Stihl 026 vs 028 Super Help

[Saw_Squatch]

So I'm trying to diversify my chainsaw portfolio and dip my toe into a full blown addiction. Right now the only real saw I've got is an 044 I recently rebuilt full OEM with a 20" bar but I plan on setting it up with either a 24"-28" bar and opening up the muffler soon, but I'm looking at grabbing something smaller to tinker with and use for smaller stuff in the 50cc range. As the title shows I'm looking at an 026 and an 028 super and was having a hard time getting some specs on them all in one place. Can anyone help me with their experiences with these saws, bar lengths to run, weight to horsepower, specs, build quality, pro's and con's, ECT? On average the 026 and the like are going around $300 near me and the 028 around $200.

 

[drf256]

026 is a more modern saw which is much lighter and more compact. Better parts availability and take better to mods.

The only downside on the 026 is the oiler which is crank driven unless you get a “PRO” model which has the traditional clutch driven model. In the real world it makes nearly no difference at all.

 

[sawfun]

I have both. The 028 super is slightly stronger and the 026 is lighter and more nimble. The 028 is probably a better firewood saw, the 026, a better limber.

 

[Agr516]

I have had and sold several 028's, including a couple of supers. I have only had one 026 and I use it more than any other saw. I will take 026 over 028 any day. I removed the base gasket, opened the muffler, and advanced the timing. It runs an 18" .325 bar very well. I use it for everything up until I need a big saw.

 

[Stem]

go with the 026.

 

[Stevetheboatguy]

If you delete the base gasket on a 026. Double and triple check the squish. They are pretty tight with a gasket.


Steven

 

[Basher]

Gasket delete an 026 and they have .015 - .017 squish most times.

 

[Wood Doctor]

I have a pair of 026 PROs and a pair of 028 Supers. The 028 Supers have more grunt, but the 026 PRO's are nevertheless fabulous firewood saws. I cut a lot more beefy stock with them than just limbs.

I have sold five 028 Supers for about $200 to $230 apiece after restoring them. Two are still on board. They are a saw that I really don't think that Stihl should have ever discontinued. By comparison, the MS290 is a blunderbuss.

 

[Locust Cutter]

@Ben_There2 The 026 is going to be a 16-20" saw using .325" chain, depending on the wood you're cutting and the mods. I've seen people run from a 14-20" bar on them, but a 16" bar balances about the best. Ported, they'll pull 3/8" chain pretty well, but will cut much more smoothly and precisely with .325" when you're also salvaging canopy wood and cutting suckers off. Darn fine saw and can be used up to about as big as you feel like, but 1-18" wood is where I've used them.

The 028 can be run with .325 or 3/8" chain. Again, smoother cutting/control, or better cutter durability, your choice. 18-24" bar saw, depending on the mods and wood. A 20" bar is pretty standard, and if you put a 24" bar on your 044, it would make a lot of sense, though an 18" bar makes that saw pretty lively. With porting, it could be a snotty saw running an 8 pin rim and .325 chain for a smooth, fast cut, or a 7 pin 3/8" chain for a more durable chain in crappy conditions.

Heck buy both and enjoy each for what it is!!

 

[Saw_Squatch]

@Ben_There2 The 026 is going to be a 16-20" saw using .325" chain, depending on the wood you're cutting and the mods. I've seen people run fro a 14-20" bar on them, but a 16" bar balances about the best. Ported, they'll pull 3/8" chain pretty well, but will cut much more smoothly and precisely with .325 when you're also salvaging canopy wood and cutting suckers off. Darn fine saw and can be used up to about as big as you feel like, but 1-18" wood is where I've used them.

The 02 can be run with .325 or 3/8" chain. Again, smoother cutting, or better cutter durability, you're choice. 18-24" bar saw, depending on the mods and wood. A 20" bar is pretty standard, and if you put a 24" bar on your 044, it would make a lot of sense, though an 18" bar makes that saw pretty lively. With porting, it could be a snotty saw running an 8 pin rim and .325 chain for a smooth, fast cut, or a 7 pin 3/8" chain for a more durable chain in crappy conditions.

Heck buy both and enjoy each for what it is!!

I definitely thought about which one might be able to handle the 20" 3/8th bar for my 044 and it sounds like the 028 can do it easier but I need to remind myself I'm trying to get a smaller saw so I can run something lighter and more nimble. Unfortunately I'm way too tempted to take your advice and just buy both!

 

[drf256]

I’ve got a few 028 Super’s here. Both ported and both can leave any time at a good price if anyone is interested.