No, I would not recommend an old Stihl 041:
Hint: There is no ONE Farm Boss. Thru the years Stihl has called many different saws as Farm Boss. You should refer to saws by their model number.
Chain Saw Recommendation
- Thread starter Coach James
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No, I would not recommend an old Stihl 041:
Hint: There is no ONE Farm Boss. Thru the years Stihl has called many different saws as Farm Boss. You should refer to saws by their model number.
kctyphoon
Banned
Any cheap saw will work surprisingly well.. it's all in the chain.. if you're not in a "race" against another saw for YouTube videos, you'd be surprised how well - even cheap electric models - actually work. Learn how to sharpen a chain and they will all cut very well. HF makes a sharpener that works very well for breathing life back into dull chains.
brianh
Well-known member
I use saws a lot and have pretty much all the name brands of you have a stihl dealer and do no work on your own saws go with the farm boss, I personally prefer echo saws for the smaller displacement models. I really like the 50 cc 490 it's light well balanced but it comes with 325 chain. I got a rim drive clutch drum and installed a 375 rim. I run 375 on all my other saws so it made sense for me.
And as said the most efficient part of the saw is a sharp chain.
And as said the most efficient part of the saw is a sharp chain.
Good choice, an actual vertically split magnesium case professional grade saw made in Germany with no corners cut at Stihl/Husky homeowner price. A smart choice for those in the know. Although the current model Dolmar 421/Makita ea4300 is still a top pro built saw, I think production left the German shores. Problem with threads like these is decifering the good info from the bad. Not sure if this thread has more of which.
Good choice, an actual vertically split magnesium case professional grade saw made in Germany with no corners cut at Stihl/Husky homeowner price. A smart choice for those in the know. Although the current model Dolmar 421/Makita ea4300 is still a top pro built saw, I think production left the German shores. Problem with threads like these is decifering the good info from the bad. Not sure if this thread has more of which.
PNWguy
Well-known member
Under $400 for maintaining 28 acres? Hmmm.
If you're cutting firewood, I'd recommend at least 2 saws. We use 3. If you're just taking down an occasional bush, they all work.
1) Husky 562 XP, with a 30" bar. It's not cheap, but it cuts like you wouldn't believe. Massive power and it's reliable. Big gas tank & bar oil reservoir. We use it for big trees and bucking log decks.
It's a beast and will kick you ***. I ran it this morning for 1 1/2 tanks, and can still feel it.
2) A Stihl with a 20" bar. This is go to saw, and does just about everything. Don't remember the model number.
3) An Echo 360 top handle. It's great for limbing.
If I could only have one, it would be the Stihl, or a Husky of similar size.
To me, the most important thing (other than safety gear) is learn to sharpen the chain. Use a file; no gimicky tools are required. Keep it out of the dirt, and keep it sharp.
You can buy premixed gas? Where do they sell that?
Buy a gas can, buy non-ethanol gas and mix it yourself a gallon at a time. Don't let the gas sit in the carb at the end of the season; run it dry.
I just recently purchased an MS362, and retired an early 80's 032AV. Pretty similar weight saws, and both with 20" bars, but the 362 blew me away in terms of how powerful it actually was. Certainly out of your suggested price point at over $700, but really it is a good middle ground saw, light enough for limbing work and smaller uses, but also powerful enough to cut through the bigger stuff nicely. Basically I figured if it was much over 20" in diameter, I'm going to find somebody else to drop the tree for me.
I chose the "pro" saw simply due to long term reliability and rebuildable internals along with better overall construction. I'm not using it every day, but I want it to hold up at least as long as the that 032 has. Retired was probably the wrong word for that one as it still runs excellent, I just need to fix a few things on it then it will probably become a backup saw that lives in the truck.
I chose the "pro" saw simply due to long term reliability and rebuildable internals along with better overall construction. I'm not using it every day, but I want it to hold up at least as long as the that 032 has. Retired was probably the wrong word for that one as it still runs excellent, I just need to fix a few things on it then it will probably become a backup saw that lives in the truck.
Your local Stihl dealer should have it or can order it.
If you're mixing your own, make sure to mark the jug so one of your kids or the wife doesn't decide to add gas to their car when they constantly run on EMPTY.
