Stihl MS 150 a decent saw?

Past chainsaw work has been trimming limbs cutting the odd tree. With the Ash Bohr problem coming this way better think about getting another saw.
The Stihl website recommends a MS 150. Price is about $500.

Is this a good saw for light/medium dute farm use? Imagine the ash problem will only last a year or two. Quuite a bit of work then afterwards back to maintenance.

The entry level Stihl saws are $179. so this should be quite a bit better.

Appreciate thoughts/input.
 
If you have to climb that's a good saw.Small and compact.I've been told some components are different from the other saws too.My son has a MS170 and I have a 180 with the quick adjust chain for our small saws.Lot less money and good saws for light work.Good Luck with your choice
 
The MS150 is a little tiny 1.5ci saw. If you are talking tree work where you're climbing, maybe it'd be okay. If you are talking significant felling and bucking, you want at least 50cc/3.0 ci and the ability to handle at least a 16" bar, 20 is better. Look at the MS 291 or 391, the Echo 600 series, Dolmar/Makita 5 or 6 series or a Husky/Jred of the same size.
 
It"s a good quality saw but made for climbers. Very light, can be run with one hand. It"s only 1.75 hp, which is tiny. Most saws running 18" bars would be twice that. If you are just trimming it would be fine, but if you are going to cut any firewood or cut a full ash tree it will not work. The farm boss is a pretty good entry model. They last a long time, and cut pretty well, just not as light or powerful as the pro saws.
Josh
 
I am on my 3rd MS180, very nice small trim saw and handles smaller trees well

for heavy work I use my Husky 455 but its too heavy for trimming
 
I have a farm boss to do the big work and the 180 takes over from there .it's nice to have a light weight saw I ran the bigger saws and only one I bought a smaller one when the one arm was in a sling and could only cut with the free arm .it's rapidly becoming the saw of choice for most work and it's less tiring at the end of the day
 
I swill second (or fourth) the 180. It isn't supposed to be a heavy duty saw but it has really run and worked better than any other saw of that size. I've got a 14 inch bar on mine but I think it could run a 16. Light, runs well, and not too pricey. I have a big Dolmar that I use on the big stuff. I love that saw but it will flat wear you out in a few hours. Lug that around all day and you will know it. I usually have to put it down after a couple tanks of gas.
 
It is a top handle saw that is designed for pruning tree tops and cutting tops up after tree is once on the ground. I think the Stihl MS 192 will do the same job and is several hundred dollars cheaper. I have used Stihl,Husky, and Echo top handle saws and I prefer the Echo. I like the balance and its horse power to weight ratio better, They are very handy with 12 inch bar.
 
I have a 170. It's a real go-getter for its size and price. I have both 14' and 16' bars and chains for it.

Also have an MS250 with "Easy Start" for medium work.

Also bought a new Poulan 20' a year ago, but I've only made one cut with it to check it out.

Out of the three, I wind up using the 170 the most.
 
Stihl is very good. Husqvarna is too, I've had a 455 Rancher for several years, cut down and cut up many cottonwoods, cedar trees in fence lines, storm damage, etc., more trees than I can count without issue, still starts great. If you'd happen to look at a Husq., avoid the 2xx series, they are Poulan saws badged as Husq. (Husq. owns Poulan). 4xx series are the ones to look at.

Looks like the 460 Rancher is about $350 as of right now on sale. Tough to beat for the price. Not a light saw, but a good solid one. Copy the whole line of course. http://vminnovations.com/Product_46905/Husqvarna-460-Rancher-18-Inch-60-3cc-3-2Hp-Gas-Powered-Chain-Saw.html?sdtid=7182546&code=KHHT7C This is a VERY reputable company to order from. It has great reviews, if I needed a new one I wouldn't hesitate, except I use a 20" bar. 440e is a bit cheaper and reviews aren't quite as good. Here are reviews on the 460 http://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-460-Rancher-20-Inch-Compliant/product-reviews/B003CJTWDW/ref=cm_cr_pr_top_recent?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending of course take them with a grain of salt.

Here's the last deal discussion, they were cheaper after now expired rebates. http://slickdeals.net/f/7182546-outdoor-tools-sale-new-refurbished-leaf-blowers-trimmers-chainsaw-mowers-husqvarna-ryobi-more-starting-from-29-39-free-shipping?v=1 You can type in Husqvarna or Stihl in the search box at the very top for deals and discussion. Not many deals for Stihl pop up.

If you need someone to work on it, take into account that factor. I service everything myself, town is 30 miles away anyway, so I never considered that, though there is a place to have it or a Stihl worked on there. Stihl is generally sold at the servicing dealer, Husq. you can buy in regular stores.
 

I've had a Stihl ms290 for ten years and only problem was the crappy gas line that had to be replaced after 2-3 years, otherwise it starts and runs good. I had a 20" bar put on it when purchased and it's the max recommended and it will bog down a little on certain wood types and conditions.
 

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