I tend to agree.
I’ve had my husky for probably 15 years or more and besides a few little scuffs it’s still in great shape.
But I don’t drop it out of trees or throw it around.
Take care of your stuff and it will last.
Chainsaw disappointment
- Thread starter pcmeiners
- Start date
I tend to agree.
I’ve had my husky for probably 15 years or more and besides a few little scuffs it’s still in great shape.
But I don’t drop it out of trees or throw it around.
Take care of your stuff and it will last.
highclimberstree81
New member
When it comes to saws, I will say it’s mainly a personal preference. Stihls are great saws, just cost out the *** for them. Husqvarnas are good saws, but the oilers go out in them all the time and the mufflers like to rot out. And some get really hot and melt the plastic above the mufflers. And I have had a few that don’t like to start back after hot. I am new to the echos. And I like them. They last pretty much as long as a stihl does, and you can get 2 for the price of one of the same size. Warranty is the same. Just don’t buy them under a commercial account because the warranty is only a year vs 3-5 for personal. I am a tree climber. I have been doing tree work for over 16 years. There is good and bad in them all. Just like anything else
rct
Well-known member
If you only need a consumer grade saw for rare use, get one. If you want a semi-pro ranch saw or pro saw, be prepared to spend the $$. Can't get a Caddy at Kia prices
Echo, Husqvarna and Stihl all make good saws with varied durability and price ranges.
Echo, Husqvarna and Stihl all make good saws with varied durability and price ranges.
If I'm not mistaken that's the present day "Farm Boss" If I had to only have one chainsaw that would be the one I'd get. I think you'll be happy with that one.
Snapped-off
Well-known member
Don't know if I've seen anyone mention Makita (Dolmar). The one in use back home has probably been through 30 cords over the years. It replaced an 80s/90s Dolmar.
What’s your opinion on those husky electric top handle saws?
Looks like they really have some power.
Not sure if it’s worth it when it comes time to replace batteries I can imagine what they get for them
But quite a substantial weight savings I’m sure
Badgerstate
Well-known member
Keep in mind though, theres a big difference between designed in the USA or Germany and made in China and 100% designed and built in China.
Id gladly pay more for the Stihl, knowing that its a saw that is going to last for decades. Even if all other things are equal, what puts Stihl on top is their chains. There is no comparison between a Stihl Pico chain and whatever Oregon chain everyone else puts on their saws.
redmondjp
Well-known member
Stihl isn't what it used to be, and the same can be said for a lot of things these days.
I don't know what you think is so magic about Stihl chain. I've got my grandfather's 011t (purchased new in 1985) with the pico chain on it - yes, it cuts. My new Echo CS-361P has an Oregon chain on it and it also cuts. Also have an 024AVS and my brother has a handful of Stihls also.
The main thing is to keep the chain sharp at all times, regardless of the brand. If you are referring to the difference between the casual-user reduced-kickback chains and the professional-grade ones, well that difference applies to all brands of chain Stihl or otherwise.
I really like the value of the Echo saws. If you are an occasional user and don't have an existing battery tool platform which offers an electric chainsaw, I'd go pick up one of the $150 Echos from the big box store, keep the chain sharp and the air cleaner clean, and go to work. I paid 2.7x that for my professional-grade Echo which honestly for me is overkill for how much I will ever use it, and I could have just bought the $150 one and pocketed the difference.
For a medium-class saw, it's hard to beat the Echo CS-590 Timberwolf. I picked up a lightly-used CS-520 last summer on the List of Craig for $100, and I am amazed at how much power it has for such a light saw. I cut some 36" diameter maple trees last fall with it (using a 20" bar, from both sides) and it performed like a champ.
Daveyclimber
Well-known member
Echo is a great budget saw.
Lindley
Member
Like others have said, step away from the consumer line and go get a quality pro saw like the Stihl MS261 CM. I’ve got them from this size up to the new fuel injected MS500i.
Not disappointed at all.
Not disappointed at all.
Attachments
Project Farm would disagree. Stihl chain is on top by a slim margin but not enough to justify the 2X price relative to Oregon.
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Farmall450
Well-known member
Well, you can probably find a Pico for your Echo/Husky saw.
