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Well seems my Stihl is toast almost sounds as if I ran it with unmixed gas but I checked my gas and it's all mixed. I was looking at the Stihl MS170 nice light saw to replace my 025. Anyone use this saw. If I don't buy new I contacted a fella about a used 028 that he's asking 275 for.
They have so many numbers just to confuse. The ms 170 is 30cc I think.
Look at the cc.
I'm looking for one with pressure relief.
The 170 is a " home owners " saw.
I would go with a used "pro " saw.
Much longer life and easier to fix.
Can't go wrong with a 026 or 028.
Should last a lifetime.
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Actually the all the MS saw are home saws. I use as a benchmark my ole poulans which served me OK and each cut about 200 cords before I retired them. My used MS 025 was great and fast with lot's of power the Poulan not so fast. I thought the MS 170 would be nice in light being only 30 cc and 8.8 pounds while the MS028 much like the 025 weighs about 10 pounds. Not sure what my poulan 2250 weighed but it was probably 10 pounds but slow.
I think my saw requirements are to be able to cut 20 cords a year for 20 years or 400 cords (Face) must be faster than a Poulan (thats not saying much I know). Needs to be able to withstand abuse as I am extreme on equipment. I have looked at Husky are they cheaper than Stihl and are they any good anymore?
I believe MS 260 comes in pro.
A 170 or 025 would never compare to older 026.
In performance or reliability.
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A 30 cc seems just a little light in the cc department to me for the amount of wood you're dealing with on an annual basis. I'd personally be much more comfortable with something in the 40 cc range.
And I don't see how anyone can go wrong with most Stihl, Husky or Jonsered saws nowadays.
Stihl or Husqvarna seem to set the standard. That's usually what you see the pros and forestry workers using, or even the hydro guys. If you want to have some some real insight and an interesting roaming check out the forums at http://www.arboristsite.com/community/
Greatwhite there's one thing I don't get here. You basically want to buck up close to a tandem load of logs every year. That's not what I consider occasional use by any stretch, so I would never be looking at a 30cc saw like that 170. You can't put a 16" bar on that, it's made for a 12" ideally. I'd rather have more power than not enough anytime in any small engine so I wouldn't go under something like the 028, 43 cc, which I own, but if you can find an 028 Super that would be much better, with more displacement and other improvements like a dual dog pull start mechanism, while the 028 with a single dog was prone to breaking, mine did.
One last point. I don't know how big the logs are that you plan on cutting, but one year back a ways when I first started getting logs delivered my load turned out to be full of huge local red oak up to 20" and some neighbours got even bigger ones. Best burning wood, once cured two years, it was so dense. Let's just say that after working through the smaller stuff I realized that my present chainsaw was totally inadequate for the job. So I checked the local EMC paper want ads and there just happened to be an ad for a Stihl 036. Go figure eh. I check out the specs and right on, over 60cc. I phone and it's a farmer selling it too, so I know it's likely been well used and maintained. They had bought a brand new Stihl to fit that role on the farm. So I drove 2/3 the way to Brockville and ended up buying it for $350. Turned out to be a great deal still to this day. I have a real nice load of good sized straight 8ft oak logs here right now and my 028 doesn't even hardly get a glance anymore, regardless of the extra weight you just can't beat the power. The 028 is plenty handy still, and gets strapped to the quad or on a trip in the truck for sure. Or maybe a son in law offers to help hehe...
Point being is that you will never ever regret that you bought quality tools to fit the job, even if you go used go with the better product. Better spent money.
Cheers
GW...my buddy and I have been cutting about what you cut every year times 3...we cut enough for 3 households every winter. Mostly maple so the saws get a good work out.
I have 4 Stihls; a 036, 290, 026 and a MS170. ...
The only one I bought new was the 290 Anniversary special. It's a big saw that weights a lot but is great for blocking the 16"+ logs. The arms sure get tired holding/carrying for 4-5 hrs in the bush. I found it not as powerful as the 036 so I don't use it as much.
