Chain Saw Recomendation.

[Alphacowboy]

Hey guys, looking for some input on Chain Saws. I really dont want to buy used, as who knows how it was taken care of, let alone the amount abuse one can inflict on a chain saw. I cant go out and buy a really expensive one either, but I definately dont want to buy a piece of crap. I have used Stihl, Jonsered, Poulan, McCulloch, Homelite, and Crapsmen . My dad had a used Stihl, and it had problems all the time, but one I just used a few weeks ago was damn nice, and ran very well. The jonsered I used was just flat out a tank, heavy as one, but it was strong and seemed indestructable. My dad as well has a Poulan, and its ok, but the blade adjustment sucks on it, and I used a small 16" one a few weeks ago as well, and it preformed surprisingly well. The Mcculloch and Homelite ones I had experiance with was many years ago, and the Homelite was kind of a pile of crap, and the Mcculloch was heavy and clunky. Lastly, the Crapsman, well, it earned its name, less than a year old, only used a few times, and couldnt make it through an entire tank of fuel before the clutch assembly would over heat. Had to let it cool down before you could use it.





So, what I am looking for is something to trim up tree around the place, but also something that I can hike out into the woods behind the house and fall dead trees when needed (got literally hundreds of dead elms that need to be cleared out). I dont need anything larger than a 20" blade, as that is overkill. I have heard good things about the Husqvarna saws, but they tend to be pretty expensive. I really like Stihls blade adjustment system, but curious as to anyone that has used them alot as to how it hold up over time. Flat out, this is the one and only Chainsaw I want to buy for many many years. Honestly, I dont cut that much wood, but I am sick of borrowing tools from people, as my luck, if I own it, its fine, if I borrow it, it breaks. With the amount of use I plan on giving the saw, it should last me damn near my life time if I take care of it, so, what would you in the know recommend?



Thanks guys!

 

[Crash&Burn]

Hey guys, looking for some input on Chain Saws. I really dont want to buy used, as who knows how it was taken care of, let alone the amount abuse one can inflict on a chain saw. I cant go out and buy a really expensive one either, but I definately dont want to buy a piece of crap. I have used Stihl, Jonsered, Poulan, McCulloch, Homelite, and Crapsmen . My dad had a used Stihl, and it had problems all the time, but one I just used a few weeks ago was damn nice, and ran very well. The jonsered I used was just flat out a tank, heavy as one, but it was strong and seemed indestructable. My dad as well has a Poulan, and its ok, but the blade adjustment sucks on it, and I used a small 16" one a few weeks ago as well, and it preformed surprisingly well. The Mcculloch and Homelite ones I had experiance with was many years ago, and the Homelite was kind of a pile of crap, and the Mcculloch was heavy and clunky. Lastly, the Crapsman, well, it earned its name, less than a year old, only used a few times, and couldnt make it through an entire tank of fuel before the clutch assembly would over heat. Had to let it cool down before you could use it.





So, what I am looking for is something to trim up tree around the place, but also something that I can hike out into the woods behind the house and fall dead trees when needed (got literally hundreds of dead elms that need to be cleared out). I dont need anything larger than a 20" blade, as that is overkill. I have heard good things about the Husqvarna saws, but they tend to be pretty expensive. I really like Stihls blade adjustment system, but curious as to anyone that has used them alot as to how it hold up over time. Flat out, this is the one and only Chainsaw I want to buy for many many years. Honestly, I dont cut that much wood, but I am sick of borrowing tools from people, as my luck, if I own it, its fine, if I borrow it, it breaks. With the amount of use I plan on giving the saw, it should last me damn near my life time if I take care of it, so, what would you in the know recommend?



Thanks guys!

Just get a Stihi that you can handle, but remember it will last a very long time and as you get older it will get harder to handle... .

I'm finding this out now days with my 029 Farm Boss... ... man it gets heavy before the tank goes dry!!!

 

[Signal73]

I have always been partial to the husqvarna myself. Nice and simple, and reliable.

 

[KevinSmith]

I fought wildfire for five years and wouldn't use anything but a STIHL. I would get at least a 24" bar for brushing jobs and limbing/chuncking at ground level. You don't want to bend over to far all the time.



