I'm giving away a BRAND NEW STIHL MS 261 chainsaw! Enter now through November 23, 2023 (Thanksgiving Day). Details here: ua-cam.com/video/ZBVu7w2BElM/v-deo.html
I’ve got a 42cc, a 55cc and a 72cc saw. Falling right into your landowner chainsaw plan you discussed. Great info and a lot of people will find this helpful
for pruning (versus cutting) trees for landscaping or timber purposes, a pole saw can be a useful tool for one's collection. pole saws can also be used for cutting branches that are dangerously under tension after a tree has fallen from a distance. stihl makes a 36.3 cc gasoline powered pole pruner (HT 131) with a 14 inch bar. echo and husqvarna have even smaller models exist with ~20cc engines and ~10 inch bars.
A modern battery saw could be a workable alternative to a small gas saw. And if you're selling firewood go with a pro level saw like a Stihl MS621 and something larger.
I hear that often, people suggest a bug saw for firewood. I sold firewood for years with a Husqvarna 240 and it did the job fine back then and still today. If you're setup properly you can do a lot with a small saw and upgrade later if you make money and feel you need it. I guess it depends on your area and what kind of trees you're working with.
Guys save yourself a headache and buy a stihl ms 261 or husqvarna 555 for limbing and some bucking , and buy a stihl 500i or hisqvarna 572 for everything else !!!
I've got a 460 rancher and a couple other smaller saws. The 460 is the only one I use. It handles everything from limbing (although a bit on the heavy side for that) to felling, bucking, and even milling. I have my back up saws but obviously I have picked my favorite.
If you can afford it, buy a stihl 400cm. About the same weight as the 460 rancher, but instead of making 3.5hp it makes around 6. You’ll wonder how you ever milled with such a slow saw, and truthfully you should be using a much bigger professional saw for milling like a 661
After living on 70+ acres of woods & burning firewood for the past 20 years, I agree with your recommendations. If I could only own one chainsaw, it would be one in the 60cc class. Something like the older Jonsered 2165 would be my first pick. I don't own one, but my 82 year old dad does. It's a very nice chainsaw. A Makita/Dolmar 61cc saw would be a great pick, too. I would much rather own two chainsaws, however. If you get one pinched or one goes down, you are still cutting. If I had to replace what I already have (starting over), I would pick a RedMax GZ5000 (50cc) with an 18" bar & a GZ7000 (70cc) with 20" & 24" bars. RedMax is a Husky/Jonsered saw with just a few models to pick from. Makes shopping easier. The surplus of models offered by Stihl & Husky is a bit of a turn off for me. I own 3 chainsaws. My newest chainsaw is a 16 year old Jonsered CS2152 with an 18" bar, & it has been an awesome saw. It always starts, & it's never needed any repairs other than bars/chains. You can do a lot with a quality 50cc saw, but you can't be in a hurry on the big stuff. I have a 20+ year old Poulan 2900 Farmhand (46cc), which I picked up @ Walmart (demo model) in the clearance aisle ($135). It still runs great, & it's an awesome limbing saw with a 16" bar & a low profile chain (cuts rather than grabs small stuff). Using the right bar & chain makes a big difference, too. My third & oldest saw is my dad's Husqvarna 257 (57cc). He didn't like starting it, & I have no problem with it. It has a bit more pull than my 50cc Jonsered (runs a .325 pitch 20" bar pretty well). If I don't inherit my dad's CS2165, I will most likely add a 70cc saw to my collection some day. For now, sharp chains on smaller saws still get the job done.
I have never really though about my chainsaw plan before, but what I have is a 30 70 plan. A MS170 for small jobs and a Husky 372XP for big jobs. I have never felt the need for a 50 as the 70cc will do everything a 50cc will but it does it a lot faster. Time is money. I also do have a 3rd chainsaw which is a small cheap 6" handheld electric... just for taking off small branches around the house. Great video.
My only thought would be that unless my saw is making me money......I think I would just combine all of them and buy one 60cc saw(562XP/ 362C).....it will struggle a bit in big wood, be a bit heavier than a 50 in small wood......but I'll keep a $1000 in my pocket.
I liked the bigger saws when I was younger but now at 70 I gravitate towards the smaller saws. I have 4 Stihl saws but they are prone to not running right so I just bought a Husqvarna.
I run a 661 with a 25 inch bar most of the time. Running it all day can be tiresome, but it's not too bad. The 36 makes it unbalanced, but it's still not horrible to run all day. Edit: I'm also looking at getting an 881 with a 47 and 59 for huge trees and milling.
