Brush/ small limb saw MS170,MS180 or the other Orange?

[JW IN VA]

I think I'd like a small light saw to trim around field borders and "hat knockers" along fences.Used to have a Poulon Wild Thing but would rather not go back there.
I've got 50cc and a 60cc to cut firewood and bigger trees but I'm trying to save he older 50s.Maybe I should go on a run them then get a new 50 in a few years.
Probably won't get run over 10-15 hours per year.My 028 is a little heavy to lug around for the chance occasional limb.The 026 is lighter but I'm trying to make it last.I like it too much.
I have both major brand dealers the same distance and their are two Echo dealers around but don't know much about them.Don't see any of those saws around.
The "other orange" would probably be a 435. All run around 9lbs. and 2 hp rated. 170 is 8 1/2 amd 1.7hp.Husqvarna comes with 18" bar Stihl 16". Stihl uses 3/8 Lo Pro 435 is .325pitch

 

[SmokinM]

I don’t know much about the Stihl numbers. I run a half a dozen Huskys pretty hard. Pretty sure the 435 is a consumer grade saw. I like my Huskys but their consumer grade is not much. Xp saws are worth every penny IMO. I understand you want to keep cost down, but not much better saw than a Wild Thing. Check out a 550 if you get serious about a Husky. You may find you run your big saws even less. My 372 only gets the big logs that need the 28” bar. The 550 will cut circles around it and several pounds lighter.

I do have a top handle Echo, don’t know model. It cuts well and has been a good saw for limbing and board fence.

 

[cfpinz]

I have a 250 that's probably 10 years old now, it's my favorite saw I've ever owned. I remember looking at the 170 and the models in between it and the 250, and the weight difference was negligible to me for the extra power you pick up. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. It's light enough for one handed trimming, but still has enough power to cut light firewood all day if you choose. Dad has a 170, and while it's perfect for trimming, I wouldn't care to cut much wood with it.

I've always wanted to try a 26x saw, but like my 250 so much I'm afraid to.

 

[j_20]

Havent been on here in a while but jumped on today and saw this, will give my input. My wife got me a new saw for Christmas to replace my old limbing and general truck saw(you know the one you always carry just in case or am I the only one that does that?). She got me the MS 170 and I really like it for its purpose which is not to run all day just clean up a downed tree here and get limbs off the fence there. She knows I hate anything to modern or technical so she got that one because one of the other light duty stihls had that tool less chain adjuster which I hate and some start assist thing which I know nothing about but find completely useless on a saw especially one so small. I know nothing about the 180 and am partial to stihl but anything has to be a step up from that poulan right?

 

[Supa Dexta]

Get a stihl kombi with the pole trimmer attachment. More handy than a small saw, and can reach limbs easier.

 

[jltrent]

I have had several MS170s and sold them and currently have 2 more I picked up recently and repaired. They are a 30cc saw and with a sharp chain good for limbs, but not much pumpkin IMO. The Stihl 026 you have is about the best. In a small saw probably the best buy is an Echo IMO. As mentioned before the MS250 is nice and if you can find a Husqvarna 350 in good shape are good. The Poulans run good, but their Anti-Vibe system is terrible.

 

[skyhightree1]

If it isn't a STIHL it isn't worth buying

 

[Atimm693]

Echo makes a nice saw. They will run forever if tuned right.

The Stihl 170 and 180 are nothing to write home about, neither are the small Husqvarnas.

For a trim saw I would go for a 32-35cc top handle. I've wanted one for a long time to keep in my truck toolbox, would be really handy to have with me all the time for clearing fences and trails from lay downs. They're really light too.

 

[hurleyjd]

https://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Chain-Saws/CS-2511T

Dealer had this saw setting on the counter last week I really liked the looks of it. I have a small echo that I have had for several years . It is over the engine handle controls I use it more than any other saw I have.

 

[jltrent]

https://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Chain-Saws/CS-2511T

Dealer had this saw setting on the counter last week I really liked the looks of it. I have a small echo that I have had for several years . It is over the engine handle controls I use it more than any other saw I have.

Been wanting one of those they weigh just 5 lbs. If I was buying a new 60cc saw it would be an Echo Timber Wolfe CS-590 for the money.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-20-in- ... /204221580

Here is a video of the little Echo CS-2511. For 5 lbs. it will cut.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/EBZ47bJaAYQ[/youtube]

 

[SmokinM]

Top handle saws are great for truck saws or trimming limbs etc. I have 2 Huskys a 334 and 338 I think are the numbers and a Echo. I also use them building board fence because you can run them one handed and hold the board out with your free hand. The 550 stays on one truck and 346 (same saw older model) stays on the other. Power to weight they are hard to beat.

 

[cfpinz]

Has anyone here had much experience with the tooless chain tensioners on the smaller Stihl saws? Never owned one but I like the concept.

 

[jltrent]

Has anyone here had much experience with the tooless chain tensioners on the smaller Stihl saws? Never owned one but I like the concept.

From my experience a weak link. I had a Stihl MS230 like that and didn't seem very sturdy if used a lot. I try to avoid easy starting recoils type and tooless chain tensioners.

 

[cfpinz]

Thanks. My 250 doesn't have it, and I think the chain loosens up a bit fast compared to other saws. My wrench is usually in the other truck.