Suggest me a chainsaw

[garboui]

My Christmas pick for this year has been a new chain saw. The last few years I have been using a 35cc Troy Bilt that was given to me. Besides from lacking power its always needing adjusting and and it cant keep its chain tight if the bar was welded on. In the process of getting here running to sell.

Now the fun part I get to pick something to make me happy. Right now I am somewhat settled on a 40-45cc saw both for what i think will suit my needs and budget. My buddy owns a small engine shop so I will be getting a really good price but I would prefer not to go much over $400. His big brands are Stihl, Husq, and Echo. he has told me that the newer stihs is kinda the runt brand of the three. Right now I am between the Husk 440/445 and the echo ES-400. Im leaning towards the husq a bit more than the echo as I worry that the echos may be cheaped out a little since its also a shared line with Home depot now.

My cutting needs are pretty basic. Mostly firewood, property maint, and camping duty. I will be dropping trees with it but not on a consistent basis, my property is small so my 'needed' usage for it will only be several times a year.

Anyone have experience with the above saws?

 

[ken w.]

I have all three and I like my Echo the best. Everyone is going to have their favorites. If your buddy will let you ask to try all three on a log.For me its what is comfortable and what has enough power not to get bogged down while cutting. I like to have more balls than bar.

 

[drivesitfar]

my vote is for the Huskvarna because have lots of friends that like using theirs and you sound like you narrowed it down to 3 saws. my vote would be Poulan for a gas chainsaw because i had one that never died and seems like i always had trouble with my stihl saw's carbs. i have never owned an Echo chainsaw, but i almost bought their chipper because it was highly rated. i had a Echo leaf blower and had some issues with the carb on it too until i switched to non-ethanol gas with a Amsoil treatment in it.

now if you really want to hear which chainsaw is my favorite if you just have little stuff it's my Ryobi 18 v that will cut almost anything if i keep the blade sharp. it only has about a 12 inch blade but with an older lithium battery i can cut for about 90 minutes without having to change batteries.

good luck and any of them will probably work great if you remember to burn out all the gas each season before setting them on the shelf and either putting a treatment in the gas or one for it's last burn. also use non-ethanol gas.

 

[Streetbu]

445 Husqvarna. Sell dozens of them every year. Biggest issue I see is that people remove the side cover with the chain brake engaged and can't get it back on. Also people flood them when they first get them. Full choke, primer til you feel a good squish of fuel, pull until you hear ANY attempt to start, choke off pull again, they fire right up. Good all around saws.

 

[wild cowboy]

Husky 445 or Echo 400 are probably best for combination of power/weight/price

if You want higher power and still stay under $400 look at 60cc Echo 590 or Husky 455 - but they both add about 3-4 pounds - that 3 pounds adds up if you use them all day!

I personally would go for the Echo 400, it is a couple of pounds lighter than the Husky 445 and I like light! - all Echo stuff seems very well built as well

Forget Poulan, they are heavy and under-powered for their weight - their only saving grace is their HF style price!

 

[brianh]

I have all the brands echo makes really nice saws the pro line of husky and stihl are great. The stihl homeowner saws the ones with the tag occasional use are garbage I don't know why they make them.

Echo most bang for the buck on the smaller models.

 

[holt2ton]

You tend to see around my area a lot of the tree service guys using Stihl...I personally have a 20" Husq and love it. It has never given me a single problem and cuts incredibly well. But like Ken said above "Everyone is going to have their favorites." If you can try out any of them do it.

 

[garboui]

Drivesitfar, After a quick look at electrics Ive crossed them off my list completely. Dont want to get in to another battery system. with that said it will become more expensive and more limiting in the long run.

Liking what im hearing about the Husk 445.

 

[wild cowboy]

if you are just using it near the house - don't laugh - but the electric corded WORX WG304 I find myself using more than any other chainsaw I own! - and it is only $119 - but it has power! (if you have a heavy gauge 10-3 extension cord for 50 foot or 8-3 for 100')

and that $300 saved sure buys a lot of tools!

