Good Chainsaw?

[Ford12508]

Hopefully someone here can provide some good insight. I hang out with a few people 3-5 times a week at night, and we always have bonfires. The fires last a decent amount of time, and we go through a lot of wood, and I mean a LOT!

Well I have been getting wood from a lot of warehouses after they do renovations and have to haul away the old **** and what not. They love that I take the wood, but a lot of it is really difficult stuff to burn when the fire is less than an hour old. So I thought "I will just use my dad's small chainsaw to cut it up a bit." Now I got to do more thinking and now its "I want to buy a good sized chainsaw and start a small tree removal business. This way I can make some money, haul the wood to my friends house, and we can let it dry for a while before using it.

So here is the set up. I have my F150 right now(I know, not a huge payload rating) and I can get a trailer and haul about 6-8K pounds at a time of wood back to my friends house, where we have unlimited space for fire wood. She doesn't mind if I am bringing wood back there by myself or cutting it. So storage and hauling are not an issue. Cutting the trees down is not an issue either. The only real issue I have is what chainsaw to get. I would like a Stihl, thats what my dad has now and while only having a 14" bar, it works well and has lasted a long time. I was thinking like 4HP with a 24" bar, but I don't know if that would be total overkill. I don't want some giant monster, but I want something that will go into a 36" diameter stump nicely, just in case I see any that are that big.

So what would you guys recommend that I get? I believe the one we have now is 1.5-2HP, and it works well, so I think a 4HP would be perfect to get the job done nice and quick. I could take the small saw up into the tree and use the bigger saw when removing larger pieces.

 

[precisionworks]

I would like a Stihl, thats what my dad has now and while only having a 14" bar, it works well

+1

Best chainsaw you can buy

Look at the MS362, a 4 hp saw that weighs just over 13#. It will last a lifetime for a homeowner, even one who cuts a lot of firewood.

Info from Stihl website.

 

[GearJammer]

First and foremost, get the safety gear. Chaps, saw gloves, boots, face protection...etc. I would rule out a trimming service as insurance will be critical, and the businesses that do trimming and tree removal have tons of experience. If you've been trimming with a 14" saw then I would suggest going no bigger than a 20"saw. A 20 inch bar is still alot of saw and pose a serious hazard if you dont know what you are doing. A 24" bar is just that much more and is alot to handle. I have a Husqvarna 359 with a 20" bar and its got gobs of power for my usage. Just have to respect it and keep your attention on it. Im sure someone here will have some better suggestions, but this is one of those where bigger isnt always better. Body limbs are a good thing.

 

[lodemia]

I just bit the bullet and bought a stihl ms 311 with a 20" bar. Big R (a farm store near me) was having a 10% off sale on everything, so I think I got a decent deal.

Saw, bar, two chains, case, tax was $440 out the door.

Two weekends later, and I cut down 18 trees with it in one day. At the end of the day, I was a little sore, but nothing like I would have if I was lugging some heavy thing around. Shoot, I think it's a lot easier than fighting my old one, too. The 311 is a very good power/weight ratio, and the 20" bar is all I'd want to put on it (and probably more bar than I need.)

I wonder why I waited so long to get something nice. Worth every penny I paid. I don't know anyone who regrets buying a new or used stihl.

 

[A_Pmech]

Keep your saw out of stumps and the dirt.

 

[woody 73]

Keep this in mind the bigger the saw the heavier it is to lug it around making you very tired.
The bigger the engine the more it will cost you,the largest stihl go for over $1000.00 dollars.
All big engines can be rebuilt.
You have to ask yourself how many trees will you come across that are 36" dia.and over.
Unless you are going to be a lumberjack in the North woods or use a lumber mill I would stay away from the largest models.
Get the proper safety equipment.
Giving you a saw name is tough,some love Husky,while others like Stihl ,go to a dealership and give them a good look.
Don't buy on-line you might save a lot of money,but if it breaks you will still need to see a dealer.
Find a good dealer that will go the extra mile,this is a very important step.

