Any chainsaws in your shop?

[Nowater]

What gas brand for an occasional user? I don't need wood for heat, but I do cut some pieces to turn on my lathe. What bar length do you think would work?

I don't think I need a monster machine. The local store sells only Echo and I am tempted to deal there, but there are other stores too.

Your opinion please:

Brand?

Engine displacement?

Bar length?


Thanks for your time.

 

[sberry]

for that it would be fine.

 

[ishiboo]

I have a Stihl MS-250 gas saw (small 14" trim saw) and a Remington 14" electric. Unless I am doing something remote, I find myself using the Remington more and more. It's quiet, works great and I use it a ton working on my barn renovation (cutting through big oak beams, 2x8 pine, etc.) and you never have to worry about gas, pull starting, etc. If its cold out and you need to cut one piece you don't have to wait for it to warm up or anything.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_379612-65481-RM1635W___?productId=3646784&pl=1&Ntt=remington+chainsaw

If I was to buy a new gas saw, it'd be a Husky or it's twin (GMC vs Chevy) a Jonsered. I've had much better stuff with my Husky gear than Stihl. In terms of selection, you really need an idea of how big of a piece you want to cut. If you are just cutting an occasional piece, bar length and displacement are not really a big deal.

 

[kelpaso1]

Sthil, any model. If you use premium gas and their 2 stroke oil it will be the last saw you will ever buy. Pricey though but spend 500 now and nothing else ever. I got sick of using cheap saws so I bought a MS270 and it starts first pull even after sitting for a year. You won't be disappointed. Cheap box store brands are just that. I know cause I fix them. I rarely get Sthils in here unless they have been abused. Most of the ones I do get usually just not running real good. New plug, gas filter, clean the air filter, and a minor carb adjust and they are good as new.

 

[Streetbu]

Husqvarna 435 with a 14 or 16" bar

 

[Bdgjr215]

If your only gonna use occasionally, and your close to electric , just get the 14" Remington
I have one at home its got plenty of power for homeowner use and you dont have to worry about stale gas due to occasional use.just bar oil
I have an echo and a redmax for work but they get used frequently.the 14" Echo is 5 or 6
Seasons old and still has good power .the redmax is a top handle trim saw and thats flawless
But it was expensive

 

[demolitionman]

full fleet of pre-emission XP's ported and brazed exhausts. 346,372,390. Started running XP's and sold every pro stihl I had except the tree ms200t
saw.

 

[TractorJeff]

If I was an occasional user, then I would get the electric Remington with a 16 inch bar (I have one in the garage) as its REALLY handy! No Mess, just cut it to fit!
For firewood, I use a STIHL MS 290 now which I use to cut 12 face cord with every year. Used to have a selection of 041's left from my Logging days (downsized now). Back in the mid 70's, we started with a MAC 10-10 which was a real screaming vibrating fast saw! Sometimes I wish I had one around for memories sake!

 

[Jarwop]

>> local store sells only Echo
I went to the local mower dealer and said, sell me something trouble free, I'll drain the fuel at the end of the summer and I expect it to start-up without issues later. I didn't specify brand or price, I just wanted something that would be easy to start. They suggested Echo with 20 inch bar and with a 5 year warranty. I have cut up about 50 trees and have been very happy with it, Later purchased Echo weed trimmer and blower. I'll give away my 14 inch Mac, barley used, still looks new, just couldn't spend 3 hours trying to get it to run every time I needed to use it. Too nice looking to throw away. Maybe I leave in in the driveway and it will disappear.

 

[Cato]

Unless I am doing something remote, I find myself using the Remington more and more.

Electric is the way to go if you have the extension cords and power source. Battery power is great too for light use.

 

[Rex_A_Lott]

Given your situation, go with what the local guy recommends, that's where you'll go if you have trouble.
I have an Echo pole saw and its never given me trouble.
I have 2 Stihls, a limbing saw and a bigger one. Good stuff, but they are all not going to like the ethanol and sitting around a long time between uses. If you use it once a month, you wont have much trouble. Once a year, expect to be frustrated.Good Luck!

 

[demolitionman]

Get a 346xp. Leave it stock, buy a tach and tune it to run around 12,300 rpm's. Bad bad bad little saw. Nimble and will make quick work of Majority of stuff.

 

[Streetbu]

346xp has been discontinued for several years now...

 

[Junkman]

I have 2 Husqvarna chain saws, and my reason is the good service from the local shop. The saws never need attention, but chain sharpening does. I would buy whatever you can get good local service on. With gasoline powered products, service is everything.

 

[floridafarmer]

I have a barn full of Stihl products - 4 Stihl chain saws, pole saws, hedge clippers, blowers,etc. I also have one Jonsered chain saw. I have a few bigger saws for rare, bigger jobs but 90% of the time it's either the Stihl MS192 climbing saw or the Jonsered. The MS190 stores easy on the tractor, starts quick and with an aggressive chain is great for most quick jobs. The Jonsered 2258 Turbo is my favorite though - in my opinion, much better power, vibration insulation and balance - I don't feel worn out after extended use.

