Chain saw First time buyer

[pacmktg]

I need a little help. Just purchased 5 acres of Olive trees with a new home and need to buy a chainsaw for tree pruning and general clean up work.

I most likely will buy a Husky as my local dealer is one of my customers.

I have never had a need for one before and need to figure out how big a unit I need, what bar length etc.

Any help would be great.

Thanks
Bob

 

[Wakefield]

Probably having a good dealer is half of the decision. Then which model. A real Husq. or a farmed out cheapy made for Husq?

 

[Zhammy3]

Get yourself a stihl. It will last a lifetime. base your bar length based on thickness of stuff your cutting. dont buy small if you plan on taking down large trees obviously.

 

[jakemac]

If all you're doing is pruning olive trees, then a 14" bar should be fine for your needs.
If you plan on culling a grove, then you might want to go bigger.

 

[cgrutt]

I'm not sure what's involved in pruning olive trees but assuming you're going to be doing a lot of in-tree cutting relatively small branches and clean up? Ask you dealer about a top handle saw. It's kind of a specialty product designed to be light weight and balanced specifically for pruning. This is one by Husky, they have others http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/chainsaws/t435/966997232/. I'm assuming a smallish bar of 12" to 16" would be perfect for your application. This isn't a saw that you would want to use to fell trees and buck them up for firewood though. I had a couple of Huskys (not Top handle saws though) and they're good, dependable saws. I prefer Stihl though, which I currently own. You're probably better off sticking with Husky if you already know a dependable dealer though. Good luck.

 

[53chevy5]

Sounds like your stuck with a Husky, don't know if that is good or bad but I am a Stihl guy myself. I have an 18 inch and it is a good all around size but for just trimming I also would think i would get a 14 inch or so. The 18 gets kinda heavy after awhile for me.
Never seen an olive tree b/f,but it sounds like a neat place. We got about 45 apple trees with our acreage and they never get pruned like they should, just plain too many.

 

[jt777]

33-40cc with a 16 inch bar would be my choice from what you said. Would be a good compact saw at a decent price. Just my opinion though.

 

[CJM8515]

Husky, Stihl or Echo PROFESSIONAL models. DOnt buy homeowner grade junk with cheaper cases, and parts. Or if you really dont mind a cord, an electric remington does get the job done-or so many here seem to think.

Id go for 30-45cc or so and a 16" bar or 14" bar.

 

[Ghost11]

Stihl

 

[Farmall450]

Husky, Stihl or Echo PROFESSIONAL models. DOnt buy homeowner grade junk with cheaper cases, and parts. Or if you really dont mind a cord, an electric remington does get the job done-or so many here seem to think.

Id go for 30-45cc or so and a 16" bar or 14" bar.

Good catch on the Echo.
5 year consumer warranty...

With that said I'd buy a Stihl first.

 

[Davefr]

I'm not sure what's involved in pruning olive trees but assuming you're going to be doing a lot of in-tree cutting relatively small branches and clean up? Ask you dealer about a top handle saw. It's kind of a specialty product designed to be light weight and balanced specifically for pruning. This is one by Husky, they have others http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/chainsaws/t435/966997232/. I'm assuming a smallish bar of 12" to 16" would be perfect for your application. This isn't a saw that you would want to use to fell trees and buck them up for firewood though. I had a couple of Huskys (not Top handle saws though) and they're good, dependable saws. I prefer Stihl though, which I currently own. You're probably better off sticking with Husky if you already know a dependable dealer though. Good luck.

NO!!

Do not get a top handle saw unless you have experience with them. They are really intended for professional arborists. (bucket work or climbing)

The geometry makes them much more prone to kickback.

Go to arboristsite and see your yourself.

If the best dealer is Husky go with Husky. If the best dealer is Stihl then go with Stihl. Don't buy from a homecenter.

 

[nikerret]

I have an ECHO CS-400, it's a great piece of equipment. I looked at the Husky's, but a local shop did an ECHO days and gave 20% off. With that unbeatable deal, I spent a lot of money on some ECHO tools.