Hope this helps.

 

[trbomax]

Have you given any thought about liability insurance for this "small tree removal bussiness ? First time one goes the wrong way your gonna need it. Tree removal is also a high risk injury bussiness. Does your medical ins cover you while employed as a tree cutter/trimmer?. Your truck insurance for sure wont cover any business related claims unless its written that way.You will need comercial plates on the truck and trailer,around here that means an anual dot inspection too.

edit) I'm thinkin the saw is the smallest decision your faceing,but all the above put aside,but a stihl.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

A 36" tree can be cut with an 18" bar. A good 290 Farm Boss (or better) Stihl saw will do the job easily. Don't go any larger than a 20" bar or you will be buying more than you can use and they get expensive and dangerous over that size. Get the safety gear noted above and like A Pmech stated, keep it out of the dirt and away from the bottom 18" or so of the stump.

If you HAVE to cut a stump, take an axe and strip the bark off of the tree to get to bare wood. That bottom section of bark contains a lot of dirt and grit and will eat a chain in less than one cut.

 

[wafrederick]

Husqvarna is the best.I hear tons of complaints on Stihls,no power and are very expensive to repair.Keep the chains out water too,dulls the chain too.Had a stihl,had tons of carburator problems with it and got rid of it.Have a Husqvarna has been trouble free although it is over 25 years old and the only thing that has been done to it is replace the spark plug.Use Husqvarna bars and chains only on this saw.

 

[buick215]

Dolmar is also a good brand.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I like Echo yard tools. I have an 18" Echo CS400. It's been a really good homeowner saw. They can be had for around $300...

 

[Wakefield]

Some Stihl are pro models,some are not. The 290 is not. But probably a lot better than a big box store $100. model. 360-or is it now 361? Maybe 362? is/are pro models and very expensive but lighter weight per horsepower and made to be easier to rebuild. 660 (model # probably changed on that one too is a huge saw,I don't think most tree crews in the East carry much bigger. I'm sure Husky has pro and non pro models also. #372? Entry level Husky might be renamed version of some other brand. There is a small lightweight Stihl climbing saw with top handle,surprisingly expensive,which has a lot of power for such a tiny saw. I think it was called MS 200T. Most Stihl have MS in front of the model #. Good saws of either Husky(Husqvarna) or Stihl cost a lot of money.
New chainsaws and other power equipment are harder to adjust(carbs) or have more problems than older ones because of EPA regulations and E10 gas. Not good to leave old gas in them.

 

[mp23]

I like echo, but Huskvahrna are suppsoed to be the best

 

[John in OH]

Stihl - hands down the best. I bought my first Stihl product over 12 years ago ... a chainsaw with a 20" bar. It still starts easily, idles smooth and delivers lots of power. Sorry I don't recall the model number, but it was called the Farm Boss. Wore out countless chains and had to replace the bar once due to wear, but it is a real workin' machine. Since then I've bought Stihl string trimmer and a leaf blower. Totally satisfied; HOWEVER, keep to their professional line of equipment. Just like most other manufactures, they have a pro line and a homeowner line. The homeowner line is OK, it costs less but you get what you pay for ... stay with the pro line.

Previous comments regarding the liability and extra costs/concerns of a tree service are right on target. High risk, high liability, heavy work ... can easily get your body seriously messed up.

 

[jjarrell4]

Stihl ms660

 

[pl_silverado]

Go Stihl, i'd highly recommend a pro model.

MS260, MS360, MS460 or MS660


I have the MS260 (18" bar) & MS660 (28" bar)

 

[chavist93]

I have an Efco, made in Italy, and it's been good to me for the last 7-8 years I've owned it. I'm not sure if they still are, but Cub Cadet Commercial and John Deere used to be rebranded Efcos.

On a side note. If you want free wood for bonfires you can get free pallets most anywhere and they burn like crazy.

