When we agreed to review the ECHO CS-400 18″ Chainsaw it was with the knowledge that we were going to put it into the hands of some guys who had years and years of professional tree trimming under their belts. 45 cc gas chainsaw review, Husqvarna 350 18 in. View attachment MS 310 parts.pdf Please only read the the document on your computer as you can see it is not allowed to be printed and the Stilh fairy will pot a spell on your saw & it will for ever more run backwards. While the STIHL chain stayed pretty sharp, it was by no means a brand new chain at this point. It can actually be used for almost any job you could think of, except for cutting larger logs – you have to remember that its a small chainsaw after all and will probably get stuck if you overuse it. Connect with us on the following social media platforms. I replaced one of these on an 028 and the leak vanished. As mentioned earlier, you will probably pick up your saw from the STIHL dealer completely ready to use. Our setup included the STIHL AP 300 battery. That piqued our interest. As the market leader with gas-powered chainsaws, STIHL keeps their stellar reputation with their MSA 200 C battery powered chainsaw. MS 311 chainsaw pdf manual download. Ford hates Chevy, Dodge is better than Toyota… you get the idea. Professional users will perhaps wish that this model would have a larger fuel tank. This allows the throttle to now be engaged. - DeWalt DCF887 vs Makita XDT16 vs Milwaukee 2853, YouTube Video VVVuaFZUNTRHOWtOcXV3VDFfZDJaR1F3LjZDUHU0Y0xIZjc4, Our site uses cookies. This is very simple, but mistakes can be made if you don’t pay attention. As for any consumer needs, there are no tools necessary. There are two (2) holes in the bar and adjuster, seeming that there should be two (2) screws. If you don't see any oil splattering onto the surface of the wood, the chain bar is not sufficiently lubricated. the oil tank. At the same time, make no mistake, I don’t see this as a replacement for a gas saw when felling trees. The bumper spikes, some call bucking spikes, are made of metal providing another resemblance of a gas chainsaw. I even worked with my uncle, who was a real logger in South Alabama. Fuel tank caps also tend to give up with age. Click to get the latest Buzzing content. Even with the lack of weight, it’s easy to recognize the quality of the STIHL MSA 200 C chainsaw when we assembled it and gave the saw a ‘once-over’. The other thing when it comes to a Husqvarna model is the gas and oil leakings. We like to use the bore cut method for felling a tree, so we started by making a face cut. However, many Pros service and maintain their chainsaws, so the following would apply. To be fair, STIHL doesn’t claim this either. However, after careful observation of the saw, I realized that only one screw is used, on the bottom hole of the bar and adjuster. With a predisposition towards bias – because that’s just how we operate as humans – I submitted my product to them for use and tagged along to try it out alongside them, hoping to provide any necessary “balance” to their biased opinions. He currently resides in central Florida with his wife and 5 kids where he divides his time as mentor, devoted father, loving husband and jungle gym. In all but very exceptional cases there is nothing wrong with the chainsaw and what appears to be an oil leak is simply oil that has sprayed from the chain as it rotates at high speed, draining from the saw body and guide bar . This STIHL MSA 200 C chainsaw never even struggled. Our last cut was on the backstrap. Overall, the Husqvarna 353 delivers good quality for its price and offers more torque and power than you could imagine a chainsaw this small could. From chainsaws and string trimmers to pressure washers and leaf blowers, Stihl outdoor power tools are designed for reliability and built for the long haul. “Wait, you cut two 18-inch trees down with a 14-inch saw?” Yeah, we don’t recommend this, but we wanted to see what the STIHL MSA 200 C chainsaw could handle. This was a near-perfect opportunity since there no buildings lie within reach, just grass. Even took down a 30ft pine with it. Thread starter rhead; Start date Sep 30, 2013; rhead. In my research I have found and ruled out the set screw below the muffler as … Suppliers and service providers doing business with Knysna Municipality must note that goods or services may not be supplied without an official […] But even the best equipment requires some maintenance to live up to its full potential. Just flip the half-circle lever out on the side cover retainer and twist left to remove. Just like the side cover, the oil cap has a flip-out half-circle. Furthermore, the throttle trigger is easy to engage, once the safety button is depressed. The saw does not show any sign of leaking while in use. Opened it yesterday and lo and behold, all the chain oil was in the bottom of the case. This is perfect timing with the arrival of the STIHL MSA 200 C chainsaw. Sure, it can cut through most wood and reasonably large logs, but if you don’t allow enough space to clear the