Chainsaws - problem with old, considering new

[babzog]

Was at a buddy's woodlot on Sat, starting to cut for next year. After a tank of gas went through it, we took a break, gassed up and went back at it. The darn thing wouldn't stay running. It had gas, air cleaner was clean and it would start but wouldn't stay running unless I kept it at full throttle. Saw is a Poulin Pro ... A cheap saw but has run well for the last 5-6 years.

I got using my buddy's ms362 for a bit and was impressed by the speed and power... At least 2x as fast as mine. Got me thinking of getting a new saw. Which makes me wonder about Husqvarna vs Stihl. Both have local dealers. Need something that will me cut 10+ cords / yr (and probably 25 this year). I like the Stihl but Husqvarna makes a good saw too. So, school me on saws!

 

[jjarrell4]

All you need to know
Stihl MS660
The Cadillac of Chainsaws

 

[Davefr]

What type of wood? (softwood or hardwood) What diameter? Will you be doing felling, limbing and bucking? What's more important - speed or low weight?

Are you open to a 2 saw plan or do you want to stick with one saw?

Are you able to maintain a saw yourself or will you need to rely on a local dealer?

More info at www.arboristsite.com

 

[Underdog]

All you need to know
Stihl MS660
The Cadillac of Chainsaws

Little big for firewood isn't it?
I don't cut firewood hardly but I do cut trees (trim and land clearing). All Stihl for me. I like my 026 with 20" bar. Also own a 029 farm hand. I hate heavy saws and find the 026 just right weight and plenty of power. I think most saw users will say that a sharp blade makes all the difference. I use only Stihl chains, the yellow box not the green box anti kick back ones. Just be careful with them.

 

[plinker]

I would say get a Stihl MS361 or an MS260 PRO saw. A MS440 is nice too (power wise), but heavier.

Arboristsite.com is the best place for info on saws.

 

[babzog]

Trees are mostly hardwood. Will be doing the whole 9 yards - felling, limbing and blocking. Size can be from 6" and up. I will probably get an 18" bar on the saw, which is what I had on the Poulin. I think that speed is a big consideration but I don't want to have to manhandle a boat anchor to cut quickly. Can't afford two saws this year, but if the Poulin is repairable, I'd have that as a backup. Other than maintenance, I'd want to have a good dealer for service. At least until I know enough to figure out what a given problem might be (such as what might be wrong with mine).

 

[Davefr]

Trees are mostly hardwood. Will be doing the whole 9 yards - felling, limbing and blocking. Size can be from 6" and up. I will probably get an 18" bar on the saw, which is what I had on the Poulin. I think that speed is a big consideration but I don't want to have to manhandle a boat anchor to cut quickly. Can't afford two saws this year, but if the Poulin is repairable, I'd have that as a backup. Other than maintenance, I'd want to have a good dealer for service. At least until I know enough to figure out what a given problem might be (such as what might be wrong with mine).

Then I'd recommend a MS361/362. It's a professional grade saw that will do everything you need. It's sweet spot is a 18-20" bar for hardwoods. Don't let them sell you a MS290 - it's a consumer grade saw and a pig in power/weight ratio.

However since dealer support is very important to you then go with Husky if that dealer is better then the Stihl dealer. If Husky then go 357XP or 372XP.

Maintainance is very important on chainsaws. Keep the chain sharp so you're throwing chips vs. generating sawdiust which can clog the filter and create a lean condition. Keep your mix fresh and use Stihl Ultra 50:1. Try and avoid ethanol gas if you can.

Bucking with a professional chainsaw and throwing a rooster tail of chips is more fun then work!!

P.S. Make sure your budget includes PPE like Kevlar chaps.

 

[PaulR]

I've got all Stihl products in my garage. Bought an MS180 Miniboss homeowner model last year. Nothing but problems. I'd still go Stihl, but my recommendation would be to pay the $$$ and get a nice one.