For a day in the bush...I basically use 3 saws; the 036 (with an 18" 3/8 bar/chain) drops and blocks the big stuff. The 026 (the best saw Stihl ever made) is my workhorse, drops and blocks all the 'average' trees and does probably 75% of the work each winter, I've kept it with the 16" .325 bar/chain.
For a great limbing saw, I pimped out the MS 170 I picked up off Kijiji for $175; put on a 3/8 drive socket and a 12" bar. That .043 bar/chain combo the saw comes with is pretty much only for tree trimming around the yard.
With the 3/8 set up, it gives you a far bigger chisel/ cutter and turns that small light saw into a great short bar saw for limbing everything that gets dropped. I've been using is for the past 6-7 yrs and it still works great. Keep the cutters sharp and the saw doesn't have to work so hard and lasts longer.
Here's the chart Stihl puts out to give you an idea what kind of saw fits the job at hand.
For the work you do...I'd be looking at the Farm Boss 271, unless you can find a good used 026.
http://i.imgur.com/etzINuv.jpg
Hey Smitty, I lucked in getting my 036 at an estate auction for only $200. It didn't have a bar on it, so no one wanted it. I started the bidding at $200 and no one challenged it. I picked up a new 3/8 bar chain combo off eBay for $50.Quote:
Originally Posted by smitty55
As you say great saw for blocking the big stuff...a real workhorse. I don't do bush work anymore, my partner got Parkinsons and couldn't work the saws anymore, so now I have 18' logs delivered to my yard and I just block them here.
I find I'm using the 036 a lot more these days as I'm not having to carry it thru knee deep snow so the weight is not as much an issue.
Well I wish my 025 had died going to rip it apart later today to see what is wrong. But although it hasn't seized sure sounds like something is very wrong. I had been hoping to buy the M170 for the ATV. But I agree the 025, 026 and 028 are more suited to what I do and the abuse that I put a saw through. Have not heard from the guy on Kijiji yet but about the 028 guessing it might be sold.
The new MS250 (I think it replaced 025 and 028) is about 500 with tax. I'm going to search for a used but I do need something by the fall. My buddy has the 290 nice but very heavy.
This is the 028 on Kijiji.
He said he would take as low as 200.00. They don't make these anymore and I know Tom's air cooled closed 5 years ago (The sticker on the saw). But probably no older than my 025 trying to find the specs on the saw.
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-power-tool/o...saw/1282232959
Wish I had seen this for you yesterday morn...smoking deal...sold quickly !!
Seems to me the MS250 goes on sale twice a year for $225/$250..just have to wait it out.Quote:
Husqvarna 440 Chainsaw and Accessories
$250
Kemptville, Ontario
1-Husqvarna 440 Chainsaw
1-part full container of chain oil
1-Craftsman chainsaw case
1-2XL Husqvarna chainsaw chaps
1-Stihl hardhat with ear protectors (face screen needs replacement)
1-pair of Stihl size 11 chainsaw boots
1-Fiskars extendable pruning saw/cutter
1-3/8" cable with hooks on each end
2-milk crates to carry it away in
MS 170 is a fantastic saw and you can get the last of the straight 170 model run for $199 at Home Hardware. I just went and bought a second one. Fantastic saw for smaller folk and women.Can't beat the price. I've pounded the crap out of the one I own. Have worn out one clutch and two 16" bars and am now on my third bar. The saw literally has over 1000 hours on it. Never had a problem with it, as long as you always use fresh ethanol-free premium fuel. I've owned Stihl 026(3 of them and IMO the 170 is a better saw), MS 250 (2) , 038 Magnum, 290, 066, etc and this little 170 is my favourite. Owned three Huskies and the dump is probably the best place for them. The worst piece of crap I ever owned was a $1000 272XP pro saw. Single piston ring lousy design. Non-stop problems and lousy warranty service from Husky. I use the 170 for cutting ice for beaver trapping too. Very easily cuts 80% of my firewood, up to about 14" dia. hardwoods. The 038 Mag or 066 are great if you're bucking a trailer load of 20" + hardwood logs and you can rest the saw on the log and just use the bucking tooth. Other than that who wants to try felling and lugging around a 20lb pig all day. You need something this size, however, if you're running a chainsaw mill. You'll kill anything less than 65cc, esp. if you're milling hardwoods. No need to run anything longer than a 14" bar on the 170. Anything bigger and you're robbing the saw of power, adding unnecessary weight, and increasing the chain and bar cost, and your sharpening time. Some things I've learned - ethanol kills chainsaws. Use only premium ethanol free if you can find it. Dicard mixed fuel more than 2 months old. Only mix up small batches at a time so it gets used up. Put a new carb kit on your saw every 200 or so running hrs (that is a lot of cutting!. The average person may be lucky if they cut 50 hrs per year.). The ethanol fuel hardens all the gaskets /rots out the inner carb mesh filter. If you leave it like this you will eventually get a starved/lean run and detonation condition that will toast your head. Use premium oil and I always run mine at 40:1 instead of 50:1. Smaller is better - use the smaller bar. Unless you're running a chainsaw mill or are out in Oregon cutting lodgepole pine, you don't need anything bigger than a 16" bar.
