Chainsaw recommendation

[mike93lx]

I very rarely need a chainsaw and as a result, have a corded homeline that has treated me really well. If it can't cut it, I hire the work out.

With that said, I want something more capable to have for emergencies, like a hurricane, blizzard or tornado. It will likely not even be run in most years, beyond starting it to confirm operation. I'd likely use the canned fuel as I own nothing 2 stroke.

No specific budget, but I feel like something on the order of a Stihl MS180 might be good? Lets say under $300 unless there is a compelling argument to go higher.

I am not particularly interested in used, unless there is an argument that doesn't include saving money.

 

[Skyman]

Have you considered springing for a generator instead?

 

[mike93lx]

Have you considered springing for a generator instead?

I have one. Not super helpful if I need to clear a tree off the road or at a neighbor's house.

 

[niget2002]

How big of a tree are you hoping to help remove?

Realistically, I've made the decision that anything larger than what my battery powered chainsaw can't handle, I'm just not going to be able to help with.

With that precursor out of the way, I have the larger DeWalt battery powered chainsaw. It's the 60V 18" one and it has cut everything I've thrown at it.

I have a few 9aH batteries because of other tools that I use with it, but I've yet to drain a battery.

It looks like the MS180 you're looking at comes with a 16" bar. I don't know how the two would compare.

Amazon.com

 

[dcg9381]

The main saw I use is a modified Echo. It works OK for what I do with it.

Absolutely nothing wrong with Stihl - probably the best built out there. Most of the commercial guys love Stihl, but the saws they are using are pretty big.

At 16" max bar it's pretty solidly consumer spec. It's not going to take a big tree, but it'll certainly help you with clearing moderate trees...

The saw I use most often (we don't have particularly large trees) is a Makita 36V, same bar length as the Stihl you're looking at.

For emergencies make sure you have 2-3 additional chains and perhaps an extra bar.

 

[M635_Guy]

I very rarely need a chainsaw and as a result, have a corded homeline that has treated me really well. If it can't cut it, I hire the work out.

With that said, I want something more capable to have for emergencies, like a hurricane, blizzard or tornado. It will likely not even be run in most years, beyond starting it to confirm operation. I'd likely use the canned fuel as I own nothing 2 stroke.

No specific budget, but I feel like something on the order of a Stihl MS180 might be good? Lets say under $300 unless there is a compelling argument to go higher.

I am not particularly interested in used, unless there is an argument that doesn't include saving money.

Having done a ton of research lately for my purchase (got a new house with a lot of tree work needed), I'd say it's hard to go wrong with a Stihl.

I went with an Ego battery saw, and am super happy with it, but I already have multiple batteries and a quick charger.

 

[Davefr]

For storm cleanup and emergencies don't even think of going battery because you might be dealing with no power and dead batteries. Given a $300 budget, I'd go Echo CS-352 or CS-3510. If you can up your budget look at CS-4010 or CS-4510.

I love Stihl and Husky professional grade saws but for lower end homeowner saws I think Echo's are better. Echo homeowner saw are more like a cross between home owner and pro.

 

[jonathco]

Lot of solid options in the used market for around $300. Personally, I'd go used and get a better saw for your $300. I have an Echo Timberwolf (CS-590) that has never given me trouble; plenty of power, and they can be had used for $250-$300 on FB marketplace. The Stihl 026/MS260/MS261 are a fantastic saw also, and I see them used quite often for $300-$350.

 

[u2slow]

I bought a little MS170 some 13 years ago. Has not missed a beat. Cut most of my home-heating firewood all these years. Small and light enough to keep handy in the truck, or scale trees with for limbing.

 

[Rinspeed]

Normally I would say Stihl but with that budget I would go Echo.




https://www.northerntool.com/produc...V2V1HAR0sRRfvEAQYASABEgJTIPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Davefr]

Mike, check your PM. I might have the perfect saw for you.

 

[mike93lx]

Definitely not doing battery for this, although I would like to replace the homelite with an ego to go along with my other ego stuff.