As a homeowner I just starting using chainsaws over this past summer. If I had to give advice I would say buy the one next up from the one you think you need. Also you should have a small one also. Things came up that I wasn't expecting and I wound up going bigger anyway.
I agree, that's a great saw maybe the best Husqvarna ever made and a good size bar for it. I have no idea why Americans always use way too long bars. I have used 560 with 13,15, 18 and 20" bars and while 15 is the best size for it I use 18 on my saw. Basically because I got smaller Husqvarnas also. Greetings from Sweden.
Im also Swedish and I think it makes sence when some americans use big/long bars, its more weight for upper body and at the same time you get reach so you can cut trees on the ground standing straight. The angle to the ground is almost 45 degree and that angle makes the saw to not pull your bar up/down or some other way when cutting which can happen when working close to ground. You also dont hit ground or hit a tree next to your tree which can push saw up very fast. 25" bar feels safe to me but hard to move to the sides. Cheers
I like Husqvarna Sthil Echo! Depending on the model counts alot. All three are good saws. That sthil ms 261 is very good and along with the Husqvarna xp550 mark 2 is good. This guy made some good points on chain saw sizes and selection guides.
Nice video, I have a number of different chainsaws....the 460 Husquy was probably my worst purchase. I have a 450 and I love it with a 20 inch chain and bar. It is a workhorse. For whatever reason the 460 was a disappointment....granted it has a 24 inch bar and chain but it just doesn't have it. The 261 is a beast for cutting and limbing. Just know that when you spend the extra money, you are jumping up in the quality of cutting and it's less fatiguing to cut stuff down. You can cut a tree down with anything. But you are going to feel it when you are done. The better the saw the less stress you put on your body.So consider that this is the one area where you spend more, you really get more.
261 is amazing. I got mine right after Hurricane Ian. Throw on some West Coast Saw felling dogs and chain catcher, really capable saw. Especially with a 20 inch bar on oak. Dry oak for firewood, it's amazing. I wanted a 362 originally but there was no place that had it after the storm. So I did the exhaust port and foam filter from WCS and I wanna say it rips almost as hard as a 362. Next saw I get probably will be a 462 M-Tronic with all the WCS mods or the 500i.
Nice! It sounds like you found a setup that works great for you. If you decide to go with the 500-i in the future, I can attest to its abilities. It has been a ripper for me.
I use a 16” Echo 58V and i just say it’s pretty legit for what i use it for. I help clean neighborhood fallen limbs and trees as well as stuff i find on jobsites. I haven’t been short of wood for the fireplace or smoker in years.
445 x torq is a great little saw for all around use as well for a lot cheaper than the 261c having used both In the woods quite a bit i there similar in weight the stihl 261c having a bit more power the 445 husky is a great competitor for a budget all around saw
What about sharpening the chains, do the high cost brands have chains that stays sharp longer or it's the same for all brands? I have a Craftsman 18" and it seems that I need to sharp my chain way too often. Slows things down way to much. Would love to have advices about that if it's possible 😊
I’m just starting out thank you for the information on chainsaw , I think I will go with MS261 that will be good for my work, thanks again… from John, near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania ☕️😊👍👍
455 rancher 24 inch bar 3/8 chain 435 Husqavarna 16 inch bar .325chain Stihl farm boss 290 16” bar .325 chain Stihl 180 14” bar I use the stihl sharpening system with a vice for hand filing (the best system) I live in Texas and have family farm land and a network of local farmers who give me permission to clear mesquite from fencing - I also find the occasional pecan and oak tree in town . I cut for my myself and also stock pile 15-20 cords a year to sell as a side hustle . I use a fiskar pikaroon along with a fiskar x36 splitting axe and a home built 30 ton hydraulic splitter - great video keep them coming
I run a ms 260 an ms 362 and am picking up the ms 500i this week. Sold my ms 391 when I got the ms 362. The only other saw I plan to add is the ms 201t. Should be able to handle anything I need to cut. 🪵🪓🔥👍
Sweet! You've got a great setup. You're going to have everything covered very well. I love running my ms 261. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on the 500i after you've run it for a little while. I've heard good things about it and considered it for the future. Have fun with you new saw!
Thank you for making this video it helped me in my decision, thank you for getting back to me, take care, from John , near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania…☕️😊👍👍
I have 15 ash trees the power company is going to top and I will have to clean up, on top of a lot of old downed cherry and dead ash that have fallen and have yet to fall. Looking at that MS261 after this video. Thank you.