You probably can't go wrong for 200 on that saw. Do a compression test if your capable.
I just bought a 026 for my brother on Kijiji for 150$
Lots of saws come and go on Kijiji I got my 038 magnum for 50 bucks but that was a fluke.
Just watch for resellers... try and buy of a owner that is downsizing.
My guess is your 025 has lost compression from a scored piston from the overworking.
Take off the mufflers and shine a flashlight on the cylinder wall too see if it is scored. If it is put it on Kijiji for 75 bucks for parts and put the money towards a bigger pro saw.
I wouldn't worry to much about the age of the saw as long as it's a pro series and in good shape.
The 38 mag I bought is probably 25 years old but is a weapon and really easy to work on and parts are very available.
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Yeah I'm keeping an eye out for the sales. The 028 is considerably heavier then my 025 by about 4 pounds. I don't really need it until fall since we have my buddies 291 and I have 20 face cords out back. But for me feels kinda strange not having a chainsaw. Maybe have to put one of my Poulans back together for now.
I PM'd you...Quote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
I'm glad you like that little ms170 Fenelon but there is absolutely no way that a tiny 30cc engine has anywhere near the power of a larger saw like one over 60cc. I'd love to see you using that beside me while I use my 036 on large red oak logs. No contest. That's why you've burned a clutch on it, it's having to work too hard, specially with a 16" bar. But suit yourself, for me that's a limbing saw. Even my old 14" Pioneer had a 45cc engine.
Cheers
I agree with you Smitty55. Probably wouldn't stand up to my abuse. If I didn't need a new main saw the M170 would be a very sweet ATV saw.
Quote:
Originally Posted by smitty55
If you can hold out for a deal on the MS250, I'd be doing that.
A friend of mine just got one on sale about a month ago ($320).
Personally I have the MS251, paid full pop, and have zero regrets.
Smiity:
As per my reply, I'm not using the saw for large hardwood logs. As said, it easily cuts anything I'm handling for firewood up to about 19", which is about 90% of what I clean up on my property. I stopped intentionally cutting large stuff years ago when I got tired of the sore back and shoulders from handling those big blocks on the splitter. I'll buck and split it now if its blowdown, but not by choice. Re: clutch - the saw is 5 years old and has an estimated 1000 hrs on it and it's on its third bar. It will be on its 4th full carb kit if it lasts till this winter. I've replaced the drive sprocket twice and the inertia brake bank spring three times. It has more hours on it than most saws would see in a 20 year lifetime. Worn clutch has nothing to do with the wood I'm cutting. It's simply worn out from the hours. That's what is truly amazing about this saw model - the simple fact that its still got good compression and still runs well. If I ever do have to buck really big stuff, that's what my 038 Mag or my 066 is for. I said there's no need to run a 170 with any bar longer than 14", as the saw comes with a 16" bar stock when you buy it and its overkill. I run a 12" bar on mine. No need for anything bigger when youre cutting stuff up to 19 ".
