Lightweight petrol saw needed – back issues, small woodland use

[Hunter]

Hi all,

 

Thanks in advance for any advice! I will be manage a small woodland a few times a month may be once fully recovered. I already have:

 

• Makita DCS4121 (50 cc) — very good saw, but too heavy for my back at the moment 
• Husqvarna 395XP 94 cc great for higher stuff
• Makita DUC353Z battery (no power in the woods) do few cuts only 
• Husky 135 (was great saw but lasted only a year, temperamental, don’t want to buy again)

 

 

I need a light, reliable petrol saw I can handle with my back problem. I don’t need professional performance, just something that will do my job for occasional limbing and small cuts.

 

I’ve narrowed it down to Stihl MS172, MS182, or Echo CS‑310ES. Any experience or recommendations for these in this kind of use? Also not sure new MS compare with older 180 and 170.

 

Thanks again!

[adw]

Husqvarna 545 mk 11 would fit the bill.

[Hunter]

545 is a nice 50 cc saw, I already  have 50 cc saw and 95cc saw as per my post, just looking for small lighter saw after my back surgery, i know it will be slow but heavy saw is not an option at the moment. 

[Mark Bolam]

What about the Echo 2511WES?

 

Seriously light, about 2.6kg.

 

Nippy little saw, about £400.

[Tree monkey 1682]

18 minutes ago, Hunter said:

545 is a nice 50 cc saw, I already  have 50 cc saw and 95cc saw as per my post, just looking for small lighter saw after my back surgery, i know it will be slow but heavy saw is not an option at the moment. 

Don't get stihl shite, lower stuffs made in China, and other stuff we've had faults with .

I had an echo cs310 it did 3 years of abuse then sucking air in then died , I have a cs352 but haven't used it  that much to be honest. Its built on the same platform as the cs310 but more power ,though no longer in production .

[kram]

What size do you need to cut?

The 2511's are good saws that run a 10" bar well. I particually prefer the clone as mine has more power than the echo, but slightly heavier at 3kg, but worth it as it never bogs down.

 

V-MODEST 2511 12" Petrol Chainsaw 30cm Bar 3kg 2-Stroke 25cc Top Handle | eBay UK

WWW.EBAY.CO.UK

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Also match 10 in and 14 in bar ， 0.050 Gauge 3 / 8" Pitch Chain. Saw chain lubricant: Oil SAE10W-30. Fuel mixing ratio: 25:1 ratio with 1SO-L-EGD(ISO/CD...

 

I realise you are likely not a climber, so might want the WES version, but for a small saw, these are great. Use it properly, and there safe.

[Paul in the woods]

I have an Echo 352 ES and a Stihl 170. I may have been unlucky with the Stihl but the Echo is much easier to start.

[Hunter]

Thank you all for advice, I think I am going for the Echo 310, for £200 I think it’s low risk option , my heart wants stihl 181 but it’s at least £100 more and I have to remind myself it’s the lower of of Stihl anyway. 

[Steven P]

I have a 181 - I might be lucky with it, or spend time looking after it (one or the other), and it does well enough for what it is.

 

Most of my firewood where it gets most of its work is rings or branches nothing over 16" really (mostly less than 12") and it is happy with that.

 

Avoid these off ebay - usually a homeowner who has abused it though there are the occasional ones 'bought for a single job' and sold on.

[markieg31]

My mother in law has had 181's, they never seem to last very long, she has since given up with the saws. 

 

The Stihl ms241 was a great light saw, being part of the professional range gives increased weight savings over the non pro versions of the same engine size but does command a greater price. 

 

I have a husky battery saw which is giving me more trouble than any petrol saw I have had. It was good when it was going.