Small Saw

[Al_Smith]

It's based on how long a saw can meet the EPA emissions. I don't know what happens to the 50 hour saws, maybe wearing out internally. I'm sure almost any saw will run longer than 50 hours.     Steve

  I doubt I own a saw that would pass EPA emissions for 50 seconds let alone 50 hours .

[ladylake]

I have one still new in the box, most likely won't even run set to EPA specs.  Steve

[Al_Smith]

Well that too but I'm kind of an outlaw in the eyes of the more gentile of chainsaw operators .Been accused of having ties to the Ohio  and Michagan chainsaw mafia and other such trivial nonsense .

Good thing I don't use my real name else the chainsaw police would come and lock me up for a long time .Lawdy I'd be old and  gray before I got released .Wait a minute,I'm already old and gray .

[Bill]

fwiw 

Tho joining this a little late here's my story . My ( old ? ) body wanted something smaller for most of my simple cutting needs - now firewood and occasional light tree trimming - as my " big " saw became  overkill ( think like hammer to kill a fly ? ). I picked up a stihl 019t new some years back. My experience has been that even using it for alot of my firewood I prefer its light weight and handling for anything 14" and smaller ( I use a 12" bar and try to make sure there's always enough oil going to the bar )  to cut a few cords a year. It easily " outcut " the homeowner saws I saw others buy - many times even bigger ones ( they probably had dull chains  . Except for replacing chains its been easy to use - tho a bit slower if I ask it to cut bigger wood . I do make sure to be careful about keeping the chain sharp.

imho - even tho its not a pro saw its given great service and with regular maintenance has lasted and lasted . I'm sure others make good saws also .

Good luck

btw  - will the eco-volunteers complain about the " petro " based bar oil ?  I think I've heard of people running other oils - just can't recall which . . . 

[6sunset6]

I have made a decision.  Actually my wife made it.  I got some unexpected  checks in the mail,  although not quite  enough to make up the difference between the 192 and the 200.  I read the Stihl explanation to her and she said,   I recognize the expression on your face. Go get that dollar stretcher tool you got and get the 200.   Hmmm  .   Today I think

[John Mc]

Go out and get it quick, before all the Christmas shopping bills start coming in...

[6sunset6]

I picked up the 200.  Nice saw.   I did not have time to spend with the dealer and five people came in behind me.  Maybe I shouild have waited till after new year.  But a saw is a saw is a saw.   I know all the basic stuff .
However  I opened up the tool kit and found a thing called a locking strip.  Number 2 in the picture.
Anybody know what it is for?

[Stihlnorm]

Congrats on the MS200 great saw!!!  The locking strip  is used for holding the engine from turning over while removing the clutch. You remove the spark plug place the tool into the cylinder through the spark plug hole and rotate the engine till it binds up. With the engine "locked" you simply loosen the clutch off of the crankshaft. READ THE MANUAL for proper placement of the strip, damage is possible if not in the proper position.

[6sunset6]

Now that I have fully investigated my new saw, never having ever done that before , I have found a little thing called a carburetor pre heat slide.   Turns out my 20 year old 026 has one also so.   The book says below 50d F set it up for pre heat.  Means turning it around so a slot is open.   Has anybody done that ?   Does it make a difference?

[beenthere]

I have it, but don't use it (MS361). Especially haven't used it below the 50° F as the manual says.
Will be interested to hear what others do. I thought it was very much colder temps than 50.   

[Ianab]

The slide is mostly to prevent ice forming in the carb in cold humid conditions. Many cars have the same thing, in the old days there was a flap on the air cleaner, now it's automatic and the computer controls it.

In warm weather you want fresh cool air from outside as it's more dense and gives better power. In really cold conditions, sucking some warmer air from around the cylinder head should prevent ice.

I don't saw when it's that cold, so mine stays in the "summer" position.

Ian