Used/cheap LIGHT firewood saw recommendation?

[Adamam]

I cut a fair amount of firewood and currently use a Stihl ms260 and a Dolmar PS6000.

 

I've been using the Dolmar more often than not because the Stihl isn't big enough for a 18" bar which I often need.

 

The Dolmar is doing my back in (7.5kg without bar) which is a shame as it's ace.

 

Also I don't have much money to spare.

 

Apart from an old 036, can anybody suggest something that will run a 17" or 18" bar happily but doesn't weigh so much?

 

[Guss109]

I have a 261 and it runs a 18" bar fine so might be worth trying it on yours

[DCS6800i]

The PS6000 is a wee tad heavy, but i do love my 6800! If you like the Dolmars you cant go wrong atall finding a tidy 115i - 52cc and handles 18inches really well! The Makita 520 and 5200 are just blue sisters, and identical underneath. Depends on your budget, and how cheap is cheap? Could you maybe stretch to a nearly new, newer model Dolly or Mak?

 

I wouldve thought your Stihl 260 would be man enough for 18inch bar though? Arnt they about 50cc? If you dont use it much, you could PX it, give yourself a bigger budget.

[Adamam]

18" buried is definitely more than the 260 is happy with. 16" is pushing it.

 

I ran a 520 for a bit but they are heavier than a 260 with no power gain.

[DCS6800i]

Hmm well i dont think youl get anything better in the 50cc-ish size. Maybe what you want to do is chop in the PS6000 for a newer, lighter 60cc saw? Get onto TCD on here for a new Dolly 6100 ;-)

[Adamam]

Well, I was hoping to replace the 260 and the 6000 with just one saw; a 60ccish one but lighter. The used prices of a 260 + 6000 doesn't buy much 60cc saw though, even in great working order as they both are...

 

[doobin]

If you need an 18" bar then it's some reasonable size timber you're cutting? All saws weigh the same in the cut....

[DCS6800i]

Well, I was hoping to replace the 260 and the 6000 with just one saw; a 60ccish one but lighter. The used prices of a 260 + 6000 doesn't buy much 60cc saw though, even in great working order as they both are...

 

 

Im with you now - sorry i thought you were just wanting to change the Stihl!

I run my 6800 on a 20 inch bar most of the time (also use it with 28inch bar) and dont feel the weight that much of an issue. I only have the 52cc because its not as thirsty, and its a lovely saw, when i dont need all the power.

 

Id say the newest model Dolmar/Makita 6100 is the saw for you. It is meant to be bloody good. Problem is youl need to buy new to get one id have thought. TCD imports the Dollys so id try him on here for a price - he had a thread about these saws, but i cant find it at the moment.

[Adamam]

If you need an 18" bar then it's some reasonable size timber you're cutting? All saws weigh the same in the cut....

 

Doesn't NEED to be 18", but that seems the perfect size for everything I cut. Largest tends to be around 70cm.

 

One lighter saw that can happily run 18" would be perfect.

 

Actually an MS260 that would happily run 18" would be perfect!

 

[Adamam]

Im with you now - sorry i thought you were just wanting to change the Stihl!

I run my 6800 on a 20 inch bar most of the time (also use it with 28inch bar) and dont feel the weight that much of an issue. I only have the 52cc because its not as thirsty, and its a lovely saw, when i dont need all the power.

 

I work 60 hours a week humping casks of real ale so my back doesn't have much left to give at evenings/weekends!

 

7.5kg + bar is pretty heavy I reckon. For 60cc anyway. Not that they aren't brilliant saws, not to mention the best starters ever.

 

Id say the newest model Dolmar/Makita 6100 is the saw for you. It is meant to be bloody good. Problem is youl need to buy new to get one id have thought. TCD imports the Dollys so id try him on here for a price - he had a thread about these saws, but i cant find it at the moment.

 

Ok, I'll have a look, thanks! I should probably start looking at the older 6400 too although I'm not sure that's any lighter...