Good advice on mixing a gallon at a time, it's what I do too. Also for the ease of use, buy the fuel mix in the single gallon ratio bottles, not the larger 2.5 gallon ration mix bottles.
pete351
New member
Stihl or husky. You will never see a logger with a Poland,echo,homelite,ect.I prefer stihl. I use a MS 210 or an antique av-041 on my 80 acres. Mostly the 210 its a whole lot lighter.
WittHay
Well-known member
This is why I don't comment on chainsaw threads. lol. Own a MS170 and MS171 used for trimming branches at the edges of fields, Stand on a tractor fender and one hand the chainsaw. Would definitely recommended something bigger for clearing trees
Run a lot of Honda, John Deere and Stihl equipment. I just use regular gas and the Stihl mix for 5 litre containers. Stihl recommends a higher octane gas though.
Never ever drained gas on any equipment. But everything is used at least every 2 months.
tinysparky
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2016
- Messages
- 195
I have both a farm boss and a 311. The farm boss though great....gets outdone by the 311.
My only suggestion that others haven't made is.....stay with 1 bar length if you are hamstrung on budget. Then you will have more chains, chaps, helmet, etc...
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app
My only suggestion that others haven't made is.....stay with 1 bar length if you are hamstrung on budget. Then you will have more chains, chaps, helmet, etc...
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app
itstippy
Well-known member
I am in a similar needs situation as the original poster, and I endorse posts #31 and #42 fully. Get yourself a "good" saw, but also put your old Poulan into top shape. Having a second saw of "homeowner" quality on hand is very useful provided it's ready-to-run.
When you're done using the Poulan, and you will still use it, pour the gas back into the can and start the saw until it runs dry. It takes two minutes and will keep the tuned saw ready-to-go for next time. Leaving fuel in the tank because you're going to use it again in a day or two is tempting, but half the time when I do that I end up with fuel sitting in the saw for months. Then it won't start or run properly when I need it and I use harsh language.
When you're done using the Poulan, and you will still use it, pour the gas back into the can and start the saw until it runs dry. It takes two minutes and will keep the tuned saw ready-to-go for next time. Leaving fuel in the tank because you're going to use it again in a day or two is tempting, but half the time when I do that I end up with fuel sitting in the saw for months. Then it won't start or run properly when I need it and I use harsh language.
PNWguy
Well-known member
I had no idea you could buy pre-mix. It must be stupidly expensive and there's no way it could be fresh. All to save 5 minutes of mixing?
No wife, no kids. And I wouldn't let anybody into my shop who didn't understand what "pre-mix" written on the side of the can meant.
True story: I used to do some large events with big groups of people. On occasion, generator gas would get "borrowed" by somebody with poor planning skills. I started bringing my gas in yellow cans, and since I drove a diesel truck, nobody ever touched my cans.
bob15
Well-known member
Why not buy from a VP or Sunoco gas? It is cheaper than little toy quart cans a stihl dealer and HD sells and there are dealers all over the country.
A 5 gallon can is under $80......
A 5 gallon can is under $80......
firebox40dash5
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2012
- Messages
- 4,185
I've been buying the "gallon" jugs (actually 110oz) of Trufuel at work for $12-14. I buy straight, and mix them 40:1 with oil of my choice. Only exception these days is if I had a whole day of sawing and would be using 2+ gallons, I'll mix up some plain gas then... but that hasn't come up in a while. I just don't care that it's $16 a gallon when I'm using 2-4 gallons a YEAR.
I have a big Echo trimmer I bought a couple years ago, then decided it was too much for me, and replaced with a Stihl Kombi, just been sitting for probably 18 months with Trufuel in it. Pulled it down the other day to try to sell it... fired up in about 5 pulls. Totally worth the extra $4 the gas in the tank cost me!
I have a big Echo trimmer I bought a couple years ago, then decided it was too much for me, and replaced with a Stihl Kombi, just been sitting for probably 18 months with Trufuel in it. Pulled it down the other day to try to sell it... fired up in about 5 pulls. Totally worth the extra $4 the gas in the tank cost me!
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
The biggest problem with most chainsaw is fuel left in the tank and carburetor that gums up the small passages in the carb. The second biggest problem is fuel line that get old and brittle causing very small air leaks.
Proper "care and feeding" will prevent this from happening and even a cheap saw should last a homeowner/casual a long time !