I really like Sthil's distribution model of using dealers instead of the big box stores and that goes a long way in my purchasing decision. Jonsered used to be the same but now they sell thru Tractor Supply.

If you get the Stihl - one thing I've learned with all of their produts, when you start cold with the choke on - as soon as it pops once - immediately switch the choke off and pull again, it will fire right up - try to keep starting with the choke on - you'll flood it.

Good luck.

 

[floridafarmer]

I have a barn full of Stihl products - 4 Stihl chain saws, pole saws, hedge clippers, blowers,etc. I also have one Jonsered chain saw. I have a few bigger saws for rare, bigger jobs but 90% of the time it's either the Stihl MS192 climbing saw or the Jonsered. The MS190 stores easy on the tractor, starts quick and with an aggressive chain is great for most quick jobs. The Jonsered 2258 Turbo is my favorite though - in my opinion, much better power, vibration insulation and balance - I don't feel worn out after extended use.

I really like Sthil's distribution model of using dealers instead of the big box stores and that goes a long way in my purchasing decision. Jonsered used to be the same but now they sell thru Tractor Supply.

If you get the Stihl - one thing I've learned with all of their produts, when you start cold with the choke on - as soon as it pops once - immediately switch the choke off and pull again, it will fire right up - try to keep starting with the choke on - you'll flood it.

Good luck.

 

[CJM8515]

Stihl, Echo or husky. Personally I dont like buying them at the big box stores as the models they carry are lower grade then even homeowner models you can buy at the saw shop.

 

[Roddyo]

I'm about 99.99% sure the stihl's with the orange handle will be homeowner grade and white handle will be pro saws.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I'm a fan of Stihl. Every product I have owned by them has served me well. I have used a MS250 with a 18" bar for quite a few years now.

 

[barks]

Big Stihl fan/owner here. However, any use other than serious cutting should be done with the new battery powered electrical models. No fuel, no fumes, no compression resistance to starting, no carb rebuilds, etc.

 

[Clik]

Some of the most reliable chainsaws I've owned were cheap box store junk. They just aren't what you'd use to cut logs with for a living. There are some deals on Chinese saws on the 'net and they are probably the same ones rebranded for the box stores. I cut wood to heat my home in a cold climate. About five cords a year. I cut some pretty big stuff and have used 20" Poulan Pros because they start easily and are half the price of Stihl and Husky. The worst saw I had was a John Deere. Even the dealer could NOT get it started consistently.

 

[theoldwizard1]

What gas brand for an occasional user?

Electric for the "occasional" user. 14" -16" bar. Buy an extra chains. When one goes dull swap it out and then take it to be sharpened.

Remington is not bad brand.


If you MUST have a gas powered saw, drain the fuel and run the carb dry after EVERY use.

 

[Whitworth]

Husqvarna Rancher. Best bang for the buck.

 

[Barnabas]

The Remington electric saws are great, but I burned out a few of them.

A gas saw will stall out when the chain is binding, but an electric will keep on trying, which will eventually burn out the electric motor. I wish they would put in an over-current-sensing device to shut it down automatically when the binding starts.

Important: Use your ears to tell you when to let go of the trigger fast, or you will burn out the motor.

The Remington electric is much better than the Sears electric saw.

I have been real happy with my Greenworks electric lawn mower, and am considering trying their 18" electric chainsaw. They also have a nice battery-powered chain saw.

I had a Husqvarna that worked like a champ and started up every time. It was stolen and replaced with two more Husqvarnas that were always hard to start. That's when I went electric.

 

[finn]

I've got somewhere around 12 chainsaws (I can't help myself and I have a great wife) Including Huskys and Stihls, which are great saws.

For your use, I think the Echo is an excellent choice. My small Echo is great for use around the yard or to throw in the back of the side by side.

My son was looking for a saw to maintain his yard, so in a moment of weakness I told him he could have the Echo. I wanted him to have a saw that is safe, light and easy to handle, and, most importantly, starts easily.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Another Stihl owner here MS 290 with a 20" bar.

 

[lowbucktruck]

I like my McCulloch saw for brute power, but I had an old Echo saw that ran great. I picked the Echo up used for $50 and used it for brush and tree trimming. The midsize Echo saws run decent (I did rent a CS-450 once, just to try it out).

 

[kaymccampbell]

I've got all Stihl. Great equipment.
A friend has all Husky. Great equipment.
We've both logged our properties. Helps to have good toys.
If you just want to do it once a year for an hour get an electric.
The gas jobs are made to run, not sit.