 

[Greatbear]

My Stihl 034 is still running like new, 25 years after I bought it. Very little has been needed as far as replacement parts, a starter cord and pawls, air filter and a few bars and chains, My 017, bought maybe 15 years ago as a limbing saw (it's lightweight) hals also been just as reliable.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

Stihl makes a good saw, I have had two, on stolen (25 years ago), still have my little "mini boss" 14", I also have an Echo 18" (Jap saw from the 80s) and a husky 350 18". Of all my saws Ive owned, I like the Husky best. The echo is a solid performer, and heavy, the sthil is a nice trimming model. The Stihl I had stolen was a larger farm model, I don't remember what model number. If I was buying new 18", Id probably go with a Husky.

 

[jcouch1]

Husky, Echo, and Stihl are all good saws depending on what models. At our fire dept. we have probably ~20 stihls from small to big, short to long. Just nned to start them once a month or so and they'll start 1st or 2nd pull everytime

 

[demographic]

Stihl, Husqvarna, Dolmar/Makita (same saws for Dolmar and Makita really) Redmax and Jonsered (both Redmax and Jonsered are owned by Husqvarna IIRC)
all produce some decent saws and some "home owner" saws.

The home owner ones often have a clamshell design where the crankcase has a horizontal split (although to be fair my Stihl 017 has this and its taken a good amount of use and managed well) and the "pro" models have a vertical split to the crankcase like my old Stihl 038 AV super. that's currently needing a fresh piston.
I can't blame it for needing a new piston as its tag says it was made in West Germany and as the Berlin wall fell in about 89 its got a lot of use under its belt.

The ones with the vertical split are designed to be worked on more and have a longer working life but it comes at greater cost.

Don't fall into the trap of saying that anything Stihl/Husky/whatever is amazing and everything else is **** cos its not true

 

[Wakefield]

People argue over Stihl and Husky like they were Ford and Chevrolet.
Seriously,the crew that I worked with sometimes had Stihl, a crew that was hired to work on a powerline right of way that I talked with had Husky,both have their pros and cons.
I have a MS 290,it is OK but not really something that a pro tree crew would use as their every day saw but perhaps they would have one as a backup. But it far outperforms the $150. department store special. Now I,d better drain all the fuel out of it and put it in the house for winter unless I have something for it to do now.
Sometimes fuel lines get splits in them you can't see easily,carbs might need new diaphragm or something,especially with ethanol gas and/or a few years. Stihl man came to our shop and explained about not using low octane gas,need to keep fresh gas,etc. He recommended using Amoco High Test(some of these saws have high compression) and I think stabilizer although I,m not absolutely sure of that. Don't overdose stabilizer,it can get gunky if you do. Stihl Ultra chainsaw oil I think is supposed to have stabilizer in it. Of course if you run your saw empty of bar oil you will hurt it! Don't get sawdust into the baroil or fuel tanks.

 

[Wakefield]

I think Stihl numbers such as 017 , 029 became MS 170 , MS 290 There are some new numbers now since I worked with those things.
I found an old 017 at one of our shops,it had a few minor things wrong with it like a stopped up air filter,fuel filter or something,we got a new bar/chain and stuff for it and it made a good saw for me to cut up limbs that fell during storms that fell into our azalea garden even though it was supposed to be one of the least expensive Stihls.
026 was a small Pro saw that had more power to weight than,say,029 but 029 seemed bigger. I think 026 had metal instead of plastic around the chain drive sprocket and the sprocket was a different type but you could upgrade the one that came on the 029.
They might have been "rim" and "spur". Keep an eye on your saws people will steal them!

It could get quite dangerous if people who haven't had chainsaws get them and start trying to use them without having been taught anything about how to use them properly or safely or not knowing anything about protective gear,being aware of your footing and balance,escape paths if something starts to fall the wrong way,etc.

 

[wafrederick]

Husqvarna does not own Stihl.The Husqvarna out cuts the Stihl hands down.Been told of places having problems with Stihls and switch to Husqvarnas which have been trouble free.

