Chainsaw Recomendation

[Doug19]

So I just purchased 9 acres that is full of trees. I would like to thin out some of the smaller trees to let the larger tress fill in. That being said I need a chainsaw to do this. My budget is around $300 new or used. I would use it for the occasional firewood, but once I thin out the trees I might use the saw 4 or 5 times a year. What do you guys recommend d I look at. I'd like to stay away for box store saws as I had a Poulan that wasn't that impressuve.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Farmboss

 

[DonPowers]

Stihl, Husqvarna or Echo. I have a 25 year old Husqvarna 51 with a 16" bar. Its been a great little saw and plenty of power. Just run good fuel and keep your chain sharp.

Buy one at a dealer and not the big box, mostly for service. A few years ago I bought a Husqvarna trimmer from Lowes and a month or so later went to a dealer to buy some attachments. Even though it had the same model number as the one sold by the dealer, the attachments wouldn't fit. The couplers were totally different. Had to buy the cheaper attachments sold by Lowes. I haven't checked to see if the saws have any differences.

 

[whitetailhntr]

Stihl

 

[Notgrownup]

I have a 16" CS370 Echo I think the model # is right...sat for 4-5 years. Filled it up and took about 4 cranks and it was running...I have 3 Echo pieces and they have been flawless.

 

[finn]

For 5 times a year use, you are in the homeowner or, at most, the landowner class saw.

Husqvarna, Srihl, and echo all have good reputations, as does Dolmar.. ( I read somewhere that Dolmar is in the process of being rebranded as Makita).

The box store saws are the exact products as the homeowner / landowner / farm saws you'll get at a dealer, although pro level saws are dealer only.

I'd agree that you will probably get better service at a dealer, but there are some really bad dealers out there, while box stores generally have a very liberal exchange policy should something go horribly wrong.

Consider renting a saw from Home Depot to confirm that owning a saw is something you want to get involved with. Infrequently used gasoline power equipment is problematic.

 

[vmusch]

Stihl and only use non ethanol gas..............learn to sharpen chains. We ruin equipment, we don't wear it out.

 

[sandslot]

I have a Stihl that I bought almost 30 years ago, it's it's in storage until I need it...years at a time and always starts nearly the first or second pull. Maybe along with others, but I would recommend this one

 

[CNGsaves]

OP . . . the above posts cover most the top brands that you should consider. Search other GJ threads as lots of specific model numbers listed in those threads.

Also should consider a used chainsaw as above brands have some pretty incredible older saws. When properly cared for, an older saw is likely better than new saws with EPA exhaust restrictions. Could expand list of older saws to include Homelite and McCulloch. For example, here's a starter saw (14" McCulloch 3200) for just $60
http://peoria.craigslist.org/grd/5218991801.html

As other GJ threads cover in detail, do NOT use ethanol fuel in chainsaw as a general rule. Keep fuel fresh, and drain fuel if saw not used for extended periods. Good luck.

 

[pigsitter]

Another stihl user here, I'm going on 7years of trouble free service from my ms290. It's earned it's sleeping spot on top the frig.

 

[CJM8515]

Again Ill agree with everyone else, stihl, echo or husky. Buy more saw than you think you need as well and if anything buy a mid level saw or pro saw (worth the extra coin). Dont buy at home depot or lowes, buy at a dealer. The mid-pro saws usually have more power, larger blades, metal crank cases and a engine that isnt as detuned.

Personally a husky 455 ranger with an 18-20 blade is probably the best pick out of the big 3. But a stihl farmboss or an echo 450 would be fine as well.I have the pro echo 450 and the one thing I love-it has a spin on replaceable air filter..

 

[theoldwizard1]

I'll be the odd ball. Buy a Remington electric saw, 50' of 12/3 extension cord and a generator, 3000 watts or higher. These saw come with a 14" bar and you say you will only be cutting small trees so this should be fine.

If you have property, you will use the the generator for other projects.

If you really want a gas saw, buy Stihl. Use Stihl synthetic oil. Don't worry about ethanol-free fuel. Just empty the gas tank and run the carb dry when you are not going to use it for more than a few days.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I use Jonsered saws. Tractor supply carries the saws, chains, bars, plugs, etc.

 

[ClineWrench]

Still woodboss or farm boss. So the model numbers would be 'MS271 or MS371. Both are great saws. Use only non ethanol fuel. Using ethanol fuel will really mess up any two stroke engine.

 

[geartow]

Stihl . It is what our recovery/rescue trailer has on it. Sits sits sits then it goes. We use only canned non-e gas.

 

[woody 73]

Sigh a GJ quick search would have helped you out as we beat this topic to death many times...

