Chainsaw

[vette-kid]

Can someone recommend me a good chainsaw? I don't need a professional model and would prefer a battery powered one. Although Ill consider gas if its reliable and easy to start/run. I have a little two stroke poulan that is a real PIA. stupid thing never stays running and now it feels like its binding somewhere. Anyway, I use it mostly for cutting down fallen branches and trees around the house (lots of trees, lots of wind!), occasional use. I've got a small tree down that id like to get cut up for firewood and I'm dreading the task with the tools on hand now. Thanks.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Battery operated ones are VERY expensive !

I would buy a GOOD (not HF, maybe Champion) small generator and an electric saw.

You could probably get by with a GOOD pure sine-wave inverter that had >1500 watt surge capacity.

 

[kd3pc]

battery tech is just not there for chain saw use, yet. Tiny branches and few of them and you may get something done.

gas chainsaws are almost all two stroke, and if well taken care of (fuel clean and NOT ethanol) and maintained, a reputable one will last decades. Let them sit, and things will gum up. Things that bind usually result from the saw binding or hitting something other than wood, even some dirt or rocks will do that .

The little one handed stihl is an awesome saw and my 82 year old father in law can start it.

If you can get an extension cord out there to the tree, an electric may have the power you need.

 

[NY_treeguy]

Quality + Battery power leaves only one option...Stihl. Gas is really a better option. This will likely start the whole stihl/husky debate..Blah, blah, blah. I run both, day in, day out, and both have good power and both are built about the same.

Find the local Stihl dealer and the local Husqvarna dealer. See which one treats you better when you walk in to shop. Buy the saw from that guy. Look for something in the 32-40 cc range. If you can afford it, spring for the farm and ranch model over the homeowner model. Its worth the extra.

 

[pepi]

Can someone recommend me a good chainsaw? I don't need a professional model and would prefer a battery powered one. Although Ill consider gas if its reliable and easy to start/run. I have a little two stroke poulan that is a real PIA. stupid thing never stays running and now it feels like its binding somewhere. Anyway, I use it mostly for cutting down fallen branches and trees around the house (lots of trees, lots of wind!), occasional use. I've got a small tree down that id like to get cut up for firewood and I'm dreading the task with the tools on hand now. Thanks.

Have you ever thought about renting one, get to try out a chainsaw before you buy ?

Electric yard tools, bad idea as far as I am concerned. They are always out of power or will be before you are done with the work. Also the more load put on the tool the lower the run time .

 

[buba]

Look only at the 36-40volts models, others are a waste of money. Stihl if you can afford it or perhaps the new 40V Ryobi chainsaw at HomeDepot

 

[MrGiggles]

Echo CS400 is a good one..

Buy a couple cans of the pre-mixed fuel with it. It's expensive but contains no ethanol, and has a very long shelf life.

 

[organ]

"Can someone recommend me a good chainsaw?"... "would prefer a battery powered one."...

 

[zkling]

How about a nice ax and a good bow saw? Always ready to go.

 

[va.grouseman]

Stihl, MS 180C, chainsaw, 16'' bar..---Light weight, cranks real easy, idles perfect, run it all day and your not wore out.---Light enough for a limb saw, powerful enough to cut 14inch stove wood.---I have a bad back so I'm not going to use something that will lay me up for three days.---I carry two of them in the woods with me just in case I make that miss-lick that binds my saw.---It happens to the best.---I've cut three winter's wood with one and it still runs like a top.---I'm not affiliated with Stihl any way form or fashion.---I don't plug products, I just recommend the ones that work.

 

[vette-kid]

Lots of opinions, thanks guys!

 

[Alchymist]

Don't buy a Poulan (Husquavarna). My issue fell on deaf ears with them, and I don't believe it's an isolated incident.

http://www.saferproducts.gov/Search/Result.aspx?dm=0&q=20150116-CAE91-2147436401&srt=0

 

[kctyphoon]

Makita XCU02Z 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Cordless Chain Saw (Bare Tool Only) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KA3ZFHA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

if you want an electric model -

makita, husquvarna, or an old discontinued Milwaukee (which is the best one ever made) for affordable professional models.(around $200 or so, the milwaukee ive seen on craigslist for $30 - $150 ). if you just want something cheap - goto home depot and buy one of the homelites - the 14" model is like $50 and is pretty dam good - ive used all of these to cut down or cut up telephone poles..

if you want a decent gas model without spending alot of money - just get a craftsman. its more than enough for what you need..

any of these saws are only as good as the blade on them.. i seriously suggest learning how to sharpen blades instead of just buying new ones.. an entire blade can dull with one touch of concrete or dirt.. the HF chainsaw sharpener is a very good and easy way to accomplish this.. you can buy that for what it would cost for 2 blades..

also - if something is binding on your old saw, you might have the chain too tight.. adjusting the blade tension might solve your problem.. youtube is a great outlet to learn about chainsaws.

if you can run an extension cord to the location, and are just a homeower that needs use of a chainsaw for the occasional upkeep of property - just go with the $50 homelite in homedepot, or the 16" model for $79.. if you plan on cutting up firewood every season - get one of the professional electric models.. if you need a gas model (cause the cordless is very $$) get a crafstman.

