Chainsaw recommendations

[fourjeepin]

Anyone recommend me a new saw? My current saw is a Homelite CS50 that I got used back in like 1993. I am leaning toward sticking with the 16" bar. The saw would only see light, homeowner type use, though I do have a rather wooded 1acre lot.

Thanks!

 

[ken w.]

I like the Echo line of chainsaws. Easy to start,very little vibration and pretty powerful.

 

[thejudges69]

I have a stihl, good deal from the neighbor. Jonesred and husqavarna are nice saws and echo is right there with them. So any of them 4 I recommend.

 

[PugetDude]

Stihl.
Anything else isn't.

 

[Playwme]

Stihl or a Husqvarna. I've got a couple of each. Wouldn't bother with anything else.

 

[FlatBlackBlaze]

stihl.
Anything else isn't.

amen

 

[f575gtc]

I have a 18 inch Stihl, it is nice, and cuts well but you pay for it.

I am considering a Husqvarna 460 Rancher 24 inch but I never used the brand so I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

I also have a 18 inch Craftsmen which I hate...

 

[ricleh]

For 16" I would go with Stihl. Stihl makes the best small chainsaws IMO. For 20" or larger either Stihl or Husqvarna - not much difference between the two in the larger range of chainsaws.

 

[SMKS]

The chainsaw nerds like Stihl, Echo, Husky and their related brands.

 

[sawin]

I own a few saws. Different brands.

Most of the higher end brands have two lines of saws. One for professionals, and a homeowner line.

Sounds like you don't need very much saw. I would suggest homeowner type. Although there are the smaller pro saws that would do you well also.

I would buy from a local dealer. Not HD or Lowes. On ebay there are a lot of fake, (Chinese), brand name saws. Looking on line, someone not experienced could easily be fooled.

So the kind you purchase might depend on what dealers are around. All the well known names produce good saws.

 

[MOwens]

Dolmar- Stihl quality at a better price point. I have a Dolmar 5100 and a 7300 amazingly powerful and light saws, german quality, and quite a bit cheaper than Stihl. I cut, split, and burn about eight cords of wood a year. For a homeowner I would recomend a ps-510. You can buy a Dolmar ps-510 for about $380. Professional quality at homeowner pricing.

 

[930dreamer]

Dolmar- Stihl quality at a better price point. I have a Dolmar 5100 and a 7300 amazingly powerful and light saws, german quality, and quite a bit cheaper than Stihl. I cut, split, and burn about eight cords of wood a year. For a homeowner I would recomend a ps-510. You can buy a Dolmar ps-510 for about $380. Professional quality at homeowner pricing.

Doesn't Dolmar have a rotary engine model?

 

[peth]

I am very happy with my Stihl MS211 for medium duty homeowner use. It has a 16" bar.

 

[pfhWJ]

Echo cs 400 get the 18" Bar. I have one personally and have cut about 3 acres of trees with it. Still going strong. I work on a golf course in the summer and we have all stihl. (14,18,24 bars) used them all for 6 weeks this fall. I ended up bringing my cs 400 in just because the stihl were a pain in the *** if it got cold over night. I only use echo now. I think the new shitl stuff isnt as good as what it used to be.

 

[woody 73]

Just saying a google search on this topic would be a good start:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83181

You do not look for a brand you instead look for a good dealer in your hometown that will give you the best after service support.

 

[justanengineer]

Stihl.

Do yourself a huge favor, while youre shopping for a saw ask about deals on a pair of chaps and a helmet. You might only be a hobbyist/homeowner, but saws are dam dangerous and having quality safety gear just might save your life and/or limbs. JMHO, but I also think they make using a saw more enjoyable by keeping the flying **** out of your face and your hearing intact.

Also, if youve never been to one, many non-box store dealers have free demo days where pro woodsmen come in and teach you how to aim a tree's fall, basically allowing you to drop them on a dime. They also teach a multitude of other useful subjects like safe limbing, climbing, etc bc there really is a bit of science behind it and safe customers come back to buy more saws. You should really think about attending one if you have opportunity.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Jonsered. I have had a few. Just as good as Stihl if not better. I am currently using a Jonsered CS2255. My friends and I have water company permits to cut trees to take home and split. We cut a lot of wood. Between us we have used it all and Jonsered and Stihl are the favorites.

 

[Chace365]

Husqvarna or nothing.

 

[Kyle.B]

I always hear good things about Husqvarna, Stihl, and Echo, which seem to be the ones people are recommending.