I used to operate a 50 cc chainsaw for everything before, primarily the Jonsered 2253 (the same as the first version of Husqvarna 550). But now I mostly use the Stihl ms 500i, and for thinning tasks, I use either the Stihl ms 201 or the Husqvarna 242. Since I collect chainsaws, I have a variety to choose from, but for my needs, these saws work excellently.
So ? Try switching the sprocket on the sthil. Sthil generally runs slower than competitors. If you go to and 8 tooth sprocket you’ll get more speed less torque. Just a thought! Great videos
I got the tiny plastic echo CS 310, $215 with 14 bar and it will start 1'st pull if you can push the choke in fast, for trimming and limbing, a light saw to climb with.
I run 2 saws. Stihl MS 251C for my small saw and a Stihl MS 362 C-M. The small saw is around 40cc and 59cc for the big one. 18" bar on the small saw. Big saw came with a 25" bar but I rarely use this bar but it's nice to have. I mostly run a 20" on the 362. Also running yellow link chains and packing the 2 in 1 chain files.
What size trees do you mostly encounter? For starters, if you're looking for a good mid range saw from stihl that is not a pro saw I would look at the stihl ms250 or something in that range. The jump up from that is a stihl ms271. It really depends on what size trees and how often you're using the saw, and for how long.
The MS261 is nothing but a glorified MS 271, since both are 50 cc saws. If you want a 70 cc saw, jump to the Stihl 461/462. I have a Stihl 440 and Husky 372. I prefer the 440.
We have a Milwaukee and it is a great addition to my larger Stihl. While not as fast as a gas, it is great for smaller limbing, cutting around the mill, cutting up high where you need to climb, carrying on the quad, etc.
Sthil for commercial.l husky for light commercial. china saws for homeowners that will maby run a saw for a few hours every few years.i heat my home with fire wood my 031 has been running since the 1970,s . ive had other saws but the 031 never gave me problems but the china saws can be had in larger sizes for a fraction of the price they just dont last. Get a quality saw in the size you use the most and china saws for the occasional use saws.
I warm up my home with firewood and I have the Stihl 161T, 220C and the MSA 300 all battery power, I buy first the 220C because the MSA 300 was not available yet at that time but with 161T and the MSA 300 any one with be served. They all perform well the down side is the batteries, I think they are not up to this nicer great saws yet. Hope Stihl sooner cum up with battery better then the AP500 S witch I have 3.
I am looking for a chainsaw before hurricane 🌀 season 🌊 for and other emergencies 🆘 I have ridden out three and every time after the storm ⛈ a chainsaw would have been useful to clear fallen trees 🌲 And I am in the process of helping the Red Cross! Can you recommend a good 👍 do it all Chainsaw for this type of work? P.S. What is bucking!
I’m New to chainsaw World, but I was given a chainsaw and want to know If they make a pole that I can attach my current chainsaw to? I don’t want to Buy a second chainsaw (pole saw) but be nice to have a pole to attach my current saw to for the occasional use..
Love you buddy I like the black max and ryobi saw they are the same chainsaws I’ve had good luck with them . I bought a still 170 I have bad Luck with it
Do you look at echo chainsaws much? I use a couple echo saw I have a lot less problems than people I cut wood and cheaper. Seems like they are always fixing there stihl saw or they won't start.
I’m looking for a saw to carry on my 4x4 rig to clear trails during winter and thaw season. Do you think a homeowner saw is enough? Trying to make sure I don’t carry more size or weight than I really need
I have had the Sthil 025 for 20 years Which is the older MS 250 saw. I picked up the MS 311 a year ago and I love this chainsaw for its power and features over the 271 and 291. The 311 has a decompression valve and an adjustable bar oil pump. But if I had to do it again I would pay the extra $50-$75 to step up to the MS 261 CM steel chainsaw mainly because the power to weight ratio is better than the MS 311 I own. Thank you for the informative video
I use a 201tc for climbing. Skip that saw if you don,t climb a little saw a 261 and a big saw a 500i. My Stihl 066, 046 and Husky 550 are great saws but they stay in the shed.Its a good idea to have multiple bars of different sizes for your big saw I have a 28",32",and a 36" I change the bars when the wood get,s bigger or smaller
Just got my first saw. A craftsman (poulan) 45cc 18". Paid $75 at an auction. It's a 2002 model but had never been used. Unfortunately when I tried to start it, I realized the fuel lines were rotted out. Replaced them and then it would only run on choke. Broke down and got a new carb on ebay and got it running pretty well. I'm just a homeowner with a small wooded area out back, so I feel like it'll serve me well for my needs, at least for the $100 I have in it. I debated hard over the battery saws since I have milwaukee tools but didn't want to be buying $250 batteries every few years.