I cringed when I saw the word Pioneer! I have very bad memories of those old P40s and P42. I once saw a Frenchman at the cut shack at Camp 34, up near Pierre Lake at Cochrane. He got so pissed off at his POS P42 that he snapped, then walked down the side of a gravel esker with a DuMarier cigarette on his lip and pitched the whole saw into the lake. There were 10 men on shore crying, as all you could hear during the 200meter walk was "collice, calvair, este, tabernack, collice ............" . He came back to camp from Valdor the next week with a new Jonsored.
I use my 170 for limbing only, maybe up to 4"....then I switch to the 026. I have occasional used the 170 on something bigger and even with a 12" 3/8 bar on it, it just doesn't cut as fast or easily as with the 026. If your still using the stock .043 bar it would be very hard to cut. That translates in additional wear and tear on the saw and shortens it's life. Yes it will eventually cut thru an 8" piece of maple, but the saw has to work hard to do it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fenelon
Proper tools for the job, something I was taught early on and adhere to.... for the most part :)
As a former RCEME I would have thought your shop consisted of bailing twine, copious amounts of duct tape, and packs of Wrigleys Spearmint......Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
Hey RCEME was a professional outfit; we used military issued Gun Tape....not that Red Green knock off stuff...LOL..Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebulldog
still have a roll of it in my tool box..
That old gun tape would probably have worked for some people to keep a stack of firewood from falling over also. Not bringing up old news though.
John
It was still made by 3M Co. as is the standard "duct tape ".Quote:
Hey RCEME was a professional outfit; we used military issued Gun Tape....not that Red Green knock off stuff...
Most of the 'Gun Tape' I've ever used was made by 'Dominion Tape'..a federal company in Cornwall Ont...Quote:
Originally Posted by jaycee
http://i.imgur.com/H51mfvg.jpgQuote:
DOMINION TAPE OF CANADA LIMITEE is federal corporation in Canada. The corporation number is 405663. The address is 104 William St, Cornwall, ON K6H1J2. The city is CORNWALL, ON. The postal code is K6H 1J2. The current status is Inactive -
I assume Dominion was the original 'sole source' supplier of Gun tape back in the day ...maybe the new stuff is contracted from 3M...I know there is no comparison to the original Gun tape I have, to that cheap 3M stuff they call Duct tape :)
The GOOD Stuff ..LOL..
http://i.imgur.com/h2JdBD0.jpg
There is Duct Tape, then there is "Duct Tape" , and then there is more " Duct Tape ",
http://www.askthebuilder.com/duct-tape-comparison/
http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-duct-tape/
https://www.staples.com/Duct-Tape/cat_CL167765
Prices can range from 6 bucks per role to over 20 .
A good summary......the listing shows the different grades from Dabco... from econo to the best...Gun Tape...
http://www.dabco.ca/products/duct_tape_3.html
Their best is wait for it, ta da;T-REX DUCT TAPE - The Ultimate Duct TapeQuote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
duct tape
Quote:
Originally Posted by jaycee
And made by ShurTape, not 3M..Quote:
Originally Posted by jaycee
Shurtape also appears to be a source of Mil Spec Gun tape.
Hey GW..sorry about the hijack....some peoples kids..LOL...
I'll keep my eye out for a Stihl at the auctions, they sell for more than the Poulans, but every once in a awhile you can find a good one for less than 1/2 retail.
Some of these threads go strange ways. Chainsaw and Duct tape. I just buy the cheap stuff and then I steal Tim's good stuff. :)
The Vanier Pawn shop has an 024 asking 200 I was thinking of offering him 150.00 if he will take it. Any idea how old the Stihl 024, 025 etc were, I figure they are from the late 1990's??