 

[briggsguy17]

I have sold and/or serviced just about every brand of chainsaw made. Stihl and Husqvarna are the only two you should consider, period!!! The biggest difference I noticed from a service provider end is that Husqvarna has the air injection system which keeps the air cleaner much cleaner for much longer. There is a video here:

It is obviously posted by a Husqvarna fan but it shows the system at work. Either way you will be happy.

 

[scott37300]

I have a poulan 2550ES I think, bought it probably 5 years ago. Nothing special but a decent homeowners saw. I bought it when menards had a paper bag sale, anything you could fit in the bag was 25% off so think I paid around 120 or so for it. I used it here and there and 2 years ago I rented a bucket lift to do some tree trimming on a big tree on the side of my house. It started giving me problems about midday. Would start but not idle well and then once it got hot it wouldn't start anymore. I had to use a friends to finish the job. I set it aside and last winter I went to see if I could get it running. Got some help from arboristsite.com and I ended up rebuilding the carb for 12 bucks and then adjusted the high, low, and idle and now the saw runs perfect! Spend the 15 bucks or so and rebuild the carb, change the fuel lines, fuel filter, air filter spark plug and then go bac to cutting. No sense spending 300-400 on a new saw if your happy with yours.

Or if you want to spend the money go get a new stihl!

 

[5lima30]

+1 on Husqvarna or Stihl I don't think you would go go wrong with either one. I have a Husqvarna simply because it "felt" better to me. YMMV.

 

[woody 73]

I will not tell you which saw to get because today they are all well made,kind of like Ford vs chevy debate.
But I will tell this don't get a monster saw the weight will kill you in an 8 hour day. I would not go over the 18" bar,if you have some monster logs then have a back up saw with a bigger bar.
Buy some good Kevlar chaps and a good face/hearing helmet,(spend your money and buy a good quality set).

Woody.

 

[whelenfan]

I would say get a Stihl MS361 or an MS260 PRO saw. A MS440 is nice too (power wise), but heavier.

Arboristsite.com is the best place for info on saws.

x2 on that.

 

[Frank]

I have a Poulin woodshark? The fuel lines in it cracked and I had to replace them. They are completely hidden inside the handle.

 

[air]

Stihl or Husqvarna

 

[2oolhound]

I was a faller in BC for about 15 years. I started on stihl but switched to Husky (Husqvarna) in the 70's for the anti vibration mounts they had. Now they all have rubber mounts. The other thing I liked about huskys was the styling or profile. Their body design was smoother with less protrusions that might snag on a branch and pull the saw against your leg when moving around. Back then stihls weren't as streamlined and were kind of squarish.

Today they are all neck and neck I would think. I quit falling around 1988 so I'm not too up on the current models. In the logging camps it was all stihl and husky and they were both equally respected. The best saw I ever ran in winter conditions was Jonsered, also swiss, you could plough powder snow with it all day and leave it in the bush over night in minus 30' and it fired up and ran perfect all the next day. Powder snow was the worst working conditions. I always left my husky out in the bush overnight in minus 30 -40' too and other than the recoil cord freezing up (because it was wet from the day before) it always fired up and ran good too.

I just loaned my 385 to a friend last week. It hasn't been started for 6 years or so but after cleaning the air filter and putting fresh gas in it it fired right up. I guess it ran well for them too or I'd have heard about it by now.

 

[babzog]

Seems the Stihl and Husqv are both around 12lbs. More than my poulan but it's probably twice the saw anyway. I've seen lots of folks talk about getting some chaps. Been cutting all my life without them but if I'm upgrading the saw, perhaps it's time to get a bit safer too. I'll see the two dealers tomorrow and see what I like and what I can get by the weekend.

I saw some mention in places that Husqv support was poor compared to Stihl. Any truth to that? Is that still the case?

 

[John in OH]

I've had a Stihl Farm Boss ... don't remember the model number ... with a 20" bar for 10 or 15 years. Use it around the farm for general chain saw work ... cut some firewood for the fireplace, trim trees, fell trees, clean up debris, etc. Great saw ... it has NEVER given me a problem with starting, running, or idling. If I ever have need to buy another chain saw, it will be another Stihl.