That said, they cost a pretty penny the last time I checked. I wouldn't buy one because it'd see pretty limited use and I'm not one for "garage jewelry". A lot of people are though.

I have a medium duty Poulan that was affordable. It cut down a couple of trees and cut them up, so I feel like I already got my money's worth. It still runs great, but I don't know when the next time I'll need it is.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

I own a couple bucket trucks, but not a tree service, but somehow, I find my self topping trees, and cleaning up after storms, but once again, Im not in the tree service, but the work seems to find me.

Having said that, and growing up on a farm and living on one (we clear fence lines), I spend more time with a saw than most, except tree care people. I also heat with wood.

That said, I have from a 90cc Dolmar, down to a 30cc Stihl, also an Echo, a very old school homelite (actually 2), and a husqvarna. So I have some exposure to different brands, when I was a kid, I had McCullough's, and stihls. Also tried a poulan in the 80s, calling it a boat anchor where kind words. Edit, I should mention, I do ALL my own repairs on my saws, since I was a kid, so Im familiar with the saws past the point of just using them.

I just bought a Poulan Pro, yeah, I know, hair is standing up on necks as others read this.

Husky bought Poulan. Anyhow, if you do some reading at the arborsite, or forestry forum, you might find the 5020AV is the ticket to ride, for $ vs saw. Its speculated that the 5020AV is a 455 Rancher with different skins.

Ive not cut with mine, I bought it just after Christmas on sale, just to see what it is. On that note, the guy who owns "chainsaw repair" forum has done the same thing, out of curiosity.

I paid $179 for a 50cc saw, every part has a Husky logo on it, made in Arkansas I believe. Came with a 20" bar, would probably be more ideal with an 18", and Im not sure if Oregon has a 16" bar for it, but pretty sure they so sell an 18"

There is a 43 PAGE thread on the arborsite covering this saw, most of it positive, and the arborsite is a ********* site, I was shocked to see a thread started on a poulan saw. It appears since husky bought Poulan, they are trying to bring back the name, by basically packaging a Husky consumer saw, in Poulan plastics.

http://www.arboristsite.com/communi...ulan-pro-5020-to-see-what-there-about.192321/

http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=60777.0

Mind you, the word "pro" is used in the name, it is not a pro saw in any way shape or form. That said, one guy has already clocked over 90hrs of use without issue, but the owners manual states right on the first page, that is not for professional day in and day out use. I think this saw came out in late 2011 or early 2012.

Now at the price point of $179 with a hard carry case, you cant buy a used "pig-n-poke" pro saw for that money, and you have no idea how many hours it has on it, the condition of the slug or jug, compression etc.

CPO was selling factor refurbs for $139 or maybe it was $129, with free shipping. I just checked and they have sold out, I think word is making it around the WWW.

I bought my 5020AV from my local farm store, that has a full service department, I got an extended warranty on it, its covered for 3 years, for an extra $35. Being a less than part time sawyer, I cant touch a used pro saw for that kind of money. It just does not make sense.

Good luck, with your selection !

 

[Hammell]

Stilh or Husky, all youll see in the back of a loggers truck. And beer cans..

 

[Davefr]

I'd recommend Stihl if you get one of their professional models. (like the MS260, MS361, etc).

Dolmar and Husky are also good choices. The Husky 346XP is a wonderful saw if you can find one. Dolmar's are also excellent but dealer support is spotty.

Unless you're self sufficient, local dealer support should be a big consideration.

 

[finn]

I have 11 chainsaws, including Stihl, huskvarna, jonsred and several others. For your use I recommend getting an Echo. Not only do I recommend an Echo, I wouldn't be afraid of getting it from a Box store.

I picked up a small (16" bar) Echo, almost new, off Craigs List to keep in my truck. The saw starts on the first pull, even after months of storage, and cuts trees and limbs just fine. If you order a non-safety chain from Bailey's on line it will really wake it up, but be careful as the chance of kickback will increase.

No need for an expensive Husky or Stihl for your application, plus many stand alone dealers are sort of jerks when it comes to dealing with novices and homeowners, both before and after the sale.

 

[Davefr]

I have 11 chainsaws, including Stihl, huskvarna, jonsred and several others. For your use I recommend getting an Echo. Not only do I recommend an Echo, I wouldn't be afraid of getting it from a Box store.

I disagree. Echo's are fine saws but if he buys one at HD at it has issues they'll send him to an authorized Echo repair facility. They'll likely take in the saw but it'll be last in line for repair. (in back of their regular customers).

