sub 10 pound saw options?

[Whitty21]

http://opeforum.com/threads/nib-440-mmws-361-and-200-rear-handle.13649/

The 200 rear handle one here for sale would be the winner!

X2

I have one. I run a 14" bar on it and it will bury itself no problem. Easy to start as well. Would have bought the one in that listing if I didnt already have one

 

[FergusonTO35]

If you are looking at an Echo CS370 you might as well get a CS400. Same frame and has gobbs of power. Starts on one pull all day after the first start of about 3-5 pulls. Has the spring assist starter and new are $300. I used one for 2 years till I replaced it with my 550xp.

CS-400 all the way. You can buy 'em cheap on Fleabay and get parts anywhere. I think it has the smoothest AV of my entire fleet also.

 

[FergusonTO35]

If you don't mind slumming it, the Poulan 2050/2150/2350 are excellent for how little they cost.

 

[460 magnum]

The MS241 looks like a great saw to mod with the strato function. I'd bet the power could be bumped up a fair bit. It is a pro saw and you have to pay the price.

However, the homeowner MS250 at 45.4cc and 10.1 lbs looks like a cheap lightweight option. If it is anything like the MS029-390 range, it probably needs a different air filter to breathe, plus a few other mods to get the power up. Throw on a 3/8 LP lightweight bar and chain - and the little POS could be neat little saw with good reliability.

I searched around but I couldn't find any threads for modding the 250. It looks like an overlooked saw for mods. Does anyone remember a thread on modding these saws?

http://opeforum.com/threads/025.11970/

 

[72thing]

I have a lowly MS250 and I love it. I bought it as a basket case, but by the time it was done I, unfortunately, had too much money in it. [Bunch of parts were missing]
Only a mild muffler mod and its a great running saw. Can pick em up cheap.

The MS200T rear handle sounds awesome to me. The zippiness of the MS200 without the whole top-handled-saw-trying-to-cut-off-your-other-arm thing.

 

[Simondo]

If someone were looking for a (as Walter calls it) UOMS (Ultimate Old Man Saw), something uber light, what would you recommend?... If the 346Xp and 550XP are in the 10 pound range, I'm looking for something under 10 pounds, something very easy to start, low compression or spring assist. Not necessarily a top handle climbing saw, but I won't rule them out. Looking for something in the high 30- to low 40cc range that's good for pruning and small firewood duty. Doesn't have to be fast, but does need to be reliable. Best bang for the buck and power to weight recommendations appreciated.

Dolmar PS32 : 32cc 9lbs
Dolmar PS35 : 35cc 9.7lbs

Echo 355T : 35.8cc top handle, 8lbs
Echo 361 : 35.8cc 8.1 lbs
Echo 370 : 36.3cc 10.1 lbs

Husqvarna
135 : 41cc 9.7lbs
435 : 41cc 9.2lbs
439 : 35cc 8.6lbs
440 : 41cc 9.7lbs
540 : 38cc top handle 8.6lbs
543 : 43cc 9.9lbs

Stihl
MS 170 : 30cc 8.6 lbs
MS 180 : 32cc 9 lbs
MS 211 : 35.2cc 9.5lbs
MS 250 : 45.4cc 10.1lbs

MS 193 : 30cc 7.6lbs
MS 201 : 35cc 8.6lbs

MS 241 : 42.6cc 9.9lbs

The saws on the list that..IMO.. fall into the "Bang for you buck" segment are the Dolmar ps 32 and 35.
The ps 32 is nothing like the entry level low price low build saw you "May" expect ...a little more for the ps-35 if the firewood has a fair amount of 8" plus hardwood. These two are far more than the sum of the price you will pay....as ever, IMO



PS-35 with Stainless Muffler.

 

[CoreyB]

I have a Makita 3601 and a Dolmar 421. That little 3601 is a handy light little saw that starts easy and runs good. Just wish the fuel tank was a bit bigger. But hey nice little saw. The 421 is heavier but more solid in every way possible. I really like a handy small saw and of most I have tried I really like the Dolmars. Also a Stihl 241 is a great little saw just cost was not worth it over the 421 to me. I always wanted a rear handle echo 361 and Stihl 201 to try but never had the chance to yet.

 

[Al Smith]

Your not going to cut your arm off with a top handle like a 200T if you know how to operate a saw .

 

[Deets066]

Your not going to cut your arm off with a top handle like a 200T if you know how to operate a saw .

It’s the saw I use the most. Perfect for clean up around the house and 5 acres of woods I have. So nice to pick up branches, limbs, small fire wood with one hand and cut with the other.

 

[CR888]

I have a MS201 & MS150 both standard carb rear handles. The 201 is a great saw with 14"light bar & timing advance. The 150 is better IMO in top handle form than rear but I had to have it when a near new one came up for sale, I jumped. For small trees the difference in weight on the 201 compared to my 550 or 261 is huge! You can make cut after cut, tank after tank without breaking a sweat. There pricey but damn capable, smooth springs and LIGHT.

 

[longleaf]

352 and 361 echos are very light with good power for what they are. I had a 352 that was a tough little saw for a homeowner saw. I was very impressed with the 2511 echo. It felt like a machete in your hand and cut much better than expected. But I haven’t seen one in the dealership yet.

 

[whitesnake]

Ms25o can be a strong saw with just a mm. I know lots of firewood cutters that seem to love them. Little echoes are nice. Little dolmars a great also...the 32's and 35's. 421/4300 is an awesome saw buy a hair bulky for engine size. Never ran the 3601 but I hear great things about it.

 

[whitesnake]

Also...even children can start the little dolmars...ez start

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Is the Dolmar 421 10 lbs+??

 

[Simondo]

Is the Dolmar 421 10 lbs+??

There not that much over really Joe...+ your choice of bar/chain /fuel and oil .

 

[blsnelling]

MS150TC then MS241C.

 

[Deets066]

MS150TC then MS241C.

That 150 looks sweet

 

[Deets066]

Took one of the 200T today

 

[huskyboy]

There not that much over really Joe...+ your choice of bar/chain /fuel and oil .

View attachment 145881

Delete the cat removed quite a bit of weight off mine.

 

[Terry Syd]

Cool thread, thanks for the links to the threads on the 250. I thought someone must have done some work on them, but I didn't expect to see pipes on the little buggers.

It did get my interest, if I find a toasted 250 I'm going to pick it up and do some of the mods (290 carb, 3/8LP, etc). It could be a neat lightweight saw for doing the small work.