 

[dsp1]

Stihl's are good chainsaws but are currently way overpriced for what they are. The thing you need to remember is that all 3 brands offer lower end homeowner saws and professional saws. Echo is currently making some very good quality pro saws and are starting to develop a loyal following among arborists in my neck of the woods. Husqvarna pro saws are phenomenal but around here the prices are also astronomical. Also remember that Husqvarna is owned by the same company that owns Poulan and lower end Husqvarna's are also sold in Lowe's. Echo and Huskie both make great quality saws and really cheap crappy saws. I have run and used pretty much every chainsaw brand out there and have to say that the current higher end Echo's are the fastest starting saws I have ever used or seen, not really sure how they do it. My current chainsaws of choice are not on your list, but the best advice I can give you is whichever brand you go with I would strongly recommend getting a commercial grade model. In the 42-50cc range all three brands offer them. Even if it's a little more than you want to spend, in the long run it will be worth it. You can use it occasionally or if need be you can run it all day and not have any problems. Your better saws will be made with a split magnesium or aluminum case, instead of plastic.

Edit: I don't know if they have changed it, but I believe the 445 has a fixed flow oiler if that is important to you. I have had the opportunity to use an Echo CS-500P for a few days and if I could have swiped it and taken it home I would have. Though I need another chainsaw like a hole in head.

 

[Davefr]

Find a non EPA Pro Stihl saw in good used condition.
(ex: MS260, MS361, MS440, MS460, 034, 036, etc)

Avoid the consumer saws like MS290, 021, 025, etc.

Some Huskys are good like 372XP, 346XP, etc.

I don't like the new EPA saws. They can be problematic, expensive and power the weight ratios aren't too good. Of the new breed of EPA saws, it seems like Stihl has got it figured out better then the rest.

Renting can be a good option for only a couple times a year or maybe electric. A chainsaw can be maintainence intensive.

 

[franzdom]

I am the oddball, I really like my first Stihl (chainsaw) MS-251. Lightweight, powerful enough, starts great.

 

[dsp1]

Find a non EPA Pro Stihl saw in good used condition.
(ex: MS260, MS361, MS440, MS460, 034, 036, etc)

Avoid the consumer saws like MS290, 021, 025, etc.

Some Huskys are good like 372XP, 346XP, etc.

I don't like the new EPA saws. They can be problematic, expensive and power the weight ratios aren't too good. Of the new breed of EPA saws, it seems like Stihl has got it figured out better then the rest.

Renting can be a good option for only a couple times a year or maybe electric. A chainsaw can be maintainence intensive.

Most of the pro grade saws are still very good, I have noticed that the main problem seems to be that some saws come really leaned out from the factory to meet EPA regs and depending where you live, if your dealer does not know how to properly tune the saw the engine can be potentially damaged by a lean condition. I don't worry about that since I have all the tech specs, EPA carb tools and small engine tach and am quite familiar with using them. The far bigger problem with all 2 stroke equipment is ethanol. To the op, please do not run it in your saw, whatever you get. I buy 93 ethanol free from the local oil company, the marina also sells it. If you don't have a marina around you can by the pure gas premix that they sell by the can. Your saw and any other 2 stroke equipment you have will thank you for it.

 

[Whitworth]

I have Husq 55 Rancher and Husq 455. The 55 is old and has worked flawlessly for years. I got the 455 cause I needed a 20" bar for a tree that got blown down last winter. That's a nice saw but heavy after a short time.

They're a quality product, and for the small amount of cutting and trimming I can't see getting any thing more. The 455 was about $450, I like that the new saws have a compression release button.

Whatever you get use the premixed gas they sell.

Gary

 

[pipsters]

I actually am meeting a guy tomorrow to sell my old gas powered saw and buying a cordless. Can't wait. If you're out all day cutting in the woods get a gas one, other than that cordless and don't look back.

I've used a corded one as well, it also performed but I like the freedom of cordless. Ryobi has a decent 18v one but a really good 40v one.

I would be honest with yourself and look at the stuff you are going to be cutting regularly, and buy for that. Chances are a cordless, even the 18v one, will do 99% of the work. If you already have an 18v battery it's $70...

 

[SawtoothJL]

I'm a wildland firefighter that runs saws all days on fires. It's a bit out of your price range but I'd go with a stihl ms 361 or 440 with a 28 inch roller tip bar and a chain that has semi or full chisel teeth.

 

[stikman56]

I really liked my Mcculloch I had for years until the case got cracked, wouldn't hold bar oil any longer. Always started and ran well, lots of power. I just bought a CS380, hope I like it as well. Was only $123.95 shipped. It had excellent reviews, so I guess I'll review it myself. It's gotta be leaps and bounds above the Poulan wild thing I have right now, I hate that saw.

 

[PugetDude]

Stihl - with one caveat:

Avoid the homeowner grade saws and get one with an old-fashioned chain tensioner, not the hand-tightened ratchet.