+1 on the need to keep your chains sharp and the chains and bar in good condition.

I've been so impressed with Stihl products that is now the only brand I consider. Chainsaw, backpack blower, string trimmer .... all Stihl.

 

[Stick]

I saw some mention in places that Husqv support was poor compared to Stihl. Any truth to that? Is that still the case?

Depends on the individual dealer. Around here, I can get a 260/290/361 in and out of the Stihl shop in under a day pretty much no matter what the problem is. One of the Husky dealers in town is 3-6 months backlogged, and the other is 2-3 days unless it's parts only.

I'm a Stihl fanboy myself after having worked for a dealer for a while. IMO the saws are a bit easier to work on without special tools, have a better bottom end, and have a bit more torque to keep the rpms up on the initial cut. Though I do have to say that those Husky saws can turn some serious RPM's at times.

Might also be worth looking at Jonesred, Dolmar, and the pro-level Shindiawa saws. They are a little heavier than a comparable Stihl/Husky, but they are every bit as good.

 

[Tigwldr]

I worked on Stihl and Husk, for several years before going to welding school. I love my stihl equipment. All of my stuff is atleast 10 years old. One of my weedeaters are about 17 years old and I can go out there right now and will start no more than three pulls. I take good care of my stuff and it gives me good service. Either way you go you won't be dissapointed, but like others have said I am stihl all the way.

 

[lwlobo]

Re: Chainsaws - problem with old

I'd have to say Stihl MS260 Pro. Great power for it's size and weight, great balance. I don't have one but my Dad does and I've used it quite a bit. He also has the older version, 026 Pro, I think. Sounds like you cut enough you'll want to upgrade from the base model stuff. We do a lot of similar cutting, on almond trees (hardwood, great firewood!) and the MS 260 Pro handles those jobs really well.

 

[babzog]

Called the local dealers. Found one with a Husqv in stock, everyone else has to order (can be had on Friday). Both the Stihl ms362 and Husqv 357xp are quoted at the same price ($745). Gonna head out to the dealers and check out the similar models to get a sense of how they feel.

 

[bindernut]

I saw some mention in places that Husqv support was poor compared to Stihl. Any truth to that? Is that still the case?

I have said that in the past. I live in St. Louis, and husky dealers are not common. I hear time & aagain that none of the dealers around here stock a lot of parts. Stihl dealers are quite common, and the distributor for this part of the country is maybe 3 hours from st. louis. As long as you have your order in byt the cut off time, you'll have it the next day(without paying overnight charges).

Ask around with people you know that live near you & cut wood. Find out what brand has good local service. You can have the best saw made, but if you can't get parts/service, it's not worth having. And don't be put off if the stihl dealer doesn't have the one you want in stock. The bigger the saws, the less you sell. If it's a small dealer, it might not be worth his $$$$ to keep every model on the shelf.

I've got an 021, 025, and an MS361 that needs a carb job. I love stihl saws!! I think they are the best saws, and i've used a lot of different brands at one time or another.

Mark

 

[demographic]

So all the people who say that nothing other than Stihl of Husqvarna are any good seem to have forgotten that some Jonsered saws are the same as Husqvarnas? Husky owns Jonsered and several of the line up are the same other than the name and plastics.
Dolmar anyone? As Makita owns Dolmar even a Makita? Often the same saws with different coloured plastics.

A large part of what you find best comes down to local dealer support so check out what dealers are near you and go with that.

Anyway, back on track, a huge amount of the problems with chainsaws comes from split or otherwise damaged fuel and impulse lines so its worth checking that out.

 

[Davefr]

Re: Chainsaws - problem with old

I'd have to say Stihl MS260 Pro. Great power for it's size and weight, great balance. I don't have one but my Dad does and I've used it quite a bit. He also has the older version, 026 Pro, I think. Sounds like you cut enough you'll want to upgrade from the base model stuff. We do a lot of similar cutting, on almond trees (hardwood, great firewood!) and the MS 260 Pro handles those jobs really well.

If he wants to cut hardwoods and run an 18" bar then the MS260 is not enough saw.