Don't worry about make or model, FIND the BEST dealer in your town, be it a small shop or a large shop, make sure you like them and they will treat you well not like a number but rather as a person and buy what they are selling.

When the time comes for service you won the battle from the get go!

 

[Kent_B]

^^ This!

 

[77thor]

Stihl.

I have no personal experience with Husqvarna, but I've heard nothing but good things about them.

 

[valentine]

Gotta agree with getting whatever your local power equipment dealer is pushing. Also, my dealer has advised me to run gas with at least 89 Octane. According to what hetold me, lower Octane fuel can cause 2 stroke motors to run hotter than they should which may lead to engine failure. A few years back I fried 2 string trimers and one backpack blower in a two week period and the mechanic determined the cause was crappy low Octane fuel. Don't know for sure but I started using premium fuels and have had no problems since.

-Valentine

 

[CJM8515]

I will only run 93 octane from a good gas station like sunoco, exxon or mobil. I will also only use expensive synthetic oil you can buy at the motorcycle shop. None of my 2 stroke stuff ever has issues. Cant run 87 octane in these things, the ethanol content alone wreaks havoc on the internals.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I own a Stihl and we have great customer service locally here. Like a few others mentioned a Farmboss but compare it to a MS291, as the newer FB appears to be a MS271.

Alot of guys have had great luck with the other orange stuff, Husqvarna (aka Husky, not to be confused with the Home Depot line of tools) or Echo.

I'd also consider stepping up to a 20" bar. I'm about 6"1" and the extra 4" of bar over the 16" bar that my saw came with, makes my back feel better as I don't have to bend over as much when cutting stuff on the ground.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Stihl.

I use mid grade gas and Stihl 2 cycle oil.

I bought my Farmboss while I still lived in town on 1/4 acre, before I even had any trees to cut. I knew I would be getting some land ASAP and did shortly after. I got a 20" bar 'cause I knew I'd end up dealing with some bigger stuff.
Over 15 years later, it still starts by third pull even if it has sat unused for 6 months. It gets worked about 3 or 4 times a year on weekends spent cutting down a few trees here and there and the occasional emergency cutting when a storm brings one down in the middle of the night, blocking the driveway or the road (I don't leave my downed trees in the road and wait for the county like some people do).

 

[Neutron357]

Another stihl user here, I'm going on 7years of trouble free service from my ms290. It's earned it's sleeping spot on top the frig.

I agree with pigsitter. I have had my MS290 for just as long and it has taken down some good size trees.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DonPowers]

I own a Stihl and we have great customer service locally here. Like a few others mentioned a Farmboss but compare it to a MS291, as the newer FB appears to be a MS271.

Alot of guys have had great luck with the other orange stuff, Husqvarna (aka Husky, not to be confused with the Home Depot line of tools) or Echo.

I'd also consider stepping up to a 20" bar. I'm about 6"1" and the extra 4" of bar over the 16" bar that my saw came with, makes my back feel better as I don't have to bend over as much when cutting stuff on the ground.

My last saw had a 20" bar and went to a 16" when I bought the Husky. I find it a lot easier to maneuver when limbing a felled tree. I can see your point regarding stuff on the ground, which is something that I typically avoid. If I'm not lifting a log with a machine, I use a peavey with a log jack to get it off the ground. I also avoid cutting with the tip.

 

[Davefr]

If you go over to arboristsite.com you'll find that there's no love lost for the Stihl MS290. It's a pig in power to weight ratio and not very mod (or rebuild) friendly. It's also in the homeowner class vs. Pro class. However it's as reliable as gravity. I'd get the MS361/362 instead.

I also agree to shop the dealer first then the brand if service is important. (never a homecenter!!!) Stihl, Husky and Dolmar all have gems and dogs. Arboristsite is your friend to filter out the gems.

Any chainsaw is only as good as the maintainence they receive. (and they're pretty unforgiving to owner negligence)

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Hard to go,wrong with Stihl or huskvarna. I have two Stihls and neither has ever failed me.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I will also only use expensive synthetic oil you can buy at the motorcycle shop.

The Stihl 2 stroke synthetic is very good. Buy it by the gallon and the price is not too bad.

 

[joeyd01]

I have an ms290 as well and its been great. 20 inch bar with 3 or 4 chains. I'd rather swap the chain and pay the 2 bucks to get it sharpened. Also it's a good practice to flip your bar every time you change or sharpen your chain that way it will wear even and extend the life of the bar

Sent from my VK810 4G using Tapatalk

 

[CJM8515]

The Stihl 2 stroke synthetic is very good. But it by the gallon and the price is not too bad.

