Replacement saw for 272XP

[Larry]

My 272XP is running fine but seems to be gaining weight every year.  Its also pretty old, but not a lot of use.  I like the power and run it with a 24" bar.

I was in the local saw shop last week and saw a Stihl MS 400 which was attractive.  The specs suggested it has more power than my 272 and less weight.  Would I be happy with this saw?  Open to other suggestions. 

[ladylake]

 Keep your 272 and get a good 50cc saw for the smaller stuff.  Steve

[thecfarm]

No idea the spec on a 272, But a 50cc was mentioned. I just bought a husky 450e, a 50cc last Oct. I really like it. Starts easy and cuts nice.

[lxskllr]

Exercise! I'm not trying to be an ass. We all get weaker with age, and if you need a 24" bar for cutting, you're dealing with some significant wood. I'm guessing it's infrequently enough that it counts more as stress than exercise. Some weight training will make that 272 lighter over time, and it'll be good for your bones and health.

That said, I like having more than one saw, and picking the lightest one that gets the job done. Ed thinks a lot of the ms400. I'm having trouble seeing it since it's so close to the ms462, but I've run neither, so I'd defer to Ed's opinion.

[ladylake]

 
 There is a LOT of weight difference  between a 50 and 70 cc saw, I'd bet if you had a good 50cc saw you wouldn't use that 272 much.  Steve

[Larry]

I have a 50cc saw.  Its a Husky 350, while not a pro saw it works ok.  The only time I use it is when I cut tree top limbs for firewood.  It is a lot lighter but not near enough power for most of what I do.  The 272 gets picked 9 out of 10 times.

I really want the power of my 272, just hoping I can find something lighter.

[ladylake]

 I dont think your going to find a new 70 - 80 cc saw much lighter than your 272, maybe a little more power.  Steve

[Firewoodjoe]

272 was replaced by the 372. The 272 has more grunt than the new saws of it's size class. New ones are more rpm. The 272 is a great saw and I'd keep it with the 24". The big problem for me anyways if you up date you'll have a computer saw. Unless you get a 372 or a 390. How many hours a month do you use it? A 562 would pull a 20" just as fast as your 272 and be lighter in weight. If you like old school don't sell that 272. I run a saw on veryday all day and I still run old 371s and 372s. Can't beat them. 

[Spike60]

Another option is to get an 18" bar and chain for the 272. Will give it a very different and handier feel for when the 24" isn't needed.

Going to be hard to save significant weight without giving up some power by going to a smaller saw. But something in between the 350 and 272 such as a 555/562 might be something to look at.

[ladylake]

 

 Maybe get a 50cc ported,, Stihl MS261, Husky 550xp or Echo CS501.   Steve