As a German I ask you: HOW do you know the Stihl 180 is good, when you say you haven't even tried the Husky 230? I own neither one of those, but this vid doesn't help me in any way other than "buy a bunch of chainsaws" then you'll be fine.
All I can say is that if I was going to spend a lot of money on a saw I'd get a Husq personally. That being said, I also have a Stihl 250, 3 different Poulans, a couple Champions and an old tjred Homelite that still runs well. Every saw I own has been fine and I can't really say many bad things about any of them. These days money is pretty tight so if I needed something I would just go find a few cheap used ones. Give them a look over for the basics. I see Poulans that are in good condition for $50-$100 in my area
I'm giving away a BRAND NEW STIHL MS 261 chainsaw! Enter now through November 23, 2023 (Thanksgiving Day). Details here: ua-cam.com/video/ZBVu7w2BElM/v-deo.html
I’ve got a 42cc, a 55cc and a 72cc saw. Falling right into your landowner chainsaw plan you discussed. Great info and a lot of people will find this helpful
Awesome man! I've found that this setup works for me too. Of course there is always the feeling of wanting a bigger chainsaw.
for pruning (versus cutting) trees for landscaping or timber purposes, a pole saw can be a useful tool for one's collection. pole saws can also be used for cutting branches that are dangerously under tension after a tree has fallen from a distance.
stihl makes a 36.3 cc gasoline powered pole pruner (HT 131) with a 14 inch bar. echo and husqvarna have even smaller models exist with ~20cc engines and ~10 inch bars.
Great video! You earned a loyal subscriber, my friend! I will be doing a review of the CS-590 Timberwolf on my channel soon.
Welcome to the channel! I appreciate it. I'll have to check that out.
Echo CS590. Price, torque, build quality, and warranty.
I'm 16. I have a CS test on Wednesday. I don't even know why I'm here. I can't even do anything with a chainsaw
Good luck with towers of Hanoi
😂😂😂😂😂
Did you pass?
We could do anything @ 16. What happened?
did you pass?
A modern battery saw could be a workable alternative to a small gas saw. And if you're selling firewood go with a pro level saw like a Stihl MS621 and something larger.
I hear that often, people suggest a bug saw for firewood. I sold firewood for years with a Husqvarna 240 and it did the job fine back then and still today. If you're setup properly you can do a lot with a small saw and upgrade later if you make money and feel you need it. I guess it depends on your area and what kind of trees you're working with.
I have an echo 490 chainsaw with a muffler mod. Easy to do. It’s powerful, good weight, priced right, and cuts well.
These numbers are mind bogglingly confusing. Their marketing people should be fired.
Guys save yourself a headache and buy a stihl ms 261 or husqvarna 555 for limbing and some bucking , and buy a stihl 500i or hisqvarna 572 for everything else !!!
I've got a 460 rancher and a couple other smaller saws. The 460 is the only one I use. It handles everything from limbing (although a bit on the heavy side for that) to felling, bucking, and even milling. I have my back up saws but obviously I have picked my favorite.
If you can afford it, buy a stihl 400cm. About the same weight as the 460 rancher, but instead of making 3.5hp it makes around 6. You’ll wonder how you ever milled with such a slow saw, and truthfully you should be using a much bigger professional saw for milling like a 661
What about echo chainsaws?
