Need to buy a chainsaw; best bang for used buck?
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maddawg308
Banned
Pay the extra and get a Stihl. It'll take care of your for a long time.
Bkf350SD
Well-known member
Stihl. Going to pay a little bit more, but well worth it. I own quite a few of them and they are great.
Buying a used chainsaw can be problematic. You really need to pull the muffler and inspect the cylinder and piston for scoring. You also need to do a compression test. A used chainsaw is only as good as the care it's received.
"Occassional use" means you'll need to run the saw dry between uses and always use fresh gasoline mix (preferrably non ethanol premium) prior to use. You'll also need to maintain the chain so it's always sharp. A dull chain makes sawdust vs. chips, clogs the filtration and results in a lean condition. (lean = bad!!)
Have you considered renting? Home Depot rents out Makita/Dolmar 6401's which are an excellent saw and ready for immediate use.
If you want to buy used then I'd recommend Stihl professional saws. (not the homeowner saws!!) The Stihl MS260 or MS361 would be a good choice. In Husky I'd recommend the 346SP or 372. Don't get the low end Husky's because they're the same as Poulans. Getting a good used saw will cost you way more then $50-75!!!
Echo is good but not really competitive in power to weight ratio. Dolmar also makes great saws..
Another consideration is local dealer support. Pick the dealer first then the brand of saw. All the chainsaw brands have "Gems" and "lumps of coal" in their lineup.
You might want to visit the chainsaw forum at arboristsite.com.
P.S. Make sure you get PPE. (chainsaw helmet, chaps, safety glasses, hearing protection, etc). Chainsaws and newbie operators can be a recipe for disaster!!
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FWIW I bought all this for $40...
On older 14-inch-er, not the greatest but the price was good and after a cleaning it runs good. I was in the same situation wanted a chainsaw but didn't want to drop the $$ on it.
The hedge trimmer gave me poison ivy though...
On older 14-inch-er, not the greatest but the price was good and after a cleaning it runs good. I was in the same situation wanted a chainsaw but didn't want to drop the $$ on it.
The hedge trimmer gave me poison ivy though...
I bought both a Husqvarna and Stihl in 1985 and both contiue to start and run great. They are the small 18" bar size and I use them quite a bit all year around. I like the "Husky" but prefer the Stihl because it feels better balanced. My Stihl was also used when I bought it, having been traded in by a professional tree service co. So it seen a lot of use.
I was at the shop I bought them both and looked at the Stihl 180. I liked it a lot.
I was at the shop I bought them both and looked at the Stihl 180. I liked it a lot.
DanMasshardt
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I Bought a used stihl 026 from a stihl tech. I believe its the smallest pro grade saw. I run a 16" bar on it. Husky and echo are decent too.
fflintstone
Well-known member
Buy a new Stihl and take care of it and your grandkids will be fighting over it when you die.
Around here a $75 chain saw is not worth owning.
Buying a used chainsaw is a real crapshoot if you don’t know anything about them.
I had 4 Stihl chainsaw that burnt in a fire I have replaced them with two and my favorite is the little MS180 B-C
http://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/homeowner-saws/ms180cb/
It is a price point sale item typically for $199. Worth every penny.
Around here a $75 chain saw is not worth owning.
Buying a used chainsaw is a real crapshoot if you don’t know anything about them.
I had 4 Stihl chainsaw that burnt in a fire I have replaced them with two and my favorite is the little MS180 B-C
http://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/homeowner-saws/ms180cb/
It is a price point sale item typically for $199. Worth every penny.
Pick up a Stihl and never look back. And also if you found a saw that you are looking for, I would do these quick checks before buying 1.Check compression, does the saw pull over easy or does it have some resistance. 2. Does it oil, hold saw bar tip about 2" away from a piece of cardboard and pull trigger about 3/4 way. It should throw a nice line of oil on the cardboard in a second or two. 3. Is the chain dull, if the chain is really dull that might mean that the saw has been worked extra hard in it's life because of a dull chain. 4. Does it idel smooth in all positions and does it rev up quick. 5. And finally just look it over real good.
Andybull
Well-known member
# 1 Stihl, # 2 Huskie.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Very true !
Unless you know the history, you may be buying junk. Just because it starts doesn't mean it is good !
Also depending on your yard size consider an electric. My parents have a good acre of land and I have used an electric saw up there to cut numerous trees that were taken down in winter ice storms. No gas or oil to worry about, just bar oil. With a sharp chain they run good. I believe it's a Remington brand. Guys in this thread would (I'm sure) laugh it off but don't discount them yet.
With a gas chainsaw you either store the gas/oil mixture or have to go get it before using it as the gas goes stale after a while. Electric, plug it in and go.
