Chainsaw recommendations?

Shannymara · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 10:53 am Post subject: Chainsaw recommendations?

I need to get a chainsaw. I generally like things that are simply and sturdily built, and easy to repair if necessary. Any recommendations for a good chainsaw? Budget is a concern. Thanks in advance.
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Olle · Tar Sands Joined: Jun 28, 2006 Posts: 91 Location: Sweden

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ironborne · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 11:12 am Post subject: Re: Chainsaw recommendations?

I have done a fair amount of tree trimming both commercially and at my house and I would recommend a Stihl. Go with a 26" bar for medium to big jobs or an 18" for small stuff or climbing. I imagine you alredy have a bowsaw, but if not they can be just what the doctor ordered for that 1 limb up high.
I have had my Stihl 18" for 6 years and other than sharpening chains I have only had to blow it out with an air compressor. Also remember to clean the bar with alcohol or gas, if you are cutting on different trees, to avoid spreading disease.

greenworm · Light Sweet Crude Joined: Jan 27, 2006 Posts: 1340

Stihl, I find it to be the easiest to repair/clean then all the rest. I wouldn't get a homelite if you are going to put it through hell, it won't take it, for light cutting(under 4 cords a year), then it might actually be a good bet.

frankthetank · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 12:07 pm Post subject: Re: Chainsaw recommendations?

If you were buying JUST for firewood use, what would be the minimum bar length? 16? I think a chainsaw is a VERY WISE INVESTMENT.
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essex · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 12:32 pm Post subject: Re: Chainsaw recommendations?

Stihl, before I bought my chainsaws I hired a few to see how good they were. Stihl is the preferred brand here in NZ at hire centres, so that in itself is a good recommendation. I have a small forest.

Pops · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 12:56 pm Post subject: Re: Chainsaw recommendations?

I would go with something lightweight with bar length and displacement to match your timber but most importantly to match you. Then buy the most expensive and smallest model you can from a saw shop and not home depot or the Waltons. You can cut a big tree with a 16" bar.

There is not a saw out there in this catagory without tons of flimsy plastic parts that I know of but...

As you know Shanny, I am a big burly Lumberjack type (snicker) but stooping with a big saw makes one not want to cut and that is a bad thing regardless of the name on the decal stuck on in China.

Get a short, light saw but most importantly a file, learn to use it and use it often.
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Shannymara · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 1:23 pm Post subject: Re: Chainsaw recommendations?

Thanks much, all - very helpful! I'll post here what I end up buying in a few days.

Oh, one more question, please - is it possible I might find a decent used one at a pawn shop assuming I have access to someone more mechanically inclined to help me evaluate it, or should I just get a new one to ensure it hasn't been abused?
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RdSnt · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 1:39 pm Post subject: Re: Chainsaw recommendations?

The majority seems to be Stihl and I agree. Stihl is the farm tractor of chainsaws, I have one that is over 25 years old and is still running fine. Haven't even rebuilt it yet, although I've gone over the carburetor a few times.
I've cut professionally and in that context I use Huskies. They are a higher rev'ing saw with more torque. More high strung though and I don't recommend them for weekend users. Husquvarna brushsaws are great as well, but you must keep them sharp at all times, or the shafts fly apart.
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fireplaceguy · Heavy Crude Joined: May 04, 2006 Posts: 214

Shanny -

I certainly understand budget constraints but if you see yourself relying on this chainsaw for firewood well out into the future you should spend enough to get a good one. (As an alternative you could spend the same money for a cheap one and two identical spares, and be almost as well prepared!)

I agree with the posters who recommend Stihl and Husky with the caveat that Stihl has far wider distribution (at least in here in Colorado) making parts/service availability much better. Parts and service access matters, too. A chainsaw is certainly a wear item...

I was really thinking I'd get the Husky 350 series saw since it is reputed to be the lowest vibration saw on the market. I don't use it enough for that to be decisive, and what tipped the scales is the fact that Stihl equipment is by far the favorite of the pros around here - I see that distinctive orange all over. Log home builders, firewood people and tree services put these saws through hell compared to us amateurs, and the majority use Stihl.

I bought the Stihl Farm Boss (model MS-290) with an 18" bar and have been perfectly happy. I bought a Stihl carbide tipped chain (pricey) but haven't sharpened it yet (priceless) as well as an electric chain sharpener from Harbor Freight. Haven't looked to see if this sharpener will work with the carbide chain but I have two regular chains as well...

If there is an independent Stihl dealer nearby (one who services them in-house) that is where you should get your saw. A chainsaw is an efficient tool, one you'll still use when gas is $25 a gallon (ugh!) and you want to support your local small engine shop so it's still around when you need them. Ask them to recommend a list of spare parts at the same time you buy the saw and drive a hard bargain on the spares (margins stink on the saws - better on the spares) to get a good package deal.

Oh yeah - get good ear protection...

Best,

FPG

PS - Just as I was about to click "submit" I saw your pawnshop question. I stay away from pawnshops - the kind of people who pawn tools are generally the kind of people who don't maintain them...
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fireplaceguy · Heavy Crude Joined: May 04, 2006 Posts: 214

Pops · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 2:13 pm Post subject: Re: Chainsaw recommendations?

the_sword · Tar Sands Joined: Jan 19, 2006 Posts: 55

If I were working on a budget I'd look at craftsman. I've used a craftsman for 7 years ( used the heck out of it ) and haven't had any major issues. What I like about it is you can order your parts online at www.sears.com/parts

aflatoxin · Heavy Crude Joined: Jul 31, 2005 Posts: 241

I paid my way through college working as a mechanic at rental yards and small engine shops. Based on my experience, I would recommend Stihl and husky saws. Even the modest sized ones like a MS250 can cut a lot of wood. If you are going to use a 24"bar, a MS-310 or 361 is probably needed.

In years past, I've not liked low kickback chain. This chain is required on saws of less than 59cc. You can put regular chain on a smaller saw. Only low-kickback bars can be used on smaller saws unless you modify the mounting studs. I recently bought a MS310, with the low kickback chain and 24" bar to replace a husky 61 that was about 30 years old. The husky was a real handful, loud, a lot of kickback, cut 5-8 cords of wood a year for the 20 years I owned it, only minor problems. It died when the gas i was using had water in it, and the oil didn't mix in.

The new stihl is lighter, has more power (even with a smaller engine), less vibration, quiter, uses less gas, and with the low kickback gear is a lot safer to use. I bought a stihl over the similar husky because I'm friends with a stihl dealer, and husky saws are sold at Lowes.

If you buy a saw at a pawnshop (which probably isn't a good idea), you should take the muffler off and look at the piston, ring, and cylinder. If there are score marks, the saw has been overheated, or run without oil, and it is junk.

As a mechanic, nearly every chainsaw I saw died due to bad gas. When you are done using your saw, remember to drain the gas out of it, then start it and run it dry. If you do not do this, the gas will rot, and ruin the rubber parts, and gum up all of the tiny holes in the carb. Running it dry will prevent this.

Another note, using the good bar oil will make your chain last a lot longer.

hope this helps.