 

[ZRH`]

Can someone recommend me a good chainsaw? ... would prefer a battery powered one

Just get a cordless sawzall cause you arent going to be cutting anything youd need a real chainsaw for with a battery chainsaw (and the blades are cheaper)

 

[Dave455]

If you're thinking battery because you have starting problems, then you don't really need a battery saw, you need one that's easy to start! Having owned several, the solution is Stihl! Simple as! They are not the cheapest, but their easy start feature, or whatever they call it, really does work! Had mine for about 5 years now. No regrets. Still starts without probs!

Next best option is an electric saw, but I'm assuming that's a problem!

If you really really want a battery saw, then again, the only one I've seen that works is the Stihl. They use a 36 Volt battery, neither the saws or the batteries are cheap, and it's a dainty little saw, but they do work!

 

[Rickstir]

Stihl MS 251 Easy start version. My last Stihl lasted 24 years. This new one is so easy to start my wife want it. Nuff said.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I'm not sure battery is a great option, but my neighbor worked the hell out of an electric chainsaw. I being a dyed in the wool gas powered dude, was pretty impressed. Took him most of the day, but he got it done. Tree was about 8"

 

[Arbybe]

I would suggest corded chainsaw with tiny HF generator ( check saws at Home Depot,
Lowes, not HF)
Works for me on 5 acre wooded lot trimming,light cutting.
IMHO

 

[kctyphoon]

I would suggest corded chainsaw with tiny HF generator ( check saws at Home Depot,
Lowes, not HF)
Works for me on 5 acre wooded lot trimming,light cutting.
IMHO

Maybe it's just me, but I don't understand this logic.. To remove the possibility of having a chainsaw that won't start, you replace it with buying a generator that may not start.. so you carry gas, oil, a chainsaw AND a generator too?

 

[pauls_workshop]

For dirt cheap, the ryobi 18v chainsaw is good. The 40 v version is much better. I recommend an Echo gas powered. Best saw value out there is the 590. Smaller ones are also very good. - Paul

 

[thebeekeeper1]

If the question is "chainsaw" the answer is always Stihl. I'd suggest visiting a dealer and explaining your needs and desires and letting him guide you.

 

[danwolfgang]

I'm a little surprised that nobody has mentioned the EGO chainsaw: http://egopowerplus.com/products/56v-lithium-ion-electric-cordless-chainsaw

I have the blower, and it's fantastic -- super powerful. They definitely built it with the idea of giving power over long battery life. From what I've read, all their tools are like that. I bought the EGO chainsaw a few weeks ago when there was threat of trees coming down from a storm, but didn't have to use it (and haven't wanted to fight through snow to try it).

 

[ClineWrench]

My aunt and uncle own a saw shop in the pacific north west. They see a lot of saws and I took thier advice when I bought mine.

Stihl MS271. It's an awesome saw. Easy to start, easy to use and not too heavy. For smaller stuff maybe you want the MS 251.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Stihl, just got new one after nearly 20 years of service from the 026. We usually cut about 6-8 cords of wood per year.

 

[SawtoothJL]

Stihl MS361

 

[sam.coll]

Stihl MS192T I have one and its super reliable if maintained correctly and used with fresh fuel, also have a MS280 for things a little bigger. At work we use the 192T's as can be used 1 handed and easy to start up in the bucket, perfect for tree branches on power lines ect.

 

[Whitworth]

Any home owner quality gas chain saw is going to be hard to start and underpowered. Bucking and cutting firewood consumes a lot of power so battery operated won't have much stamina.
I have a Husquvarna Rancher (2 actually ) and they do everything a chainsaw's expected to do.

Gary

 

[NY_treeguy]

Stihl MS192T I have one and its super reliable if maintained correctly and used with fresh fuel, also have a MS280 for things a little bigger. At work we use the 192T's as can be used 1 handed and easy to start up in the bucket, perfect for tree branches on power lines ect.

Please don't do this. While it is done in a bucket or while climbing all the time, it shouldn't be. Anyone (me included) who does this knows better, and makes cuts to minimize bad things happening. Beyond that, it should NEVER be done on the ground. A top handled saw like the 192 or 201 should not be used on the ground. The two handles are so close together that they are effectively a single point and there is little ability to control kick back. Without a hand on the top handle, the chain brake won't get tripped.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I would suggest corded chainsaw with tiny HF generator (check saws at Home Depot, Lowes, not HF)

Those little 2 stroke generators are not known for reliability especially after sitting around for months.

