As others have suggested, I settled on a 20 inch bar years ago for my Husky. It's a perfect balance for me and I can still lug her around at 74. I also have a smaller 14 inch bar on a Poulan that is much lighter for small limbing work.

Not sure how much you want to spend here but my dealer sells the Echo CS 590 Timberwolf with a 20" bar for $399. A 20" bar is good for all around use. It is a 59 cc chainsaw and it has enough power for using a 24" bar if you ever need to. Unlike many home owner type chainsaws it has a compression release to aid starting. It pull starts much easier than most 35 cc - 50 cc chainssaws. I consider the Echo CS 590 a very good deal for its performance.

I've used the Stihl MS 170 with success. They come with several bar lengths, but mine has the 16". Told the local dealer that I had 8 acres with some woodline that needs occasional clipping, and after storms I will need to cut trees around 12" diameter at times, and this was his suggestion. He said mostly homeowners buy too much saw then hate the size and weight.

I don't know if that will help you with your decision or not, but at less than $200 I have been pleased.

Sorry I got carried away a bit, woodcutting is one of my passions.
That 20 inch echo that was posted sounds good although I have no experience with them
My bro in law runs a stihl ms271 20 inch it’s been a good saw, he got it on a spring sale for $379.00
You have a small saw so you have that end covered.
Either of those should serve you well!

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
16 or 18" is my suggestion.

I have 14 and 20 inch bar saws. The 20 inch is more than enough to cut logs up to about 40 inches. Just cut from both sides.

The 14 inch saw is great for limbing, trimming, as well as smaller logs. Lighter than the 20 inch. If I had to make a choice about 1 saw, it would be the 20".

Brand name in Poulan and have never had a problem with either of them. I just checked the local "Lowe's" here and they have the 14 inch Poulan saws for about $125. Other sites online have them for several prices. I work both my Poulan saws a lot, and have never had a problem with either of them.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Elk Hunter,

I have purchased a Stihl 250MS from my local hardware store (and Stihl Dealer). It comes with an 18" bar, but according to the dealer will take a 20" if I need a bigger bar in the future. I think this, with my smaller 14", will do the job.

Thank you all for your advice.

quote:

Originally posted by Pyker:
I have purchased a Stihl 250MS from my local hardware store (and Stihl Dealer). It comes with an 18" bar, but according to the dealer will take a 20" if I need a bigger bar in the future. I think this, with my smaller 14", will do the job.

Thank you all for your advice.

May I suggest you check into Poulan brand saws? We live on a 4.3 acre lot, fully populated with old growth hardwood trees. Lowe's here has the 14 inch (3314) for about $125. From what I understand your need to be, that saw would do everything you need, and more.

quote:

May I suggest you check into Poulan brand saws?

I had a 14" one several years ago, it is now doing sterling service on my son's place.

I've been happy with the 18" bar on a Stihl MS260. There's a lot to be said for the 28" bar on my bigger saw, when needed, but the smaller saw sees vastly more use.

If you're only going to buy a 16" saw, you might want to consider going electric.