Light Weight Climbing Saw

Apocalypsse

So I'm after my first saw that I can call my very own, not borrowed from work. I would love an MS200T but apprentice wages + cost = lolno. I've been looking at rear handled saws lately, around the 30-40cc mark sub $400, pref 16" bar, possible 18" option. The most work it would get atm would be more 65-75% on the ground on mostly smallish trees (smallish/mediumish same thing). I know what to look at with Stihls but I have nfi about Husqvarna's, I've looked at the 246 and it doesn't look too bad but I'm not sure how it compares with a Stihl of equivalent size.
Also there would be the climbing part. It would be nice to use for a bit of climbing here and there so the weight factor comes into it. None of this will be used on a commercial level, all domestic with a bit of work at my scout group's campsite.

So, taking recommendations/advice. I plan on going window shopping in the morning as I somehow have a Stihl and Husqy dealer (only Husqy dealer I know of this side of Melb) within 10 minutes of each other.

Drouin Tree Service

Buy a 488 shindiawa

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Drouin Tree Services | Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland | Landclearing Melbourne

Apocalypsse

Way too far over budget.

comgreserv

Try the echo saws, I think I paid about $550 for the last one a bought less than a year ago...

southbound

Wait for a used MS200T..

It is what we keep in the bucket truck and it is a great little saw....

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MS290X2,031av,038av,046mag,064av

Apocalypsse

This is more a personal use saw for the full range of needs, the extra bar length would do wonders. Besides, if I really need a climbing saw or big saw I can borrow one from work if I have to, but otherwise this is more handy having something on me all the time that can handle most jobs.

superfire

I would look a a Ms192 top handle or a MS 250. The MS250 is what my ex boss loves for tree limbing and toping cheap and easliy repaired. The only disadvantage with the pro topping saw is max bar length is 16", me I need a 18" bar for most of my limbing needs. Tanaka makes a topping saw as well as hitachi.

Cut4fun

I dont care for clamshell style saws when it comes time to work on them. So my suggestions for rear handles would be for 40cc under.

Redmax 3800
Shindiawa 377
Redmax 400 and 4000??
Dolmar 4??
Makita has some nice pro grade smaller saws too

Steve Tipton

I have some used saws for sale

2x tanaka TCS 3401, 34cc, 14", almost new cond. $350 each
1x Stihl 025, 42cc, 16", good cond, runs well. $300.
1x Stihl 034, 54cc, 16" or 20", good cond, runs well. $350.

I would mail to Vic for cost of postage.

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Heightmaster

Victor Lindsay

Shindiawa and echo are the same company now. Just buy an Echo...all mine have lasted for years. I would like to own a stihl, but i would need to travel sixty miles to get it serviced.

Cut4fun

Now that explains why the local Shin dealer dropped them about 3 years ago and went Husky.



Press Releases - ECHO USA

Drouin Tree Service

Cash converters i brought my first climbing saw there an 026 stihl $250

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Drouin Tree Services | Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland | Landclearing Melbourne

Eric Frei

I honestly think you need a top handled saw.

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MrDiesel

My first saws were ex Tafe 346's. They dont really get much use but they can be picked up for $650 with a 1 yr warranty.

Maybr ask your local arb tafe who they offload their saws to and see if you can get a deal

Harrydl

I've got a second hand MS200T for sale. Looking for around $650. In good condition. Send me a PM to discuss.

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Drouin Tree Service

If he doesnt want it ill take it

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Drouin Tree Services | Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland | Landclearing Melbourne

Apocalypsse

Where on earth did you find a cashies selling a 26 for that much? For the prices I've seen on old POS saws in there I could almost get a brand new MS192T, would be cheaper going to Bunnings.

Would be nice but I need best of both worlds as I'll end up felling stuff as well. If I really need a top handled saw I'll just borrow a 200 from work, same theory if I need to fell larger trees. I work in a big company so the only thing I need for myself is PPE and occasionally my climbing gear.

I ended up getting a Husqy 435 with the price dropped a bit. Perfect size for what I need. Already climbed with it a bit, need to run it in a bit before I can get a decent comparison between it and a Stihl.

superfire

Wondering how well made the saw is.Let us know what you think about it.

Cut4fun

I've heard, key word there is HEARD, good things from users of the 435.

Drouin Tree Service

I have a 365 sp that i might let go cheap enough...

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Drouin Tree Services | Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland | Landclearing Melbourne

Apocalypsse

Damn, about a week late!