Not that I would bother...considerably more cost for minimal gains. Run a power cut oregon and be done with it.
Very good advice, I always ask people if they think in ten years they will remember they spent an extra $250 for a Pro grade saw that will most likely last them the rest of their life.
KMdef9
Well-known member
Nope, they wont. Other than being grateful they did.
I've owned both prograde and homewoner Stihl saws. Never used them outside of their means and took care of them, and going on 20 years on the homeowner saw and 11 on the pro. Whoever mentioned before, if you're breaking these tools, you're abusing them.
I've got a Stihl 08S and a MS 261m, both with 16" bars.
Feel free to stop by and run them both.
The 08S is ALL metal, hardly any plastic at all in it.
MS 261m has a fair amount of plastic.
Run them both as long as you'd like, see what you prefer.
I know which one I'd reach for after 5 minutes of running both and I expect it's plastic to last as long as the 08s has.
Feel free to stop by and run them both.
The 08S is ALL metal, hardly any plastic at all in it.
MS 261m has a fair amount of plastic.
Run them both as long as you'd like, see what you prefer.
I know which one I'd reach for after 5 minutes of running both and I expect it's plastic to last as long as the 08s has.
seber
Well-known member
Helmets are all made out of polymer. Most bulletproof vests are polymer. Bulletproof glass is polymer. In fact, modern polymers can be far stronger than steel pound for pound.
Agree........^^^^^^^^^^^
Glass reinforced “plastic” can be far more forgiving in use and drop tests than a metal casting. That’s how the current battery tools get the strength and light weight.
Nobody wants 40# chainsaw.
Glass reinforced “plastic” can be far more forgiving in use and drop tests than a metal casting. That’s how the current battery tools get the strength and light weight.
Nobody wants 40# chainsaw.
And I'll just mention .... I have several saws from generations ago left behind by my father. Still in the cases tucked away in a shed.... not used for decades.
Every once and awhile I'll pick one up .... and think to myself, " Wow ...... my Dad was a strong man." No plastic on those jewels.
Every once and awhile I'll pick one up .... and think to myself, " Wow ...... my Dad was a strong man." No plastic on those jewels.
Mr_fixit
Well-known member
you're not supposed to drop them on the ground.
Shocker
Well-known member
Have a little Husqvarna 135 and cut up a 32" cedar with it. It was wet on our beach. I also cut up a bunch of smaller logs as well. Ponderosa Pines and cottonwoods. Went the whole day with a Carlton semi chisel on it.
I have a much larger Poulan Pro PP5020 that would only idle after sitting the winter. So I brought the Husky as a backup. Love that little thing.
The consensus on the best saw for the money is the Echo CS-590 Timberwolf. Plenty of power, 3 year warranty and a decent price. Get them at a dealer and have them tune and test before taking it home.
If you have never used a chainsaw before, I highly recommend you keep the safety chain on it. They come with the Oregon Advance Cut which isn't bad. Once you get used to using it you can move to the semi or full chisel depending on what you are cutting.
Semi chisel for dirty wood. Stumps and waterlogged stuff like what I was cutting.
I have a much larger Poulan Pro PP5020 that would only idle after sitting the winter. So I brought the Husky as a backup. Love that little thing.
The consensus on the best saw for the money is the Echo CS-590 Timberwolf. Plenty of power, 3 year warranty and a decent price. Get them at a dealer and have them tune and test before taking it home.
If you have never used a chainsaw before, I highly recommend you keep the safety chain on it. They come with the Oregon Advance Cut which isn't bad. Once you get used to using it you can move to the semi or full chisel depending on what you are cutting.
Semi chisel for dirty wood. Stumps and waterlogged stuff like what I was cutting.
Stihl saw in my experience has pretty durable plastic. I think your issue is more related to how and for what purpose you are using it. I have been using my chainsaw for all works in backyard limbing, bucking, pruning, cutting for the last 4 years and it still works great. Upgrading to the pro-Stihl chainsaw model will be a good option instead of buying some cheaper chainsaws. The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
BLUE72CAMARO
Well-known member
Yeah there are a lot of things that happen that your not supposed to do.
