Author Topic: Brush/ small limb saw MS170,MS180 or the other Orange? (Read 3071 times)

JW IN VA · « **on:** February 26, 2018, 07:35:31 PM »

I think I'd like a small light saww for cleaning up around fields and fences.I have an 026 and an MS 362c for firewood and larger cutting.
Just thinking about something light and to keep to wear down on the 026. Used to run a Wild Thing but I don't want to go back there.

Any experience with the above would be helpful.I do have dealers for both about the same distance.Also a couple Echo around but don't think too many have been sold by either.At least you don't see them.

joe_indi · « **Reply #1 on:** February 26, 2018, 08:07:01 PM »

I would look at the MS 230 or the MS 250

sprucebunny · « **Reply #2 on:** February 26, 2018, 08:15:33 PM »

The MS180s (3 of them in 6 years) I had were ok but the MS193 is much better.

teakwood · « **Reply #3 on:** February 26, 2018, 08:23:59 PM »

How about a battery chain saw? they have come a long way

DelawhereJoe · « **Reply #4 on:** February 27, 2018, 12:20:17 AM »

I've got a 180 and its not really alot lighter then the 024 or 026 I have, if it wasn't given to me I would have picked up an Echo cs 352. Just go put them in your hands to see what feels best for you.

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #5 on:** February 27, 2018, 05:15:53 AM »

What sized stuff are you cutting? 1-5" but end? Would a brush saw be better? Bending down gets old and slow quick. You was meant to stand up and walk.

Fishnuts2 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 27, 2018, 07:28:45 AM »

I'd buy an Echo CS-352, or CS-400. I've had or have the others mentioned, but like these best.

JW IN VA · « **Reply #7 on:** February 27, 2018, 08:36:24 AM »

Largest size would be 3 to 4 inches. Won't be bending so much as I have a brushcutter blade on my trimmer. I'm thinking more of limbs I can reach up to from the ground or on a platform.

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #8 on:** February 27, 2018, 08:43:49 AM »

Oh. I thought you was cutting brush at ground level, not limbing up.

Jerryok1971 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 27, 2018, 09:49:24 AM »

I have an Echo 310 and love it. It starts easy and is light. With what your looking to cut I think you would have plenty of power. I have had mine for 4 years with no problems and use it quite often.

stevekw · « **Reply #10 on:** February 27, 2018, 09:12:33 PM »

I have a 20 yr old MS170. It has been a very good saw for me. Starts pretty easy, has never had to be repaired. I have a 311 also, and unless I get cutting above 6" diameter wood I use the 170. My cousin has a newer 180. We cut wood together a lot so Ive ran several tanks of gas through his saw. Honestly if you're just going to use it for limbs and such I'd go with the 170. For $179 its a heck of a saw. I have the 14 inch bar on mine and I cut mainly locust, red elm, oak, and cherry. It's lightweight enough for limbing downed trees where you're lifting the saw a lot. If I had $500 laying around I'd buy a used MS200T for limbing. I used one a few years ago and it was very impressive.

dougand3 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 28, 2018, 11:11:23 AM »

Depends on far you have to reach....I have a 8"pole saw atachment on a 31cc trimmer powerhead. 5 feet of reach. Kinda slow but handles 4" branches ok.

knuckledragger · « **Reply #12 on:** March 01, 2018, 05:57:03 AM »

I walked into the grand opening of a saw shop in 2002 to buy a chain file and stihl oil. The proprietor suggested I fill out an entry form for the grand opening give away. I followed his suggestion. Three weeks later I received a phone call from the saw shop notifying me I had won the give away prize. A 170 was the prize. I still have the saw and I use it frequently. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a ms170 to anyone.

weimedog · « **Reply #13 on:** March 03, 2018, 10:01:24 AM »

Why not consider electric? Especially for a truck saw....and a couple of spare batteries. Think I'm going that direction at some point. For exactly the same situations. Fence, Farm, Around the barn & house brush. Both Stihl & Husqvarna brands have options that really fit into the price point, especially when you figure in the cost of fuel.

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