set that it's worth it to me when compared to my $30 KMart Clearance Club set. That's because I'm just not that skilled!

Actually, though, I have been looking at getting another chainsaw that i can use for limbing and for my wife to use as well, i've been looking at the cheapest two model of Stihl Saws. There's the 170 and the 180C-B. I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra $$ to get the tool-less chain adjuster and the HP increase.

I started the 170 at the dealership and it was so easy that I'm not even bothering with the E2S saws, but then I don't have the sort of issues you might have... besides we are talking about a difference of about 160 dollars between the 170 and the 192!!!!
 
rathmir said:
Ryobi makes a 18v chainsaw I believe. I thought about getting one just for smaller limbing and cutting small branches for kindling, but I also already have some Ryobi "one-plus" tools, and therefore have batteries. If you had to buy batteries as well, it may not be worth it.

I would not recommed the 18 volt. I use the drill and go threw batterys like crazy!
 
Don't discount the electric saws IF you have access to 120 Volt power. I picked one up (at no cost to me) and I thought it might be a way to introduce my boys to saws. Not too sure now as this thing packs a significant punch. When my son is ready (at least 3 -4 years) I think I will start him with the MS 250 as it has a chain break. But the electric does cut very well. Have a look at this line. I think Stilh makes an electric too, but it's big $$$ (for an electric)
 
In Canada at certain times of the year (like now) when you buy a Stihl saw they include a Wood Pro kit. which has a case, extra chain, DVD & hat. They claim the value of this to be $ 85.00 So I guess that to be:

Chain $ 25.00
Case $ 35.00
DVD $ 1.00
Hat $ 24.00

That is a lot for a hat!!

That 250 E2S will set you back $ 500 here in the great white north. Don't have a price for the other saw
 
while your at it pickup every saw you can. for balance. if the balance is off it will seem heavier than it really is. i've got to throw in my husky saw. button on the side for decompression for easy pulling. vibration is good also. i got a small husky 345. 16 and 18 inch bars.
 
We sell Stihl here in Central IL....based on what you have said, I would recommend the MS 192 C-E. Lighter saw, runs a higher chain speed, and a narrow kerf chain (3/8 Picco). It is however limited to a 14" bar.

The MS250 C-E is a great saw with really good balance, it gives you the option of a 16 or 18" bar, and yes it has more HP, but runs a .325 chain, so the difference is not as noticeable as it looks on paper.

MS192C-E MSRP $ 329.99

MS 250 CB-E MSRP $379.99

The MS180 is also available as an Easy2Start for $250 or so, but is again limited to a 14" bar, 2HP and runs the 3/8 Picco chain.

All three of these saws have been great units for us, very little problems, and as long as I do my job and match the customer to the correct saw...no complaints.
 
dogsluvtrux said:
We sell Stihl here in Central IL....based on what you have said, I would recommend the MS 192 C-E. Lighter saw, runs a higher chain speed, and a narrow kerf chain (3/8 Picco). It is however limited to a 14" bar.

The MS250 C-E is a great saw with really good balance, it gives you the option of a 16 or 18" bar, and yes it has more HP, but runs a .325 chain, so the difference is not as noticeable as you it looks on paper.

MS192C-E MSRP $ 329.99

MS 250 CB-E MSRP $379.99

The MS180 is also available as an Easy2Start for $250 or so, but is again limited to a 14" bar, 2HP and runs the 3/8 Picco chain.

All three of these saws have been great units for us, very little problems, and as long as I do my job and match the customer to the correct saw...no complaints.
why do you say those saws are limited to a 14" bar? According to my Catalog, there isn't a Stihl saw made that has that limitation. Everything below the MS 250 is listed as 30 to 40cm (12" to 16"), even the tree service saws say 12-16.
 
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