Recommend a small saw

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Madelinot

New Member
Oct 2, 2023
17
New Brunswick Canada
I am looking for recommendation on what saw to buy this fall . ( similar in size and cc as a Stihl 250 ) Mostly looking to limb trees and cut smaller diameter trees when I am just making my trails in the woods . Thanks
 
I got a Stihl 180 some time ago. I used to cut with my 392, but now I cut over 95 % with my 180.
 
I got a Stihl 180 some time ago. I used to cut with my 392, but now I cut over 95 % with my 180.
I am kind of nervous of buying another small stihl saw . My Stihl 250 has been giving me trouble for a long time . Brought it back to the dealer ( 2 different dealers ) 3 times for repairs at a cost of $ 75 to $ 100 each time it doesn't perform well for very long . Its got no power and stalls or won t start . I have a Stihl 261 that works real well for the bigger stuff .
 
I used a 250 for years as my go-to saw. A good friend passed and his wife
gave me an almost new 180 now for trail work and light stuff around
the house I have found no better saw Light and fast for such a small unit
 
I am kind of nervous of buying another small stihl saw . My Stihl 250 has been giving me trouble for a long time . Brought it back to the dealer ( 2 different dealers ) 3 times for repairs at a cost of $ 75 to $ 100 each time it doesn't perform well for very long . Its got no power and stalls or won t start . I have a Stihl 261 that works real well for the bigger stuff .
That sounds off
Most 250 run fine with starting being the complaint about them
Whats the issues been in the past where they charge you fro repairs?
 
starting being the complaint
all Stihl saws start the same- full chock pull it over 9-10 times it will burp
Half choke 1 good pull and you are off to the races or should I say wood pile
All 4 of my stihl saws start the same way no matter if it is 75 or -40::F
This is with a cold saw. One or two pulls when warm
Just my experience of 35 years with Stihl saws
Your results may vary
 
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Yea my 361 is about the same. Never been the easiest to start.
 
Both my stihls, 290 and 193t, start the same full choke and 2nd or 3rd pull it burps then no choke and it's gtg.

For a small saw I LOVE my top handle. It's been tuned and it's like a crazy redhead when wound up. I truly love being able to one hand limbs. Feed with one hand and cut with the other. It's my go-to for anything up to its bar length in diameter.

My son has a 251 we drilled the muffler for flow and broke the limiters on the adjustment screws so we could get it enough fuel. The thing is an animal.
 
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Reactions: Sean McGillicuddy
Had my little MS 180 C-BE for 15 years. Highly recommended for a little saw. Done everything I've asked it to do.

Bought it at a place by me that is for professionals. Said I'm looking for a homeowner saw for an acre property.
https://www.richeyandclapper.com/

Had them put on the 16-inch bar from the 14" it came with. No charge as I did it at purchase. Now has PS3 chain instead of the OE PMC3.
 
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Take a look at Echo. They start so much easier than Stihl equipment. Excellent warranty as well.

May wanna take a look at a battery saw too, just have multiple batteries for extended cutting time.
 
FWIW, Out of curiosity, I bought a $100 Ebay Chinese top handle. It's a beast. Starts right up every time. Many brands, but same saw.
 
Take a look at Echo. They start so much easier than Stihl equipment. Excellent warranty as well.

May wanna take a look at a battery saw too, just have multiple batteries for extended cutting time.
I will second this. The Echos are solid, reliable starters and often more reasonably priced.
 
There have been changes with echo; the depressurizing push button is gone for smaller saws. (I got the 4910 which still has it but they don't make them any more.)
And I have to say that the air (filter) housing design sucks; it clogs up with fines after a tank or two.

I bought an after market piece to allow for a different air filter, and with an opened up top piece so that it doesn't have to suck the air from near the clutch (!)