This is not a good scenario unless the OP is self sufficient will all maint. and repairs.

No need for an expensive Husky or Stihl for your application, plus many stand alone dealers are sort of jerks when it comes to dealing with novices and homeowners, both before and after the sale.

That's why I said dealer support should be a big consideration. Find the best dealer regardless of the brand of saw.

 

[Arne73]

Love my Husky 450 Rancher, got it back in Nov when my Craftsman branded Poulan finally gave up.
I took down about a dozen 10-12" ash trees and it was some of the easiest cutting I've done. A real nice saw.
http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/chainsaws/450/

 

[texasfiremedic]

The saying Stihl or nothing is a true statement. Do your homework on the purchase. This is because Stihl does make so many chainsaws. Go to your local dealer ask questions. If they just salesman and don't seem to have the absolutes for the questions the find another dealer. I thought that I had done my research and settled on a pro model because I do a lot of cutting and I wanted the power. So I went to my dealer and told him the model numbers I wanted. He just agreed on one of the models I wanted. then questioned me about the pro model It turned out that that there was a homeowner line that was just as good with about the same engine (2 cc's less) for about a $100 less. Since then I have been very happy with the saws.

I have used Husqvarna, Stihl, Poulan, Craftsman (Poulan rebranded), Echo, and McCullough. This is my personal rating on these makers. (No specific order.)
Husqvarna: Good saw, Good Hp to weight ratio, but seemed to fall in quality since moving tooling and assembly to Asian markets.
Stihl: Well built from home line to pro line, Great Hp to weight Ratio, but expensive
Poulan: "ok" Hp to weight ratio, not heavy but no Hp. You will have to work on every season or at least once a year. But cheap in price. I guess you get what you pay for.
Echo: Good Hp to weight, The one that I used was light seemed to be a just a higher quality Poulan. (Same junkie feel) Some swear by them I don't.
McCullough: heavy but good hp. Hard to start but would run till the cows came home. Not made any more. as far as I know

 

[91bronc300]

Electric would probably be fine since you're only working on 1 acre. This is the chainsaw I have:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LFL152/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Cleaner, less maintenance, and quieter than a gas chainsaw. Makita also has a 16 inch bar model.

 

[DieselDent]

Stihl.
Anything else isn't.

Yup, I got mine from my FIL "made in west Germany" so its been around for a while and its still running great. My dads craftsman ran for about a year and killed it self then he got a Stihl, good to go.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

Husqvarna: Good saw, Good Hp to weight ratio, but seemed to fall in quality since moving tooling and assembly to Asian markets.

Uh, care to document that. Last I checked, its Sweden for the pro saws or USA, for the consumer saws. No China. Im assuming you know not of what you speak. There are "knock offs" of Husky saws, made in China, but that is exactly what they are, "knock offs". Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Having said that, I have to question the rest of your post.

Huskys are much easier to work on, and dont seem to experience the electrical failures of the Stihls.

 

[texasfiremedic]

Uh, care to document that. Last I checked, its Sweden for the pro saws or USA, for the consumer saws. No China. Im assuming you know not of what you speak. There are "knock offs" of Husky saws, made in China, but that is exactly what they are, "knock offs". Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Having said that, I have to question the rest of your post.

This is what I was told by a dealer. That certain model numbers were out sourced. The ones that I used were good saws but they were the older saws. When I was looking for a new saw that was what I was told. They had had a large selection. So you can question the question.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

Uh, care to document that. Last I checked, its Sweden for the pro saws or USA, for the consumer saws. No China. Im assuming you know not of what you speak. There are "knock offs" of Husky saws, made in China, but that is exactly what they are, "knock offs". Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Having said that, I have to question the rest of your post.

This is what I was told by a dealer. That certain model numbers were out sourced. The ones that I used were good saws but they were the older saws. When I was looking for a new saw that was what I was told. They had had a large selection. So you can question the question.

Ok, so you dont care to document that. So allow me to set the record straight, they build the pro models in Sweden and the consumer models in Nashville, AR. They DO NOT outsource, any of their models. And while on the subject, the Poulans are built in the same plant along side the consumer model Huskys.

 

[texasfiremedic]

Then I humbly stand corrected.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

Then I humbly stand corrected.

Im not here to correct anyone or humble anyone. It undermines forums when advice is solicted, and people dispense "info" that is totally erroneous. Spend some time on the forestry forum, or arborsite, if you want to learn about saws. Youll find, that the aggregate opinion does not coincide with yours. Foregoing the erroneous input your provided. Not to mention most sales people dont know their back end from a tea cup, they are just there to tell you what you want to hear, and make a sale, let alone know anything about what they sell, as you have so clearly pointed out.