Appreciate the feedback so far... Keep it coming

 

[mike93lx]

I struggle a bit to see the need for a 50cc saw in this application. I will never be cutting firewood or felling big trees, but if that changes, I'd be fine with buying a bigger saw

 

[jpaw]

I think that you would be very happy with the ms180. I bought a ms170 to go along with my ms290 and I will grab the ms170 every time until I need more saw. Nothing wrong with echo I have 2 of those but my go to is my trusty ms170.
Just keep a couple extra, sharp chains on hand with whatever you chose.

 

[mike93lx]

I think that you would be very happy with the ms180. I bought a ms170 to go along with my ms290 and I will grab the ms170 every time until I need more saw. Nothing wrong with echo I have 2 of those but my go to is my trusty ms170.
Just keep a couple extra, sharp chains on hand with whatever you chose.

A spare chain and a sharpening file are a must

 

[sqznby]

MS180 would be a good choice.
Have a MS192TC (top handle saw w/14" bar) for about 13 years. Cut up about 15 trees ranging from 38" across to about 6".
Had a whopper run through here a few years ago (Florence) in Eastern NC and that little guy took down all the fallen trees in our neighborhood along with others and their saws.
Not ideal but I'm no lumberjack, I like it because it's compact and will cut through just about anything. I always carry an axe as well.

 

[finn]

I have an MS170 for little jobs around the house, as a companion to a half dozen or more of larger , mostly Stihl or Husqvarnas. It’s my most frequently used saw of late.

That said, I had a small Echo for several years that I gave to my son when he was in need of a small saw. The Echo, I think it was something like a 401 or 410, was every bit as good as the Stihl.

From the sounds of it, though I think a quality battery saw might fit your needs better, especially if you already have a generator to charge the batteries. The biggest issue I have with my fleet of saws is fuel system, including not only the carb, but lines as well.

A gas chain saw does not take to a lot of storage and infrequent use.

 

[jar944]

If I only had one saw, and was considering it for emergency use I'd prefer a larger displacement and not smaller. You can as easily cut a 4' tree as a 4" tree with a 70-80cc saw, the same can't be said for a 30cc saw.

45cc is about as small as I would go for any saw if I was trying to use it for emergencies.

 

[AEAdam]

I have an MS170 for little jobs around the house, as a companion to a half dozen or more of larger , mostly Stihl or Husqvarnas. It’s my most frequently used saw of late.

That said, I had a small Echo for several years that I gave to my son when he was in need of a small saw. The Echo, I think it was something like a 401 or 410, was every bit as good as the Stihl.

From the sounds of it, though I think a quality battery saw might fit your needs better, especially if you already have a generator to charge the batteries. The biggest issue I have with my fleet of saws is fuel system, including not only the carb, but lines as well.

A gas chain saw does not take to a lot of storage and infrequent use.

My gas Husqvarna never starts when i need it. I've rebuilt it, used canned gas. Maybe I'm a dummy, but its such a pain. Its always been difficult to start. By the time I get it started I'm worn out. There are few to no tools that I hate using and just want to throw. My gas chainsaw is the one I'd like to never use again.

 

[u2slow]

Small saws are less labour to start. Even if stubborn.

 

[mike93lx]

I have an MS170 for little jobs around the house, as a companion to a half dozen or more of larger , mostly Stihl or Husqvarnas. It’s my most frequently used saw of late.

That said, I had a small Echo for several years that I gave to my son when he was in need of a small saw. The Echo, I think it was something like a 401 or 410, was every bit as good as the Stihl.

From the sounds of it, though I think a quality battery saw might fit your needs better, especially if you already have a generator to charge the batteries. The biggest issue I have with my fleet of saws is fuel system, including not only the carb, but lines as well.

A gas chain saw does not take to a lot of storage and infrequent use.

I appreciate the perspective.

I'd store it empty and could fog the cylinder if needed. It could be run periodically along with the generator. Exercised 1-2x a year.

My current saw is corded because it will always work and can be stored almost indefinitely. Just felt like battery wasn't the best option. I should note that while I own some ego stuff, I rarely use it as I have a guy that maintains the yard, so the batteries would need to be periodically tested, just like a gas saw

 

[mike93lx]

If I only had one saw, and was considering it for emergency use I'd prefer a larger displacement and not smaller. You can as easily cut a 4' tree as a 4" tree with a 70-80cc saw, the same can't be said for a 30cc saw.