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
If you use your outdoor power equipment, you don't need to drain them !
All of my equipment started up this week after sitting for over 5 months with E10 fuel. In early fall, I refill my 5 gallon gas can with E10 and add the appropriate amount of of Stabil. That is it.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Mobil 1 Two Stroke Oil was great ... until they stop selling it in the US !
Now I use Stihl Synthetic Two Stoke Oil. Buy it by the gallon and save.
Now I use Stihl Synthetic Two Stoke Oil. Buy it by the gallon and save.
I have mine about 4 years now but was checking this out after reading your post and yes it looks like production of their smaller saws PS32, ps421 has moved to China. Larger saws and new models are still Germany. Ps420 can still be got though and they are all German made. Sorry if my original post info was a little out of date.
bpjr
Well-known member
That Stihl gas is about $30 gal...non ethanol, full synthetic oil, 92 octane and good for 2 yrs after being opened. I mix my own but a gal of it came with my Stihl blower so I used it. Now I use the can and mix my own with 89 octane non ethanol from the local station and synthetic oil. 89 is the highest non ethanol gas around me but I don't see any difference with 92 in the Stihl (or any other equipment).
rq375
Well-known member
I had a Farm Boss for one season, sold it have been extremely happy with the MS-261 18" that replaced it for the last few years.
I've checked out the new 421 & quality appears to be the same. The cylinders are still cast by German manufacturer Mahler and quality is good. Great buys them little saws. Some of the new little Dolmars have never before seen designs using reeds and transfer tunnels going right down into the case where the crank weights kinda pressure feed the transfers. Cool stuff.
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bmwerkezhp
Member
I would recommend a Stihl MS 261. I own an older version of this 50 cc saw and really like it. It is a nice compromise in the Stihl model lineup and well balanced running a 20 in bar. I also agree with others that getting a professional grade saw is recommended over the consumer grade products.
Also, try and buy straight gasoline with no ethanol and mix your own 2 stroke fuel. Any Stihl dealer can sell you the oil additive to put in your fuel before filling up your can.
Also, try and buy straight gasoline with no ethanol and mix your own 2 stroke fuel. Any Stihl dealer can sell you the oil additive to put in your fuel before filling up your can.
Below is a picture I snapped out in the garage. Although I mix my own, I have started to carry fuel in these small cans when I go to cut wood at my parents. Their small size allows them to fit nicely on the rack of the four wheeler.
I had no idea you could buy pre-mix. It must be stupidly expensive and there's no way it could be fresh. All to save 5 minutes of mixing?
No wife, no kids. And I wouldn't let anybody into my shop who didn't understand what "pre-mix" written on the side of the can meant.
True story: I used to do some large events with big groups of people. On occasion, generator gas would get "borrowed" by somebody with poor planning skills. I started bringing my gas in yellow cans, and since I drove a diesel truck, nobody ever touched my cans.
I haven't actually bought it myself but we have started using it at the FD. Cost is still an issue but, it's convenience of use, better octane, and no need of worry about somebody mixing up regular/mixed gas is a plus for us. The thing that tops all of the cost hands down is the saws run better and start when they are needed. We can't always wait 5-10 minutes for a saw to get fired up. . . .
. . . we still have a few guys that don't understand the principle of weekly checks and starting saws. They start the saw, let it run for about 5 second and then wide open for about 5-10 seconds followed by shutting it off.
Attachments
OP
Coach James
Well-known member
Well, I ended up with the MS 250. The guys at the dealer said they would be glad to sell me a pro level saw, but they thought that was overkill and more money than I needed to spend. They suggested the 250 over the 251 and smaller home owner saws.
He said the premix runs about $30/gallon and he would not buy it. I always mixed my own so that's not a problem.
I had to order new chaps as the mice got to mine over this past winter.
One interesting note: Ace will not let a new saw leave the store unless they assemble it and test run it first. He said it was liability protection for their store if some someone that never used one before doesn't go home, assemble it wrong and cut their fingers off.
Many thanks for all the advice.
Coach
He said the premix runs about $30/gallon and he would not buy it. I always mixed my own so that's not a problem.
I had to order new chaps as the mice got to mine over this past winter.