That will work too. I use benol castor oil. It's like 25 a gallon but it is used in high performance bikes and other toys

 

[jar944]

Check your local home depot rental location for a ex rental Makita Dolmar saw. They are by far the best deal out there.

 

[The FIB]

Can't go wrong with Stihl, even their homeowner saws are high quality.

 

[khFokke]

Dolmar/Makita (they are the same machines, just different colors) are maybe the best. Not sure about the customer service tho.

Otherwise Stihl is very good. I own a vintage 67cc Stihl 038 Super and it's been running great for almost 40 years cutting firewood. I also have a very old Stihl 07S with missing parts that I would like to rebuild, but the parts are hard to find.

Stay away from the cheap chainsaws from the big stores like McCulloch (a brand that used to be good), they are toys.

 

[Davefr]

Check your local home depot rental location for a ex rental Makita Dolmar saw. They are by far the best deal out there.

I agree 100%. They usually sit on the rental shelf most of the time and get decent maint. between rentals. The HD beancounters change out the rental equipment long before they're worn out for tax reasons.

Throw on the Dolmar 7900 top end or big bore kit and you have a saw that will outcut a Stihl MS660 at less weight and at a tiny fraction of the price.

 

[wildbill23c]

In reality it doesn't matter which saw you buy if you don't properly maintain it. You can buy a $1000 saw, but run it once without mixed fuel and its done LOL...buddy of mine did that with a brand new Stihl...the warranty doesn't cover stupid.

If you are going to use it every day buy a Stihl, Husqvarna, or Echo (Not from Home Depot). If you are only going to use it occasionally you could settle for a less expensive saw and it will work just fine. I've got a Poulan Pro 220 and it does just fine and I've cut several cords of firewood with it as well. I also have an old Echo 302s which has been used and abused for years, still starts and still works great...actually prefer it to the Poulan...but then again anything is going to be better than an off the shelf at Home Depot saw LOL. I had a newer Echo saw a few years ago from Home Depot, and after about 3 uses it never ran again...never bothered trying to repair it or even see what went wrong, I threw it in the trash and vowed to never buy an Echo product from Home Depot ever again LOL.

 

[CNGsaves]

Check your local home depot rental location for a ex rental Makita Dolmar saw. They are by far the best deal out there.

Wow, that Makita is beast . . . tree felling machine !!!

Forgot to mention that for used saws for OP to find . . . Makita.

Also, if small city lot, there are very good Makita electric chainsaws.

 

[Doug19]

Theres a used Stihl ms 271 for $250 at a local pawn shop that I might be checking out. It appears to be fairly new.

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ That would likely be a lifetime saw, even better if you can bargain down price a bit !!

Stihl MS271 (ie 50 cc engine) is plenty power for small trees. Heck, here's video of guy cutting like butter a giant oak that fell in storm.

 

[finn]

Stahl and Husqvarna are the two best selling saws, and are both quality manufacturers, so an open question like this will naturally result in a majority of people recommending those two brands.

 

[stihlntime]

Stihl 271 is all you need. 409.99 anywhere you go. Dealer on dang near every corner. Parts support for 30 years. As good as air filtration as there is on the market with their new design. Spring mounted anti vibe. I have sold and worked on Stihl,Husquvarna,Echo and Dolmar. Unless you buy a pro saw or XP Husky the crankshaft is running in a plastic housing with no metal support. The Xp pro saws are excellent but your going to spend 650.00 or up. Dolmar is a good saw but almost no dealer or parts support. Echo has become a brand that used to be a dealer based line, all they are interested in now isselling box stores and internet sales,good luck with the warranty. We'Ve had nothing but trouble lately with warranty claims and back ordered parts. Why I support Stihl is they are made in the USA. Stihl has invested in over 70 acres of mfg. facilities in VA Beach,VA. All but four or five pro saws are now made in America. Parts support is fantastic and we've never seen a warranty claim questioned.

 

[MrGiggles]

300 dollars won't get you very much from Stihl. I don't even think you can get an MS251 for that. Their homeowner line is reliable, but heavy for the power and expensive for what you get.

For that money I would consider a Husqvarna 450 with a 16" bar and a few extra chains.

The Echo CS590 is a good value as well, although above your budget at 350 dollars. It's a true 60cc saw though, with a 5 year warranty and more capability.

If you want to spend more, the Husky 545 is a great performer and built identically to the 550xp, with a little tamer tuning. They usually sell for north of 400 bucks, but sometimes dealers will have trade in deals or rebates this time of year. This is an Autotune saw as well.