sawdust, the chain can bind and it will be hard to continue. Included with our setup, but in separate packages, are the 14″ rollomatic mini bar, thin kerf blade, AP300 battery, and the charger. Next, we used the STIHL battery powered chainsaw to plunge cut into the oak, just behind our face cut. Take A Sneak Peak At The Movies Coming Out This Week (8/12) New Movie Releases This Weekend: February 12th – February 14th; How Hollywood celebs are celebrating Lunar New Year Holding the chain stationary on the bar, we put the slack of the chain around the sprocket and placed the bar (and chain) over the adjuster stud. I used a drop of Loctite on the threads to ensure the screw stays put. With the AP 300 battery attached, this saw is very balanced on the handle. Dan The oil tank vent is so sensitive that running winter blend (20w) bar and chain lube in the summer (>85 degrees) will allow the vent to leak. In fact, the saw cuts very smoothly, mimicking the cut of gas-powered STIHLs, just not quite as fast. It’s just a washer with little retaining ring. Even plunging the 14-inch chain and bar into the oak was like butter. Thanks for helping us do what we love. After depressing the throttle all the way, hold the chainsaw bar close to a piece of wood. If they actually need it, than they should look for another product on the market – this light chainsaw can’t do anything about it. You can also forget about any back aches and numb hands when using the Husqvarna 353. Shop by department, purchase cars, fashion apparel, collectibles, sporting goods, cameras, baby items, and everything else on eBay, the world's online marketplace If vibrations are kept at a low during use, everything goes smoothly – no hand numbness means that you will work with more efficiency. Not really, but it makes me sound tough. The bar and chain lubricants still leak when the chainsaw is idle, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary. If they actually need it, than they should look for another product on the market – this light chainsaw can’t do anything about it. Most common causes for a chainsaw to leak bar and chain oil. This is also a consequence of its small dimensions, and may make things a little more difficult and unpleasant when cutting larger logs. Greenworks Chainsaw Reviews 2020 | What to Know Before You Buy! Copyright ©2008-2021 CD Media, Inc. All rights reserved. One of our pet peeves is a chainsaw that leaves a trail. However the seal between the pump & the elbow should be oil tight as should be the joint between it and the outlet to the bar. This section includes the latest open Quotations. 46 cc gas chainsaw review, Husqvarna 353 18 in. Although it can be used for slightly larger logs, it is not recommended that you do that very often. Not bad… not bad at all. The quick change adjuster will face outward. We found a large section of the oak tree that had a consistent branch diameter of roughly 10-inches. Quality Stihl Replacement Parts From Repair Clinic. You get the feeling of: Did they forget to put the saw in here? Beautifully crafted. Sure enough, the STIHL MSA 200 C chainsaw was in there, sans bar, chain, and battery. OPE Reviews publishes in-depth reviews and industry tool news centering around the outdoor power equipment industry. Widowmakers are the cause for 11% of all fatal chainsaw accidents. As you probably expect from a Husqvarna chainsaw, this saw is pretty user-friendly and won’t give you much trouble, no matter if you just use it around the house to remove debris or try it on some of the harder woods such as oak. You’ll also find out that it doesn’t consume very much gas, which makes it a better long-term investment. 52 cc gas chainsaw review, Husqvarna 346xp 18 in. This is their 36-volt lithium ion, 6.0 Ah battery. Thorough comparison of cordless and electric chainsaws, Useful spring maintenance tips for chainsaws, Solutions to typical problems with chainsaws for novice loggers, How we test? This cut should only go about 1/3 the depth of the tree. Remember that this saw model was last made in 1993, a measly 24 years ago. By continuing to use our site you are agreeing to our, Professional Lawn Care: Making the Switch to Battery Power, Chemical Guys Big Mouth Max Release Foam Cannon Review, DeWalt 60V Universal Attachment System | Trimming, Sawing, Blowing. It can’t be a secret, from our positive outcome above, that I highly recommend the STIHL MSA 200 C chainsaw for anyone looking for a high-performance battery operated saw. Stihl has introduced the new FS 56 RC-E, the top of the line model for its new Homescaper Series of straight shaft trimmers. Having a love of automobiles that stems from his father's racing days, Tim has spent a lifetime around cars and trucks. OPE Reviews is written by landscaping professionals, tree care Pros, heavy equipment operators, and general contractors… If you work with trees, outdoor power equipment, or you drive heavy machinery, you’re going to relate to our writers (and you’ll want to read more and more). We also made sure there were no widowmakers ready to strike. The user’s thumb (for right-handed people) autonomously depresses the throttle lockout button when the rear handle is grasped. Since the trees are wider than the bar, we did have to plunge from each side. Arguably, this stands as one of the best in its class, and the quality is typical of STIHL. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Power is ample on the battery-powered MSA 200 C for any cutting in its 14-inch capacity. Professional users will perhaps wish that this model would have a larger fuel tank. Broke out my new Stihl chainsaw couple weeks ago, filled it with stabilized gas and bar chain oil. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The plug has come out of the end of the oil passageway that leads up from the pump to the bar pad, this is common on the 021, 023 and 025 saws. I’m a logger, just up from Coos Bay, Oregon. On that subject, a small storm rolled through our town a few months back, the name was Irma, Hurricane Irma. Handling the STIHL is almost like an extension of your arm or hand. There’s one key thing to note about OPE Reviews: we’re all about the professional landscaper, arborist, agriculture Pro, and heavy equipment operator. Bummer. You can make with it though, it’s just that it will slow you down a little bit. Best Tool Gifts for Christmas 2020 Edition, 3M WorkTunes Connect Hearing Protection Review, Bosch Heated Hoodie GHH12V with 3 Heating Zones, Carhartt Hunt Duck Insulated Camo Active Jac, Makita 18V X2 LXT Cordless Earth Auger XGD01, Guide Bar Lengths: 10″ to 14″ Rollomatic E Mini, Power Source: AP 300, 36-volt Lithium-Ion, 6.0 Ah (227 Wh), MSRP: ~$600 (MSA 200 C, AP 300 battery, Charger, 14″ Rollomatic Bar, and Picco Chain). STIHL claims a 45-minute runtime with this saw and battery, but it’s hard to equate what runtime minutes mean with a chainsaw. The Husqvarna 353 is ideal for cutting logs of 20″ inches in diameter. The chain also seems to work better than on the previous models, although you will still need to sharpen it from time to time. 32cc gasoline chainsaw with Prosumer Top Handle, Universal and reliable GreenWorks 20312 cordless chainsaw, Light and compact Echo CS-330T gasoline chainsaw, Light and professional STIHL MS 192 T gasoline chainsaw. R. rhead ArboristSite Member. This ~one-inch area is the “hinge”, and this will determine which way the tree will fall. – the tab (arrow) must locate – Open the oil tank cap and drain against the housing. We opted for the 14″ rollomatic mini, which is the largest bar and chain available for any STIHL battery powered chainsaws. One of our pet peeves is a chainsaw that leaves a trail. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. A quick squeeze of the trigger on the MSA 200 C and the chain roared to life, making quick sawdust of the few remaining inches of the backstrap. The amount of oil that pooled under the saw was significant, not a small amount that may have collected on the bar or under the clutch cover. Sometimes we make the mistake of equating weight with quality. The quick chain adjuster internal mechanism needs to be fastened to the bar, before installing the bar and chain. In terms of the municipality’s SCM Policy goods or services between the value of R2000 – R30 000 must be procured through a competitive bidding process. Turned out I got worked up over nothing… and they were downright surprised at how well the ECHO performed. Now, with a fresh battery, we made 43 coasters from the oak limb. Unbiased Research Methodology, Light and compact Oregon CS250-A6 cordless chainsaw, General tips about gasoline chainsaw tune-up, Semi-professional and reliable McCulloch CS 400T gasoline chainsaw, Choosing the best gasoline chainsaws for novices, STIHL MS 192 T vs. Husqvarna T435 gasoline chainsaws – competition of power and size, Homeowners like Craftsman 40V cordless chainsaw, Light and powerful Husqvarna T435 gasoline chainsaw with top handle, Just good and average STIHL MS 362 C-MQ gasoline chainsaw, Review of reliable Echo CS-303T gasoline chainsaw, Extremely heavy and powerful STIHL MS 880 Magnum gasoline chainsaw, Hitachi (14?) Tool-less – Bar Oil Tank. You might find that the area near the muffler gets somewhat hot when getting the bar fully in the wood. Cons: The oil filler cap is located right underneath the chain brake, which makes filling bar oil very hard unless you use a funnel or hold the saw with both hands. There’s not even enough residual to puddle or drip. We’re making it for you, specifically. You will have to be careful with the Husqvarna 353 – the fact that it is a small and light chainsaw means that you have to take it slow. If the unit continues to seep oil after a few days, the problem may be the vacuum relief valve located in the side of the engine housing between the oil output hole and the bar stud(s). The oiler also seems to offer minimal outage, perhaps this was one of the ways they came up with to reduce leaking when idle. Poulan PLN1514 vs STIHL MSE 170 C-BQ vs Homelite 14 in. The chain stays lubricated, but very little residual can be found. While I may not be a logger, I have felled