Want to know something about a saw, find the guy that makes his LIVING with it, as well as repairs it. He can tell you something, hes not vested in making a paycheck blowing smoke up your ***.

The point is not being right or wrong, but dispensing advice based on lack of knowledge, not such a great idea. If you dispense, and your not sure, at least declare you have no clue what your talking about, like " some salesman was blowing smoke up my *** and said x units where outsourced and made in china" for example.

If you want to provide factual advice, at least verify what you dispensing.

 

[texasfiremedic]

By the way here is your Quote. From husqvarna.com
Electric lawn mowers and robotic lawn mowers are manufactured at a facility in the U.K. Watering products are manufactured at production facilities in Germany and in the Czech Republic. In China handheld products such as trimmers and chainsaws in the low-price segment are produced. In Japan and Brazil chainsaws and other handheld products are produced. In the new production facility in Poland walk-behind and ride-on lawn mowers are produced. In Sweden, trimmers, clearing saws , chainsaws and ride-on mowers are manufactured

 

[sawin]

fourjeepin
Chainsaw recommendations
Anyone recommend me a new saw? My current saw is a Homelite CS50 that I got used back in like 1993. I am leaning toward sticking with the 16" bar. The saw would only see light, homeowner type use, though I do have a rather wooded 1acre lot.


Really, your use is minimal as far as chainsaws go. Just get a small saw, from a dealer preferably. .

Try not to use the gas with Eth. in it. If you are going to store the saw for long periods of time, either dump the gas and run out the carb, or use gas without Eth. Another possibility is to purchase the already mixed fuel. Very expensive, and not very practical. But in your limited use, it might be a choice.

A few years ago I switched to using 100LL. LL standing for low lead. This is an aviation fuel. More expensive, but compare it to the possible repairs, and frustration incurred using the junk from the gas station. You don't need the 100 octane, but it won't hurt anything. Using this fuel, I just leave it in my saws, and don't have to worry about any adverse effects from the Eth. It is good for at least 10 yrs. Probably more. (Not quite the same thing, but I'm using 20+ year old "white gas" in a coleman lantern, and stove. ) Yes, low lead is not good for you, but......I grew up using this stuff, and I'm ok...I'm ok......I'm ok....I'm ok...

 

[mickeyone]

Have stihl and echo saws both good ,the echo is earlier german one better than the home depot junk.My brother has jonsered which is also a good saw buy from reputable dealer not box store

 

[Honda guy]

1960 David Bradley. Power to weight ratio could be a little better, but hey, it's made in USA.

Seriously though, I'd go with a Stihl, Husqvarna, or Jonsered. I own a Stihl and a Husqvarna, and my dad had a Jonsered. All are real nice machines. Definitely stay away from the chinese made Homelites, etc. As others have stated, I'd lean towards the brand with the best dealer support.

 

[dr_clyde]

I have a mid 1970's Stihl 041 Farm Boss. Pretty much bulletproof. Bought it from a guy I used to work for for $100. They pop up on craigslist from time to time. Excellent midrange size saw. Plenty of horsepower for felling and bucking logs. I have 16", 20" and 24" bars for mine.

My point is dont be afraid to buy a used older saw off craigslist. Especially for occasional use.

 

[Whirnot]

I actually used to be a dealer. I sold Homelite, Stihl, Echo, and Poulan.
My two Stihl's both gave up the ghost last year, they were both 33 years old. Parts were no longer available or they would still be running.
I have used Stihl and Husky the most over the last few years and would recommend them. Echo's have less power for the same size, and money. Husky's are a little lighter than Stihls. Dolmar may be fine saws but where are you going to get them serviced? They are not a brand that is always in the area.

Personally I would buy a Husky or a Stihl, depending on which fits your needs the best. Stihls are only sold through servicing dealers, if you decide on Husky let the survicing dealer at least try to match the big box, good thing in the end. Match the bar size to what you are cutting, remember the shorter the bar, the lighter and the more power you will have, given the same size powerhead. I always use the shortest bar possible.

The only time I would sway from this is if you expect to do a lot of limbing. A longer bar means you don't bend over so far. That is the only reason many loggers use 3 to 4 foot bars.

This is another reason to buy from a servicing dealer, they can help you match the saw to your needs.

 

[Monte]

Don´t forget Solo
www.SoloUsa.com
www.Solo-Germany.de