16"-18" Chainsaw recommendations

Hey folks,

I plan on buying a chainsaw this spring. I've been researching here and there for awhile now, and decided a 16-18" bar would be ideal. It will be used to mainly clear blow down, help build structures, and everything up to cutting firewood. I don't plan on milling my own rungs, nor do I plan on felling large trees. Lightweight is a plus, but not a necessity. I'm looking for something that is well built and versatile.

I've heard lots of good things about the Stihl MS 170, but think I would like a little bit bigger. Any opinions on the MS 250? I have read some complaints about the MS 170 not having enough power for some jobs, would a MS 250 w/16" bar be a better option than a MS 170 w/16" bar?

I haven't heard much at all about Husqvarna, most people I happened to talk to seemed to be Stihl fans. I'm open to other brands however.

Any advice is appreciated. :beer:

Stihl 270

Woodpile envy /\

MS170 is great for hiking into places. MS270 is great for your firewood and building a trail next to your truck. ;)

seriously though, the 170 has done me very well for a lightweight saw. Yes, there are times when you might want moar power to cut faster (like in a giant woodpile), but for blowdown and cutting slats it's fine.

Do you need to cut any bigger than this? That's hard yellow cedar 4"x6" stringers cut out of the tree with a 170.

all you need is a sharp chain and safety gear (helmet, chaps, gloves, first aid, training)

power or cc size is really only related to bar size. with a bigger bar and a longer chain going through a larger cross section of wood you need more power to keep the chain moving.

all that is for naught tho if you don't keep your chain sharp. a sharp chain is the most important factor when it comes to using a saw effectively. if you only want/need a 16" bar then get the 170 and learn how to sharpen your own chain in the field and do it regularly.

a sharp chain also means less wear on the powerhead (engine) and is ultimately safer as well as it's less likey to kick on you. make sure you leave enough money for gear as well - slash pants or chaps, hard hat with ear muffs, eye protection and steel toed boots. and fins someone who knows what they're doing to show you the basics of how to operate the machine after you read about chainsaw safety.

the 170 also comes with a safety chain that really doesn't kick back, a plus for me when 2 km off the road.

I used a Stihl MS230 with an 18" bar back when I used to do that sort of thing. It was light enough to pack up the mountain but still big enough to do some bigger work

^^ nice!

ah heckler yer trailbuilder envy will always get the best of you..

i used the 270 to rebuild 7 and build the d-line.

to access most of the work i did on 7 i did the year the snow was down low and i had to hike in 35 min from the bottom…

when i did the d-line i got dropped at the top w my bike and rode out with the saw broke down in my back pack..

wanna get real, get a real saw.

Lots of good info in this thread, I was asking the same questions earlier this year: http://bb.nsmb.com/showthread.php?t=149805

get something bigger than the 170. The chain sucks ass

Mattias!

MS170 is great around here. I have 2 bigger saws that see 1/8th the action of the 170. Get a Dakine builders pack and tuck that badboy in there! Keep your chain sharp (don't let Beers get ahold of it! Haha jk) and keep her maintained and you'll love it. I hiked my big saw into a new line we're building this summer and hated life the entire hike out. I did most of my early season blowdown removal with the 170 on my back. The 170 even scared that damned cougar away from between 98 and chrispys. Guys will say bigger, bigger! but for me its my go to.

Chris

This year ive been running a Husqvarna 353 E-Tech with a 18-20" bar. I could not be happier with the Saw. Reliable,powerful and is'nt very heavy its a lower class of professional saws but definately holds its own. I have run Stihl and Husqvarna and both have been good to me, keep your saw happy and it will make you happy. Heres some info.

http://www.husqvarna.com/ca/en/products/professional-chainsaws/353-e-tech/

i originally used a poulan which was probably in the 170 weight range (8.6lbs) and i was able to get lots done with it.

i do prefer my 270 stihl (approx 12.3) , but both have done lots of trailwork. the weight difference is approx 3.75 lbs..

if you have assignments outside of trailbuilding you might prefer a larger saw..

TGR crosspost

When all you have is a chain saw, everything looks like a log.