16"-18" Chainsaw recommendations

weight difference between a 170 [HTML_REMOVED] a 460 is about 6lbs but the 460 is a real forestry saw with an engine [HTML_REMOVED]twice the CC of the 170, way too much saw for trail work, the 170 is the smallest property maintenence saw Sthil makes …you couldn't get further apart in spec

For trail work how about a 261 which is the smallest forestry saw Stihl makes, its only 3 lbs heavier than the 170 but it has twice the HP and the 261 would still be running long after the 170 is dead

weight difference between a 170 [HTML_REMOVED] a 460 is about 6lbs but the 460 is a real forestry saw with an engine [HTML_REMOVED]twice the CC of the 170, way too much saw for trail work, the 170 is the smallest property maintenence saw Sthil makes …you couldn't get further apart in spec

For trail work how about a 261 which is the smallest forestry saw Stihl makes, its only 3 lbs heavier than the 170 but it has twice the HP and the 261 would still be running long after the 170 is dead

I finally bought a saw. Got a 170 with a 16" bar. I honestly can't see the need for anything bigger. 1 hour of hiking with a 170 would be more than enough. It may take a little longer than a forestry saw, but it's super handy.

Husky 136

Husky 136

^^^ I love mine, great saw!

I finally bought a saw. Got a 170 with a 16" bar. I honestly can't see the need for anything bigger. 1 hour of hiking with a 170 would be more than enough. It may take a little longer than a forestry saw, but it's super handy.

better tool, longer lasting over the long run …why might you buy a santa cruz instead of a jamis ?

I finally bought a saw. Got a 170 with a 16" bar. I honestly can't see the need for anything bigger. 1 hour of hiking with a 170 would be more than enough. It may take a little longer than a forestry saw, but it's super handy.

u city slickers…:)

I finally bought a saw. Got a 170 with a 16" bar. I honestly can't see the need for anything bigger. 1 hour of hiking with a 170 would be more than enough. It may take a little longer than a forestry saw, but it's super handy.

Nice choice I just picked up a 170 as well! Great little saw especially in the area I'm building. Makes bucking deadfall so quick and fun instead of the chore that it was with my folding handsaw.:lol:

weight difference between a 170 [HTML_REMOVED] a 460 is about 6lbs but the 460 is a real forestry saw with an engine [HTML_REMOVED]twice the CC of the 170, way too much saw for trail work, the 170 is the smallest property maintenence saw Sthil makes …you couldn't get further apart in spec

For trail work how about a 261 which is the smallest forestry saw Stihl makes, its only 3 lbs heavier than the 170 but it has twice the HP and the 261 would still be running long after the 170 is dead

Agree with the above.

But I also help the district with hazard removals on the shore.

I run a MS 460 with a 28" bar as my main Arborist saw climbing or on the ground and the power this saw has comes in very handy with hazard removals on a trail that involves a 24 inch DBH quick cut. "which does happen fairly often during the winter months on the shore"

Also its a good workout :)

better tool, longer lasting over the long run …why might you buy a santa cruz instead of a jamis ?

Making that analogy, I see it as why buy a raised Ford F350 when all you are going to do is shuttle your bikes and occasionally go on a forest road.

The little saw that could (This is Chris2's)

weight difference between a 170 [HTML_REMOVED] a 460 is about 6lbs but the 460 is a real forestry saw with an engine [HTML_REMOVED]twice the CC of the 170, way too much saw for trail work, the 170 is the smallest property maintenence saw Sthil makes …you couldn't get further apart in spec

For trail work how about a 261 which is the smallest forestry saw Stihl makes, its only 3 lbs heavier than the 170 but it has twice the HP and the 261 would still be running long after the 170 is dead

Last Friday my 170 started acting up. I needed to get in and do some trail work so my buddy lent me his 460. Agreed, two saws that are very far apart in specs. But it did give me an idea of what a real saw is capable of.

Just bought a new carb kit and fuel filter (DIY install) and my 170 is still stalling out at full throttle. Any advice is welcome. Ive been told possible fuel line pin holes sucking air, little pin sea-saw mechanism in carb isn't adjusted right or rings in piston are blown. I'm willing to chase some problems but I've got about a $50 more threshold for my 6yrs old 170 before I consider buying a new one.

So this thread has definitely come in handy.

$650 for the 261 is a bit steep for me right now. I'm torn between $400 for the 250 or $200 for the 170.

you may have scored the piston…

I run a 290 stihl and a 170,both have their plus's like Matt said.
There's a reason some saws are called professional quality.
The next saw I long for will be a 261 with a 20inch bar.
Lite,powerful,and versitile.
The 170 rocks for me in small jobs .
Ripping big logs ,over and over as well as taking out bigger trees ,is where I bring my bigger saw in.
Saws can be like bikes , after hanging with one for long periods ,you seem to get attached.
g

I run a MS 460 with a 28" bar as my main Arborist saw climbing or on the ground

You doing ALL your climbing with the 460? Beast.

Aye, all my climbing.

Used to climb with a MS 26 but I donated this saw to Digger a few years back as I could not bare to see him use a bow saw any longer.

All I have left in my arsenal is a is the 460 and a my Fanno hand saws.

The trick is to keep it on a leash long enough so that it is below your feet so its not constantly in your way.

The only problem is the extra weight tends to sink my spikes in deep if I am in one spot for to long.