mikehaugen
Well-known member
This is what I have been thinking the entire time I've been reading this thread.
I don't think there is a saw that can meet both of your needs well, at least not at that pricepoint.
Chainsaws
- Thread starter Jeffh40
- Start date
This is what I have been thinking the entire time I've been reading this thread.
I don't think there is a saw that can meet both of your needs well, at least not at that pricepoint.
HA! It is a good thing there is only one on the lot that big. The rest are in the 12-16" range.
Thanks for everyone's replies and by all means, keep them coming. Who ever thought it would be this difficult to pick a chainsaw.
Like I said earlier, rent a larger saw for the felling/bucking. Buy a smaller saw for ongoing homeowner use. (or hire out the initial felling)
Or increase your budget and go for the "two saw" plan. (MS361/440 + MS170 or Husky 372XP/562XP + 346XP/550XP)
PSA: Felling big 24"+ trees is not for newbies. The closest I've ever been to death is when I screwed up the notch on a large doug. fir and the giant tree came down the way it wanted to and grazed my arm. A few more inches and I would have been dead. You only get one chance to do a proper notch and you better carefully study the tree and have plenty of wedges and the experience how to use them. The big guys are pretty unforgiving to newbies.
I'm not sure the experience level of the OP but i too agree a certain level of competence IS needed to safely fall trees of such diameter. Having over 25 pro saws, I would not pick a 60cc saw for such work, I'd grad a 65, 70, 75, 80 or 90cc saw for that task. I have a 555 husky, a 6400 Dolmar & had a Echo cs550p (55cc echo pro saw) & I sold it as I didn't care much for it. So I'm covered in the 60cc department. The only reason I advise an Echo 590 Timber wolf is the fact the OP wants a one saw solution that is under $400. A pro grade 590 is the most saw currently available for that sort of money & it will run a 16"-24" B/C pretty well in most US wood species. I wouldn't have much problem doing that work with a good 60cc saw. Don't forget also to get some safety gear like chaps, eye protection, earmuffs, gloves, boots, files, 2t oil,bar lube, wedges, spare chain and maybe a smaller/larger bar than what the saw comes with.
Points well talked about and appreciated from all of you. I think at this point, I need to do a more thorough review of how many trees and exactly what I think my long term needs are.
Renting a heavy duty saw and buying something smaller for home use is certainly an option. I need to review this with the builder. He will be felling the biggest of the trees (it is in the center of the house) and he might do some of the heavy cutting for me if I ask nicely.
A 40-45cc class saw will work well unless I have a bunch of large trees to cut down. My choice here would be the Stihl 251. With local support that seems the wisest choice in that class.
If there are more trees than I remembered, sounds like a 60cc class machine is in order. Only one I can realistically afford at this point would be Echo SC 590 and that is pushing the budget.
New house, lot of expenses. Can't splurge too much on a chainsaw.
Renting a heavy duty saw and buying something smaller for home use is certainly an option. I need to review this with the builder. He will be felling the biggest of the trees (it is in the center of the house) and he might do some of the heavy cutting for me if I ask nicely.
A 40-45cc class saw will work well unless I have a bunch of large trees to cut down. My choice here would be the Stihl 251. With local support that seems the wisest choice in that class.
If there are more trees than I remembered, sounds like a 60cc class machine is in order. Only one I can realistically afford at this point would be Echo SC 590 and that is pushing the budget.
New house, lot of expenses. Can't splurge too much on a chainsaw.
I would be begging him to do the rest of the felling in return for some of your free grunt labor during the project. Or maybe a nice crisp Benjamin or two.
Once they're felled, the pressure is off and you can do the limbing and bucking with a smaller saw. If the largest tree is 24", it'll taper to smaller diameter pretty quickly. The MS251 -16" should handle it maybe with the help of a Peavey.
(felling with only one small saw can be risky. If it get's pinched you have a very dangerous situation.)
Jamie in wv
Active member
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2016
- Messages
- 31
Get a stihl and it will start next year and year after that, if it's taking care of it should last 20 years, and best of all it's made here is the USA.
I own the 311 and it is as good today as it was 5 years ago when I bought it new.
I own the 311 and it is as good today as it was 5 years ago when I bought it new.
So will a maintained cheapy. Got a clearance 14” mcculloch like 14 years ago at target for $15 on clearance. Still starts, runs, cuts.
mcbane
Well-known member
What do you mean by only 20 years? My Stihl 028, purchased in 1985, is still going strong. Other than lots of chains and bars it hasn’t needed more than a few tuneups.
