Why Is the Stihl 026 Still So Popular?

[John Davis]

I've noticed that the Stihl 026 is still highly regarded, even though it hasn't been made for years. What makes the 026 so special? Does anyone here still run one here? What do you love about it? Would love to hear from you.

 

[Kevin.grant]

Hey @John Davis, the Stihl 026 is a classic because it’s lightweight, well-balanced, and built to last. It’s got that perfect mix of power and durability without being too heavy, and a lot of folks love how easy it is to work on. I still run one, and it just keeps going, great for firewood and general use. Hard to beat the old-school reliability!

 

[Albert78]

Hey Kevin.grant, I agree! The 026 is like the trusty workhorse of the chainsaw world. I’ve used one a few times, and it always impressed me with how smooth it cuts, especially considering how old it is. For people who want something that’s straightforward and doesn’t need too much maintenance, it’s hard to find anything that competes.

I’ve heard that parts for it are still relatively easy to find, which makes it great for people who want to keep running theirs for years to come. Is that true in your experience?

 

[road_runner]

Absolutely! The 026 is one of those saws that just refuses to quit. Solid power-to-weight ratio, easy to maintain, and it was built in an era when Stihl really prioritized durability. I still see a lot of them in use, and yeah, parts are still pretty available if you know where to look. Has anyone here done any mods to theirs?

 

[Mr.LiftOperator]

Totally agree with you all! The 026 is like a tank, it just keeps running and cutting without issue. I've done a couple of mods to mine over the years, mostly upgrading the bar and chain for smoother cuts. It's honestly a shame Stihl doesn't make them like this anymore!

 

[Denmark Arthurs]

No doubt, the 026 earned its rep with a near-perfect power-to-weight ratio (around 3.5 hp in a 10.4 lb body) and that old-school magnesium crankcase. It’s a DIYer’s dream too, its super serviceable and still tons of parts floating around. Hard to beat that kind of legacy!

 

[Fergus_123]

Totally! The 026 is just one of those saws that nails the balance between power, weight, and reliability, mine’s still going strong and I wouldn’t trade it for anything newer.