Lightest saw with mag case

[bmwr69s]

Looking for recommendation on lightest saw I can buy with a magnesium case. Prefer longevity like my 1990s Jonsered 2054 but under 9-10 pounds

My guess is Stihl 241 and Husqvarna zenoah 543 xp II. What else should I consider and why better or worse?

Otherwise what plastic case saw is reliable and worth the money that is under $400 like an echo 361p. Thanks for your advice

 

[Fishnuts2]

I'd suggest a Makita EA4300 compared to the two you mentioned. A clean, used, Dolmar 421 is the same, but they're hard to find as people don't part with them often.

Great screen name, by the way!

 

[Al Smith]

The Stihl 024 is relatively light but of course it's an older model .It's not magnesium but rather an alloy of aluminum .What might have replaced it the line up I have no idea but you could look up the models and find out .

 

[dustinwilt68]

I would check out the echo lineup as well.

 

[nohoff]

The Stihl MS 200 or MS 201?

 

[Adamski]

I second the Makita Dolmar 420/421/4300. Great saw, cuts like a ms241, costs wayyy less..

 

[mortalitool]

The Stihl 024 is relatively light but of course it's an older model .It's not magnesium but rather an alloy of aluminum .What might have replaced it the line up I have no idea but you could look up the models and find out .

Pretty sure 024 crankcases are Magnesium.

MS241 would be what came after the 024.

 

[Al Smith]

Mag is relatively hard ,brittle where as aluminum alloy has slightly different properties .I'm not certain what that alloy is .It could have some mag in it and I suppose a certain amount of silicon like a piston .Pure mag I think goes back to what was used on say some old Macs and Homelites from the 60's .

 

[Al Smith]

I stand corrected it is an alloy of mag meaning it's not pure mag.What rest of it is I have no idea https://blog.stihl.com/products/2017/11/stihl-magnesium-diecasting-plant/

 

[Woodpecker]

Great suggestions so far. I like the Dolmar/makita saws. I also really like my Echo 501p. One of the lightest 50cc pro style saws on the market. Weighs a hair over 10#s dry.

https://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Chain-Saws/CS-501P

 

[dustinwilt68]

501 would be at the top of my list.

 

[TreeLife]

501 would be at the top of my list.

That's one of the most underrated saws.

 

[Nutball]

I'd agree with the 501p, light weight, 5 year non commercial warranty right? Echo is getting up there with high quality. Just use storage type fuel stabilizer to help prevent carb issues as with any equipment, warranties tend not to cover negligence.

I'd make a modified exhaust deflector for more power if it is anything like a 490, then put the old deflector parts back on in case it needs warranty service.

 

[Woodpecker]

That's one of the most underrated saws.

For sure. Quality far exceeds the 450 for one.

 

[Nutball]

As for bang for your buck, you can get an Echo 590 for under $400 shipped new on ebay: 60cc, mag case, but heavier.