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bob15
Well-known member
Only 1985?
I'm still using as my go-to saw, a 1972 Mac SP60 (it replaced my mid 60's Mac 10-10A).....
bpjr
Well-known member
My mid 70s Craftsman 2.3 still starts on the first couple of pulls and runs like new. The only maintenance has been chains, bars, a few carb kits and a new clutch. This one dates back to 16:1 oil ratio. It's my backup now and replaced about 10 yrs ago with a Craftsman 38cc...I just wanted a new one. Same reliability and maintenance as the 2.3. These saws only run through 2-3 gals a yr for home use mostly on pines, palms and oaks up to maybe 24". I have an echo weed trimmer, echo hedge trimmer, stihl hedge trimmer and stihl blower. Those engines run fine too but really don't perform any better.
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I have a stihl that was my grandads and a homelite i bought used when i was younger. The stihl despite being 40 years old it starts 3rd pull everytime. The homelite is the same way and is older than the stihl. I have had other homelites, and they have all been good saws. My suggestion would be to find a good used saw, either a stihl or a homelite. If you take care of an old saw it will last you a life time. Stay away poulan, they are cheap ****. Echo and craftsman are the same thing, at least they used to be. They are ok for occasinal use. But not as a daily driver. I would personally never own an electric saw, but thats just me. I think for only occasinal use a battery powered saw is a bad idea. Batterys go bad if not used and they would onky last 3, 4 years tops.
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mikehaugen
Well-known member
I think a battery saw would be quite practical if it shared batteries with tools you already have... otherwise I would agree with you.
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If the builder burns wood, you may be able to trade some extra trees taken down in exchange for him getting the wood. If not, he may know a guy that will do it for him.
I own a tree service and all we use are Stihls. I recommend buying a new professional grade Stihl. I don’t buy used saws because you don’t know its maintenance history. Someone could have run straight gasoline in it or it might have an intermittent problem. Another reason is that it might be stolen. I have had several saws stolen from me and I won’t support other thieves by buying stolen property. Also, you need good dealer support for repairs and parts. Stihl”s dealer network is pretty extensive.
That use to be the case but time's are changing. Stihl used to have an extensive network of small dealers that would provide parts, service, etc.
Now many of those small saw shops are long gone and Stihl has signed up big retail chains like Ace H/W and many of the big Farm store chains who don't stock parts other then what's on the retail pegboard. The also don't make chains, sharpen chains or do any service.
I've had many people question why I spent "so much" money and bought a Stihl, my dad purchased one when i was 30 years ago and has never had any issues with it other than standard maintenance.
Currently on year 9 with my MS291 20" bar and as far as cutting goes its the best decision I've made. Still starts on pull 1-3 and shows no signs of letting up power.
I inherited my MS 170 from my dad who purchased it in 1992, I was born in 87’, the saw still keeps on truckin. I have no doubt that it will still be around when I have someone to pass it on to, that’s why you buy a Sthil.
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Den69rs96
Well-known member
OP,
I would consider looking for a used a stihl 026,260, or 261. This would probably be the best all around saw for your needs since some of the trees are small. These are pro saws and can work with a 16-20 inch bar. Personally I would step up to a 361/362 series saw, but the price is probably out of your range. I know I’m recommending pro saws, but they are made much better. They have metal cases and much much better anti vibe features than a homeowner or rancher style saw. If your not going to use it much once these trees are down, buy used then you can either keep it or sell it. There are plenty of people who buy new, use it, then sell it. You can usually save some money.
I have a ms250 and no way would I use it for cutting up 24 inch trees. I would use either my 361 or 046 (both bought used) for that. One thing to remember is that a small saw can cut 24 inch trees, but your going to in the cut 2-3 times longer than if you used a larger saw. This can tired you out much quicker. Once you get tired, the chance of something bad happening increases.
Make sure you get a set of chaps and some eye/head protection. Most chainsaw injuries are to the legs.
I would consider looking for a used a stihl 026,260, or 261. This would probably be the best all around saw for your needs since some of the trees are small. These are pro saws and can work with a 16-20 inch bar. Personally I would step up to a 361/362 series saw, but the price is probably out of your range. I know I’m recommending pro saws, but they are made much better. They have metal cases and much much better anti vibe features than a homeowner or rancher style saw. If your not going to use it much once these trees are down, buy used then you can either keep it or sell it. There are plenty of people who buy new, use it, then sell it. You can usually save some money.