This was done with an electric Remington saw, taking a guess roughly 8"-9" diameter, which certainly wasn't the limit. A decent sized tree.
With a gas chainsaw you either store the gas/oil mixture or have to go get it before using it as the gas goes stale after a while. Electric, plug it in and go.
This was done with an electric Remington saw, taking a guess roughly 8"-9" diameter, which certainly wasn't the limit. A decent sized tree.
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bob15
Well-known member
Buy yourself a McCulloch 10-10 or any -10 series saw. The model was made for about 35 years. Parts easy to find, has more lugging than the plastic husky and stihls and basically you cannot kill them.
bob
bob
I don't think anyone asked how big the tree is and how large of trees you might need to cut up. If you are cutting small stuff with maybe 12" in diameter, I too would recommend an inexpensive electric. If you have stuff, I would upgrade to a gas chainsaw but it still may be a waste to go premium if you are only going to use it three times in the next 10 years.
gregoryD857
Well-known member
Sthil, Husky are great saws and give will you points with the chainsaw crowd. Dolmar makes a saw of the same quality but won't beat up your wallet quite as bad. That being said....if you only have the one tree and you won't be using the saw very often maybe you should pony up for beer and pizza and ask a friend who has one to help you out.
firebox40dash5
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I'd buy quality over a name. I'd rather have a good Shindaiwa or Redmax than a consumer model Stihl.
I've had an MS260 Pro for about 9 years now. Only issue is the oil pump on mine *****, it's half my bad, I should have had it replaced under warranty, but I didn't know it at the time. My dad has a pair of old 028s, they're a little heavier, but they're ******** unstoppable. He's owned the old one since the 80's, and it survived him dropping it, running full tilt, into a river while he was cutting out a logjam. Downside with the 028s is I've been told parts are getting harder to find.
If you want something big, you can find deals on those off-rental Makitas from HD. Dolmar isn't very popular, but they're damn good saws.
I've had an MS260 Pro for about 9 years now. Only issue is the oil pump on mine *****, it's half my bad, I should have had it replaced under warranty, but I didn't know it at the time. My dad has a pair of old 028s, they're a little heavier, but they're ******** unstoppable. He's owned the old one since the 80's, and it survived him dropping it, running full tilt, into a river while he was cutting out a logjam. Downside with the 028s is I've been told parts are getting harder to find.
If you want something big, you can find deals on those off-rental Makitas from HD. Dolmar isn't very popular, but they're damn good saws.
Tucko
Well-known member
I hate chain saws. I've had great results with a Sawzall pruning blade. Cuts through tree limbs like melted butter.
If you plan on using it to cut up a tree a year a Poulan saw will do if no more then 10" in diameter. If you out grow it in a few years you could task it for stump removal.
I've had this saw for about 12 years and I'm thinking about upgrading do to low power, chain won't stay tight, Bar oilers doesn't work, and it leaks gas all over.
If you won't new and willing to spend some money look at a Stihl MS 271, MS261 or Echo CS-500P (I'm considering these models)
In any case get a chain file and a extra chain or two.
For the price this is a good saw.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Poulan-14-Woodshark-Gas-Chainsaw/10965913
I've had this saw for about 12 years and I'm thinking about upgrading do to low power, chain won't stay tight, Bar oilers doesn't work, and it leaks gas all over.
If you won't new and willing to spend some money look at a Stihl MS 271, MS261 or Echo CS-500P (I'm considering these models)
In any case get a chain file and a extra chain or two.
For the price this is a good saw.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Poulan-14-Woodshark-Gas-Chainsaw/10965913
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hunterguy86
Well-known member
Another stihl vote here. Used them for ranch work and that's all we use on fire apparatus as well. Never a problem as long as you take care of them and keep the chain sharp.
For one tree, the best thing to do is maybe call a friend with a saw, especially if you have zero experience with one.
If you are experienced, I'd also recommend a Stihl.
If you are experienced, I'd also recommend a Stihl.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I second the electric recommendation for suburban home owners ! In expensive (under $100) and always ready to go.
A 12-14" bar will cover 99% of your needs.
Buy a good 12 gauge extension cord.
buco
Well-known member
I grew up in northern Canada and the old timers uses to say for falling a husq and for everything else a Stihl.
Another high end saw, never used on but have heard is the German made Dolmar.
Another high end saw, never used on but have heard is the German made Dolmar.
Anotherrcguy
Well-known member
Echo, 13 years and still running, the primer bulb dry rotted after 11 years, my one and only problem
woody 73
Well-known member
Funny story (but buyer beware)...
Some time back I found someone on CL selling a used small arborist model Dolmar for $75.00 dollars which was a very good deal;and he was dead set on that price. Well when I looked that saw over I would have sworn he dropped it from the tallest tree not once but many times and it was leaking oil like drunken sailor taking a midnight piss!
