Need to buy a chainsaw; best bang for used buck?

[Cattcreek]

Popular dependable ones locally here are Stihl & Husqvarna. I own 2 - Stihls and love them. Before making a choice you may want to see what chainsaw repair services are in your area. Getting parts is important. Have a great day!

 

[CNGsaves]

Hey Lasopmasw (ie Husqvarna guy), what COUNTRY you from?? Update your GJ profile with country and state at minimum.

Little strange that you are posting to year-old threads??

 

[Anotherrcguy]

Echo... I purchased mine 12 years ago, brand new for $199 and it is still going strong today with just a primer bulb replacement.

I don't thing you'll go wrong with stihl, husqvarna, makita, etc. good luck finding one for less than $175 used.

 

[bobcatdan]

Unless you spend big money on a husky, it is basically a poulan. Buy a shitl. Farm boss is a great all around saw.

 

[woody 73]

Not to rain down on anyone's parade but where on this green Earth are you going to find a used stihl for $50-75 dollars??? Unless they dropped it from a 120 ft. tree or a truck ran over it; I never see those killer deals.

The last fantastic deal was for a German saw for $75.00 dollars that leaked all over the ground so bad from that guy drop kicking that saw all over the place and he said "OH THEY ALL LEAK LIKE THAT"...

 

[blacksuit99]

I bought a used Homelite at an auction several years. It didn't run at the time and had be neglected. I cleaned the carb and air filter and it runs like a champ. I too only use this very occassionally but it starts everytime. Whatever you buy make sure it runs, and take care of it. Keep your blade sharp and you bar oiled and should last you a long time

 

[91FE]

Stihl is German and there is not another chainsaw on the market that comes close.

They're made in Virginia Beach.

 

[woody 73]

Telling the op to look for a used stihl for under $75.00 dollars or a husky is like telling him to find a used Ferrari Formula 1 for under $7500 dollars it just is not going to happen anytime soon.

This is what he will find in his price range:

http://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/3978571977.html

 

[1982fxr]

Have a tree down and need a chain saw; this will only see occassional use so I wanted to buy a used on off CL. I see a bunch in the $50-75 range. What brand will be best given it will be used?

Thx!

I would try paying someone a few bucks to hack it up and that way you have time to search out a deal on a used Stihl. How big is the tree? Personally, We bought a smaller Stihl new about 4 years ago and I would never even consider used after that experience---what a great saw! I think it was a 14" with that quick start deal.

I used it pretty heavy and she held up. Think it was like $170? I can't stand crappy chainsaws though, so that's just me.

 

[skyking]

You might want to look at an electric if you can get it to your work area or have a generator. used 2 cycle equip. is really iffy. If it wasnt a ************* .....why would they sell it.

 

[JJThrasher]

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!!!

Pretty much this. A gas chainsaw isn't something you can leave on a shelf, pull down every few years fire it right up, and cut. They require maintenance and upkeep. Every time you use it you'll have to get new gas and mix the oil in, then drain any extra gas before you put it back on the shelf. If your just doing light to medium duty stuff you should look at an electric, or if you only rarely need one, renting may be a better option.

Black and Decker makes a battery powered one for ~$100. We own it, plus an older Craftsman, a new Sthil, and a little Poulan. 9/10 times I grab the B&D. I can cut down a small tree with it if needed and it handles all trimming and storm clean up with ease. I don't need to mix any gas with it. Its lighter. It cuts almost as fast when the battery is charged.

 

[cole_CT]

Just buy a Stihl ms180 if it is a smaller tree. Great bang for your buck

 

[deltaphisig]

Look around, and something will come your way. I have a clean Husqvarna 350xp I picked up "not running" for $75. I replaced a cracked fuel line and it fired right up. I also have a Stihl MS290 I paid $150 for--nothing wrong with it except the PO needed cash. The Stihl is a much heavier saw (pro vs consumer), but I find the Husky much easier to start than any Stihl I have ever owned.

Anyway, I'm just saying that you can find a good saw in your price range. Stay away from the consumer Echo, Poulan, and Craftsman saws. All junk.

 

[Lightfoot]

+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

+2

I have a gas stihl and two remington pole saws. The Stihl hasn't been used since i bought my first electric pole saw. They are just so handy and trouble free as long as you have a good extension cord. Keep them sharp and they will cut through anything the bar will reach thru, and quicker than you'd think. Not knocking gas saws, but for around the yard (2 acres), the electric is all i need.

 

[Mustang1167]

I just bought a stihl 170 two weeks ago and have maybe 4 hours on it so far. Picked it up for $179. Seems to have a good bit of power for homeowner use. I have a reputable dealer
Locally so that helped with the decision.