I have a ms250 and no way would I use it for cutting up 24 inch trees. I would use either my 361 or 046 (both bought used) for that. One thing to remember is that a small saw can cut 24 inch trees, but your going to in the cut 2-3 times longer than if you used a larger saw. This can tired you out much quicker. Once you get tired, the chance of something bad happening increases.
Make sure you get a set of chaps and some eye/head protection. Most chainsaw injuries are to the legs.
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I think I got my saw a little hot yesterday. I told the wife, it might be time to get another saw. Just might go check out an MS391 w/25" bar. hmmmmmm.
Dagny
Well-known member
Not mentioned yet is the importance of having two saws if you are going to cut large trees sooner or later your saw will get pinched. You will need another saw to get it out.
kmacht
Well-known member
I highly recommend the Echo 590 Timberwolf. If the price is a little too high check out echo's website. During the summer they usually have dealer days where specific dealers in your area offer 20% off for one day. I got my 590 through that deal and since it was form a dealer they unboxed it, tuned it, and even threw in a spare chain and some more oil. That saw has been flawless clearing a few acres of mostly oak and hickory 12 to 24" in diameter. It always starts on the first or second pull even after sitting for months at a time and I have never bothered with the expensive true-fuel. It runs just straight pump gas with 2 stroke oil mixed in. The only complaint I had with the saw is that it is a bit on the heavier side. That makes it great for dropping and bucking but can tire your arms when limbing branches above your waist height after the tree is on the ground.
To take care of the limbing I bought an echo CS-390. That saw has alot of power for its size, weighs next to nothing and also runs flawlessly. The weight makes it very easy to maneuver around when crawling through the brush. I couldn't imagine trying to drop and buck a large tree with it though. It does great with anything under 10" but over that you start to load up the bar and it is either very slow going or you stall out the clutch. It isn't all about cc's and bar size either. Make sure you look at what size chain each saw actually runs. The 390 runs a very small 3/8" chain and that is why it loads up easily when trying to cut larger diameter wood. My recommendation would be to buy the 590 for what you have to do. After the initial purchase you won't ever regret having too big of a saw but will regret having too small of one.
To take care of the limbing I bought an echo CS-390. That saw has alot of power for its size, weighs next to nothing and also runs flawlessly. The weight makes it very easy to maneuver around when crawling through the brush. I couldn't imagine trying to drop and buck a large tree with it though. It does great with anything under 10" but over that you start to load up the bar and it is either very slow going or you stall out the clutch. It isn't all about cc's and bar size either. Make sure you look at what size chain each saw actually runs. The 390 runs a very small 3/8" chain and that is why it loads up easily when trying to cut larger diameter wood. My recommendation would be to buy the 590 for what you have to do. After the initial purchase you won't ever regret having too big of a saw but will regret having too small of one.
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I carry extra bars, 16", in my chainsaw tool box for this very reason. I've had to take the bar off the saw when it got pinched and I couldn't get it out.
freudianfloyd
Well-known member
I have 6 saws because you can just as easily get 5 stuck as one. Or at least that's what I tell my wife.
MJK
Well-known member
Husqvarna 435 here. I bought a recon model online for $150 and it has been awesome.
Empty Pockets
Well-known member
I had been using an ancient Homelite saw until it died last fall. Out of convenience, I bought a Kobalt 80 volt chain saw. It has worked well for me, as I try to reclaim my property.
cgv69
Well-known member
Never really sure if it's better to tag off of another thread or start your own but as I'm in a very similar situation, I figured I'll tag this time...
I too have a dozen or so trees I need to remove in my yard. One is a large Ash that I will have professionally removed due to its size and location but the rest are all small (under 12" trunks) that I would like to do myself.
I believe in buying good quality tools but not overkill. My needs are very minor and this saw won't get used that much after this initial work. The chances of me needing a bigger saw down the road is pretty slim.
I've never used a chainsaw before and know they can be really dangerous if misused which is another reason I have little desire for anything bigger then I currently need.
The Echo CS-310 seems like the perfect saw for my needs but I am also considering the Milwaukee cordless saw. The Milwaukee is bigger, heavier and more expensive but I already have a bunch of Milwaukee Fuel batteries and equipment including their string trimmer.