45cc is about as small as I would go for any saw if I was trying to use it for emergencies.

I've cut up some pretty big stuff with my little corded electric, including felling a couple decent size maples that it had no business doing.

A bigger saw makes it easier but isn't always necessary.

 

[Wolley]

If all I needed to handle a situation in an emergency was a ms180, I would just get an axe or a hand saw or it could probably wait until the emergency is over. A couple batteries on an ego is probably a better option.

 

[mike93lx]

If all I needed to handle a situation in an emergency was a ms180, I would just get an axe or a hand saw or it could probably wait until the emergency is over. A couple batteries on an ego is probably a better option.

I bet the folks dealing with Helene cleanup wish they could just wait until it's over

 

[PCustoms]

I'd get a small Stihl, and extra bar and chain and a can of true fuel annually.

Spur of the moment I bought an MS 251 (driveway was blocked), cut a lot of wood literally all over mountains with that saw and it really never hiccuped.

Those advocating for a 80cc saw that gets used 1x per year nuts. That little saw can be used to get through big wood if needed, it's not like he's suddenly an expert tree surgeon after a storm...

 

[mike93lx]

it's not like he's suddenly and expert tree surgeon after a storm

Shenanigans. I can do some magical ****

 

[PCustoms]

Shenanigans. I can do some magical ****

Then you need a Stihl 500i

 

[Davefr]

If I only had one saw, and was considering it for emergency use I'd prefer a larger displacement and not smaller. You can as easily cut a 4' tree as a 4" tree with a 70-80cc saw, the same can't be said for a 30cc saw.

45cc is about as small as I would go for any saw if I was trying to use it for emergencies.

And therein lies the need for a 2 or 3 saw plan. I also helps when one gets pinched.

3 saw plan: 30cc, 50cc, 70cc
2 saw plan: 30cc, 60cc

 

[mike93lx]

Then you need a Stihl 500i

Now we are talking

 

[jar944]

I've cut up some pretty big stuff with my little corded electric, including felling a couple decent size maples that it had no business doing.

A bigger saw makes it easier but isn't always necessary.

Fair point. I see it more as a speed/efficiency.

When i was younger I spent a lot of time cutting firewood to heat a house with a 45cc saw. They work. It will get the job done eventually, but it's not fast. Cutting with a 80cc saw is fast. You don't necessarily need it, but you are done a lot faster. I would think in the emergency scenario having a saw is the first priority, and how fast you can get things cleaned up is second but still a thought.

60cc[ish] something like a Ms362/562xp is a nice mid size saw, way outside the price range though

Those advocating for a 80cc saw that gets used 1x per year nuts. That little saw can be used to get through big wood if needed, it's not like he's suddenly an expert tree surgeon after a storm...

I had a few 80cc saws and lived in a townhouse with no trees around. Falls in the rather have than need category.

And therein lies the need for a 2 or 3 saw plan. I also helps when one gets pinched.

3 saw plan: 30cc, 50cc, 70cc
2 saw plan: 30cc, 60cc

I always have a couple extra bars and a short/boys axe even if it's a one saw day.

 

[jar944]

Double tap

 

[AEAdam]

Never hear it discussed (maybe for good reason) I've turned to my 18V Bosch sawzall many times for pruning, and bigger work. It never lets me down. You can buy 12" pruning blades for them. You won't cut down a tree with one, but you could remove its limbs pretty easily.

 

[mike93lx]

Fair point. I see it more as a speed/efficiency.

When i was younger I spent a lot of time cutting firewood to heat a house with a 45cc saw. They work. It will get the job done eventually, but it's not fast. Cutting with a 80cc saw is fast. You don't necessarily need it, but you are done a lot faster. I would think in the emergency scenario having a saw is the first priority, and how fast you can get things cleaned up is second but still a thought.

60cc[ish] something like a Ms362/562xp is a nice mid size saw, way outside the price range though

If I had anywhere near an even intermittent need, I'd have no problem with going bigger. The reality is that I used my corded saw for the first time in 5 years a couple weekends ago... I just don't need a saw.

Speed is great but light weight can be too.

