Need opinions on three saws

[drf256]

I good ported 026/260 is a beautiful thing. I know a guy that might have some for sail this fall….

Here’s one with a full comp (not skip) 25” RS chain.

 

[2000ssm6]

I good ported 026/260 is a beautiful thing. I know a guy that might have some for sail this fall….

Here’s one with a full comp (not skip) 25” RS chain.

Impressive, what carb?

 

[Woodpecker]

I wouldn’t discount the 543XP husky, ported they are as fast or faster than the MS241. You can get them in the Redmax version for under $400 with a bar and chain if you look around. That solves your bar dilemma, also they are not auto tune, so a super simple very lightweight rear handle saw.

I’ll second that! My ported 543 is one of my favorite small ground saws.

I actually haven't bought anything yet. Took a little vacation with the family and spent all my fun money.

The more I think about it I think about it, the more I'm leaning to another 50cc of some flavor. If I buy new I'm thinking husqvarna 545. Maybe 550. I can port either of those myself with the removable transfer caps.

If I buy a used saw I'll probably just watch the classifieds here and pick up the first clean specimen I find. Just missed a 346 the other day.

For the record the 543/GZ4350 also has removable transfer caps and they are cheap.

 

[drf256]

Impressive, what carb?

WT194

 

[TX_Welder]

I good ported 026/260 is a beautiful thing. I know a guy that might have some for sail this fall….

Here’s one with a full comp (not skip) 25” RS chain.

It's no slouch, that's for sure. Sounds pretty healthy for 50cc buried up with a 25" bar. Impressive.

 

[TX_Welder]

So I may have found an ms260 locally. I'm going to try to get with the seller this afternoon. Awaiting their reply now.

Asking $275, said it's been sitting six months.

 

[TX_Welder]

Dude never replied back. Guess he didn't want to sell after all. Or it was a scam.

Missed a clean 261 on ebay for $300. Missing the clutch and the cover. I hesitated and somebody snatched it up.

 

[Wood Doctor]

I rebuilt a Husqvarna 550 XP that was given to a tree service company. Here's what came into my shop:

Zero compression and looked awful, so I spent about $200 on parts and cleaned it up. Here's what I produced:

It had a 16" bar and the new owner wanted a 20" with a new chain. The saw runs and looks fine now The owner was very satisfied. Around here these Autotune saws sell new for about $500 plus sales tax.
Good luck!

 

[TX_Welder]

What would be everybody's max on these ? I don't mind a project. I view it more as a blank slate.

Stihl Chainsaw Powerheads For Parts Or Repair Only Lot Of 2 | eBay

<p>Relished due to non-paying bidder. This auction is for a lot of two parts chainsaws. One is a 260 pro, the other is a 026. THESE SAWS DO NOT RUN. Missing clutch covers and maybe other small items. The saws are not locked. These saws are for parts or repair only. I do not accept returns due...

www.ebay.com

 

[2000ssm6]

Already maxed out for me. That 260 looks well used, no telling what the internals are like.

I’d suggest holding out for one here from a known member.

 

[TX_Welder]

Already maxed out for me. That 260 looks well used, no telling what the internals are like.

I’d suggest holding out for one here from a known member.

Yeah the shipping pushes it over the edge for me.

 

[FergusonTO35]

On your original question, I really like my Echo CS-303 top handle. It's the latest version of the CS-300/3000 series that has been around since the 80's. It's a simple design that's pretty easy to work on. It's kind of heavy and somewhat underpowered in stock form, which is not surprising given the age of the design. But, it will do anything a small saw should be doing no problemo and is super reliable. Uses the common as dirt A041 mount and 3/8 low profile chain so plenty of options there. They made it in both top handle and rear handle variants and you should be able to get a really nice example on Fleabay or pawn shop for under two bills.