Chainsaw options

[CCTree]

I’ve booked for cs30/31 in Feb and need a new saw - the basic Husky we use for logs will not cut it, so to speak. I also have a GTA26 and a reasonable collection of Silkys. 
 

I’ll be using it for Hazel coppicing, Laurel and Rhody removal, the occasional small tree - I’m a gardener in Cumbria, but we have some small wooded areas and plenty of ponticum. Big stuff is dealt with by other staff members/arb crew, I’m not looking to move onto bigger stuff. 

I’m looking at MS251 C-BE 

Any recommendations? 

[Dave1976]

Ms251 is a very good saw.

 

If loyal to Stihl, step down would be  ms231, ms201cm, ms212, and ms182.

 

Step up would be ms261.

 

Good luck.

[woody paul]

Stay clear of tool less adjustment, Stihl never got it right. 

[GarethM]

Yes a 251 isn't a bad saw for throwing around as a home gamer or snedding by the chipper, but it's an awful one nut tensioner.

 

The CBE is the no tool version isn't it, they're abysmal and you'll lose your will to live after a few minutes of any actual felling as they need constant readjustment.

 

Just get a 261 or something similar, two nut stud on the chain bar and probably a 16" bar is usually max for the course unless they're happy with an 18" and you're set for life.

Edited Sunday at 11:37 by GarethM

[petercb]

MS251 high compression and hard to start, mine sits in shed. Tooless adjustment as others have said is a pain slackens off in use.

[GarethM]

I would say, why not ask if they rent a saw for the course ?.

 

No point spending a huge amount on a saw that's too big, once you've passed you'll probably only need a 12-14" and maybe even battery powered would suffice but won't be enough for the course.

[Mark J]

Could you ask one of the other staff members/arb crew who do the bigger stuff if you can borrow a saw? 

[scbk]

To be honest for the type of work you do a battery saw sounds ideal.

 

If you're scratching about in the middle of a big rhododendron the last thing you want is a 2 stroke trying to gas you out!

[Stubby]

4 hours ago, petercb said:

MS251 high compression and hard to start, mine sits in shed. Tooless adjustment as others have said is a pain slackens off in use.

Has it not got a " girly de comp button " ? 🙂

[Dan Maynard]

201, 241, 261 are the pro saws, personally I'd avoid the 251 and go 241 if you need petrol, ie long days, lots of cutting, far from power.

 

Otherwise I agree battery is probably better for you, get battery Stihl and while you're there get some battery hedge trimmers, they're great - light, quiet, no fumes.