There is no specific budget... I set a starting point based on what I thought would be a good saw. I don't want to drop a ton, since it may get used a few times in the next 30 years, but I don't mind spending for quality

 

[mike93lx]

Never hear it discussed (maybe for good reason) I've turned to my 18V Bosch sawzall many times for pruning, and bigger work. It never lets me down. You can buy 12" pruning blades for them. You won't cut down a tree with one, but you could remove its limbs pretty easily.

I have a cordless sawzall too. That doesn't solve for a tree across my street on on a car

 

[bobg03]

Based on what you're saying and it's been a long time since I owned a chain saw or even used one, Stihl is the way to go. The last one I had in wooded new england basically for the same purpose you want was the same stihl. That little booger can clear enough of a down tree to make things accesable, than you bring in the hired guns.
I stored mine the same way you mentioned, didn't use it much but it always started.

 

[PCustoms]

If I had anywhere near an even intermittent need, I'd have no problem with going bigger. The reality is that I used my corded saw for the first time in 5 years a couple weekends ago... I just don't need a saw.

truthfully you probably don't need a saw.

I get the reaction based on recent events, but consider of your money could be used for better prep elsewhere. Odds are if every tree in you're neighborhood is suddenly downed there's someone more equiped (experience and equipment) that will start to address the situation.

A real consideration is, regardless of saw size, do you know enough to safely cut out of an uprooted tree snag? Also consider the potential for injury and the availability of emergency care for that injury.

 

[mike93lx]

truthfully you probably don't need a saw.

I get the reaction based on recent events, but consider of your money could be used for better prep elsewhere. Odds are if every tree in you're neighborhood is suddenly downed there's someone more equiped (experience and equipment) that will start to address the situation.

A real consideration is, regardless of saw size, do you know enough to safely cut out of an uprooted tree snag? Also consider the potential for injury and the availability of emergency care for that injury.

I dont need one, With that said, I also have a tornado shelter in my garage, so going overboard isn't out of the ordinary.

I can tell you with confidence, the guys around me will be like **** on a bull when the **** hits the fan... I'm not counting on any of them. My parents are also moving to my neighborhood and as they get older, I need to also think about how to get to them or get them out if something happens.

And the reality is that a couple hundred for a chainsaw changes nothing for me. It won't get in the way of any other preparedness activities.

I am far from a seasoned expert, but I know enough to stay away from dangerous situations with trees, in general. This is an area I would like to learn more about.

 

[AC-WC]

Most of you will cringe when I say this but I'm really beginning to hate my Stihl....Hardest to start 2 stroke I've ever owned. Once it starts and is warmed up it's fine. I ended up getting my old Poulan carb and fuel lines replaced and it starts right up. Got it back from the servicing didn't even prime and it ran great on 4 yr old gas. Can't do that with the Stihl it has to have canned gas.

 

[PCustoms]

I am far from a seasoned expert, but I know enough to stay away from dangerous situations with trees, in general. This is an area I would like to learn more about.

That's the problem, the use you described will inherently be dangerous situations. A storm blows through and piles trees wherever, on top and in other trees and wires. One wrong cut and at best you've got a pinned bar, worst you are pinned or dead.

I gave similar advice to someone last spring, they didn't listen..they then spent the weekend in the ER and a summer recovering.

Be careful.

Most of you will cringe when I say this but I'm really beginning to hate my Stihl....Hardest to start 2 stroke I've ever owned. Once it starts and is warmed up it's fine. I ended up getting my old Poulan carb and fuel lines replaced and it starts right up. Got it back from the servicing didn't even prime and it ran great on 4 yr old gas. Can't do that with the Stihl it has to have canned gas.

Should have sent the Stihl for service, carb sounds like it needs some adjustments.

You should probably avoid using 4 year old gas in anything you care about.

 

[mike93lx]

That's the problem, the use you described will inherently be dangerous situations. A storm blows through and piles trees wherever, on top and in other trees and wires. One wrong cut and at best you've got a pinned bar, worst you are pinned or dead.

I gave similar advice to someone last spring, they didn't listen..they then spent the weekend in the ER and a summer recovering.

Be careful

I appreciate the concern and advice.

I'm not looking to be a hero and if the **** hits the fan, being careful and taking care of my family are top priorities