After living on 70+ acres of woods & burning firewood for the past 20 years, I agree with your recommendations. If I could only own one chainsaw, it would be one in the 60cc class. Something like the older Jonsered 2165 would be my first pick. I don't own one, but my 82 year old dad does. It's a very nice chainsaw. A Makita/Dolmar 61cc saw would be a great pick, too. I would much rather own two chainsaws, however. If you get one pinched or one goes down, you are still cutting. If I had to replace what I already have (starting over), I would pick a RedMax GZ5000 (50cc) with an 18" bar & a GZ7000 (70cc) with 20" & 24" bars. RedMax is a Husky/Jonsered saw with just a few models to pick from. Makes shopping easier. The surplus of models offered by Stihl & Husky is a bit of a turn off for me. I own 3 chainsaws. My newest chainsaw is a 16 year old Jonsered CS2152 with an 18" bar, & it has been an awesome saw. It always starts, & it's never needed any repairs other than bars/chains. You can do a lot with a quality 50cc saw, but you can't be in a hurry on the big stuff. I have a 20+ year old Poulan 2900 Farmhand (46cc), which I picked up @ Walmart (demo model) in the clearance aisle ($135). It still runs great, & it's an awesome limbing saw with a 16" bar & a low profile chain (cuts rather than grabs small stuff). Using the right bar & chain makes a big difference, too. My third & oldest saw is my dad's Husqvarna 257 (57cc). He didn't like starting it, & I have no problem with it. It has a bit more pull than my 50cc Jonsered (runs a .325 pitch 20" bar pretty well). If I don't inherit my dad's CS2165, I will most likely add a 70cc saw to my collection some day. For now, sharp chains on smaller saws still get the job done.
I have Old Mummy-Fart Poulan Countervibes, from 38cc to 85cc.
😂
What about Echo , personally I’m a Stihl man & I have a few older Homelite’s but I’m just curious how Echo’s perform ?
I have a MS180C and just purchased a used MS362C with 25 inch bar.
Sthil ms362. End of discussion. It's 5lbs lighter than the husky that matches it. And it's so much more comfortable to use.
Buy the one you can afford then add 500$.next
Good info, thanks for taking about this, I just picked up the new Stihl 500i with a 32” bar- gonna run it later today.
Sweet! Let me know how she runs. I've been eyeing that saw for a while.
What do u think about husqvarna 340 for smaller tree and clearing land of smaller tree.
I have never really though about my chainsaw plan before, but what I have is a 30 70 plan. A MS170 for small jobs and a Husky 372XP for big jobs. I have never felt the need for a 50 as the 70cc will do everything a 50cc will but it does it a lot faster. Time is money. I also do have a 3rd chainsaw which is a small cheap 6" handheld electric... just for taking off small branches around the house. Great video.
My only thought would be that unless my saw is making me money......I think I would just combine all of them and buy one 60cc saw(562XP/ 362C).....it will struggle a bit in big wood, be a bit heavier than a 50 in small wood......but I'll keep a $1000 in my pocket.
I liked the bigger saws when I was younger but now at 70 I gravitate towards the smaller saws. I have 4 Stihl saws but they are prone to not running right so I just bought a Husqvarna.
Which would you buy for clearing land the ms 462 or the 500i?
455 rancher and 572xp cut only hardwood!
Great saws!
I carry two farm bosses. 290. Matching bars and chains. No need for small medium and large.
Can I upgrade the chain on the 180?
I run a 661 with a 25 inch bar most of the time. Running it all day can be tiresome, but it's not too bad. The 36 makes it unbalanced, but it's still not horrible to run all day.
Edit: I'm also looking at getting an 881 with a 47 and 59 for huge trees and milling.
Those are some mean saws! You must be running into some big trees!
As a homeowner I just starting using chainsaws over this past summer. If I had to give advice I would say buy the one next up from the one you think you need. Also you should have a small one also. Things came up that I wasn't expecting and I wound up going bigger anyway.
Agreed, my dad mentioned before. Go one up from what you think you might need.
I love saws too. Man good video. I tell people who ask 261. and they always buy a 271. lol...
I run a husky 560 xpg with a 15 inch bar. For felling,delimbing and bucking firewood. I'm from Denmark
I agree, that's a great saw maybe the best Husqvarna ever made and a good size bar for it.
I have no idea why Americans always use way too long bars.
I have used 560 with 13,15, 18 and 20" bars and while 15 is the best size for it I use 18 on my saw. Basically because I got smaller Husqvarnas also.
Greetings from Sweden.
Im also Swedish and I think it makes sence when some americans use big/long bars, its more weight for upper body and at the same time you get reach so you can cut trees on the ground standing straight. The angle to the ground is almost 45 degree and that angle makes the saw to not pull your bar up/down or some other way when cutting which can happen when working close to ground. You also dont hit ground or hit a tree next to your tree which can push saw up very fast. 25" bar feels safe to me but hard to move to the sides. Cheers
nice video. as for me i use a stihl 170, stihl 261 and a husky 572...thumbs up !!
I like Husqvarna Sthil Echo! Depending on the model counts alot. All three are good saws. That sthil ms 261 is very good and along with the Husqvarna xp550 mark 2 is good. This guy made some good points on chain saw sizes and selection guides.