 

[T_R]

I have a Poulan pro with a 14" bar. I know it's cheap and not top quality. I'm not a heavy user of it. I cut trees up when storms knock them down and cut down trees along the driveway when they get too big and hang over. It starts when I need it and gets the job done.

 

[TonkaJoe]

I've got a Poulan Pro with a 20"bar.. that saw starts on a dime every single time. At the same time I also have a larger Stihl that I like just the same. The only difference is the Poulan is much cheaper in price than the other brand name saws... all depends on your workload!

 

[bwringer]

Reading comprehension are hard...

The dude's not doing any logging, and in SW Florida, it's highly doubtful he needs 12 cords of firewood to survive till spring.

He wants a chainsaw for use in and around the shop to easily rough-cut chunks of logs for his lathe. Probably making bowls or something cool like that.

An electric would be perfect for this use.


If electricity isn't easily available, then one of the smaller Echo models from the nearby dealer would be fine. Don't worry too much about bar length -- even a 12" or 14" bar will cut much larger pieces.

But seriously -- try an electric saw. They're surprisingly capable anywhere you can snake an extension cord to, and you can't beat the convenience of not futzing around with gas and oil and starting and spark plugs and dissolving crappy carb parts...

 

[slip knot]

Whatever you do. dont run ethanol in your saw. Electric is a good bet for occaisional usage.

 

[wrench409]

Poulan Pro, 16".

Starts when needed, no need for anything bigger. Easy to service and repair.

 

[Playwme]

Take a chain to get sharpened? File costs about $2 and it takes less time to sharpen than it does to swap over.

Stihl or Husqvarna. The little base model ones are pretty capable, and not much more than a cheapy. They'll also have a resale value, in case you do need to sell.

 

[stihlntime]

Still saws for us. Old 009L,(2)MS 261, MS 361, 044, MS 440, MS 460 ported,MS 660, 028,028 super we're saw poor lol, then we have a. 600 backpack blower and a old BG 85 handheld blower (2) FS 90 trimmers 1 FS 94 trimmer, (2) FS 80 trimmers, 1 FS 85 trimmer and a HT 131 polesaw. Still warranty is the best in the business followed by Husky. From my experience in the shop Echo is the worst from a shop perspective.If I had to buy a new Echo it would be a 590 from a value perspective although a Still 291 will out cut it in side by side comparisons but the Echo is 75.00 less.

 

[IndyGarage]

I've never used an electric but I can't get over dragging a cord around.

If you use Makita 18volt cordless tools they have a 36 volt (twin 18 volt battery) chainsaw that apparently can actually cut logs. It gets great reviews on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KA3ZFHA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If it were me I'd just go with a 14 -16 inch gas chainsaw. I have a Husqvarna 40cc with a 16 inch bar that I've used quite a bit over the years - always starts and runs good. It's pretty lightweight but with a sharp chain it can really move some chips.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

I picked up an Echo CS-370 from HD back in the summer time. It's a 16" bar on it. I'm VERY pleased with it. Check out the Arborist forum and read up. The chainsaw was nice before I did a muffler mod and adjusted the carb. When I modded the saw, I decatted the muffler, opened up the exhaust port quite a bit. Adjusted the carb and now the saw is insane. I thought about buying the Echo CS-400 but honestly after the mods I did it's just as good now. There is actually a before and after video of someone comparing the two.

I like Echo for smaller engine stuff, they start right up and so far with personal experience they are reliable and easy to use, very low to minimal maintenance.

I thought about getting a battery power chainsaw but then was disappointed at how expensive they are and inevitable when the battery dies paying another $100 or so for a replacement. Electric would be good too if you can have an extension close by but overall if you get a gas one just use good fuel and maintain it properly and you should be fine.

-Nigel

 

[UpNorther]

I have a Poulan pro 14".
Bought it 3 years ago as a 'starter' chainsaw to bring on 4 wheeling camping weekends. I use it about 3-4 weekends a year for camp firewood and it hasn't failed me yet. Not bad for $110.

 

[semi42]

I really like Sthil's distribution model of using dealers instead of the big box stores and that goes a long way in my purchasing decision. Jonsered used to be the same but now they sell thru Tractor Supply.

If you get the Stihl - one thing I've learned with all of their produts, when you start cold with the choke on - as soon as it pops once - immediately switch the choke off and pull again, it will fire right up - try to keep starting with the choke on - you'll flood it.

Good luck

Superb saws and the starting method as described is spot on.
buy the right tool for the job you are doing. the local dealership will recommend the right saw for you and not try to sell you what they have most of in the shop.
if i have one gripe with stihl, its that you cant access any (legitimate) parts lists online but aftersales has always been second to none

 

[Todd.Brock]

I have a stihl MS 290 Farm boss. It has an 18 inch bar with a full chisel chain. It has done everything I've asked for. Consider using Motomix if you aren't going to use the saw frequently. It is expensive premixed non-ethanol fuel from Stihl. It's good for two years