I think the Husky 455 Rancher was the one I was looking at, but it was larger than I wanted. A lot of people get hung up on power, thinking more is always better. If you just have to go Husky Professional, the 543XP is their smallest Pro model. Over $500 MSRP.

One of the features I required were an adjustable chain oiler, which only the medium and up Husky's have.

 

[woody 73]

Find the best dealer (check).
Ask him/her what saw you should buy (check).
Buy it and if it needs service they are your go to people in the future (check).

Olive trees...you do know how coveted olive wood is to a turner, if not save some of the larger parts because that wood is very expensive $$$$ at the wood store. Wish I had olive trees in my area but we have Russian olive not the same plant.

 

[cgrutt]

NO!!

Do not get a top handle saw unless you have experience with them. They are really intended for professional arborists. (bucket work or climbing)

The geometry makes them much more prone to kickback.

Go to arboristsite and see your yourself.

If the best dealer is Husky go with Husky. If the best dealer is Stihl then go with Stihl. Don't buy from a homecenter.

I believe top handle saws garner a reputation as being more dangerous because they are lighter and better balanced than a conventional saw. These qualities lend themselves toward people using them one-handed carelessly which leads to more accidents. If you use them with two hands they are just as dangerous as a conventional saw LOL. Point being all chainsaws are inherently dangerous and should be used with extreme caution. I agree though check out as much info as you can and make your own decision for what works best for you and your capabilities. Oh the point about more kickback is probably spot on and its probably a result of hand placement being closer together on a top mount doesn't provide as much leverage as if your hands were placed further apart. The flip side of course, is if you're doing work in a tree, a conventional saw might become unstable (in comparison to a top mount) due to more weight and length while working in uncomfortable positions (e.g., with your hands raised above your head or extended reach). Pros and cons to both saws. I believe the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to using a top mount in tree provided two hands are used at all times and all safety precautions are observed. My two cents.

 

[wafrederick]

Don't buy the Husqvarnas from Lowes and Home Depot including Tractor Supply.You are screwed for warranty work put on the bottom of the list.Buy from the dealer only basically.Buy the safety gear too which is well worth it.The chaps are to buy,my dad learned his lesson on buying these finally.Cut his jeans and almost into one of his legs once.

 

[Roberts210]

Ditto Stihl.

 

[Robinson1]

I'd start with a Stihl 180 or whatever husky has that's comparable. That's about the perfect size for limbing and general cleanup. You will probably find yourself needing/wanting a bigger saw later on but the 180 will always be nice to have on hand.

 

[Banshee365]

Echo saws are extremely under rated. Husky and Stihl make some good pro saws but they also make some cheap ****. I've been using Echo equipment for decades and run their saws weekly. I've had awesome service out of them. I've used them all and still prefer Echo saws. I'm not saying anything bad about Husky for Stihl but the simple fact is that Stihls are overrated and Echo is underrated.

 

[pacmktg]

A professional grade one like my trimmer.

 

[theoldwizard1]

You will probably only need a 12-14" bar. Make sure to get a couple extra chains.

Now thinking totally "out of the box", there is a good probability that you are going to need a pole saw. Even on small branches, a manual pole saw can give you a work out.

Buy a good, small generator (like a Honda EU2000 or a Champion 1700/2000), an electric chain saw and an electric pole saw. Having that portable generator will be extremely useful around your farm !

If you decide to go with a gas saw, maintenance EVERY TIME YOU USE IT is required.

 

[rick carpenter]

Find the best dealer (check).
Ask him/her what saw you should buy (check).
Buy it and if it needs service they are your go to people in the future (check).

Olive trees...you do know how coveted olive wood is to a turner, if not save some of the larger parts because that wood is very expensive $$$$ at the wood store. Wish I had olive trees in my area but we have Russian olive not the same plant.