Xp is an animal in the woods.
Also like the Mac timber bare 1983 and also the Timberwolf eco. Love you you did a great video
Yes i do have 170 180 250 271 and a 311 and the 170 is a tough saw with a sharp chain you can do alot I have had been using it for over 8 years
Hi, i am a home owner and i am trying to remove a really big tree stump and its roots, which chain saw would you recommend me using for this ?
Nice video, I have a number of different chainsaws....the 460 Husquy was probably my worst purchase. I have a 450 and I love it with a 20 inch chain and bar. It is a workhorse. For whatever reason the 460 was a disappointment....granted it has a 24 inch bar and chain but it just doesn't have it. The 261 is a beast for cutting and limbing. Just know that when you spend the extra money, you are jumping up in the quality of cutting and it's less fatiguing to cut stuff down. You can cut a tree down with anything. But you are going to feel it when you are done. The better the saw the less stress you put on your body.So consider that this is the one area where you spend more, you really get more.
550xp for 5-6 cord of firewood a year harvested and bucked myself.
261 is amazing. I got mine right after Hurricane Ian. Throw on some West Coast Saw felling dogs and chain catcher, really capable saw. Especially with a 20 inch bar on oak. Dry oak for firewood, it's amazing. I wanted a 362 originally but there was no place that had it after the storm. So I did the exhaust port and foam filter from WCS and I wanna say it rips almost as hard as a 362. Next saw I get probably will be a 462 M-Tronic with all the WCS mods or the 500i.
Nice! It sounds like you found a setup that works great for you. If you decide to go with the 500-i in the future, I can attest to its abilities. It has been a ripper for me.
38 cc and 50cc home owner all of your needs
I use a 16” Echo 58V and i just say it’s pretty legit for what i use it for. I help clean neighborhood fallen limbs and trees as well as stuff i find on jobsites. I haven’t been short of wood for the fireplace or smoker in years.
That's a good deal. You get to help people, use a chainsaw and keep your wood pile stocked!
I'm 70 years young and I use a 550 xp a 135 and an old 028 stihl thanks
Wish you were my neighbor we would have fun with all of our chainsaws.
Love the firewood passion. Check out Rocky Mountain Firewood for all things firewood! Thanks everyone keep on firewoodin'
By the way, HUSKY all the way!
445 x torq is a great little saw for all around use as well for a lot cheaper than the 261c having used both In the woods quite a bit i there similar in weight the stihl 261c having a bit more power the 445 husky is a great competitor for a budget all around saw
What about sharpening the chains, do the high cost brands have chains that stays sharp longer or it's the same for all brands? I have a Craftsman 18" and it seems that I need to sharp my chain way too often. Slows things down way to much.
Would love to have advices about that if it's possible 😊
Stick with Oregon or equivalent. Learn to sharpen yourself.
Exactly same mindset, I have a 42cc, 56cc, 60cc, 72cc, and a 91cc 👏
Thanks! Nice roster!
I’m just starting out thank you for the information on chainsaw , I think I will go with MS261 that will be good for my work, thanks again… from John, near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania ☕️😊👍👍
Great choice! ☕️
My father in law owns 100 acres with many trees on that property. He handles everything with the old 290 “farm boss” and a 170.
455 rancher 24 inch bar 3/8 chain
435 Husqavarna 16 inch bar .325chain
Stihl farm boss 290 16” bar .325 chain
Stihl 180 14” bar
I use the stihl sharpening system with a vice for hand filing (the best system)
I live in Texas and have family farm land and a network of local farmers who give me permission to clear mesquite from fencing - I also find the occasional pecan and oak tree in town . I cut for my myself and also stock pile 15-20 cords a year to sell as a side hustle . I use a fiskar pikaroon along with a fiskar x36 splitting axe and a home built 30 ton hydraulic splitter - great video keep them coming
You've got a nice setup! Thank you, will do!
I run a ms 260 an ms 362 and am picking up the ms 500i this week. Sold my ms 391 when I got the ms 362. The only other saw I plan to add is the ms 201t. Should be able to handle anything I need to cut. 🪵🪓🔥👍
Sweet! You've got a great setup. You're going to have everything covered very well. I love running my ms 261. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on the 500i after you've run it for a little while. I've heard good things about it and considered it for the future. Have fun with you new saw!
No don't listen to this guy never go below 70 cc unless you are limbing
Thank you for making this video it helped me in my decision, thank you for getting back to me, take care, from John , near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania…☕️😊👍👍
I appreciate that, John. I'm glad I could help.