I realize many are telling you some fantastic names but knowing something of the history goes along way in the used chainsaw market. Oh and by the way when I causally mentioned the leaking oil all over the place, the seller told me they all leak like that. Yes they do especially when they have been dropped for the sixteenth time from a high place.
Some time back I found someone on CL selling a used small arborist model Dolmar for $75.00 dollars which was a very good deal;and he was dead set on that price. Well when I looked that saw over I would have sworn he dropped it from the tallest tree not once but many times and it was leaking oil like drunken sailor taking a midnight piss!
I realize many are telling you some fantastic names but knowing something of the history goes along way in the used chainsaw market. Oh and by the way when I causally mentioned the leaking oil all over the place, the seller told me they all leak like that. Yes they do especially when they have been dropped for the sixteenth time from a high place.
Super Scout
Well-known member
Stihl makes a great chainsaw, but are overrated mainly because they have a great a dealer network. Redmax, Shindaiwia, and Echo all have better warranties. At work we have a Stihl, Redmax, and an old John Deere everytime a tree comes down the guys fight over the redmax. Its just better. That said, if you buy used I would make sure you have a dealer in your town. A great deal on an old Jonsered is not so great if you have to wait a week for a part ordered online. Just my .02 Cents.
shovel
Well-known member
Another Stihl fan here too. I have grown fond of a small Echo saw that was left in Dads yard by tree trimmers after a hurricane cleanup. This has been my go-to saw for anything 10" or less. Anything bigger, break out the Stihl. Good advice using Sta-bil in the gas. Drain the gas after each season and refill and run the saw at least annually. Keep a sharp spare chain and PLEASE use PPE. Heavy gloves and safety glasses are a must.
That's right about the Stihl and the dealers. Stihl requires businesses to provide service to maintain a dealership, so if you buy new, you always know you can get it serviced where you bought it. Box store brands can leave you looking for service.
If you're set on buying used, run the saw before you buy it. See how it cold starts, and see how hard the recoil pulls. If it's too easy, check compression. Bring a short end of log or two with you, and make a few test cuts. hold the tip of the bar over something (block of wood, cardboard, anything that will show oil) for 10-15 seconds, and run the saw full throttle. You should see oil flinging onto the surface of whatever you're holding it over if the chain oiler is working properly.
I've got a 14 inch craftsman saw (poulan OEM) that I bought 12 years ago. It still runs, and the only service it's ever needed is unclogging the line for the chain oiler. Even after a 6-7 year storage period with a full tank of gas (big no-no, I know). The only thing I've done to it is thrown away the oregon chain it came with and had a chain custom made from Stihl chain stock. Oregon chain doesn't cut ****, even when it's sharp.
If you're set on buying used, run the saw before you buy it. See how it cold starts, and see how hard the recoil pulls. If it's too easy, check compression. Bring a short end of log or two with you, and make a few test cuts. hold the tip of the bar over something (block of wood, cardboard, anything that will show oil) for 10-15 seconds, and run the saw full throttle. You should see oil flinging onto the surface of whatever you're holding it over if the chain oiler is working properly.
I've got a 14 inch craftsman saw (poulan OEM) that I bought 12 years ago. It still runs, and the only service it's ever needed is unclogging the line for the chain oiler. Even after a 6-7 year storage period with a full tank of gas (big no-no, I know). The only thing I've done to it is thrown away the oregon chain it came with and had a chain custom made from Stihl chain stock. Oregon chain doesn't cut ****, even when it's sharp.
+1.
For a homeowner that is occasional use electric is the ONLY way to go.
HD sells a really nice extendable electric pole saw by Remington for $99 last I looked. The saw is a small hand-held saw with a pole adapter. Really a slick unit. You can take the saw out and use it normally or put it in the pole and reach up into treees. I have had mine for 7 years with a LOT of use and it works great....and starts every time.
Tom
Find a good local dealer that services most the pros and ask them what they have for used saws. They often do trade ins on old saws and then recondition them. A busy saw shop will have good mechanics that know their stuff. I've bought quite a few used saws this way and gotten some really good saws out of it. A mechanic showed me a used 280 husky he'd just rebuilt that would rev 2,000 rpms faster than any of the new saws they had, I took it home and used it for years.
Nice thing about gas over electric is you can toss it in the truck and take on hunting and fishing trips etc or keep in your trunk after a wind storm incase you come upon a downed tree across the road.
Nice thing about gas over electric is you can toss it in the truck and take on hunting and fishing trips etc or keep in your trunk after a wind storm incase you come upon a downed tree across the road.