 

[TwoInch]

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.

Not to rain down on anyone's parade but where on this green Earth are you going to find a used stihl for $50-75 dollars??? Unless they dropped it from a 120 ft. tree or a truck ran over it; I never see those killer deals.

The last fantastic deal was for a German saw for $75.00 dollars that leaked all over the ground so bad from that guy drop kicking that saw all over the place and he said "OH THEY ALL LEAK LIKE THAT"...

same thread, only about a year apart!

 

[RedBKM]

I own a Stihl 026 and 029 and my father owns a Husqvarna 42 and 36. All four are great saws but I prefer the Stihls because of the speed and the easier to use oil and gas cap.

Look around for a good 029 because the pros all bought the 028 and 030. Most homeowners could not wear out an 029 in ten lifetimes.

 

[DodgyNomad]

Another vote for Stihl. I like Dolmar, husky, and jonsared too, but the Stihl's are always nicer. Little stuff like the gas and oil caps, great saws.

 

[Farmall450]

Old Homelite or Stihl

 

[Todd.Brock]

I bought a one owner Stihl 025 that had the blade brake ran and melted an $11 bushing. It runs like a champ! And it was 50 bucks !! I can't bear to part with it, even though I have no real use for it anymore. My buddy uses it more than I do.

 

[Davefr]

I own a Stihl 026 and 029 and my father owns a Husqvarna 42 and 36. All four are great saws but I prefer the Stihls because of the speed and the easier to use oil and gas cap.

Look around for a good 029 because the pros all bought the 028 and 030. Most homeowners could not wear out an 029 in ten lifetimes.

The 029 may be reliable but it would be towards the bottom of my list:

1. It's a pig in power to weight ratio
2. It's not repair friendly
3. Not much in aftermarket support since it's really a consumer grade saw

Go for an 026, MS260, MS361, 034, 036, 044, etc.

Stihl pro saws are great but the consumer saws are just OK.

 

[jjoel]

reviving an old thread... nice.

I just purchased a refurbished husqvarna 435 from vminnovations.com . For my needs it's serving it's purpose. I've looked on arborist forums and it appears the 435 is a legit husqvarna as opposed to the 235 series.

 

[Farmall 1066]

Best value would be a Stihl 026Pro. Older 50-60V Echo's are awesome, as is the little 302.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

So having a firepit now and seeing all the down trees in the back of the woods behind our house I think I am going to need a chainsaw to cut them up and use them in our pit...

We live close to houses so I'd prefer a chainsaw that was quiet? Electric isn't an option as it's at least 300-400 feet away from the outlet to our backyard. Battery MIGHT be ok, but still weary about spending that much for a tool that uses it's only battery system.

Do they make quieter gas powered chainsaws? Not silent obviously, but is it possible to be quieter than my Echo string trimmer?

I saw the recommended little Echo chain saw and it looked to be a nice small size. But I am really looking for something that isn't going go to be a huge annoyance for our neighbors as I'm trucking through the back woods gathering wood...lol

Echo Gas:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-12-...dle-Chain-Saw-CS-271T-12/205566455?quantity=1


Echo Battery:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-16-...less-Chainsaw-CCS-58V4AH/205566014?quantity=1

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

[timbitca]

I don't think I've ever seen something like a quiet chainsaw, but good luck with your search

I have a 1980's Husqvarna 16" saw my grandfather bought new. I'd never give that thing away, it's on the heavy side compared to newer models, but it will and has cut through anything and because of that and the sentimental value I'll never get rid of it.

Almost had it taken away from me last year though, my Mother's boyfriend tried to start it and it wouldn't start (I hadn't used it in 1.5 years) and it wouldn't start, I attributed it to old gas and since I didn't have the time to fiddle around with it then he brought it to a repair shop, that I really don't trust in the first place. They took it apart, looked at it and told him it was dead. Of course, they kindly offered to sell him a Stihl for 350$ with all the accesories and stuff.

20$ carb kit later mine now purrs like a kitten. Oh, I forgot to mention they resent him on his way with my saw in parts in a box, they didn't even bother re-assembling it. I **** bricks when my Mom told me what happened, I only found out 2 weeks later when I went to visit and I couldn't find it. Thought he had thrown it out but my cousin had taken it and fixed her up for me. I gave him 50$ for his time and parts (he wanted nothing). Sure beats 350$ for a new saw.

 

[finn]

Stihl hands down.

You aren't going to find a pro model Stihl for the op's price range, and the small homeowner Stihl are the same low grade junk as the other homeowner grad brands.

