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One of the best saws made anytime in its weight to power ratio class. And one of the best for longevity. This one I bought knowing it needed work though turned out to have a scoured cylinder. I am buying a new cylinder kit made in Hong Kong that look really well made. I will install it soon. I also just recently rebuilt another 026 pro that I have had that had a bad cylinder with the same type of kit and it runs like new. So these are rebuildable at really reasonable parts costs. So even if you buy a used saw like this and it is in worse shape that it appears for the outside you can still come out pretty good by just rebuilding yourself.
Verified purchase: Yes
I had deliberated for weeks as to what kind of saw would best serve my needs while not "breaking the bank" as they say. After rebuilding the Tilloston carb on an older saw for the second time and still not achieving proper/working functionality, I had had enough and decided it was time to move on. No more "projects" or "fixer uppers". I essentially use my saw around my property and to cut firewood...not the most demanding in terms of hard core applications. I wanted/needed something that would be extremely low maintenance, reliable, and operates flawlessly in a variety of conditions and circumstances. I read another review where a knowledgable/experienced woodsman wrote that a used Stihl 026 that has been properly maintained and is in good condition is far superior to the majority of saws sold new currently on the market. And after just a few days of putting my Stihl 026 to work, I couldn't agree more. I am very pleased that I purchased a saw of exceptional quality and rugged durability. Gone are the days of having to continously tweak the hi and lo settings on the carb while endlessly pulling the rip cord until I had blisters all over my fingers and hands. With my initial purchase a few years back of the problematic saw, admittedly I did not know what I was doing. The due diligence I put into discovering the Stihl 026 was so worth it. Although hopefully I have many years left in my tank, it would not surprise me if my Stihl 026 outlast even me.Read full review
This 026 was my first stihl and had it for many years and treated me very well. It has a lot of power for a smaller saw without breaking the bank. Its light weight is good for a person that wants to take it out to your deer stands and trime etc. Its easy to carry and well balanced. To make your saw last Preventative maintenance is the key and always cleaning your air filters. Be sure to use non ethanol premium fuel with the stihl synthetic oil now as when I first had mine I could only get regular oil. My son has this saw now and it still runs great. I give this stihl saw a five star rating also as it is a great buy for the money and for the weekender loggger or fire wood guy its a great little unit.
When I say little saw, I am talking to someone who has experience with big saws. This is not a toy saw for the shrub cutting homeowner, this is a real work saw, built to run all day and again the next. That is not to say a homeowner would not find this saw a great tool to add to his/her arsenal. I am a homeowner and use mine to cut a good deal of the firewood that I burn. It is powerful enough to push an 18" bar/chain all day, but will not wear you out in the process, as it is so light. And there is not much that you cannot cut with an 18" bar. Before I spent a dime on a new "toy saw" I would look on-line for a nice condition used 026. I am faily sure, you would not be disappointed?
My dad bought an 024 in the late 80's which he has finally worn out after close to 30 years of use. He heats the house with firewood, so it got used a lot. I have an MS260 which is just a newer 026 which has been a great saw. So when it came time to take my dad out to look at replacements for his 024, we were both disappointed by the offerings available, even from Stihl. The MS260 is gone from the lineup and the MS261, which replaced the 026/MS260, is a nice saw but it's over a pound of extra weight compared to an 026. The consumer grade Stihl offerings simply are not built like an 024/026, too much plastic. In the end buying a nice used 026 was a far superior saw for the money.