Harrylocknuts
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- Sep 3, 2012
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Stihl pro grade!!!
dwp99
Well-known member
I can agree with what everyone else is suggesting and there is a lot of good information here.
A couple of things I can add is make sure that you are comfortable with the saw you choose, ergonomics? How does it feel, is it too heavy can you reach all the controls easily?
Keep the tip out of the dirt, it's the fastest way to dull the chain.
But the most important thing and I can't stress this enough, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER for any reason loan out the saw. You will never get it back in the same condition.
I own about 7 saws Mcculloch, Homelite and Stihl. The new Mccullochs and homelites are junk, Mine are from the 1970s and are part of a collection. The Stihl is great its a 038 with a 24" bar and it will make some chips.
A couple of things I can add is make sure that you are comfortable with the saw you choose, ergonomics? How does it feel, is it too heavy can you reach all the controls easily?
Keep the tip out of the dirt, it's the fastest way to dull the chain.
But the most important thing and I can't stress this enough, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER for any reason loan out the saw. You will never get it back in the same condition.
I own about 7 saws Mcculloch, Homelite and Stihl. The new Mccullochs and homelites are junk, Mine are from the 1970s and are part of a collection. The Stihl is great its a 038 with a 24" bar and it will make some chips.
RCStocker
Well-known member
Stihl is German and there is not another chainsaw on the market that comes close.
They don't plug up on the oiler and the carb is so simple that it has very few problems and is easy to work on if it gets dirty.
They make a special chian saw for cutting through roofs and all the fire departments use them.
Some of the older models are fantastic. If my son were here I would give you the modles numbers to look for. He has done a lot of logging in the North West. He is 40 and says it is to hard on him to climb that 150 ft tree these days. He is a great mechanic but he is a general contractor and has given that up to go back to collage. Mild life .... LOL
If you want it for a couple of days go rent one. If you are wanting one that will last you a life time there is only one and that is the Stihl. We own 9 chain saws. Some are 50 years old and the homelite 12x was a great saw in its day 40 years ago. My son has rebuilt all of ours and they all run. Thay hang in the tractor barn. Only the Stihl gets use these days. They are not cheap but you get what you pay for this time!!!!!!!!
They don't plug up on the oiler and the carb is so simple that it has very few problems and is easy to work on if it gets dirty.
They make a special chian saw for cutting through roofs and all the fire departments use them.
Some of the older models are fantastic. If my son were here I would give you the modles numbers to look for. He has done a lot of logging in the North West. He is 40 and says it is to hard on him to climb that 150 ft tree these days. He is a great mechanic but he is a general contractor and has given that up to go back to collage. Mild life .... LOL
If you want it for a couple of days go rent one. If you are wanting one that will last you a life time there is only one and that is the Stihl. We own 9 chain saws. Some are 50 years old and the homelite 12x was a great saw in its day 40 years ago. My son has rebuilt all of ours and they all run. Thay hang in the tractor barn. Only the Stihl gets use these days. They are not cheap but you get what you pay for this time!!!!!!!!
TreePointer
Well-known member
Stihl MS880, FTW! (Just kidding.)
If you were my neighbor, I'd let you try my saws (Stihl, Husqvarna, Dolmar, Mac) to show you differences and get a feel for what you like.
Money no object for the average homeowner? Get a 50cc pro saw (.325 pitch, .050 gauge, 16" or 18" bar) from your local Stihl or Husqvarna dealer.
Money limited? Still go to your local dealer and have them show you some models and get a feel for weight, balance, etc.
Regardless of what saw you decide to get (or borrow, rent, etc), remember to budget for that PPE, as mentioned earlier. A nice $60-70 pair of chaps is good insurance against a $1000+ emergency room visit (or worse). I've tried many brands & models, and right now am a big fan of Labonville full-wrap chaps.
Also note that electric chainsaws are just as dangerous as gas saws and sometimes even more dangerous. Chaps don't stop them as easily as they stop gas saws.
If you were my neighbor, I'd let you try my saws (Stihl, Husqvarna, Dolmar, Mac) to show you differences and get a feel for what you like.
Money no object for the average homeowner? Get a 50cc pro saw (.325 pitch, .050 gauge, 16" or 18" bar) from your local Stihl or Husqvarna dealer.
Money limited? Still go to your local dealer and have them show you some models and get a feel for weight, balance, etc.
Regardless of what saw you decide to get (or borrow, rent, etc), remember to budget for that PPE, as mentioned earlier. A nice $60-70 pair of chaps is good insurance against a $1000+ emergency room visit (or worse). I've tried many brands & models, and right now am a big fan of Labonville full-wrap chaps.
Also note that electric chainsaws are just as dangerous as gas saws and sometimes even more dangerous. Chaps don't stop them as easily as they stop gas saws.