For $50 budget, pick any brand that starts easily and has a sharp chain.

For the record, I'm not bashing Stihl as I have three of them myself.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

So just for shits I was on Costco's site:

http://www.costco.com/GreenWorks-Pro-80v-18-in.-Chainsaw-.product.100168395.html

No clue about it but the ONLY reason I'm even considering it is it's electric, 80v's, 18" bar, even though I think I'd be fine with a 12" and would prefer a smaller one.

But Costco's fabulous return policy, so when it does die, or the battery goes to ****, I can just take it back.

I might order it and report back just for laughs and see how it is.

hmmmm,

-Nigel

 

[pauls_workshop]

NewShocker: Quiet means you must stick with an electric or battery powered saw. 40 or 80 volt is best that way. Not sure what you need to cut down or trim. Any 40v would be fine for trimming or cutting up to about a 12" dia tree down. That is about it though.

Echo engine powered chainsaws are pretty quiet really factory. I have a 60 cc that is not any louder than my other 42 cc saws. But it is way louder than any electric or cordless. - Paul

 

[jar944]

So having a firepit now and seeing all the down trees in the back of the woods behind our house I think I am going to need a chainsaw to cut them up and use them in our pit...

We live close to houses so I'd prefer a chainsaw that was quiet? Electric isn't an option as it's at least 300-400 feet away from the outlet to our backyard. Battery MIGHT be ok, but still weary about spending that much for a tool that uses it's only battery system.


Thanks,
-Nigel

Get a gas saw, ignore your neighbors. They are used to leaf blowers around here anyway. You are not going to be cutting wood all the time so a bit of noise isnt a big deal

The used home depot makitas are the best deal out there

 

[TreePointer]

Get a gas saw, ignore your neighbors. They are used to leaf blowers around here anyway. You are not going to be cutting wood all the time so a bit of noise isnt a big deal

This ^^

As for noise, quit trying to get those blow downs in George's woods behind Mount Vernon, and you'll have nothing to worry about.

That 26.9cc Echo top handle saw is not a good firewood saw. Top handle saws are geared more toward trimming and climbers, and the lack of a rear handle makes them less safe for the typical firewood producer.

Aim for a minimum 50cc saw from a major manufacturer (Stihl, Husqvarna/Jonsered, Dolmar/Makita, select Echo saws). There are also some smaller saws that have decent reputations for their size (Dolmar 420, Stihl 250/251 et al.), but as the old saying goes, there's no replacement for displacement. The more powerful saw actually gets the job done faster and therefore shortens the time you're making noise.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

Appreciate the advice against the electric and the top handle, I didn't even notice that, I just looked at the size and said that's nice and small.

Was looking at this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-14-in-30-5-cc-Gas-Chainsaw-CS-310-14/100675457#customer_reviews


But then for $50 more one can get this: Less reviews but also looks solid. Still leaning on the above honestly.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-16-in-34-cc-Gas-Chainsaw-CS-352-16AA/203160431#customer_reviews

Price seems to be right and it's cheaper than the electric! Has all great reviews. ( I buy a lot of stuff based on reviews now and how many people have good/bad experience with it...)Anything against this one. I saw for $50 more I could get a 16" bar, but honestly, I don't want a huge chainsaw, and for what I am going to do and looking at the pictures this looks perfect. I'm just hoping the freaking thing doesn't sound like a banshee when I am cutting wood. As much as people say "f the neighbors", they are in fact my neighbors and I don't want to go ******* people off. If we had a huge amount of land then I wouldn't care but being so close to people and just in general how people are in the area I'd rather not be that guy that people despise. I think that is why so much of our **** has been approved via the HOA because people like us. I changed out our mailbox post to a stone one and people liked it a lot... another neighbor that people do not like did something similar and they made them rip it down... politics, yep! But you get my drift.


Dumb question, people keep talking about chaps. Why are they necessary? Is this to prevent an accident from happening IF the blade comes down to your legs? And how often does that actually happen?
IE:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-36-in-Chain-Saw-Chaps-99988801300/202042629


Thanks,
-Nigel

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

[TreePointer]

Chaps may be likened to what some say about seat belts--you only need them when you have an accident . And when you have a chainsaw accident, the stakes can be very high. The chain's cutters don't slice like a knife, leaving tissue on each side of the cut. They remove a width of material--be it wood or flesh. Very nasty.

