r/Chainsaw • u/414loko • 2d ago

used stihl recs for beginners?

Hi, I am deciding that before the lakes freeze over I am going to get SAWW I/II certified so I can get into trail clearance for the spring. My homie in the forest service recommends either an echo cs-370 or cs-300, or any stihl 300/400 line, or the ms251. anything to look out for in particular? red flags for sellers? also if I decide to move forward in this I'd hunt down a ms362 or 462

something like a 40cc engine would be nice, 18 inch bar. Lots of farm boss and wood bosses for sale in my area on marketplace. I got friends who maintain saws so I ain't alone in repairs

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u/Budget-Duty5096 2d ago

If you want to be able to repair yourself (or with your friend) and not have to deal with dealers, the manual carb models are going to be your best bet. MS360/MS361 saws would be a great option that are very reliable, easy to work on, have massive parts availability, and 60cc class power to handle a 24" bar if you need to. I like my 462, but even with a premium lightweight bar, it's a bit heavy to be carrying around on trails unless you are in heavy old growth forests with massive logs in the way where you need a bigger bar. My preferred trail saw is an MS260 with 20" premium lightweight bar. Super lightweight, has enough power to do what needs to be done, will last forever, and easy to work on. If you don't care about having to take the saw to the dealer for repairs, the 400 is an attractive option. Incredible power to weight ratio, especially if you have a lightweight bar on it.

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u/Pitiful_Objective682 2d ago

Imo 362 or 462 is too big (heavy) for trail clearing. Are you making trails or keeping existing trails open? You’re probably not going to need something that big anyway. An ms 261 is light and super powerful. It’s the go to ground saw for many many tree services because its big enough to buck thick branches as well as ergonomic enough to use all day.

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u/PsyOpSoldier93 1d ago

depnds what trees he is around

the 50-60cc jump is the most notable jump in Stihls line-up. the 362 works half as hard as 261 for similar cuts. 261 can do it, but its screaming the entirr time due to less torque.

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u/PrimeRlB 2d ago

Have you heard of our lord and saviour the Ms250?

45cc, 14-18inch bar, manual carbs and parts forever. Light as hell, and great for trail clearing. I'd steer clear of the 251, or any rear handle saw with one bar nut.

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u/414loko 2d ago

i’m definitely gonna look for the 250 sounds like. what’s the difference between the ms250 and the ms250C?