On paper, I like the price/specs/size of the Echo better but after getting the Milwaukee trimmer, I've become a big fan of cordless electric over the hassle of gas, especially for a tool like this that will go months or longer of non-use. If I do get the Echo, I will buy the pre-mixed fuel and empty the tank after each use.
In the end, I like the grab and go nature of cordless electric and the idea of buying a saw that makes use of the battery system I'm already invested in but other then the fuel system, I like everything about the Echo better for my situation.
So if it was you, which of these 2 saws would you recommend and why?
I too have a dozen or so trees I need to remove in my yard. One is a large Ash that I will have professionally removed due to its size and location but the rest are all small (under 12" trunks) that I would like to do myself.
I believe in buying good quality tools but not overkill. My needs are very minor and this saw won't get used that much after this initial work. The chances of me needing a bigger saw down the road is pretty slim.
I've never used a chainsaw before and know they can be really dangerous if misused which is another reason I have little desire for anything bigger then I currently need.
The Echo CS-310 seems like the perfect saw for my needs but I am also considering the Milwaukee cordless saw. The Milwaukee is bigger, heavier and more expensive but I already have a bunch of Milwaukee Fuel batteries and equipment including their string trimmer.
On paper, I like the price/specs/size of the Echo better but after getting the Milwaukee trimmer, I've become a big fan of cordless electric over the hassle of gas, especially for a tool like this that will go months or longer of non-use. If I do get the Echo, I will buy the pre-mixed fuel and empty the tank after each use.
In the end, I like the grab and go nature of cordless electric and the idea of buying a saw that makes use of the battery system I'm already invested in but other then the fuel system, I like everything about the Echo better for my situation.
So if it was you, which of these 2 saws would you recommend and why?
justme-
Well-known member
Stay away from 0series Stihl unless you like vintage and want the challenge of repairing old things...they have been obsolete for a loooong time and lots of parts are nla.
I have lots of chainsaws of various vintages and brands...they all start off cutting wood...it's how well they last (partly how you take care of them) and how much use it is designed for.
I have a 20 ish year old echo s440... Screams with an 18 bar...have a McCulloch pm610 that lugs through everything I've asked with a 20 bar...have a little top handle homelite xl that has been cutting wood since 1980...nut none of these are in production and parts are often going to be challenging...not to mention none of those were designed to run the hours they have.
Think of it as over engineered, or running on borrowed time.
24 inch trees can easily be taken.down with an 18 bar, and more bar means more saw...to run a 24 you're looking at a pro grade saw in the grand price point. No, an ms260/261 will not handle a bigger than 20 well...even my husqvarna 55 saws struggle with 20 in 3/8...but they out perform anything orange the big box stores sell today easily.
Point is no matter the brand treat it well and have realistic expectations for performance and longevity...oh, and don't buy from a bug box store. Box stores are price point driven...husq from Depot is not the husq from a husq dealer.
Take this as you will, I am a chainsaw fanatic and a power equipment tech for a living.
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I have lots of chainsaws of various vintages and brands...they all start off cutting wood...it's how well they last (partly how you take care of them) and how much use it is designed for.
I have a 20 ish year old echo s440... Screams with an 18 bar...have a McCulloch pm610 that lugs through everything I've asked with a 20 bar...have a little top handle homelite xl that has been cutting wood since 1980...nut none of these are in production and parts are often going to be challenging...not to mention none of those were designed to run the hours they have.
Think of it as over engineered, or running on borrowed time.
24 inch trees can easily be taken.down with an 18 bar, and more bar means more saw...to run a 24 you're looking at a pro grade saw in the grand price point. No, an ms260/261 will not handle a bigger than 20 well...even my husqvarna 55 saws struggle with 20 in 3/8...but they out perform anything orange the big box stores sell today easily.
Point is no matter the brand treat it well and have realistic expectations for performance and longevity...oh, and don't buy from a bug box store. Box stores are price point driven...husq from Depot is not the husq from a husq dealer.
Take this as you will, I am a chainsaw fanatic and a power equipment tech for a living.
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Trapps
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I went the 2 saw route. I absolutely love the MS311 which I use for felling and bucking. As an entry level homeowner saw, the MS180C is a good saw which I use for limbing. The 311 just gets too heavy. I've used a couple pro grade Stihls and they are amazing but I couldn't justify that step up in cost for my use.
Lots of great info/data points/opinions in this tread. Sharp chains are king! Yes to canned gas. Buy slightly more saw than you need. Stihl dealer support is excellent.