my share of trees. If the battery is engaged, just depress the lock button and squeeze the trigger. Poulan and Stihl manufacture their own bar and chain oils specifically formulated for use with their brand chainsaws for optimal performance. Go ahead, say it: “timberrrrr!” Down went one, and then we repeated the process on the other. It features the company’s new full crank Easy2Start system and semi-automatic choke to ensure starting doesn’t become a strength training exercise. The bar on saw is 18" and after cool down after use I put the saw into the case. Furthermore, the plunge cut continues toward the opposite side, leaving an inch or two uncut (backstrap). Read before buying, Husqvarna 445 16 in. 51.7 cc gas chainsaw review, Eternal Husqvarna vs. STIHL chainsaws fight, Unbiased comparison of Echo CS-330T and STIHL MS 192 T gasoline chainsaws. In fact, I think STIHL is making this statement by offering a 14″ bar for their largest option. Keep in mind, this after felling two trees and cutting them up for firewood. Chainsaw . In today’s world of Internet news and online content, we began to inquire and found that more and more professionals were researching a majority of their major tool purchases online. We took the trimmer out for an extended test drive and found it to get the job done, but with a few quirks that detracted from an otherwise decent product. Removing the side cover for access to the bar and chain is simple, hence it requires no tools. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. At that point, you will turn off the chainsaw and let the chain brake go. We’ll just call them twins. This same access retainer is what is also loosened when adjusting the chain tension. For felling small trees, pruning, and brush-cutting, this is a great choice. Begin by turning the chainsaw on and allowing it to warm up. If this is your problem, loosen the bar oil cap when you shut it down and it will release the pressure while it cools off. First, we did our safety survey of the tree and surroundings. In addition, the cut is clean and smooth, much like the STIHL gas-powered cousins. Is This The STRONGEST Impact Driver? One of the most important things for professionals when speaking about a chainsaw is the vibration control. The 1/4″ STIHL Picco chain is a thin kerf design, made to work with the Rollomatic E bar. The next morning oil is in the case. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It was actually 42-7/8 cuts, but I’m hoping that we can agree to call it 43. Many battery powered saws we have tested have too many electronic processes, detracting from the sawability (that’s my new word). So after using the Stihl battery powered chainsaw, how does it compare to the echo and the EGo that topped out your other review? Thanks. We saw no trace of bar oil leaking from the MSA 200 C tank or auto oiler. Stihl 026 leaking bar oil all over the place. In addition to the pump gasket, the bar oil tank cap can be leaking slowly. Not sure if you’re still monitoring this post, but I currently have a Dewalt 40V and in terms of power, run time with 6ahr battery it is everything I’d ever need as a homeowner. The good thing about this model builds on the experience from its less fortunate predecessor, the Husqvarna 137, and has almost no oil leaking, even when left idle for a longer period of time. We want to know how many cuts we can make. If that is not it, I can go deeper but that solves 99% of the oil leaks. You know, that puddle of bar oil that’s left when the chainsaw is picked up. Need advice on this. The air filtering is exactly what you would expect from a Husqvarna – they do their job well and can be easily accessed by removing the top cover. Pro Tip: In forestry, the term widowmaker (or fool killer) is a detached or broken limb lodged in a tree. Reviewing a chainsaw can be a little tricky because we have found that people treat chainsaws and their brands like they do their vehicles. Lots of saws leak bar oil because the engine warms and pressurized the oil in the tank, thus forcing it to go somewhere. The simplicity of the MSA 200 C is a feature in itself. The trouble was, they both used a competing brand. Do I have to empty the bar chain oil before returning the saw to the case for storage and transport? Also for: Ms 391, Ms 191. On this STIHL battery powered chainsaw, there is no button or switch to turn on the saw. The chain stays lubricated, but very little residual can be found. One straight-slotted screw holds the adjuster to the bar. Topping off the bar oil is very easy and requires no tools. If the oil tank builds pressure during use, that can will case a good leaking rate of the oil, which will show up in the chain and bar section. The plunge cut should cut all the inside area of the tree, leaving about an inch behind the face cut. View and Download Stihl MS 311 service manual online. We saw no trace of bar oil leaking from the MSA 200 C tank or auto oiler. Picking up the box with the MSA 200 C chainsaw inside is a bit perplexing. A quick quarter-turn and the cap is off, ready to be filled. Sep 30, 2013. My Stihl ms250 is leaking bar/chain oil as I cut as well as when it is sitting, but it is a steady drip as it cuts. Chemical Guys Hypershield and Hyperban Disinfectants for Cleaning, EGO Lawn Mower Reviews 2020 | What to Know Before You Buy. You know, that puddle of bar oil that’s left when the chainsaw is picked up. Be sure to refer to the manual that comes with the chainsaw model you have. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. I fill the reservoir before I start the job, not after. Of course, picking this up from your local STIHL dealer, they will have all this assembled and ready for you. Let’s see how much real work this STIHL battery powered chainsaw can handle. The bar and chain lubricants still leak when the chainsaw is idle, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary. How Did the Stihl 12V Garden Pruner Become the Scam of the Year? I would like to see a 16-inch bar and chain offered, to give a bit more cutting capacity. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. We placed the chain on the bar and then moved the adjuster all the way in. Mostly use cheaper stuff in Black bottle from Lowe's not sure the name or I use Stihl oil, they both leak. but i find the design to keep the chain on is weak. Sometimes, oil leaks through the bar, chain and any other areas of the chainsaw because of the excessive pressure inside the oil tank. Husqvarna 353 51.7 cc gas chainsaw review. Well, maybe there was just one lightning strike, but it killed two trees in one strike. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. From restoring and renovating them as well as fixing them when they break, Tim always has a tool handy. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn income when you click on an Amazon link. The STIHL battery powered chainsaws can be configured with a variety of bars and chains. 9 A. which electric chainsaw is the best? I have replugged 5 of these saws that I have come across, the plastic plugs just fall out likely from the … Also, the price is pretty steep when compared to the others on the market. This is why motor oil is not a sufficient source as a chainsaw oil. It’s the perfect entry-level chainsaw to use for both professionals and amateurs, although if you need to cut very large logs and such, you should look for a heavier product on the market. One of them was quoted as saying: “this is the best chainsaw I’ve ever used that wasn’t touting itself as a pro-only model”. If you’re not aware, these can become dislodged while felling and hurt or kill someone. The MSA 200 C chainsaw weighs only 7.3 lbs by itself and only 11 lbs with the AP300 battery. Its light construction offers high maneuverability and you’ll be able to work longer without feeling as tired as you would with a regular chainsaw. Make sure the screw, holding the adjuster to the bar, is facing towards the saw. Next, we drove a couple wedges into the cuts, to ensure the tree falls in the correct direction. Page 67: Oil Pump: Pull the oil pump (1) off the nipple (2) and then lift it off over the crankshaft stub. Smooth and fast, without the noise. To be honest, you may even regard this as one tree, but for all practical purposes, let’s call it two. One of the victims was a mature oak tree just outside one of our shops, struck by lightning during one of the many thunderstorms. Even with the higher price, the build quality and performance still make this a great buy. Reviews of landscaping tools and outdoor power equipment. This STIHL battery powered chainsaw is powerful, nimble, and quiet. My Stihl dealer says all saws leak some oil. For felling larger trees, you might want to try something like the STIHL MS 441 Magnum. These smaller Picco thin-kerf chains seem even sharper than their larger cousins. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. For more information: STIHL 36V MSA 200 C Chainsaw. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This condition is deemed to be normal for any chainsaw with a similar bar & chain lubricating system. One of the first things you’ll notice is that the 353 is easy to start and has good vibration control. Take A Sneak Peak At The Movies Coming Out This Week (8/12) New Movie Releases This Weekend: February 12th – February 14th Have you compared the 2? Whether you’re cutting with the bar vertical (pruning and cross-cutting fallen limbs) or horizontal (felling trees), the rubber overmolded handle is comfortable and functional. Used it very little, returned it to the case. The MSA 200 C had no problem cutting through the oak. This was a mature oak tree that had a common twenty-something-inch trunk for about two feet, after this, it separated into two ~18-inch trees. Be careful with the new chain, they are very sharp. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. How does the Stihl compare in terms of durability? Toolless chain tensioning, coupled with an oil level sight makes operating the UC4051A a fairly easy task even for novice chainsaw users. Finally, we assessed the lean of each tree to determine which way to fell them.