+1. You might want to save and dry your smaller cutoffs and split them into smoking chunks. A bag full of those might bring some decent pocket change.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I need a little help. Just purchased 5 acres of Olive trees with a new home and need to buy a chainsaw for tree pruning and general clean up work.

I most likely will buy a Husky as my local dealer is one of my customers.

I have never had a need for one before and need to figure out how big a unit I need, what bar length etc.

Any help would be great.

Thanks
Bob

I got the Husqvarna 340, 40cc on a smallish 16 inch bar. TSC used to carry this model as a landowner mid-grade, not sure if it's still around. Looks like the 435 is pretty close. Easy to handle, plenty of power. You could run an 18" bar on it, but I never saw the need. I would think any more saw than this would be cumbersome for general use.

Been very pleased for the amount I have invested. I run TruFuel and the OEM bar oil. Changed the plug maybe 1 time for giggles in 8 ish years.

 

[tarmy]

Worked for years dropping trees....Stihl...they are bullet proof and can be serviced easily...

Buy an extra chain to keep on hand...if you hit something...swap it out to keep going...fix or sharpen it latter. Best 25 bucks you will spend.

Use fresh gas...properly mixed with synthetic oil....the saw will outlast you...

 

[kelwar]

My own personal saw I have a 455 husqvarna and for work I have a stihl ms 291, and I prefer the husky. Stihl seems a little more finicky and a little harder to work on, but it has seen a little more use then my husky. I would also say something around 40cc with a 14-16" bar so it's fairly light and easy to use.

 

[Davefr]

Worked for years dropping trees....Stihl...they are bullet proof and can be serviced easily...

Buy an extra chain to keep on hand...if you hit something...swap it out to keep going...fix or sharpen it latter. Best 25 bucks you will spend.

Use fresh gas...properly mixed with synthetic oil....the saw will outlast you...

Correction: "Stihl Professional Saws"

The homeowner/farm saws are not that easy to work on. However the professional saws can be rebuilt with about 3 tools on the tailgate of a pickup in the field.

 

[tarmy]

Correction: "Stihl Professional Saws"

The homeowner/farm saws are not that easy to work on. However the professional saws can be rebuilt with about 3 tools on the tailgate of a pickup in the field.

You are correct sir...my bad.

Like most "name brands" there are two types...the stuff they sell for the weekend warrior...and the good stuff.

Over the years...I have found that buying good tools, usually at a higher initial cost, would last longer, work better and in the long run actually be cheaper in terms of time and cash...

Stihl pro saws start around 500...some these days even have an auto adjusting carb to make it run smoothly in differnt conditions (elevation, moisture, temp etc.).

Good luck...just keep a sharp chain on it...and pay attention the the task at hand....chainsaws are dangerous...

 

[theoldwizard1]

Whatever you buy, get GOOD safety gear. A helmet with a face guard and ear protection. Good leather gloves. Chain saw chaps. Work boots.

IMHO, a chain saw is potentially the most dangerous tool out there, especially in the hands of a rookie. Table/radial arm/miter saw are all a close second.

 

[LB-1911]

I need a little help. Just purchased 5 acres of Olive trees with a new home and need to buy a chainsaw for tree pruning and general clean up work.

I most likely will buy a Husky as my local dealer is one of my customers.

I have never had a need for one before and need to figure out how big a unit I need, what bar length etc.

Any help would be great.

Thanks
Bob

Previous posts have given you something to work with, Time to visit to your local dealer and see what he recommends based on your requirements.

Include extra chains, the appropriate files for touching up the chains along with safety gear.



Olive
http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/olive/


Olivewood
https://www.westpennhardwoods.com/catalog/Olivewood.aspx?guid=4a334c2c-85de-4e05-9985-cbf0d42c4b35

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

The Husky Lithium Ion cordless saw is bad to the bone for trimming and climbing.

 

[4Kings]

If you have alot of tree pruning to do, seriously consider a pole saw. I have one and it's safer for what I'm imagining you're up against. Ladders and chainsaws are a bad combination imo.