 

[jay50]

Husqvarna does not own Stihl.The Husqvarna out cuts the Stihl hands down.Been told of places having problems with Stihls and switch to Husqvarnas which have been trouble free.

You got some proof to back up this line of BS you're shilling...?

 

[Davefr]

The Husqvarna out cuts the Stihl hands down.

That's the most idiotic statement I've ever read. One "brand" does not out cut the other "brand".

However each brand has some specific saws that are world class (MS361, MS440, 372XP, DCS7900) and they also have some pigs. (MS290, Husky Poulans, etc)

 

[brianh]

I use Husky Stihl and Dolmar all these brands are well made I use them an a daily basis My biggest is the stihl 660 I use with an Alaskan mill to make lumber the smallest a Stihl 170 for detail carving.

I chainsaw carve for a living and hear all the carvers argue about the best brand.
there all good.

The most important thing is safety gear and keeping the chain sharp

The homeowner Poulans and Homlites are cheap and buzzy.

 

[demographic]

Husqvarna does not own Stihl.The Husqvarna out cuts the Stihl hands down.Been told of places having problems with Stihls and switch to Husqvarnas which have been trouble free.

As you say, Husky doesn't own Stihl, but they do own Jonsered and if I remember right also Redmax. Its a moot point however as the last time I heard Electrolux owned Husky.
Makita and Dolmar are often the same saws in different colours and I think that Makita owns Dolmar.

Stihl owns Stihl.

I would dispute that any of those brands outcut an other across the whole range, some saws are better than the competition but I wouldn't have said that any brand makes the best saws in all the differing capacities.

Right then, that's that sorted. I'll just go on to define the best quality two stroke oil, if Ford is better than Chevvy, are CR 500s as good as KX 500s (they handle tight tracks better but the engines aren't as advanced, not that I'm biased in any way shape or form, ahem) and who makes the best truck.

 

[stonewellmark]

Id suggest a STIHL ms260pro they are awsome. Put an 18" bar on it. A great saw for a serious homeowner or light commercial use. Its a light saw with PLENTY of power, a bit pricey...$500-$600 I think, but you'll only buy it once in your life. As far as the husky/stihl debate goes I like Huskies larger saws and Stihls smaller saws. Stihls bigger saws are too heavy and huskys small saws are ****.

 

[Davefr]

Id suggest a STIHL ms260pro they are awsome. Put an 18" bar on it.

I agree MS260's are great saws but 18" is really pushing it unless you're cutting softwood exclusively. I'd step up to a MS361 for 18" cutting.

 

[tunnel rat]

I own a 290 farm boss and my brother owns a husky 455 rancher. Husky vs sthil debates can go on forever and cause some heated debates
I have found both to be pretty equal, the husky has a bit more power but my sthil feels more balanced (the two saws are bassically the equivalnt of each other).................The reason I chose stihl was because lets face it they do have a good reputation, that combined with 10% off and owning other stihl equipment I went for it..........Did more research afterwards only to find out that husky also has a great track record. Shop around handle each saw, ask the dealer if you can run the saw..............

Me and my brother also run a small tree service, We just stay away from big stuff like huge trees next to power lines or houses, mainly we do storm clean up, trimming and large trees that are in the middle of nowhere. If your insurance might not cover an accident while doing this type of work lok into something like aflac............And yes always wear ppe suited for chainsaw work.

 

[precisionworks]

Husqvarna does not own Stihl.The Husqvarna out cuts the Stihl hands down.Been told of places having problems with Stihls and switch to Husqvarnas which have been trouble free.

-1

That's the most idiotic statement I've ever read. One "brand" does not out cut the other "brand".

+1

Both are high quality saws. There's no Husky dealer nearby, but there is a Stihl dealer two miles away ... which is why I have a garage full of orange & white stuff

 

[blazsawgras]

i have a stihl 290 good all around medium sized saw had it 4 years now my dad has a stihl about 20 years now we both have good service from the stihl name even bought stihl weedeater couple years ago trouble free.