MS 390 Chain Saw - Stihl Incorporated United States - Products - Manufacturing and Selling The World's Number One Chain Saw

 

[xpetecx]

I think a chain saw is a real good canidate for the "get what you pay for" saying. If you spend very little on one, your not going to get much.



I just bought a brand new mcculloch and broke it in like 10 minutes, and not abusing it either. It used a tone of gas and chain oil for the amount of work it did too. I called them and they said to just take it back.



I know you dont want a used but thats the route I went. You are taking a gamble on how it was treated but you also are getting more saw for the money. I got a stihl.

 

[RRB]

I think Stihl is the way to go. I have a hobby sawmill & have subsequently run a lot of saws over the past 20yrs. I currently own 3 Stihls and wouldn't trade them for anything. They are very reliable and if something should go wrong, dealers are everywhere and parts easy to find. In addition, all but the very largest saws are made in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Just remember that most manufacturers make different levels of products from the infrequent home user to the professional. Stihl is no different. For my use, I stick with the higher grade Pro saws..... they are just worth the few extra $ and seem to be almost indistructable. For the use that you descibed, I would recommend a 026Pro... . I think they started calling it a 260Pro last year. Anyway, its a great saw, lightweight & easy to start. The decompression buttom really makes it nice if your up a tree or on a ladder. It comes with either a 18" or 20" bar but I keep a 16" on mine. The shorter bar gives you more power and control. Also, leave the anti-kick back safety chain at the store and insist on a more aggressive 'chipper' pro-chain. A good chain will increase cutting speedy by 30-50%. The safety type chain is about worthless usless you are cutting brush or small limbs, then its a must. Good luck... .



Also, before you buy. Stop an talk to a local logger in your area. I'll bet he'll be using either a Stihl or a Husky. He'll be able to give you some insight as well. I didn't mention it before but Husky is also a great saw but the company doesn't have a Dealer network as good as Stihl.

 

[MAleshire]

I've used most of the major brands. Everyone has their own opinion on the best saw. I ran crews that depended on saws that would run, as down time was lost money. The saws got used real hard. Stay away from Homelite as they really are not a professional quality saw and won't hold up over the long haul. Our Huskies and Jonseruds were OK, but we had problems with both when the weather was hot. The saws would heat up and boil the fuel when we would shut down to refuel. This in turn would cause vapor lock and we would have to shut down for a cool off period. This can happen to any saw but we saw it happen more often with these two. As far as I know, McCulloch isn't made anymore and they were pretty heavy. I've never used a Poulan. Stihl worked well for us but were pretty expensive. We actually had very good experience with John Deere which I believe were made by Echo. The dealer guaranteed to have any broken saw ready to go the next morning if dropped off by 5pm. That was a winner for us, and we didn't have to take them up on it very often. Those saws didn't rev as high as some of the others, but had good torque, started everytime, and were generally very dependable. That's all I know about the saws we used. Other people may have had different experiences and it would be interesting to see what they have to say.



Skip

 

[WDixon27]

for something cheap that doesn't suck (well mine doesn't) i've had a poulan "wild thing" for a few years now and it works pretty good, hasn't failed to start in a couple pulls and has plenty of azz for a lightweight saw, i think they still come with a hard case and a spare chain for around $170 at lotsa places, not sure how it would handle hard use like heating the house on wood use but it is only a 18" lightweight saw so i wouldn't try and would get a big husky for that

 

[Alphacowboy]

I have always been partial to the husqvarna myself. Nice and simple, and reliable.

looking at maybe the 455 Rancher Tool-less model

 

[Boomer II]

Stihl.....

 

[JLEONARD]

I also had a Stihl that was awsum... . but my son had one that was a POS for sure and the dealer couldn't make it run right ever. . kept blaming old gas. . BS.

I also had a Poulan... wore out several chains and bars. Still runs

 

[Dieselnut59]

I have a Stihl 029 "Farm Boss" with 18" bar that I love. It has been a trouble free saw and always reliable, even with year old gas. It always fires up on the 5th or 6th pull after sitting a while, 3rd or 4th if used regularly. Well balanced and light for its power range. Damn nice saw and I highly recommend it as a good general purpose saw.

