I used to buy cheap Poulan saws because I didn't need a saw very often. Big mistake. I remember after a hurricane, a problem saw would crank and run a few moments, and then quit. I gave it to a "cheap" neighbor with instructions for him not to return it under any circumstances. This guy once sent his wife across the street to ask if they could borrow my lawnmower. In about an hour, she returned saying the mower needed more gas. I know they had a mower and a gas can.

Big saws are crazy high priced I looked at ACE the other day a 390 size was $800+

I have 5 stihl saws, a 251, a 261, a 290,a 291 and a 441. All good saws but if I had to keep only 1 it would be the MS261C.

Zim

Mine is a Stihl MS400C. 20" bar. You can cut small stuff with a big saw, but cutting big stuff with a small one is more challenging.

I have a preference for Husqvarna. For lite to medium work: 350 w/18" bar. For the big jobs: 372 w/ 24" bar.
I also have husky 359, 562, 385 and a second 350.

have ran stihl from 250 up to the 660, Husky's from 455 to 385, my fave by far is the 562 xp.

Look into the ECHO line of saws. Going to be quite a bit less purchase price, and for the average user they cut pretty well (some extremely well for their size). I have pro saws and a 590 Echo, no problems.

I cut around 25-30 cord of firewood a year as a side hustle. I use only Stihl saws. I own a 026, 261, 360, 441 and a 661. The 261 would be the first to go if I was downsizing. The 360 would be the last.

They were all bought from pawn shops in excellent condition for less than half of new cost. All have been extremely reliable only requiring new plugs and filters.

Interesting, I am curious why the 261 would go before the 026? I am thinking the gas and oil caps. But fully agree the on the 360, it can do it all.

To the OP, if money isn’t an issue get the pro saw, like mentioned the pro line of echo is cheaper and great saws, also no computer unless that changed.

Good advice plus ECHO has a 5-year homeowner warrantee.

Homelite Super EZ, Wiz or Zip.

Line Jumper

Running both the 026 and 261 with identical bars and chain, the 026 is the more powerful. That is just my experience.

Takes 10 tanks of fuel to break in a new saw, you may see some power gains after that.

If I was going to get a saw for only occasional use it would be electric, get it to match whatever batteries you already have, if you want a gas saw for occasional use a non pro model stihl or a echo would be very adequate. A 261 is an expensive saw made to stand up to heavy use, if your not doing that there's no point in spending the money.

I have two Stihls with 16" bars, a 260 and a 026. After I started buying the premix in the cans, I've never had a problem with them starting or running.

How much is a gallon of that pre-mix?

I buy the generic cheap brand sold at Runnings. I buy it by the quart for easy pouring. I pay around $6. per can. A gallon is about 4 times that much, I suppose. I like it because you don't have to run a stabilizer through the saw at the end of the season. If you buy the name brand stuff like Stihl or Husky, it will cost you close to $10 a quart.

I think most here are suggesting way more saw than you need for that type work.... Unless them logging roads are blocked with huge trees.



I buy only non-ethanol gas for all small engines and I never use any type of stabilizer overwintering them. Zero issues doing that. I don't run them dry either, even my boat motors.

I’ve had my Stihl 028 Wood Boss since 1986

Used electric saws, but don’t own one. It’s nice to just pull the trigger and not have to start the machine.

I own a variety of Stihl saws/powerheads. 026 to 046 in size. For the OP something in the size of the MS 362 with a 28” bar. The pro series saws are with the upgrade price. A longer bar will keep you from having to stoop down to cut, saving you a bit from fatigue.