One interesting note: Ace will not let a new saw leave the store unless they assemble it and test run it first. He said it was liability protection for their store if some someone that never used one before doesn't go home, assemble it wrong and cut their fingers off.
Many thanks for all the advice.
Coach
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Cooter Brown
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2017
- Messages
- 316
I think you'll like it. When my old Mcolloch got tired I bought an MS250 4-5 years ago on the recommendation of an arborist who was taking an oak off my house. He has multiple saws, mostly pro level Stihls, but the 250 was a go to for him and used daily. I've run mine like a rented mule and it's still going strong.
The bet advice--which you took--is to buy the saw from a dealer who services them. Around here that's Stihl--I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Husky if the situation were reversed.
finn
Well-known member
Good choice.
There is a reason that Stihl has kept the MS250 around years after the its replacement 251 was introduced. At my workplace we have plenty of the pro series saws. But, we also have numerous MS250's around that are used for lightweight work and they just keep running and running. Because they are economical, we don't worry as much if we have to abuse them a bit. We sometimes put a 14 inch bar on them for trimming work and they are quite the cutter (saws have less trouble spinning a shorter chain and bar..
Excellent choice.
Excellent choice.
Aaron_W
Well-known member
I think that is pretty standard.
I've probably bought a dozen saws for work over the years and despite some yahoos I think we would count as professionals. Every saw I have bought from 3 or 4 vendors had already been assembled and run before they called us to say the saws were in.
PNWguy
Well-known member
Do you really pay $15 a gallon for gas? That's more than 3 times the price for ethanol-free premium at my local station.
It's your money so I don't care, but that seems like burning money for no good reason.
Blickus
Well-known member
I bought a 5 gallon can of Sunoco Optima ethanol free fuel, $50. Woof, (and I work in the plant where it's made !). Was hoping to get a "sample" from the guys a that blend it, but tight security on all the race fuels here.
We're trying to roll out a premixed 2 cycle fuel like VP's, but our distribution isn't as well established as VP or TruFuel.
https://www.sunocoracefuels.com/fuel/optima
We're trying to roll out a premixed 2 cycle fuel like VP's, but our distribution isn't as well established as VP or TruFuel.
https://www.sunocoracefuels.com/fuel/optima
bob15
Well-known member
When I buy ethanol free gas, I need to drive 2 1/2 hours one-way to the gas station. Sometimes I question it because of how it runs in my garden tractors at times......can't prove anything, but sometimes it makes me wonder. This why I use the VP.
The VP is used in 2 strokes only, with 5 gallons lasting about a year of wood cutting. I'd rather spend the money on good gas for the saws once a year, rather than to rebuild carbs or replace fuel lines (especially when they seem to start leaking at the wrong times).
bob15
Well-known member
I'd like to try the Sunoco, but our Cam2 dealer moved from one town over to a 40-45 minute drive (one-way, if no traffic), whereas the VP is 30 minutes away and zero traffic. price was the same......
OP
Coach James
Well-known member
I checked online and there are 2 stations selling ethanol free gas within 7 miles of my house. One of them, I pass several times a week on my way to work.
Coach
Coach
LawnBoy-5247
Well-known member
It is not ace's policy It is Stihl's policy. All equipment must be assembled before it is sold. There are only a select few reasons that we can sell equipment still in the box.
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Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk
majorbanjo
Active member
I had a Farm Boss MS271 that I gave to my nephew when I purchased a MS362 Pro Saw with a 20" blade..then put a 24" blade on it for some larger jobs.....the Pro Saw is a Hoss, but the Farm Boss is no slouch either....it's a fine saw....
Hello Coach It is a nice homeowner based saw and can take on a larger log if needed. If you don’t mind the extra cost of canned non ethanol hygrade fuel mix or just Midgrade to Premium fuel with the 2cycle synthetic blend oil mix. Just keeping it clean along with maintenance will keep it running.
bpjr
Well-known member
I was just talking with a contractor who does heavy tree work for Florida Power & Light. As I write this they are removing two 75' pines in front of my house...maybe 30"-36" diameter. Pine beetles killed them. Their main saws are Husky 365 for the 55' boom truck and small Stihl top handles for climbing/trimming. The 365 is 4.8 hp, 14lbs with 28" bar and street price about $800. One guy was sharpening the Husky chain with a round file and said he sharpened when cutting drops off.