 

[Hincka]

looking at maybe the 455 Rancher Tool-less model

That is the saw that I bought a couple of years ago. It has been a great tool. It gets a ton of use in the fall then sits most of the winter. Starts like a champ in the spring when I start to clean up the yard from all the dead stuff falling in the winter. Most of my family and all of my wife's family are loggers in Northern Michigan. They either use Jonsereds or Huskys. They hooked me on the Husky and I love it. It has a lot of sauce for its weight, I used it last fall to clean up a 36" Beech and a 28" Maple that came down during a tornado.

 

[Larry Willard]

I've had my Stihl for 20 years now, never had any problem, if it sits for a long time it still starts after a couple pulls.

Larry

 

[BILLVO]

I would say stihl also. Go to the pro series,I have an 036 pro with 20 " blade you can go with a bigger blade if needed on this one. They are lighter than farm boss and has more power. I have abued mine for about 8-10 years and love it.

 

[Alphacowboy]

I have pretty much decided to go with the MC280. Not going to get the quick adjustment though, for one, they didnt have any instock (except a 210 and 250 model) and for the extra 20 some dollars for the option, I'll break out the wrench and screw driver. I did look at the 290, but its getting out of the price range I want to spend.







Do you guys know if you can use the Oregon bars/chains on the Stihl saws? I happen to have a brand new 20" blade and chain in the garage that I had bought a few years ago when I borrowed my dads Poulan but it wasnt the right size.

 

[Dl5treez]

I have pretty much decided to go with the MC280. Not going to get the quick adjustment though, for one, they didnt have any instock (except a 210 and 250 model) and for the extra 20 some dollars for the option, I'll break out the wrench and screw driver. I did look at the 290, but its getting out of the price range I want to spend.







Do you guys know if you can use the Oregon bars/chains on the Stihl saws? I happen to have a brand new 20" blade and chain in the garage that I had bought a few years ago when I borrowed my dads Poulan but it wasnt the right size.

The pro-line saws are a much higher build quality than the moderate use/homeowner use saws. Not just propaganda... . they'll hold up much much longer. Definitely a get what you pay for thing there.



Oregon builds bars & chains for every saw out there. Each brand has a slightly different adjuster/mounting design, but Oregon builds a wide variety of bars & chains for Stihls. Truthfully if you're not planning on using it very much, the Stihl bars are fine.



There are enough options to thoroughly confuse..... what types of wood are you planning to cut most often and what condition is it in? (clean, dirty, lots of ash, wet, etc... )

 

[Champane Flight]

Stihl

My next one will be Stihl. I do a lot of cutting on my mountain property and got lucky at the pawn shop, found a older Craftsman (Poulan). Picked it up for $75, took it home cleaned it up, did a couple of mods on it, star type washers for adjustment nuts, new fuel lines, blade, and chain. It has performed flawlesly for the last five years. But, after trying out a large Stihl last year, night and day power difference, better balance, and easier starting. I will wear out my old one and save for a new Stihl...

 

[dpuckett]

My grandpa sold Stihl chainsaws in the mid 80s in Greenville MO. Business was good for about 3 years, then fell on its face- the saws the loggers bought were holding up, and the population was too small to get many new customers. The ones he had only did yearly tune ups, chain sharpening, supplies, etc. My mom has an 026 she got 20 years ago. It's in my basement right now. Except for hard starting after sitting more than a month, it works flawlessly. I think the last carb work was done about 10 years ago.



My girlfriend's grandpa gave us 2 Echo 701s (70-something CC; circa 1970) last winter. They had been sitting for 10 years+. One started up fine; the other ran for a while, and I havent been able to get it running again. The one with the 24" bar will cut through 18-20" dry oak like hot butter. They are heavy, though, even for my younger muscles, if I use them for more than an hour at a time.



I bought (I think) a Stihl 310/ 20" when I went down to Mississippi in 05. Bought it new, and used it for 2 weeks straight, cutting trees 12-14hours a day. Never had a lick of trouble out of it, started on the first pull every time. Like an idiot, I sold it when I got back. Wish I had kept it.



I dont have much experience with any other saws. Friend of mine has a couple antique Poulans, but even he has 2 036 Stihls now.



Daniel

 

[BILLVO]

Again, do go with a Pro series Stihl. Just pick them up and handle them for a minute and you will see the ease of use it will provide over a standard saw. You will be glad you spent a little more. Its one place a little more goes a LONG ways and saves on the body also. The saw works and you don't have to as much. Saves you for the log toss later in the day... ... . :-laf