 

[RogueFab]

Does it have to be new? I have ran a new stihl farm boss and it's comparable to my 35 year old 028 super av. Great saw, simple, and easy to work on. That said, I also like the farm boss. I haven't run husky, echo, or husq. The MS361 is pretty killer if you really want a saw with some power.

 

[drivesitfar]

Garboui: you might be right that the "old" batteries were a PIA because they didn't hold a charge very long or they just completely died after a while and wouldn't charge up. the newer lithium Ryobi batteries seem to last and I've went months without charging them and they still had a charge on the tool I pulled out to use.

of course if I didn't own maybe 10-15 other Ryobi 18v tools the chainsaw wouldn't be as valuable to me, but if you want a good handy saw i really like mine. I'll have to check out the 40 v ones, but since i only do the work around the house and not commercially the 18v works fine.

by the way the Poulan i mentioned that i use is maybe 20-25 years old now and works fine if i need it, but have no idea if the newer ones were built as well.

like others have said a chainsaw is not a maintenance free machine so make sure to take care of the one you buy and I'll say it again to buy non-ethanol gas for it and all your small engines.

 

[garboui]

I realize that the cordless saws would likely do for 75% of my needs (for camping i see them falling short unless I want to bring my genny with me). I DO NOT want to start with another battery system (currently on Bosch 18V Lith). Buying new batteries after a few seasons that will only be used with the saw has now easily put me in to the price range of a decent gas saw. Regarding maintenance of a gas saw, this no no big deal to me. I already own several pieces of 2 and 4 cycle equipment so I know what is required to keep them running, and I am already keeping mix gas around. I also do my own work when they need it so taking them to a shop is not a cost I have to deal with.

 

[Notgrownup]

My Echo saw and my Weed trimmer from them are great and with a 5 year residential warranty that is easy to get serviced at a local dealer I bought it from... They always crank up... I only use no ethanol fuel in them also...

 

[cheechi]

Out of what you have said, I would suggest this;

Husq 435 and Husq 440 are the same saw except a 16"/18" bar. You can buy a 14, 16, or 18 bar & chain for these so you can get whatever you want. I would suggest the 435 and then you can find out if you need the 18" bar.

The 445 is a bigger saw and for what you describe it might be convenient from time to time but I wouldn't say you really need to step up to that. IF you do want a big saw though, the PP5020AV gets a lot of attention on forums including this one for a Poulan. Just saying.

 

[bigredcornhead]

Buy a Stihl and never look back, overpriced yes a little, but great quality. Dump the gas before you store it, and you wont find yourself at a 2 cycle repair shop every year. Maybe just to buy new chains, i found since i have a decent saw that fires on second pull every time i look for things to cut lol.

 

[PBCampbell]

I'm sure any of the Pro brands will make you happy given your stated uses. I would suggest a saw of 50cc and running regular 3/8" (.375) and not the 3/8 low profile. A much beefier chain that holds it's edge better and is easier to sharpen by hand. Couple 2 or 3 loops of that with a solid sprocket nose bar (not a cheap laminated bar) and you'll have a tough low maintenance kit for extended fire wood cutting sessions.

 

[leadfoot415]

Anyone on here have a Dolmar brand saw? I've had it with throwing parts at my old craftsman (poulan made) 16" 36cc unit.

Im considering either the PS-510 50cc with an 18" bar or the slightly smaller PS-421 42cc with a 16" bar. Using it for light lot clearing and storm cleanup, but mostly for chopping up firewood for this winters burning season.

Ideas?

 

[PBCampbell]

I have a couple Dolmar chainsaws, though not the models you're looking at. What questions do you have?

 

[Hako86]

I don't have much experience with chain saws, but I do own three husqvarna brush cutters which I'm very pleased with. Two of these are over 20 years old and they are still very reliable and they put out a lot of power. Even after 20 years of (sometimes heavy) use, the piston and cylinder walls show no signs of wear. Those machines are extremely well built and almost indestructable

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I am a Jonsered fan. When one dies I replace it with another. I currently have a 2152C. It's a great saw.

 

[Davefr]

Anyone on here have a Dolmar brand saw? I've had it with throwing parts at my old craftsman (poulan made) 16" 36cc unit.

Im considering either the PS-510 50cc with an 18" bar or the slightly smaller PS-421 42cc with a 16" bar. Using it for light lot clearing and storm cleanup, but mostly for chopping up firewood for this winters burning season.