I have an MS260 and it's a wonderful saw when paired up with a MS440/460 or even a MS660. However it's not the best choice for the "one saw" plan.

 

[Davefr]

Called the local dealers. Found one with a Husqv in stock, everyone else has to order (can be had on Friday). Both the Stihl ms362 and Husqv 357xp are quoted at the same price ($745). Gonna head out to the dealers and check out the similar models to get a sense of how they feel.

Even though I'm a Stihl "fanboy" you won't go wrong with either of those saws.

Since dealer support is important to you then give that plenty of weight in your decision process.

- Which dealer has the best reputation in the community. (ask loggers and arborists)
- Which dealer is committed to stocking parts, chains, bars, etc.
- What's the TPT for repair if needed. Will they provide a loaner saw? Do customers who purchase saws from them get priority in the service department?
- What's the experience level of the tech's?
- If there a demo avail. or a return policy?

 

[bart1]

I don't have much to add except some levity. Stihl is "down the road" from my boys at Porsche.

Or, you can just mute your computer and watch this:

My Dad used to be a Stihl fan, but recently had some reliability issues. He gave his trimmer to me and sold his chainsaw. I know the chainsaw he replaced with a Husqvarna nd really likes it.

 

[babzog]

Both dealers I went to have very good reps from those who know them. I ended up putting a deposit on the Stihl which is supposed to be here by Friday. Apparently, if you buy a six-pack of Stihl oil, you get an extra year warranty. $10... No big deal.

The dealer was telling me that the Stihl oil is supposedly better for the saw than reg oil. Any truth to that or is it just a "dealer claim"? My dinosaurs are better than yours, kinda thing?

 

[scarrylarry]

CHAINSAWS,Did I hear chainsaws.Some pretty good advice you have gotten so far babazog.ArborisSite .com fellas can answer just about any questions you have regarding saws.There are guys that are Husky fans, guys who are Stihl fans, and everything else you can imagine,I'm also a member there
I go by (petesoldsaw).It's funny I asked a question about suspended storage couple of days back on here and some guys couldn't believe the interest in collecting chainsaws,so I put up a couple of pictures in a post.Hope to see some of you guys over there with chainsaw questions.
scarrylarry

 

[Davefr]

The dealer was telling me that the Stihl oil is supposedly better for the saw than reg oil. Any truth to that?

Yes, Stihl Ultra is a highly respected oil. Mix it 50:1 using fresh premium gasoline (ethanol free if you can get it).

 

[MattT]

The dealer was telling me that the Stihl oil is supposedly better for the saw than reg oil. Any truth to that or is it just a "dealer claim"? My dinosaurs are better than yours, kinda thing?

It is good oil and also contains fuel stabilizer. I run it or Husky oil in my saws. Not worth chancing cheap oil in $$$ saws IMO. The little pre-measured bottles make life a lot easier too.

 

[babzog]

Yes, Stihl Ultra is a highly respected oil. Mix it 50:1 using fresh premium gasoline (ethanol free if you can get it).

Interesting about the oil... I'd always thought that one two cycle oil was much like another. Yeah the dealer also told me to use premium gas. Said that premium also has little to no ethanol in it.

 

[babzog]

Welp, been busy with work and cutting wood. The Stihl was still in TO on Friday (ordered Tues) so I got my deposit back. The local Husqv dealer got a 357XP in as he said he would so I picked that up. What a beast! Soooo much faster than the old Poulan (which they want to charge me $125 to fix.. Yeah, right). Just rips through the trees. I actually like this dealer more anyway... Guy really knows his stuff. I figure another weekend in the bush and we'll be ready for skidding. Nice way to spend the wood budget for a year - get a year or so of wood and a good tool for life. Wife still doesn't quite "get it" but I think she'll understand once the woodshed is full and there's another stack of wood in the yard. To her, it's just another tool=toy.

 

[Griff93]

Glad you found a saw you like. I recently got a husky 55 myself. I've used a different 55 myself for years doing property maintenance but I didn't own it. As you have found out, there's a big difference between a husky and poulan.