About 5 years ago I bought a new Stihl ms441 I had maybe had it a month or so and my dad called wanting me to work on a stump in his front yard with it. So I put it in the bed of my truck and went to grab something else he had asked me to bring. In the mean time he called back and said not to worry about the other item. So I jumped in the truck and headed to the parents house. I got about 1 1/2 miles down the road and all the sudden it dawned on me that I hadnt put the tail gate up since I didnt load the other item. (I have a soft tonneau cover on my truck so you cant physically see the tailgate or anything in the bed for the matter) So just as that thought enters me head I look in the rearview mirror to see the 441 spinning down the road behind me. I immediately felt sick to my stomach as I just knew my new $1k+ saw was junk.... So I jammed on the brakes and backed up to pick it up out of the middle of the road. Much to my surprise all it did was scrape up the rubber coating on the handle and the plastic cover on top of the saw. I was absolutely amazed it had broken none of the plastic parts falling out of the bed of a 3/4 ton truck at 50mph.
Purchased an Echo CS-501p. Primarily paid extra for a very light saw (compared to a CS 590), electronic ignition and a 5 warranty. I really do not count on warrantees anymore, maybe it is worth something, but since I am 70, the light weight may make a difference down the road .
rlitman
Well-known member
Light weight and quieter tools are both great upsells for me. Electronic ignition on gas power tools is a requirement for me now. In a few years, I hope I'll be looking for EFI.
As for warranties, I'll buy into them, but only with companies that I expect will outlive the time period. I'd trust Echo to be around in 5 years.
Firebrick43
Well-known member
The farm boss has been the 029/MS290, wonder why the made a saw with less power the farm boss now instead of the MS291??? Interesting
This isn't true. Stihls prosaws still have the majority of the saw as magnesium, the handle and superfitial covers are all that is plastic.
The MS362 is a 59CC saw with 4.69 hp and weights 12.3 lbs.
The MS291 is a 55CC saw with 3.79hp and weights the same 12.3 lbs.
The Pro magnesium saw is lighter per on a per hp and a per cc basis.
I owned a MS290 for years and for the last 5 a MS361. The difference is startling, both in power and antivibration. Not knocking the farm boss however, it still was a decent saw.
Farmall450
Well-known member
Their warranty is actually decent. I have the 500P and love it.
Bruce 993 SEA
Well-known member
Should it be wake up and smell the pre-mix...?
30 year old Stihl Farm Boss with 16 inch blade. Still going strong. No issues with the plastic parts.
YMWV
I have an Echo CS-2511t and it is the best saw I've owned but I am tainted by my age. I've had/have several Stihls and a Husqvarna, but the tiny Echo is my go to now. Unfortunately it will not suitable for a 16" bar as the writer is looking for. But it is the lightest saw made at a 5 pound power head and the little 25cc engine never gives up. Also available in a rear handle for a few tenths of a pound more weight.
For the 16" range I have been reading about the new Echo CS-4911. It's 50cc, take 16" to 20" bars and is relatively inexpensive.
"But it is the lightest saw made at a 5 pound power head and the little 25cc engine "
Sounds nice for one handed use while up in a tree. I almost offed myself when I was 13, up in a tree, when an 20" saw bounced back...felt the wind from the chain on my neck. Young and stupid
Sounds nice for one handed use while up in a tree. I almost offed myself when I was 13, up in a tree, when an 20" saw bounced back...felt the wind from the chain on my neck. Young and stupid
Firebrick43
Well-known member
A small saw for this reason is more dangerous than a large saw in a tree. People think they can actually control a small saw one handed. Truth is even a very very strong man has very little strength in his wrist that could control a kick back from any saw.
flushcut
Well-known member
IMO being a tree guy, if you haven't broken some plastic on a saw you haven't used a saw.
Even the Stihl 660 and the mother of all monsters, the 880 magnum have handles and various covers made of plastic.
Those are the major league saws lumber jacks are running in the logging industry. Day after day for years those saws are running gallons of gas per day in harsh conditions.
If there was a problem with any part of it, they would buy something else...
Those are the major league saws lumber jacks are running in the logging industry. Day after day for years those saws are running gallons of gas per day in harsh conditions.
If there was a problem with any part of it, they would buy something else...