If you drain the fuel after each use and have a couple of spare NGK spark plugs around, they aren't bad.

 

[Wizzard]

Stihl MS361

This for gas, using an 18-20" bar on it (most saws come with a bar that is to big). May cost a little more than others, but it will work and retain a good resale value should you decide to sell.

 

[kxlexus]

Get a Stihl and don't waste your time on some POS electric chainsaw.

 

[Greasymofo]

I say buy a stihl. I know they're more expensive but trust me it will last you the rest of you're life with no problems. I am an arborist and use them on a daily basis. my ms390 has been in heavy use for about 5 years when I got it used. So theres no telling how old it is. Starts every time in about 3 pulls and runs hard like a champ. You can do a lot of cutting with a smaller unit. Just my opinion since it's all I've ever used. Good luck

 

[btbsandman]

I would suggest corded chainsaw with tiny HF generator ( check saws at Home Depot,
Lowes, not HF)
Works for me on 5 acre wooded lot trimming,light cutting.
IMHO

So HF now has a pocket generator for sale?

 

[Bobcat753]

My aunt and uncle own a saw shop in the pacific north west. They see a lot of saws and I took thier advice when I bought mine.

Stihl MS271. It's an awesome saw. Easy to start, easy to use and not too heavy. For smaller stuff maybe you want the MS 251.

I agree with the 271. I have one that is in my service truck and it always starts. Best saw I have bought and will last saw I buy for a while.

 

[Davefr]

Get a Stihl and don't waste your time on some POS electric chainsaw.

...and get a Stihl Professional saw (vs. a homeowner saw). MS361 is an excellent choice.

And learn to maintain it properly. A chainsaw is only as good as the maintainence they receive. They can be unforgiving to neglect and require more care then most tools.

If you can't do it yourself then buy from the best servicing dealer in your area.

 

[jaggedscars]

Buy Stihl! Worked at a dealership for 5 years. Good quality on mid range and high end saws. Good universal size and my go to now, MS290/MS291 - Farm Boss. Can handle 16"-20" bar, available in .325" and 3/8" pitch saw chain. All saws, regardless of manufacturer, are critical on fuel quality now a days, with most states using 10% ethanol... Horrible on carbs if not maintained properly. Saw is light, powerful and affordable.

 

[Arbybe]

Maybe it's just me, but I don't understand this logic.. To remove the possibility of having a chainsaw that won't start, you replace it with buying a generator that may not start.. so you carry gas, oil, a chainsaw AND a generator too?

You are right on.
I'm sorry I left this important bit out.
The generator has a fuel cut off which allows me to run the carburetor dry
For storage which will enable cold start 99% of the time.
Additionally, I use stabilizer in the mix.
Just for the record, I have been a small engine mechanic for 60
Years and still learning. Since the advent of electronic ignition,
Most all problems with small engines are related to fuel.
It is PTA run the carb dry on all Two cycles but when I do the results
Are positive. New and rebuilt are always Bone dry shipped.
As for me, I trailer the generator,gas to the site,the saw is much
Lighter and doesn't vibrate so much. For a quick job without having
To climb, I use the gas saw (Poulan 2000). Generator runs about 90
Mins per tank.

Thanks much for the comment.
RBB

 

[HammerMechanic]

I vote for a Stihl saw also. Or if you really want battery powered and are not cutting anything big, go with a cordless Sawzall (I recommend the Milwaukee Fuel one).

 

[dtt454]

about a year ago i was thinking about a small saw that wouldnt tear me up.
and would not be a pos after a short time. i got a sthil 192t ive only had it a year and only used it a handful of times.... but so far

i got it with a short bar, you can use it one handed and still keep it under control.

sure its not recommended, im just saying its light enough you CAN

and with a short bar, keeping two hands on it is enough to keep it under control its not powerful enough to kick back very hard.

 

[btbsandman]

You are right on.
I'm sorry I left this important bit out.
The generator has a fuel cut off which allows me to run the carburetor dry
For storage which will enable cold start 99% of the time.
Additionally, I use stabilizer in the mix.
Just for the record, I have been a small engine mechanic for 60
Years and still learning. Since the advent of electronic ignition,
Most all problems with small engines are related to fuel.
It is PTA run the carb dry on all Two cycles but when I do the results
Are positive. New and rebuilt are always Bone dry shipped.
As for me, I trailer the generator,gas to the site,the saw is much
Lighter and doesn't vibrate so much. For a quick job without having
To climb, I use the gas saw (Poulan 2000). Generator runs about 90
Mins per tank.

Thanks much for the comment.
RBB

I can see that mobile setup working well in secluded areas if you are builiding a cabin.