Looking for something lighter than my big Farm Boss saw to trim trees at the lease. Looking for a gas powered saw... anyone have anything to saw on makes and models? Not really looking to cut trees but trim trees back and such.

Stihl 170.

I had exactly the same problem with my Farm Boss. As it aged, and I did, it seemed to put on weight. So I needed a lighter chainsaw too. I went with a Stihl MS180C with a 16” bar. Great little saw for light work. Over time I decided that I needed something a bit bigger and more powerful, but still lighter than the Farm Boss. So...when I squished the MS180C accidentally, with my tractor, I went to a MS250. I really like the saw, but sometimes I wish I still had that MS180C.

My wife has a Stihl battery powered chainsaw with a 12” bar. Great for light work, but when serious work needs to be done, I grab the MS250.

This little guy right here!

https://m.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/in-tree-saws/ms194t/

I have a big ole Stihl 362 commercial saw, with a 20" bar. I also have this little one.

The handle on top is so that you can run it one handed, and I have many times. I use this one 10:1 over the big saw. It is a 14" bar, so 12" outside the motor housing. I have cut down a 12" tree with it, just walk it through. And limbing trees is a breeze with this little saw. It is terrific for trimming things up and limbing downed trees you're going to buck for firewood. It stays in a toolbox of my truck at all times.

JG is right. That arborist saw is much easier to control and it is orange so it will get the job done.

I saw this one coming. No argument from me.

Electric Dewalt

I picked up a 180 a few years back when the farm boss started being overkill, now I'm on the waiting list of one of these at the stihl dealer.

https://www.stihlusa.com/products/hand-tools/battery-hand-tools/


I'm 14th in line

I beat the piss out of one of these as my climbing saw when I owned a tree trimming & removal business. For what you're wanting, no need to spend more than $200.
https://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Chainsaws/CS-310

I know nothing about Echo products but I’m sure they make some good stuff.

Buy the 201 professional arbor saw with a 12” bar. Buy once, cry once. I had to buy my second one a few years back in 15 yrs of business. They bounce around in the truck, get rained on, and dropped. When you’re up in a tree or on a ladder you want something reliable and powerful.

Jman

What brand are you talking about, Echo?

My tree guy uses the little Stihl 201 while climbing and that thing is impressive.

KOBALT battery operated for me, after 50+ years of messing with gas powered saws (and trimmers) of all makes and models. Perfect for the light work around the house and grounds and if I need a "bigger bar" I call in a professional.

Stihl is the best.

BUT

Echo is 94% of a Stihl for 70% of the price. I like my CS-352 a lot but I'm sure it's out of production...had it about 10 years. Guessing the CS-310 above is the newer version.

Yessir. I have the Kobalt 40V pole saw, hedgers and most recently the blower. Does everything I need around the house and has gotten plenty of work at the deer lease trimming trails, clearing out tree stand spots, etc. I would have lost a bet on the amount of cuts that pole saw would give on a single charge. Have a couple extra batteries if ever needed for back-up as well. Light and quiet.

Years ago I ran a Mccullouch Mini Mac with a 10 or 12 " bar for trimming trees and brush.

I’d consider a battery one but when you get deep into cutting the last thing I want is to hold up to charge a battery...

How big of limbs are we talking? I started carrying my battery powered sawz-all around for light stuff. Limbs 4" or less. Just use the 3-cut method and you will be good.

I have several tools with the same battery, giving me a spare. I still do not attempt cutting big logs.

I have an echo cs-310.
11 years old.

love it

I have nothing to add. Just upping my post count.

The Stihl ultralight MS150ce if you want a traditional handle configuration:

https://www.stihlusa.com/information/corporate/press/oct27_ms150ce_chain_saw/

Someone pasted two full pages of dogcatchers post on the Tall Tales forum.