 

[wafrederick]

My father's friend Dave had a Stihl,would not cut worth a darn: no power.Was using it right.Bought a Husqvarna and staying with a Husqvarna.My father bought a Stihl out of an auction and put it against his 25 year old Husky.The Stihl went good bye,sold it for $150.00.His Husky out cut and put the shame to the Stihl.One dealer in my area puts in cylinders and pistons in the Stihls.

 

[fireguy]

When we still had a timber industry here in Oregon, we had 2 local pro saw shops. One sold Husky, the other sold Stihl. Both brands work and last. My saw is a Huskey, 20" bar Probably 25 years old. Still starts. My partner used a Homelight. Second job we did,he bought a Husky or Stihl. We had an Echo as backup. We worked together for 3 years. Our last year we bought extrabars, chain and oil.

Thanksgiving Day, in elk camp i found first hand what we always said. There are 2 kinds of sawyer, those who have not been cut yet and those who have. I was cutting fire wood, dropped a tree and bucked it up. Little branch snapped back, pushed the bar into my ankle. I sent my 14 year old grandson back to camp to get grandma. I did not know the kid could run that fast. My nurse put a compress on the ankle, we met the ambulance en route. They were good, the er doc was good. The Doc in Lewiston was great. I am not allowed on a ladder for 3 months. But I did make an emergency service call on Wednesday. I think my nurse was pissed at me. Monday we are going to see the post care doc. One advantage about having my own nurse is we know what doc to see and what doc not to see. I an so bored. I do not do this sitting around very well.

 

[pl_silverado]

Theres nothing i can't cut with this combo (ms260 18"/ms660 28")
Going to get a longer bar for the 660 when i need one, so far it suits my needs just fine.

 

[impulse922]

My father's friend Dave had a Stihl,would not cut worth a darn: no power.Was using it right.Bought a Husqvarna and staying with a Husqvarna.My father bought a Stihl out of an auction and put it against his 25 year old Husky.The Stihl went good bye,sold it for $150.00.His Husky out cut and put the shame to the Stihl.One dealer in my area puts in cylinders and pistons in the Stihls.

this guy posts up in every thread about a sisters-husbands-cousin and their bad experience with some well known brand. take it with a grain of salt. (or a whole shaker full)

2 smoke motors occasionally need new top ends, go figure.

That being said, my dad has a smaller stihl. He's owned it since '95 and sees light use once or twice a year. Still works perfect. Only problem is the orange plastic case is fading (is kept in a shed).

 

[AussieDan]

Theres nothing i can't cut with this combo (ms260 18"/ms660 28")
Going to get a longer bar for the 660 when i need one, so far it suits my needs just fine.

Nice setup, my dad has the same combo!

I have one of the last 026s before they changed the numbering scheme and it's a great saw, I am envious of the new no-tool tensioner on dad's MS260 though.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

My father's friend Dave had a Stihl,would not cut worth a darn: no power.Was using it right.Bought a Husqvarna and staying with a Husqvarna.My father bought a Stihl out of an auction and put it against his 25 year old Husky.The Stihl went good bye,sold it for $150.00.His Husky out cut and put the shame to the Stihl.One dealer in my area puts in cylinders and pistons in the Stihls.

One of these days you might actually have an opinion of your own based on PERSONAL experience.... I own 3 Stihl saws, an old 028AV Super Wood Boss from the 80's that STILL cuts good, a MS290 Farm Boss and a MS180C Mini Boss. I also own a Stihl backpack blower, weed eater and a brush cutter.

In the 20 years+ that I have owned Stihl power equipment I have had ONE carburetor rebuilt. That's it. They run, run well, crank easy and rarely give anyone any problems. By the way, the 028 was used to clear 80 acres of a neighbor's property. It has never failed to crank, still pulls strong and is my "go to" saw when I need something cut.

 

[vc-onthepc]

I have two poulans one 16 inch and one 20 inch both cut well sometimes can be a pain to start bought both new for under 500.00 . Good for homeowner use for sure . but for profit maybe these other opinions from others are better ...