Ok, so I have stihl 029 super that is my medium/large saw. It works great for bucking large rounds, and it's been my only saw for the past 10 years. Problem is, i went cutting for the first time in a couple years (just bought a wood insert recently) a couple weekends ago. After an hour, my arm was so sore from holding that big saw (about 20 pounds with a 25" bar) that I was almost glad when a nail dulled the crap out of my chain and I had no sharpener. We piled up the 3/4 bed worth of apple I had already cut and called it good enough.
Obviously i'm out of shape, and I need to get stronger. That's in the works. However, I estimate that my friend's orchard has another 70 acres or more of free apple wood just waiting to be cleared, and I think i'd make better progress with a small saw (most of what i'm cutting isn't larger than 8" diameter). My wife has also expressed an interest in having a small saw that she can use while I'm on the 029. I'm looking at the Stihl 170 or 180, vs. the $100 Poulan they have at Home Depot.
The cost difference is significant, but my thinking is that it would make more sense to spend a bit more on a Stihl, which I know is probably always going to be in good shape (my 029 cranked after 5 pulls, having sat for 2 years). Thoughts? Recommendations on a cheap-ish small saw? I don't think I can get away with spending more than about $225 plus tax.
Obviously i'm out of shape, and I need to get stronger. That's in the works. However, I estimate that my friend's orchard has another 70 acres or more of free apple wood just waiting to be cleared, and I think i'd make better progress with a small saw (most of what i'm cutting isn't larger than 8" diameter). My wife has also expressed an interest in having a small saw that she can use while I'm on the 029. I'm looking at the Stihl 170 or 180, vs. the $100 Poulan they have at Home Depot.
The cost difference is significant, but my thinking is that it would make more sense to spend a bit more on a Stihl, which I know is probably always going to be in good shape (my 029 cranked after 5 pulls, having sat for 2 years). Thoughts? Recommendations on a cheap-ish small saw? I don't think I can get away with spending more than about $225 plus tax.