Lots of great info/data points/opinions in this tread. Sharp chains are king! Yes to canned gas. Buy slightly more saw than you need. Stihl dealer support is excellent.
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Not sure I agree with you, parts are still readily available for most of the common "0" series saws online. There are a few that can be difficult to source parts for, but parts are still out there. As far as being obsolete, that's not quite accurate, either. Sure, some of the anti-vibe isn't quite as good, but most of the saws are solidly built, easy to work on, and cut just as well as some of the newer stuff. I've run/owned quite a few older Stihl saws, including 028's, 066 Magnums, and still have an 038 Super, and they all cut just as well as most of the newer "modern" saws. Great thing is, a lot of them can be found considerably cheaper, but you still have to know what you are looking for.
I started out with a 2-saw plan, and ran a Husqvarna 61 20" and Stihl MS210 16" for several years. That's changed over the last few years, though, my 2-saw plan has morphed out of control into a 7 saw plan...current saws are now an Echo 330T 14", Husqvarna 242XP 16", Stihl 038 Super 20", Husqvarna 266XP 20", Husqvarna 372XP 24", Stihl 460 28", and Husqvarna 390XP 32".
Banshee365
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2009
- Messages
- 194
Absolutely. The CS-590 is BY FAR the best value ranch saw on the market. What you mentioned about the 20% dealer day sales is the way I buy a lot of my Echo equipment too. I've also seen 590's that were returned but not used at Home Depot for a fraction of new. I have the CS-620p. It's a hot rod pro version of the 590 but they're both amazing saws.
My 2nd saw is the CS-355T. The 590/620 and 355, to me, compliment each other really really well. I have ran a 16" and 14" on my 355T. I leave the 14" on there most of the time. It absolutely SCREAMS with that bar. You can really do a lot with the 14" and you can run it all day long and not even know it.
I agree with the others. Bang for your buck the CS590 is hard to beat in nearly every category. Keep an eye out for Echo Sales Days at local dealers, they further discount saws 10-20%. While I've considered the CS590 I opted to go away from it only due to the weight of those ranch saws.
I have a 13yo Stihl MS270 I bought as my first saw when I was 18 and while it hasn't ever done me wrong it, it's not the most economical to rebuild let alone the lightest. If I knew now what I knew then I would have bought a pro series saw like the ms261. It's lighter, revs better and can be rebuilt over and over again as needed.
I just started the new saw dilemma a few months ago and after a ton of reading on several other forums I opted to go with the Stihl MS462CM. It's bigger than what I've had before and likely will suit me fine for years to come as I'm starting to get into the wood stove game. She gets her maiden run this coming week, I'm stoked.
I have a 13yo Stihl MS270 I bought as my first saw when I was 18 and while it hasn't ever done me wrong it, it's not the most economical to rebuild let alone the lightest. If I knew now what I knew then I would have bought a pro series saw like the ms261. It's lighter, revs better and can be rebuilt over and over again as needed.
I just started the new saw dilemma a few months ago and after a ton of reading on several other forums I opted to go with the Stihl MS462CM. It's bigger than what I've had before and likely will suit me fine for years to come as I'm starting to get into the wood stove game. She gets her maiden run this coming week, I'm stoked.
Miss the Pontiacs
Well-known member
I’ve owned a total of 3 Craftsman and a Stihl.
Buy a Stihl and use the premix gas. Buy the gas get an extra year of warranty. In my area Stihl products are on sale at the moment.
Husky might be good and if Poulan are of the same quality as their mowers take a hard pass on this one.
Buy a Stihl and use the premix gas. Buy the gas get an extra year of warranty. In my area Stihl products are on sale at the moment.
Husky might be good and if Poulan are of the same quality as their mowers take a hard pass on this one.
Voi
Well-known member
I have no experience with those two saws but do have a Stihl homeowner gas saw (MS 211, I believe) & a Makita 36v brushless). I own two wooded lots & do trail clean up in our National Forest. Almost all of my work is clearing fresh wind/storm fall Ponderosa Pine. I rarely drop a tree anymore.
In your situation I would lean towards the Milwaukee saw & see what it is capable of. As you reach its or your own limits you can then decide if you're a second saw kind of owner or do you want the guy who is dropping the Ash tree to do some of the other work.
I bought my Makita not concerned about its capabilities. I have so much tree work to do & wanted the convenience. If it was only useful for limbing I didn't care as I always have a lot of that to do. As it turns out I haven't started the Stihl in nearly two years.