Chaps can stop a chain from moving around a bar by jamming fibers into the saw's sprockets and clutch. Even a motionless chain can send you to the emergency room if the bar is allowed to swing across your legs. Less than $100 for a pair of chaps is good insurance against an expensive ER bill, pain & suffering, permanent deformity, and loss of wages during a recovery period. I wear mine EVERY TIME I use a chainsaw.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

double post delete

 

[stikman56]

Guy says he has 50-75 dollars to spend, yet almost every response is the same, Stihl, Husq. Running, functioning I think is what he wants, and hardly using it was another thing he said. That leaves out those two.
I'd stay away from any newer Poulan or Craftsman, as anything I've had from them was junk. Something older that runs good and functions might be a good option.
One guy said McCulloch is junk, I beg to differ as I cut trees like Paul Bunyan with a new CS380, it runs and cuts like a rock star. I can't fault it, and it runs and cuts every bit as good as the neighbors Stihl, I do know this cause he's been on my land using it removing stumps I paid him to remove. Longevity? Don't know yet, but now that I'm done clearing trees and cutting them all up, it won't be used very often,so the extra money ( like about 300 bucks) was better off in my wallet IMO.

 

[pauls_workshop]

NewShocker: Chaps are absolutely required. Also, wear a full face shield, polycarbonite, when cutting. Harbor Freight ones for $15 are fine. Also, if cutting spalty wood partially rotten with mushrooms growing on it, use a face mask for dust too, as you don't want to ever inhale that. Chainsaw accidents are common and severe when they happen. Just not worth those risks when you can avoid them for less than $100 in safety gear. Also, if felling big trees or bucking big logs, steel toe shoes are a good idea as when stuff falls unexpectedly you don't want to crush your foot or lose toes from it. - Paul

 

[TreePointer]

This is the minimum I wear every time:

Safety glasses
Earmuffs
Chaps
Steel toe boots
Gloves (usually antivibration gloves for me)
Helmet when dropping trees.

Even when not dropping trees, I'll often wear a forestry helmet with metal mesh shield and safety glasses underneath. Just remember to lift the shield before you spit.

 

[Davefr]

This is the minimum I wear every time:

Safety glasses
Earmuffs
Chaps
Steel toe boots
Gloves, usually (antivibration gloves for me)
Helmet when dropping trees.

Even when not dropping trees, I'll often wear a forestry helmet with metal mesh shield and safety glasses underneath. Just remember to lift the shield before you spit.

You're absolutely right!!!

99% of the time when I see the average Joe Homeowner with a chainsaw, they're wearing shorts, tank top, flip flops and no ear, eye, face or hand protection.

 

[Hako86]

Husqvarna and Stihl are both top notch! I've only got experience with Husqvarna (I have several machines from this brand) and I won't buy anything else, but you can't go wrong with Stihl either. It's just a matter of preference I guess.

 

[streem26]

Husqvarna and Stihl are both top notch! I've only got experience with Husqvarna (I have several machines from this brand) and I won't buy anything else, but you can't go wrong with Stihl either. It's just a matter of preference I guess.

Hi everyone ! Im new on forum and think which chainsaw should buy !The trees I am taking down are around 16" -19" in diameter. I want a saw that can be used next year and those that follow for a long time and thus it should be budget is it possible? I want something that will get through the wood reliably, smoothly, and quickly. I'm thinking a saw with a 18" bar, or should I be thing 20"? think about Husqvarna
I plan to go out into the woods elsewhere to get wood in the coming years and to do so with as little fuss as possible, so I look at it as the warmth of my family in the cold weather is very dependent on the chainsaw

 

[pauls_workshop]

Hi everyone ! Im new on forum and think which chainsaw should buy !The trees I am taking down are around 16" -19" in diameter. I want a saw that can be used next year and those that follow for a long time and thus it should be budget is it possible? I want something that will get through the wood reliably, smoothly, and quickly. I'm thinking a saw with a 18" bar, or should I be thing 20"? After this reviewshttp://jonsguide.org/best-chainsaws-review/ same think about Husqvarna
I plan to go out into the woods elsewhere to get wood in the coming years and to do so with as little fuss as possible, so I look at it as the warmth of my family in the cold weather is very dependent on the chainsaw

Streem, take a good look at the Echo cs-590. it is a 60cc saw and I think *by far* the best value in the 50-60 cc class as way cheaper than Stihl or Husky but with Japanese made engines that are pro quality. The echos aren't the lightest for their size class, but other than that, are great. If you can't lift it well, you really shouldn't be using any saw. I've used mine to mill with a full year and it is great. Get one when Zoro has 30% off flash sale around cyber monday for about $300 new with 5 year warranty. Other Echos are great too, but this one is best value. - Paul