Hi,
I had a 15 year old Stihl 18" MS 211-c. It had the ElastoStart, where you pulled lightly to start, and the Quick Chain Adjustment (QCA), where you didn't need to use a bar wrench to adjust the chain. I really liked those features. It weighed 9.5 lbs., 35 cc., 2.3 bhp
I also had a Husqvarna, 18", either model # 435 or 445 (I can't remember, and age unknown, it was inherited). 41cc, 9.7 lbs., 2.2 bhp
Both were used for small felling and bucking, and limbing. I liked the Stihl the best, probably because I found it reliably always worked. The Husky was a backup, a little harder to start and adjust the chain.
Both were stolen last week. I have to get at least one, maybe two new chainsaws. I always need a backup. Last thing you want is to have one breakdown during a 'must have' period, and not have a backup.
The property is located very near Lake Tahoe, CA. CA won't allow Stihl's QCA in the state...says it doesn't meet their requirements. I haven't been able to discern what 'requirement', but it is what it is. I could go into Nevada, but...so if I want a Stihl, it'll have to be without the QCA.
But there's one other thing that may push me away from Stihl. It's that their newer line of chainsaws us a 'light 04' bar. From what I've read (even on Stihl's site) and seen on youtube, these light bars overheat frequently and throw chains. And, it's difficult to find non-light 04 bars and chains to substitute.
Anyone have experiene with Stih's 'light 04' bar?