New property means new saw.

[Renovationman]

I used to be brand specific. I am pro line specific now. These new “homeowner” and “farm and ranch” saws are junk compared to pro saws. Take apart an work on an older 029 then compare it to the 291 and you will see what I mean. The 291 belongs in the trash can to keep the wind from blowing it over.

From what I have read the 026 is one of the better non-pro saws. I have never had an issue with it in all the years I’ve had it. Run non ethanol fuel always and never store it with fuel in it for long periods.

 

[Jazzberry]

026s are pro saws.

 

[Renovationman]

026s are pro saws.

I did not know that! You learn something new everyday!! I was not aware of that at time of purchase years ago.
Thanks

 

[Jazzberry]

Stihls smallest pro saw.

 

[Chas0218]

I just bought a husky 550xp and love the thing. I've been doing 24"+ logs with the 18" bar no problems. I cut myself ash, sugar maple, hickory, and red maple. I have an older Stihl 041 60cc saw with 24" bar that i barely pick up since getting the 550. If you blow up the attached photo you can see the size of the logs im bucking. I bucked that all in 6 hours with the 550. I will say it likes a sharp chain like most saws. If you buy from a dealer and buy 4 cans of the husky synthetic fuel it will extend your warranty to 4 years. I think it was $22 for the cans. Well worth the money with as much use as mine gets.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Medic21]

Wouldn’t mind to come cut this as firewood. Someone might say something to me about that.

 

[Medic21]

Any of the 0xx saws are built like the professional models today. That is why the homeowner stuff is junk. It is built modular and cheap to keep cost down. In my opinion all the manufacturers did themselves a disservice when they did this.

 

[bholler]

Any of the 0xx saws are built like the professional models today. That is why the homeowner stuff is junk. It is built modular and cheap to keep cost down. In my opinion all the manufacturers did themselves a disservice when they did this.

The problem is that many people dont need pro saws. Or cant afford one i know i couldnt when i started. The homeowner and ranch saws are just fine for what they are. And for most people just cutting firewood and downed trees they will work just fine. I cut many cords with a cheap poulan pro saw. I have since upgraded to a ms241c and it does everything i need it to do. I have no need or want for a big saw

 

[Medic21]

The problem is that many people dont need pro saws. Or cant afford one i know i couldnt when i started. The homeowner and ranch saws are just fine for what they are. And for most people just cutting firewood and downed trees they will work just fine. I cut many cords with a cheap poulan pro saw. I have since upgraded to a ms241c and it does everything i need it to do. I have no need or want for a big saw

I know exactly what your saying. Finding the used 029 or 026 for around $250 will be a better saw all day long than a new MS271 or smaller. The way I explain it for firewood cutters is spending the money for a 241c or 261 is buying a saw like dad or grandpa had. Quality built. My dad still brings out the Homelight XL when he comes out with me. That heavy bastard give me flash backs of my childhood when I pick it up. I will guarantee that a brand new ms250 will wear out before that 30+ y/o saw will die. I am 41 and I have know nothing other than wood heat my entire life. I have spent the money over the years getting saws I want to make my life easier. The only one bought new was the 362cm last year and I love it. It will be my sons saw in 25 years when I’m too old to do this chit. Husky and Stihl both make a great product but, only in the pro line. They are built like those 30 year old saws still running. I wore out a ms250 in two years. The cost to rebuild was 70% of new. Last homeowner saw I will ever buy.

For the OP I just gave my .02 if he wants to cut efficiently with a 24” bar I would go no less than the 362 but recommend the 461. Those will still be running in 15-20 years with proper maintenance working them that hard. Would probably be the last saw he ever bought.

 

[bholler]

I know exactly what your saying. Finding the used 029 or 026 for around $250 will be a better saw all day long than a new MS271 or smaller. The way I explain it for firewood cutters is spending the money for a 241c or 261 is buying a saw like dad or grandpa had. Quality built. My dad still brings out the Homelight XL when he comes out with me. That heavy bastard give me flash backs of my childhood when I pick it up. I will guarantee that a brand new ms250 will wear out before that 30+ y/o saw will die. I am 41 and I have know nothing other than wood heat my entire life. I have spent the money over the years getting saws I want to make my life easier. The only one bought new was the 362cm last year and I love it. It will be my sons saw in 25 years when I’m too old to do this chit. Husky and Stihl both make a great product but, only in the pro line. They are built like those 30 year old saws still running. I wore out a ms250 in two years. The cost to rebuild was 70% of new. Last homeowner saw I will ever buy.

For the OP I just gave my .02 if he wants to cut efficiently with a 24” bar I would go no less than the 362 but recommend the 461. Those will still be running in 15-20 years with proper maintenance working them that hard. Would probably be the last saw he ever bought.

