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Old 06-13-2018, 05:34 PM
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Default Small chainsaw

I need a smaller chainsaw for saplings, 12” even, a cheapie will do.
My main saw is a Stihl MS290, a beast, I just don’t want to tote it around for the trail cutting I have planned.
Anyone know of a sale on anywhere for a cheapie unit?

TBark
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Old 06-13-2018, 05:53 PM
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Yesterday I was in a Home Depot where they had a few Echo saws marked down to $299 from $399, though I didn't look at their engine or bar size. They were in a garden centre clearance area rather than the chainsaw section. Perhaps an HD in your area might also be doing the same (this was Calgary's Chinook Home Depot). I'm guessing they're clearing out for new models?
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Old 06-13-2018, 06:03 PM
rembo rembo is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CaberTosser View Post
Yesterday I was in a Home Depot where they had a few Echo saws marked down to $299 from $399, though I didn't look at their engine or bar size. They were in a garden centre clearance area rather than the chainsaw section. Perhaps an HD in your area might also be doing the same (this was Calgary's Chinook Home Depot). I'm guessing they're clearing out for new models?
I've had a Stihl MS170 with a 16" bar for about 10 years now. Also have a Husky 445.

The Stihl is a great little saw for cutting camp wood and I usually carry it on the quad for clearing trails.

It's better in some ways than the Husky,..better bar attachment. The Stihl has two bolts to the Husky's one bolt. The bar moves around on the Husky and it will throw the chain once in a while. Never happens on the Stihl.

I was in Lawnmower Hospital a few days ago and if I ever get another saw I will try an Echo.
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Old 06-13-2018, 06:33 PM
bobalong bobalong is offline
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Saw these on Facebook. Prices seem to be way to cheap. I want to order one but can't seem to find much info on the company.
http://www.aescw.com/index.php?main_...9noil540d29lj4
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Old 06-13-2018, 06:44 PM
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With a few companies doing cordless electric chainsaws (Stihl, Makita, Milwaukee, perhaps others) I'm wondering if a person could have a charger incorporated into their quad? Of course it would not be for heavy use, but good for those modest use instances and you could also have a few extra batteries along.
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Old 06-13-2018, 06:55 PM
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the Stihl MS170 is on sale for $199.99.
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Old 06-13-2018, 07:25 PM
JareS JareS is offline
 
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Can’t go wrong with a Stihl MS170 for 200$. Also heard very good things about the new battery powered models
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Old 06-13-2018, 07:54 PM
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A cordless sawzall with a long pruning blade (just for extra reach) is lightweight and makes quick work of small branches. I gotta get one for field dressing critters.
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Old 06-13-2018, 07:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CaberTosser View Post
With a few companies doing cordless electric chainsaws (Stihl, Makita, Milwaukee, perhaps others) I'm wondering if a person could have a charger incorporated into their quad? Of course it would not be for heavy use, but good for those modest use instances and you could also have a few extra batteries along.


Maybe you can even get one in pink


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Old 06-13-2018, 09:09 PM
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Forget the batteries or gas. No breakdowns and lightweight. Get a good swede saw. A good blade will go through an 8 to 12 inch tree in a few strokes.
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File Type: png swede saw.png (12.9 KB, 34 views)
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Old 06-13-2018, 09:13 PM
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Maybe you can even get one in pink


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One would never have a problem starting it! I have a Stihl MS260 but around my yard I use my plug-in Makita chainsaw, its quieter and I don't smell of two-stroke exhaust after I've used it.
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Old 06-13-2018, 09:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CaberTosser View Post
One would never have a problem starting it! I have a Stihl MS260 but around my yard I use my plug-in Makita chainsaw, its quieter and I don't smell of two-stroke exhaust after I've used it.
For me the smell of two stroke and the shriek of a chainsaw brings up a lot of good memories... That's the reason I can't seem to interest myself in those electric ones.