I have 15 ash trees the power company is going to top and I will have to clean up, on top of a lot of old downed cherry and dead ash that have fallen and have yet to fall. Looking at that MS261 after this video. Thank you.
I'm glad I could help. It's a great saw. Enjoy!
I just found out today my '09 Husky 235 is a Poulan. :^(
Great video… I’m glad I stumbled across your channel
Thanks and welcome! Hope you find some valuable stuff on the channel.
Hey Glen, half way to payday 500+! Way to go!
Thanks for the encouragement, Chris! We're pumped about being halfway to 1,000. Now we're going to push on to the next milestone.
Just picked up a Husky 450 Rancher as it was $100 off at Lowe’s after watching this. Great recommendations!
That's a great deal! I love it when that happens.
Stihl 500i 15” & 26” bar job done 1 saw good to go
I brought a ms 170 yesterday. Not what I was looking for though. I wanted a ms 151 tophandle. The ms 170 is powerful. But them again am new to saws
The MS 170 is a great saw!
I used to operate a 50 cc chainsaw for everything before, primarily the Jonsered 2253 (the same as the first version of Husqvarna 550). But now I mostly use the Stihl ms 500i, and for thinning tasks, I use either the Stihl ms 201 or the Husqvarna 242. Since I collect chainsaws, I have a variety to choose from, but for my needs, these saws work excellently.
You sound like a man after my own heart. It sounds like you have a great lineup.
My Harbor Freight chainsaw is hard to beat.
Three numbers
*372*
👌🏻
So ? Try switching the sprocket on the sthil. Sthil generally runs slower than competitors. If you go to and 8 tooth sprocket you’ll get more speed less torque. Just a thought! Great videos
I own 5 from 2,3 HP to 4.5 HP thats enough.
I got the tiny plastic echo CS 310, $215 with 14 bar and it will start 1'st pull if you can push the choke in fast, for trimming and limbing, a light saw to climb with.
I run 2 saws. Stihl MS 251C for my small saw and a Stihl MS 362 C-M. The small saw is around 40cc and 59cc for the big one. 18" bar on the small saw. Big saw came with a 25" bar but I rarely use this bar but it's nice to have. I mostly run a 20" on the 362. Also running yellow link chains and packing the 2 in 1 chain files.
Solid informative video
Thank you! I appreciate that.
thanks because I need one like asap
I need a chainsaw that will actually cut through trees that have fallen around the home to use for firewood. I never seem to get this right.
What size trees do you mostly encounter? For starters, if you're looking for a good mid range saw from stihl that is not a pro saw I would look at the stihl ms250 or something in that range. The jump up from that is a stihl ms271. It really depends on what size trees and how often you're using the saw, and for how long.
The ms251 is also a good saw
The MS261 is nothing but a glorified MS 271, since both are 50 cc saws. If you want a 70 cc saw, jump to the Stihl 461/462. I have a Stihl 440 and Husky 372. I prefer the 440.
Great video
Thank you!
As a homeowner I'd consider a battery operated option like Makita or Milwaukee. Whatever battery platform you're on.
Battery powered saws can work great for a homeowner.
We have a Milwaukee and it is a great addition to my larger Stihl. While not as fast as a gas, it is great for smaller limbing, cutting around the mill, cutting up high where you need to climb, carrying on the quad, etc.
And if I am clearing 1 tree that is 6 inches or so, I often just grab it rather than gas up the other.
20" best chain saw
If you like this video, check out my chainsaw playlist for more tips and inspiration. ua-cam.com/play/PLJjXJCzHs0pOZnsrDa84qxppU9W8lyZF5.html
Sthil for commercial.l husky for light commercial. china saws for homeowners that will maby run a saw for a few hours every few years.i heat my home with fire wood my 031 has been running since the 1970,s . ive had other saws but the 031 never gave me problems but the china saws can be had in larger sizes for a fraction of the price they just dont last. Get a quality saw in the size you use the most and china saws for the occasional use saws.
I warm up my home with firewood and I have the Stihl 161T, 220C and the MSA 300 all battery power, I buy first the 220C because the MSA 300 was not available yet at that time but with 161T and the MSA 300 any one with be served. They all perform well the down side is the batteries, I think they are not up to this nicer great saws yet. Hope Stihl sooner cum up with battery better then the AP500 S witch I have 3.