Around here you dont find used saws in good condition. They just dont exist. Any used saw i have looked at is worn out. Yes without question the pro stuff is much better. But the cheaper stuff will work for many people

 

[Jazzberry]

Looks can be awful deceiving. I just got rid of my 064 that was made in 1984 and it still ran like new. Looked like sh-it though. Spent a ton of hours on a mill which is the most abusive way to run a saw. Traded it to a pro tree cutter that didn't want to lug around his 084. Hmm pro tree cutter wants a 34 year old Stihl pro saw. Go figure. In fact around this area a lot of pros want the 066 instead of the 661, the 044 not the 441, 046 vs the 461 etc. Not all of them but a lot don't want the new electronics. I know because I repair and sell old saws for pocket money. Find an old ms 200 or 020T and sell it for $550 quick around here

 

[Medic21]

Looks can be awful deceiving. I just got rid of my 064 that was made in 1984 and it still ran like new. Looked like sh-it though. Spent a ton of hours on a mill which is the most abusive way to run a saw. Traded it to a pro tree cutter that didn't want to lug around his 084. Hmm pro tree cutter wants a 34 year old Stihl pro saw. Go figure. In fact around this area a lot of pros want the 066 instead of the 661, the 044 not the 441, 046 vs the 461 etc. Not all of them but a lot don't want the new electronics. I know because I repair and sell old saws for pocket money. Find an old ms 200 or 020T and sell it for $550 quick around here

I’ve gotten a grand out of a 020t I bought at a pawn shop and rebuilt. Had $250 total in it. I do work in the evenings for most of the tree companies around here and they all run the older saws and no one will buy electronic. I waited till last year. I like it, don’t have to keep tuning for every season. I stock parts for the 046, 036, and 029. Those three are what most tree companies use for ground saws around here. I see a few 066 and 660 magnums. That and rebuilding the top ends is so easy.

No one is using a 661 that I have seen outside of the loggers. There is a group of Amish that use all dolmars too. I bought one 5 years ago. It’s heavy but cuts like a beast after porting and removing the catalytic muffler. I richened it up and the damn muffler would glow red before I changed it out lol.

 

[Cast Iron]

Stihl 026,028. and other "0" saws are defunct, not made anymore.
The MS261 IS a pro model as is my climbing/limbing/long trail saw the older Stihl 009 top handle.
Look at how much you cut, your physical shape, and how you want to enjoy cutting, felling. clearing safely as a landowner....not a pro logger or tree surgeon. Harvesting less than 10 firewood cords ( the real cords ) per year, clearing long distance trails, moving blowdowns, and cutting for friends and elderly neighbors has got to be fun....and safe. I have the time.
We don't want or need the big boy heavy saws. No need.
Analogy: why most mil and law sidearms are in the 9mm range NOT 45.

 

[JimBear]

Wow, lots of input on this thread. I bought a new MS 271 with 18” bar last fall to replace a 029 that someone 5 fingered. I cut up 23 cord with it & have not had any issues. I am not sure what the difference is between a cord & a real cord is but I am an amateur. $399 for saw, case, gallon bar oil & a six pack of 50:1. It’s not a power house but I got along really well with it. I didn’t run up against any trees over 36” so it wasn’t a problem. Maybe after a few years at that pace it will crap out & realize now that there is a difference in Pro saws & Farm/Ranch saw. I guess the point is everyone has their favorites but what gets one fella by may not get another fella by. My 271 wouldn’t work well for Ashful but has worked well for me thru a variety of wood & conditions.

 

[Jazzberry]

Only works if you don’t know any better. Good used pro saws (certain ones) are cheaper and better in every way. Not all pro saws are the same. 026,036,044,046,064, 066 are classics. Oh ya the 020 200 is maybe the coolest saw Stihl made even though its not a pro saw.

 

[bholler]

Only works if you don’t know any better. Good used pro saws (certain ones) are cheaper and better in every way. Not all pro saws are the same. 026,036,044,046,064, 066 are classics. Oh ya the 020 200 is maybe the coolest saw Stihl made even though its not a pro saw.

No it works if you are able to cut what you need to cut with it. The same goes for anything. The higher quality stuff will work better but that doesnt mean the cheaper stuff wont work.

 

[Medic21]

Wow, lots of input on this thread. I bought a new MS 271 with 18” bar last fall to replace a 029 that someone 5 fingered. I cut up 23 cord with it & have not had any issues. I am not sure what the difference is between a cord & a real cord is but I am an amateur. $399 for saw, case, gallon bar oil & a six pack of 50:1. It’s not a power house but I got along really well with it. I didn’t run up against any trees over 36” so it wasn’t a problem. Maybe after a few years at that pace it will crap out & realize now that there is a difference in Pro saws & Farm/Ranch saw. I guess the point is everyone has their favorites but what gets one fella by may not get another fella by. My 271 wouldn’t work well for Ashful but has worked well for me thru a variety of wood & conditions.

A huge difference is weight. The 271 and 362 weigh the same with a ton of difference in power. The 261 is 2 pounds lighter and more powerful than the 271. That’s the difference in cases of the motor and how the pro saws are built.

The crank bearings and seals are also different between the 271 and pro saws. The oilers are steel vs plastic also. Quite a few differences in comfort and durability.

