Truck/Camp Chainsaw

[Big Sky Guy]

I am not a firewood cutter, so not something I will use much. Was pretty set on getting a light saw to keep in the truck during camping/hunting outings. Really liked the Echo 2511tn, more I read I see top handled saws should only be used by arborists in trees? That drew me to the Echo 2511pn. Both these saws are under 6 lbs, not sure what my current Husqvarna weighs, prly well north of 10, maybe 12 lbs. Lot of folks saying the electric saws now are great too, looking at the Stihl MSA 70cb as that’s on sale with an extra battery and charger. However that weighs a bit more at 6.6 lbs sans and 9.3lbs with battery. Kinda apples to oranges as the Exho weight of 5.7lbs is sans fuel but I think 10 ounces of fuel would still be well under 9lbs? Would like it to be light enough to do some minor trail clearing in some areas/trails I frequent if needed and I’d be carrying it. My dad always ran Stihl gas saws and swore by them but I also remember it being a PITA to start nearly every time I watched him. My Echo weedeater has been flawless when following the starting instructions so expect the same from their saws.

Will these both still leak bar oil? Prly just keep in a tote or case of some sort.

Anyone have any of these?

Top vs. rear handle?

Electric vs. gas? How do the electric saws do in colder temps?

I’m probably also going to grab a Silky saw to keep in truck 24/7.

Curious what other folk have found/used as well if there’s something I’m missing.

 

[Salmonchaser]

The last saw I bought was just over 20 years ago. Still goes to camp every year in addition to cutting 5 or six cords of fire wood a year. Stihl MS 310. Still runs like a champ. Came upon a couple of guys cutting camp wood during my trip to Montana this year. They were doing pretty good with one of the Stihl electrics. I was impressed.

 

[cedahm]

My Husky needed some work before elk season this year and I ran out of time, so I finally went and bought an electric. Got the same one you mentioned (Stihl 70).

I can't believe I didn't make the switch earlier. It's great. Hasn't leaked, runs like a top, cuts great. No fuel sloshing around (or remembering to bring extra fuel). Charged the battery from an Anker power bank with solar panels after we finished putting up camp wood and it was charged in 45 minutes. Can't speak to real cold, as the coldest it got was about 20, and it did fine.

Now - if you have to cut anything more serious than firewood or clearing downed logs, it won't be the best tool, but I imagine the ol' Husky will mostly be a shed queen unless I have to go fell something.

 

[Big Sky Guy]

My Husky needed some work before elk season this year and I ran out of time, so I finally went and bought an electric. Got the same one you mentioned (Stihl 70).

I can't believe I didn't make the switch earlier. It's great. Hasn't leaked, runs like a top, cuts great. No fuel sloshing around (or remembering to bring extra fuel). Charged the battery from an Anker power bank with solar panels after we finished putting up camp wood and it was charged in 45 minutes. Can't speak to real cold, as the coldest it got was about 20, and it did fine.

Now - if you have to cut anything more serious than firewood or clearing downed logs, it won't be the best tool, but I imagine the ol' Husky will mostly be a shed queen unless I have to go fell something.

Did the charge last comparable to a tank or more of fuel? I think with the two batteries a guy would be set. $400 for the Stihl with two batteries and charger vs. $520 for the Echo.

Is it quieter? I always wear ear plugs with small engines, just curious if it's that much quieter that wouldn't need earplugs like a cordless drill is?

 

[cedahm]

Did the charge last comparable to a tank or more of fuel? I think with the two batteries a guy would be set. $400 for the Stihl with two batteries and charger vs. $520 for the Echo.

I would say equivalent to a tank. I had a pretty massive pile of wood when it ran out. It def used less oil. And if you get a 2nd battery for $400, that's a steal. The deal Stihl was running when I got mine in October was just the saw+1 battery+charger for $400.

Is it quieter? I always wear ear plugs with small engines, just curious if it's that much quieter that wouldn't need earplugs like a cordless drill is?

Definitely quieter. Louder than a cordless drill, but much quieter than a gas saw. I never even considered earplugs.

 

[TheTone]

The electrics are super handy around the house but I don’t think I’d want one for my only saw. The instant chain speed can take some getting used to if you’re used to running a gas saw