new saw for Dad ideas, 50cc for 70th bday

[brushwacker]

I wouldn't buy him another 50cc saw. If its a faster saw he will have to work harder to keep up with it. If its Stihl I would say something from an ms180 to an ms241. Might even consider an easy start. If he is sensitive to vibration, might want a spring AV although I would think rubber mounts are adequate if the saw is maintained well. Something lighter and smooth and he will be a happier wood cutter in my opinion and he will have his beloved 260 if he needs a little more umph.
My dad was cutting with an 032 until about he was 80. Got to where he couldn't pull it fast enough to start it cold so I or my brother would start it for him and he'd go to the woods with it running. He bought an 021, same problem, so I bought him an Husqvarna 42 w/ compression release but it wasn't any easier for him to start,couldn't pull it fast enough. Found about the Stihl easy start and he tried it at the dealer, bought it ( MS180) and could cold start it on his own, used it until he had a health issue at 90 or very near. My oldest brother is 68 a now has it and is very happy with it. Doesn't seem to care to use any thing bigger. I usually have an 170 or 180 I carry with my bigger saws all the way up to an 660. When working longer hours it is a nice brake to grab a smaller saw for some limbing or smaller trees and still be getting some work done.

 

[nickw]

Was kind of thinking about that. It'd come back to me in the end.

He Likes his saw. This new one will likely come back to you much sooner than you're thinking

 

[stihl livin]

@stihl livin heres your old 5105H
Running a 20" 3/8 bar.

Man that saw sure pulls that 20" 3/8 with authority. Sure would like to give it a try if you didn't live so far away.

 

[paragonbuilder]

Just curious, if he is so happy with his 50cc saw, why do you want to get him another?

 

[EvilRoySlade]

Just curious, if he is so happy with his 50cc saw, why do you want to get him another?

It's not so much that he loves that saw, it's more that he's very possessive about his mechanical equipment. Being a shop teacher meant most people, "students", damaged things. He has never really let that go. I work on lots of his stuff but it has to be on his terms, his decision.

I have thought seriously about the MS180, I've heard that you can use a 260 carb along with other things to wake them up. It would make for a nice trail saw.

 

[paragonbuilder]

It's not so much that he loves that saw, it's more that he's very possessive about his mechanical equipment. Being a shop teacher meant most people, "students", damaged things. He has never really let that go. I work on lots of his stuff but it has to be on his terms, his decision.

I have thought seriously about the MS180, I've heard that you can use a 260 carb along with other things to wake them up. It would make for a nice trail saw.

Ah, gotcha!
Makes sense.

 

[WKEND LUMBERJAK]

Man that saw sure pulls that 20" 3/8 with authority. Sure would like to give it a try if you didn't live so far away.

Haven't ran that one but the one I bought from Carl will cut with/ or out cut stock 60cc saw, chain has to be right, not square either.

 

[Nitehawk55]

I'd be having a talk with him about different saws with some specs in sort of casual way to get his thoughts on things if he's that educated about equipment .
The feel of another type of saw may not be to his liking .

 

[Wolverine]

I had to help my dad pick a new saw about a year ago. Him being in his 70's, the first priority was weight. Second was a Husky. I figured I'd be doing most of his cutting for his new fireplace in their recent addition. So this was just for limbs that fell and light cutting around the property. Settled on a 435. For his needs, it fits. Everyone is different though.
My advice would be a light saw, then pick his favorite flavor.