Stihl's premixed fuel is ugly in price. Buying the 6 pack of bottles does double the warranty hard not to do that. The Truefuel premix that the box stores sell smells horrendous and god only knows what oil they're using, I regret using it for a season.
Ethanol free fuel is the way to go, whether you go to the gas station or buy it by the gal or 5gal cans from your local dealer. A buddy of mine who does a lot of cutting always goes with the VP fuel for 4 stroke, then pours the stihl silver into the metal can so he knows precisely what oil he's using and that it was mixed right. I thought it was clever.
Have you ever smelled/felt the eye burn of the Stihl oil (FB rated ful synthetic Ultra) that you need to buy to get the extended warranty... Its both horrible to the senses and combusts/tunes terribly.
redwrench60
Well-known member
My suggestion to the OP is to buy a midsize saw from Stihl’s professional line. Like an MS 362. It’s in the 60cc (4.70 HP) saw class and can run 16”-25” bar. With pro features like magnesium construction and 3/8 pitch chain it will be a wood cutting/felling machine. Unless you live in the Pacific Northwest it’ll be plenty of saw and be a nice compromise between a big felling/bucking saw and a lighter/smaller limbing saw.
After you finish your project you can sell it. You’ll have no problem selling a good condition one owner professional Stihl chainsaw with one land clearing project under its belt. But...by this point you’ll be so spoiled by a quality, powerful and dependable workhorse any buyer will likely have to pry it from your grips.
After you finish your project you can sell it. You’ll have no problem selling a good condition one owner professional Stihl chainsaw with one land clearing project under its belt. But...by this point you’ll be so spoiled by a quality, powerful and dependable workhorse any buyer will likely have to pry it from your grips.
bpjr
Well-known member
You can go to the echo web site and see where and when the "dealer specials" are across the USA...they have dealers name and location listed. I bought a hedge trimmer that way and if memory is right it was 20 or 25% discount. The echo dealer didn't say jack about the special when I was looking but honored it when I mentioned it to him.
Stihl, Echo, Husky, take your pick, that's all everyone's is going to say will work. It's the same thing every time this question gets asked. No other will hold up...
My neighbor told me yesterday to stay away from box store riding mowers, Hmmm , mine's only lasted me 12 years now. 10 years before I had to put the first belt on it, did nothing but chage oil before that. I live on acreage, other house was as well. He's had more problems with his Husky rider than I have had with mine in the last 5 years and his is newer. They hate Fords too, because they're junk. My daily has 325,000 miles now, still going strong, ( I've doubled the miles on it since I got it) ,and their less than 100,000 mile GMC is still sitting there with the engine out of it, waiting for the reman. one.
It's just not all black and white as most would have you believe, I know that's true because I have lived it and that's why I make that claim. I have nothing bad I could ever say about McCulloch saws, have had two, both are excellent. I live in a wooded region, they get used. Have used my CS380 a lot as I cleared this mess before we built the house. Worst saw I ever used was a Poulan, it did nothing well, except have issues.
My neighbor told me yesterday to stay away from box store riding mowers, Hmmm , mine's only lasted me 12 years now. 10 years before I had to put the first belt on it, did nothing but chage oil before that. I live on acreage, other house was as well. He's had more problems with his Husky rider than I have had with mine in the last 5 years and his is newer. They hate Fords too, because they're junk. My daily has 325,000 miles now, still going strong, ( I've doubled the miles on it since I got it) ,and their less than 100,000 mile GMC is still sitting there with the engine out of it, waiting for the reman. one.
It's just not all black and white as most would have you believe, I know that's true because I have lived it and that's why I make that claim. I have nothing bad I could ever say about McCulloch saws, have had two, both are excellent. I live in a wooded region, they get used. Have used my CS380 a lot as I cleared this mess before we built the house. Worst saw I ever used was a Poulan, it did nothing well, except have issues.
Thanks for all the comments.
Surfing Craigslist, I found a Stihl 291 in great condition for a good price ($300). It followed me home. Not a professional saw, but not a homeowner saw either. It should work great for my needs. At 55cc it should have plenty of power and if there are tasks requiring a bigger saw, my brother does have a 362 I can use so I should be good to go.
Surfing Craigslist, I found a Stihl 291 in great condition for a good price ($300). It followed me home. Not a professional saw, but not a homeowner saw either. It should work great for my needs. At 55cc it should have plenty of power and if there are tasks requiring a bigger saw, my brother does have a 362 I can use so I should be good to go.