Ideas?

Dolmars are great saws and slighlty better then Stihl in power to weight ratio. The problem with Dolmar is that dealers are far and few between.

 

[jackfork]

I run mostly Stihl, but have one Echo a 600P with a 24" bar which is a very good saw. The Echo I have is as good if not better than any other saw I use. When you compare the prices between the two brands, the Echo comes out on top in my experience. When I need to replace any of my Stihl saws, Echo will be the brand I look at first.

 

[dsp1]

Anyone on here have a Dolmar brand saw? I've had it with throwing parts at my old craftsman (poulan made) 16" 36cc unit.

Im considering either the PS-510 50cc with an 18" bar or the slightly smaller PS-421 42cc with a 16" bar. Using it for light lot clearing and storm cleanup, but mostly for chopping up firewood for this winters burning season.

Ideas?

I have 3 dolmars, they are currently my saws of choice and I use the hell out of them. I have a 7900, 5105 and 421. The 7900 is a big, heavy saw and an absolute unstoppable monster. With a good chain I regularly zip through 3-4' diameter logs without a hiccup. The 5105 is basically the same as the 510 your looking at, with the exception of a magnesium crankcase instead of aluminum and a couple other minor changes. This saw definitely gets used the most out of the three. Absolutely wonderful saw, and I would wholeheartedly recommend the 510. I have met/worked with dozens of guys who have the 510 every single one loves it to death. All of these guys have them at home, use them for firewood and cut at least 10 cords a year with them. I am cutting about 25 cords a year most of that is with the 5105. Big trees get knocked down with the 7900, limbed with the 421(phenomenal little saw, should have bought it years sooner) then most of it gets cut up with the 5105. I regularly find myself still using it to cut wood that I really should be cutting with a bigger saw. The 421 is a fantastic little saw, but I think the 510 will probably be a better all around saw for what you want to do. Fortunately for me, I live around a bunch of Amish who all seem to love and use Dolmar's exclusively so there a few Dolmar dealers pretty close by to me.

 

[leadfoot415]

I have 3 dolmars, they are currently my saws of choice and I use the hell out of them. I have a 7900, 5105 and 421. The 7900 is a big, heavy saw and an absolute unstoppable monster. With a good chain I regularly zip through 3-4' diameter logs without a hiccup. The 5105 is basically the same as the 510 your looking at, with the exception of a magnesium crankcase instead of aluminum and a couple other minor changes. This saw definitely gets used the most out of the three. Absolutely wonderful saw, and I would wholeheartedly recommend the 510. I have met/worked with dozens of guys who have the 510 every single one loves it to death. All of these guys have them at home, use them for firewood and cut at least 10 cords a year with them. I am cutting about 25 cords a year most of that is with the 5105. Big trees get knocked down with the 7900, limbed with the 421(phenomenal little saw, should have bought it years sooner) then most of it gets cut up with the 5105. I regularly find myself still using it to cut wood that I really should be cutting with a bigger saw. The 421 is a fantastic little saw, but I think the 510 will probably be a better all around saw for what you want to do. Fortunately for me, I live around a bunch of Amish who all seem to love and use Dolmar's exclusively so there a few Dolmar dealers pretty close by to me.

Good info...

Thankfully there is a Dolmar dealer about 10 minutes from my house, and within reasonable driving distance up north near the cottage; the two places where the saw will get used the most.

I've been leaning towards the 510 because it is only approx. $40 more than the 421.

 

[dsp1]

For only $40 more I would probably take the 510.

 

[topcoat]

I got an Echo this past spring and have cut almost 4 cord. It has been dynamite. Just sharpen the chain once in a while and keep gas and bar oil in it. Very reliable.

Scott

 

[dsp1]

leadfoot415, check your pm's. I didn't want to take the thread off topic anymore, so I sent some additional info via pm.

 

[garboui]

Well after much deliberation and getting pricing my decision has been made. Im going to be getting the Husq' 445. My price difference from the 435 and 440 is $60 and $30. For that much I figure theres no sense in chancing on being underpowered.

 

[wafrederick]

Lowes and Home Depot sell Husqvarna,don't buy it from these two place.You are on the bottom of the list for warranty work.Buy from a dealer instead.

 

[garboui]

Oh dont worry. My buddy is a dealer so im going trough him (way better pricing too)

 

[yamatitan]

I have a husq 346xp its a beast for such a small lightweight saw.