 

[bholler]

A huge difference is weight. The 271 and 362 weigh the same with a ton of difference in power. The 261 is 2 pounds lighter and more powerful than the 271. That’s the difference in cases of the motor and how the pro saws are built.

The crank bearings and seals are also different between the 271 and pro saws. The oilers are steel vs plastic also. Quite a few differences in comfort and durability.

You are absolutly right on all of that which is why i got a pro saw. But the farm and ranch saw can still give many years of good service.

 

[JimBear]

A huge difference is weight. The 271 and 362 weigh the same with a ton of difference in power. The 261 is 2 pounds lighter and more powerful than the 271. That’s the difference in cases of the motor and how the pro saws are built.

The crank bearings and seals are also different between the 271 and pro saws. The oilers are steel vs plastic also. Quite a few differences in comfort and durability.

I must of had a misprint, I now realize the difference the differences between Pro & Farm/ranch after purchasing the 271 & then joining this site & being educated by several of the entertaining threads. This thread is eerily similar to the new ATV/UTV thread, lots of thoughts/opinions on what works for each individual. I agree with bholler if it does what it’s supposed to & what you want & stayed within your budget then it’s all good. Now I did buy a used 260 online & have spent a lot of time & effort trying to get it to run as advertised, to no success, but do recognize the difference in weight,oiler, cases ,etc. The 260 is off to the Doctor today & should be able recognize all differences in the 2 saws this fall/winter.

 

[Ashful]

Looks can be awful deceiving. I just got rid of my 064 that was made in 1984 and it still ran like new. Looked like sh-it though. Spent a ton of hours on a mill which is the most abusive way to run a saw. Traded it to a pro tree cutter that didn't want to lug around his 084. Hmm pro tree cutter wants a 34 year old Stihl pro saw. Go figure.

That pro cutter apparently wasn’t aware of some of the ignition module issues with the 064. I think there were three different versions used over the product life cycle of the 064, one of which is showing serious reliability problems today, and another of which is NLA. If his ignition module dies, he may have a very heavy (but sexy) paperweight, door stop, or science project.

I’ll be trading my old 064 for a 660, when the timing becomes convenient. I love that saw, but nothing lasts forever.

 

[Ashful]

You are absolutly right on all of that which is why i got a pro saw. But the farm and ranch saw can still give many years of good service.

Exactly. At the pace of any amateur firewood cutter, even the most ambitious, our yearly usage is probably close to the weekly usage of a pro cutter. So, pro saws are great, buy them if you can afford them, but there’s nothing wrong with a farm saw, either.

The saw failures reported here are always more about age (cracked fuel lines, gummed carbs) than wear. Your farm saw will die from old age, or replacement parts availability (see my 064 ignition module, above), before you wear it out.

 

[Jazzberry]

I wasn't meaning the saw wouldn't work. I was referring to the thought process of paying the price for a new homeowner saw vs less money for a good used pro saw being a good deal. Of course a cheaper less powerful new saw will work. But not a good deal if you know better.

 

[bholler]

I wasn't meaning the saw wouldn't work. I was referring to the thought process of paying the price for a new homeowner saw vs less money for a good used pro saw being a good deal. Of course a cheaper less powerful new saw will work. But not a good deal if you know better.

Only if good used pro saws are available. Around here you can find used homeowner saws in good condition but the pro saws are beat. I looked at many. And yes most can be fixed but not everyone knows how to work on their saws. So by the time you pay for parts and labor did you still get a good deal? Again i agree the pro stuff is absolutly superior. But most people will do just fine with a good homeowner or farm/ranch saw.

And buying used is great if there are good saws available and you know what you are looking for.

 

[Jazzberry]

That pro cutter apparently wasn’t aware of some of the ignition module issues with the 064. I think there were three different versions used over the product life cycle of the 064, one of which is showing serious reliability problems today, and another of which is NLA. If his ignition module dies, he may have a very heavy (but sexy) paperweight, door stop, or science project.

I’ll be trading my old 064 for a 660, when the timing becomes convenient. I love that saw, but nothing lasts forever.

You make it sound like all 064 saws are ticking time bombs destined to be paperweights and I happened to find the dumbest pro cutter in the world who wanted my paperweight. Lots of desire for the 064 around my parts. They bring close to the same money as a 660 in my area. Any saw that lasts 34 years cant be all bad.

 

[Ashful]

You make it sound like all 064 saws are ticking time bombs destined to be paperweights and I happened to find the dumbest pro cutter in the world who wanted my paperweight. Lots of desire for the 064 around my parts. They bring close to the same money as a 660 in my area. Any saw that lasts 34 years cant be all bad.

Hah... didn’t mean to imply that. But they don’t even fetch half the price of a new 660/1, around here! I paid $400 for mine, which was in very good condition, more wear on the outside of the chain cover from rolling around in a tool box on the former owner’s truck, than anything else.

NOS 660’s are $1000, 661’s run $1200, around here. Are you talking used 660’s? We don’t see them, period.