Stihl 026

[obH]

I'm looking for some honest opinions about a used Stihl 026. Found one locally for $200 with a 20" bar and 2 extra chains, it appears to be in good shape and has compression around 150psi. Is this a fair price for a used saw? I'd be using it for firewood and other general cleanup around the farm. I currently have a MS180C and have not been super pleased with it, I do not like the tooless chain adjustment or the air filter box, from what I can see the 026 being an older professional saw will not have these issues.

 

[Billy Shafer]

I have worked on a few of them. Seems like a rugged chain saw. All my customers that have them like them. Got one customer that keeps his in the back of his truck. Gets plenty of abuse,but it starts every time.Don't know how it survies back there.

 

[Butch(OH)]

026 is the smallest of the "pro" series saws and is leaps and bounds more saw than your 180. Been around a long time as 026 then 260 and only recently replaced by the 261. Only two knocks on them are there are newer 50CC saws with better creature comforts and air filters need attention often. We have the 260 but if I need a 20" bar I like a bit more saw behind it. But it seems there are plenty of them around wearing 20" bars. If its in good shape buy it even if you dont want it and put it on Ebay for a tidy profit.

 

[vhmtach40]

Check the carb for high and low screws....if it does not have a high screw...you will not have any adjustment for high speed. The only replacement carb is the Walbro WT194 it has both hi and lo adjustment...just a little tip there.....good luck... :wink:

 

[onefarmer]

I have a 026 bought it in 1990 outfitted with a 20" bar. It's an excellent saw! Never been repaired and it's still runs like new. Cuts 90% of my firewood which I use to heat my Mich house. I like the 20" bar because I don't have to bend over so much cutting limbs on the ground. My other saw is a 044 I bought used in 2006. Has a 24"bar I use it to cut the big wood.

 

[Spotted Horse]

I have two 026 Pro's, they are darn good saws. I've owned them since I bought'em new and they've cut a BUNCH of trees and firewood over the years,.... they still start and run like new.

 

[obH]

Based off responses it seems the 026 is a good saw for firewood, does the price seem fair?

 

[gordy from Iowa]

It is one of the best saws Stihl ever made. Well, in my opinion anyway.

 

[Anonymous-0]

i have a stihl 260 pro and a little stihl 170. the 260 has a 16" bar and the 170 has a 12" bar.they both are all i could ask for of a saw. the 260 does the bigger stuff and my wife usually runs the 170 on the lighter limbs. i've done hundreds of cords of firewood in these past 30 years,


and have used different brands of saws, but to my notion stihl is the best. i would not hesitate on giving 200 bucks for a GOOD used stihl 026.

 

[Sidekick]

I've had an 026 for about 12 years now. It's been a great saw and if I was needing a saw and saw one for $200 I'd buy it. I think mine was about $400 when it was new. It's probably about the most saw you'll find for that kind of money. A friend of mine that sells power equipment tells me that it's a professional grade saw and one of the better ones from Stihl.

 

[ShadetreeRet]

My former SIL had an 026. Anything that could take the abuse and neglect that he heaped upon it, is a darned good saw!