I am looking for a chainsaw before hurricane 🌀 season 🌊 for and other emergencies 🆘 I have ridden out three and every time after the storm ⛈ a chainsaw would have been useful to clear fallen trees 🌲 And I am in the process of helping the Red Cross! Can you recommend a good 👍 do it all Chainsaw for this type of work? P.S. What is bucking!
I’m New to chainsaw
World, but I was given a chainsaw and want to know
If they make a pole that I can attach my current chainsaw to? I don’t want to
Buy a second chainsaw (pole saw) but be nice to have a pole to attach my current saw to for the occasional use..
Love you buddy I like the black max and ryobi saw they are the same chainsaws I’ve had good luck with them . I bought a still 170 I have bad Luck with it
chapters bruv.
Your opinion : stihl ms 361 or stihl ms 382 and explanation if possible . Thanks.
so if you were to buy a 550xp mark 2 is there something I cant do with that, that I could do with a 560XP?
Do you look at echo chainsaws much? I use a couple echo saw I have a lot less problems than people I cut wood and cheaper. Seems like they are always fixing there stihl saw or they won't start.
I’m looking for a saw to carry on my 4x4 rig to clear trails during winter and thaw season. Do you think a homeowner saw is enough? Trying to make sure I don’t carry more size or weight than I really need
Great video. Thank you!
Thank you!
Can you answer about the Chinese clones, worth a gamble to get a MS660 sized saw ?
I can't speak to those saws. I personally wouldn't try to purchase a clone.
@@OldSchoolMillennial 1/3 of cost and some have good use after 5 years, if you are handy and can replace the odd part why not !
I have had the Sthil 025 for 20 years Which is the older MS 250 saw. I picked up the MS 311 a year ago and I love this chainsaw for its power and features over the 271 and 291. The 311 has a decompression valve and an adjustable bar oil pump. But if I had to do it again I would pay the extra $50-$75 to step up to the MS 261 CM steel chainsaw mainly because the power to weight ratio is better than the MS 311 I own. Thank you for the informative video
I've ran both and the ms311 has way more torque than the MS261. I know the 261 is a pro saw but the ms311's torque makes it more useful.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the 311 and the 025. Thanks for watching, man!
I have both 311 and 462cm which is what I use most ot time but yes 311 is excellent for homeowner/ firewood saw
I know your comment is old but can you still readily get parts for that old stihl 025?
I have had several saws over the years i only burn wood a couple years ago i bit the bullit and got 2 261s best saws i ever had did keep the 310
Only Stihl ...have this 45 years )
my neighbor passed away and i bought his dolmar and makitas same thing but i was really surprised at makitas
Stihl MS 291 w/18" bar, bought new in '21.
I use a 201tc for climbing. Skip that saw if you don,t climb a little saw a 261 and a big saw a 500i. My Stihl 066, 046 and Husky 550 are great saws but they stay in the shed.Its a good idea to have multiple bars of different sizes for your big saw I have a 28",32",and a 36" I change the bars when the wood get,s bigger or smaller
Just got my first saw. A craftsman (poulan) 45cc 18". Paid $75 at an auction. It's a 2002 model but had never been used. Unfortunately when I tried to start it, I realized the fuel lines were rotted out. Replaced them and then it would only run on choke. Broke down and got a new carb on ebay and got it running pretty well. I'm just a homeowner with a small wooded area out back, so I feel like it'll serve me well for my needs, at least for the $100 I have in it. I debated hard over the battery saws since I have milwaukee tools but didn't want to be buying $250 batteries every few years.
Love the 70cc class chainsaws, at least for the first hour using one!
I hear you, if I could I would use it all day and look like the Hulk!
Really good video. Thanks man
Thanks, Bryan!
If you can buy only one on a budget, the 18in Husq. 440 will do dang near anything other than huge trees
To cut 30 white and red oak trees under 20 inches in diameter what CS would you use?
As a German I ask you: HOW do you know the Stihl 180 is good, when you say you haven't even tried the Husky 230? I own neither one of those, but this vid doesn't help me in any way other than "buy a bunch of chainsaws" then you'll be fine.
All I can say is that if I was going to spend a lot of money on a saw I'd get a Husq personally. That being said, I also have a Stihl 250, 3 different Poulans, a couple Champions and an old tjred Homelite that still runs well. Every saw I own has been fine and I can't really say many bad things about any of them. These days money is pretty tight so if I needed something I would just go find a few cheap used ones. Give them a look over for the basics. I see Poulans that are in good condition for $50-$100 in my area