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-power-tool/o...saw/1285065331
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
024 production went from 1982-1992 and there were several different model made. If you get the serial no. of the unit you may be able to find out the year from Stihl.Quote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
Cheers
OK So I got one of my older Poulan's fired up for now had to change the oil pump got a new one out of another saw I had. So I can wait it out until Stihl goes on sale also I order a new coil for my stihl as that might be the problem cost me 10 bucks from China compared to a local shop here of 75.
ive had an ms170 for 10 years this October.
(granted it dosent get used a ton)
has def seen its fair share of wood chips tho
has been a great little saw. other than replacing an oil line
last fall i havent done much maintenance
besides an air filter and spark plugs. iam not felling massive hardwood timbers where
i go so its been perfect for me.
nice and light and easy to work on which is
important as iam not that mechanically inclined.
http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/a...psa1ncut35.jpg
havent ordered parts yet from this site but prices seem
quite reasonable:
https://www.discountonlineparts.com/chainsaws/
Well score one for me I got a deal on some wood 8 cords of which 5 cords are already split and I got for 320 and only half a km from my house. So I'm in good shape wood wise I have 30 face cords out back and only need 10 a year.
Ripped apart my saw and it might be the coil so I ordered one from China for 15 bucks and I will try repairing this stihl while I wait for the new ones to go on sale or I find a used one for 150. Mean while I rebuilt my Poulan 2150, grabbed a oil pump off of one I have for parts.
If I get the old saw running again I really do like that M170 for casual use and for the ATV.
GW, I know you cross border shop at times; there is a Stihl dealer at a place called the WoodChop Shop outside of Canton NY. They have consignment/used saws for sale and you can get a great deal there.
You might be able to call ahead and see what they have, worth a trip down. I saved $150 (after $ conversion) on my FS130 brushcutter there. They also have a great parts./service section that is cheaper than up here.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=chop%...i:10#gws_rd=cr
Thanks Mike I sent them an email just now.
Hey GW, I have a Stihl MS 270 50cc that I am thinking of selling, Has been used but not abused mostly had on my bike and some camp use. Let me know here if interested and maybe we can cut a deal.
Laker
Thanks for the offer, but I might have mine fixed well maybe. I replaced the Coil and the old one had a big gash in it, so that explained the problem with starting. So I replace the coil and run it but no oil. Now what I take it apart pull of the clutch and crap the sprocket roller bearing fell apart and make matters worse it tore up the edges where the worm gear turns which also turns the oil pump.
Well I grinded down the burned plastic so it's smooth and now the worm gear turns better just have to get a new bearing for the sprocket.
I still think I might by a new 250 and maybe put a 14 inch blade on this one.
Crap I just can't win.
I replaced the tie rod on the Jimmy and find out I need to also replace my ball joints. Wife comes home and the support straps hold the exhaust on her car broke and the exhaust broke the bolts holding it to the cat, that took a few hours to drill out since my drill bit are 20 years old.
Anyways almost done.
Chainsaw almost fixed just need the new bearing. Car I will send out to mechanic to also fix the flex pipe and I will do the ball joints on the weekend. Also have to finish painting the trim on the house by Friday and haul down 8 more cords of wood to the house.
Quote:
Originally Posted by laker taker
I just bought a Husquavana 455 and my brother has a Stihl MS271(farm boss) both are great saws mine does have a little more power his is slightly lighter and better on fuel
both are kickass saws I'd recommend going with a saw with the larger chain if your only going with one saw
Dan
I'm a arborist and have lots of experience using and rebuilding chainsaws. Right now I have a Stihl 193t,ms 260, ms 440, ms 660x2 and a ms 880 with 5ft bar. For Husqvarna I have a 540xpt and a 394XP. If I was you I would be looking at trying to find a nice used Stihl ms260 in good condition. In my opinion that would be the best bang for your buck for what you need.
I saw Stihl's big 'Fall Sale' ...the MS250 is on for $450 instead of $470....
The Ms 170 is on for $269...
https://www.beachhomehardware.com/pr...RoCkAsQAvD_BwE
Yeah. I had a friend who took advantage of that "deal"....Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
I just check right now for sales and the MS250 is currently only 20 dollars off