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  #13  
Old 06-13-2018, 09:29 PM
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I like the sound for sure, but I could do without the stank. Maybe I can get one with an elaborate exhaust system that looks like some kind of elaborate French Horn with a DPF on it






In pink apparently...
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Old 06-13-2018, 09:48 PM
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Or you could purchase some polaris VES oil and it will have a nice vanilla aroma.
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Old 06-13-2018, 09:50 PM
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Bought the wife a Ego battery powered 14 inch for cleaning up small stuff around the yard. Works good, bought it a Home Depot.
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  #16  
Old 06-13-2018, 11:01 PM
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Thanks folks,
Not sure about battery or electric, We need to clear several hun 1-2” saplings on a 6’ wide trail over aprx 500 yds.
It will be a trail when we’re done, logged out area 17 yrs ago now.
I told my son to prepare for a full days work.
One on the saw, one pitching.

TBark
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  #17  
Old 06-14-2018, 12:42 AM
fishtank fishtank is offline
 
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If they are 1-2” could just use a cordless sawzall, I use a sawzall in my backyard for all the small jobs . Like the above post a Stihl ms170 is on sale and would do the job nicely come with 16” bar and or $20 for upgrade. Another option would be to rent a stihl brush cutter

Last edited by fishtank; 06-14-2018 at 12:48 AM.
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  #18  
Old 06-14-2018, 01:15 AM
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Mr T....

MS170. That is all.

Tree
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Old 06-14-2018, 06:38 AM
creeky creeky is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TreeGuy View Post
Mr T....

MS170. That is all.

Tree

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  #20  
Old 06-14-2018, 07:04 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TBark View Post
Thanks folks,
Not sure about battery or electric, We need to clear several hun 1-2” saplings on a 6’ wide trail over aprx 500 yds.
It will be a trail when we’re done, logged out area 17 yrs ago now.
I told my son to prepare for a full days work.
One on the saw, one pitching.

TBark
Buy or rent a clearing saw for this type of work, much faster and easier than a chain saw, and your back and knees will thank you.
Basically a gas weedeater on steroids with a circular saw blade and full shoulder harness.
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Old 06-14-2018, 07:57 AM
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MS170 - Love that saw. I've used it for large and small jobs.

Bought the nifty Stihl sharpener too - I've never been a good hand-filer (mostly used a Dremel with a sharpener bit) but the file jig does the rakers too... Love it. Last task I did, the saw was happily spitting chips for quite a while before it needed a touchup.

Urban Rednek's idea of using a clearing saw is a good one as well! That, along with a good machete or two, and you're in business.
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  #22  
Old 06-14-2018, 09:26 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by urban rednek View Post
Buy or rent a clearing saw for this type of work, much faster and easier than a chain saw, and your back and knees will thank you.

Basically a gas weedeater on steroids with a circular saw blade and full shoulder harness.


This is what I would recommend as well. We have about 40 of these. Much quicker and easier in on the body. Get a blade similar to a circular saw, keep it sharp and giv’er


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  #23  
Old 06-14-2018, 10:12 AM
Macdsl Macdsl is offline
 
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Definitely a Stihl ms170. On sale now for $199 and at least it’s a saw you will get parts for if you keep it several years. They are a perfect little bush saw.
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  #24  
Old 06-14-2018, 10:23 AM
Big Grey Wolf Big Grey Wolf is offline
 
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Red is correct for most of you weekend warriors a good Swede saw is all you need. My dad had 3 sons that needed exercise we cut the entire logs needed to heat both our home and small business with Swede saws in Northern Alberta.
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  #25  
Old 06-14-2018, 10:39 AM
tmandell tmandell is offline
 
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I agree with everyone else on the MS170. For the price it just cannot be beat and it works a lot better then you would expect.

However I just bought a MS150T, super light and compact, but a little $$.
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  #26  
Old 06-14-2018, 06:48 PM
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Yep, a 170 is perfect for that size cutting, also no issues with a good bow saw and a Silky for smaller stuff.
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  #27  
Old 06-15-2018, 09:14 AM
Stinky Coyote Stinky Coyote is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TreeGuy View Post
Mr T....

MS170. That is all.

Tree
This!
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  #28  
Old 06-15-2018, 02:02 PM
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Another vote for MS170
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  #29  
Old 06-15-2018, 02:10 PM
schleprock schleprock is offline
 
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And another one for the MS 170.
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  #30  
Old 06-15-2018, 04:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trailraat View Post
For me the smell of two stroke and the shriek of a chainsaw brings up a lot of good memories... That's the reason I can't seem to interest myself in those electric ones.

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The great smell comes from castor oil of old. I burn Maxima in my dirt bike and chainsaw. Love the smell!
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