Tornados, trees and Chainsaws UPDATE

[KenC]

I've had a little top handle 14" Echo for years. Good little pruning and limbing saw.

I was one of the fortunate ones in my town that lost only trees, house and shop untouched by an EF3 tornado Sat nite/Sunday morning. Lots of others lost homes and had injuries. We only lost power for about 48 hours. I did lose several large trees, 8 or so, 18/24" diameter and near 80' tall. The little stuff, broken limbs etc that littered the yard are already stacked. Now comes the big stuff!

So, my Echo will do some of the cleanup, but I'll need a bigger saw for some of it. And, likely will never need it again. I'll use the Echo to cut small limbs off and a bigger one to separate the trunk from the big limbs and stump. Not looking to cut it all into firewood sizes, just small enough to push to a burn pile or street for pickup.

Which brings me to my question: Have any of you had experience with the ultra-cheap saws from China? I see a lot of them in the $100 dollar range which seems to be to good to be true.U

Thought I'd let everyone know the ending.

First of all, there were and are a lot of volunteer organizations doing clearing work. But, my downed trees are not interfering with access to my home or shop so I'm low on the priority list.
Back to the saw decision in order to get this done before the summer is over. Weighed the good advice from this group, looked at available saws online and went to my local Echo dealer. Brought home a CS590 with a 20" bar/chain. So far really impressed with this thing.

I had started with the old CS300. Only on smaller limbs mostly but a few in the 8-10" range. When I changed to the 590 I realized I had forgotten the dramatic difference in the smaller pitch chain and the larger one. Much, much, much faster and almost effortless. 12" limbs on oak and hackberry take maybe 15 seconds!

I'm well over halfway done. Sure glad I went with a quality tool.

 

[mike93lx]

Do you have the equipment to move pieces that big? Without risking injury?

I'd hire it out before buying a crappy chainsaw

With the trees already down, the work might be cheaper than you think

 

[KenC]

Do you have the equipment to move pieces that big? Without risking injury?

I'd hire it out before buying a crappy chainsaw

With the trees already down, the work might be cheaper than you think

Moving is not a problem. Neighbor has a tracked skid loader, I have a small tractor/loader. I've estimated the cost to hire it, likely reach into thousands as the trees are big, laying atop others and in hard to reach locations. Standing trees would be much easier to handle as one would only have to deal with one at a time. I plan to but into large sections, drag out to an accessible area to reduce the size of the pieces. Not new work for me, been there - done that, just not recently.

 

[Snapped-off]

You could probably get by with a Holzfforma or Farmertec for a one time job. I've seen others online talk about abusing them.

Let us know how it goes if you do get one to use.

 

[RegeSullivan]

No experience with chainsaws in particular but I have been in situations where I would not likely need a tool after a particular job. I've been better off buying best quality new or lightly used I could find and selling it when the job is done. Renting ***** because you feel rushed to get'r done and buying cheap usually turns to a more frustrating experience than it's worth.

 

[zendriver]

Do a search in the threads, and there was a big discussion of Chinese chainsaws a while back

 

[Stobal]

I second what Rege is suggesting. Quality chainsaws tend to have fairly decent resale value. You may want to consider getting a decent saw and selling it when you are done. The work will certainly be less frustrating than getting it done with a sub-par saw.

If it were me I’d get some chaps, **** can happen fast with a chainsaw and they are cheaper than an ER visit and preferably to losing a limb or bleeding out.

Keep your chains sharp, be careful and good luck.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Another thing to consider is that you might better find one quick, as other people will be sucking them up. There may be lines for one where they are sold. That also goes for spare chains and oils, fuel, etc. Been there, done that. You may have to order one online and hope it makes it to your house. Same goes for generators for anyone needing one.

 

[KenC]

Another thing to consider is that you might better find one quick, as other people will be sucking them up. There may be lines for one where they are sold. That also goes for spare chains and oils, fuel, etc. Been there, done that. You may have to order one online and hope it

Too late for that. Generators, dry ice, chainsaws etc all became rare by Sunday night.

 

[P0234]

Home Depot has the 24" Echo CS-590 for $459. You could probably sell it fairly quick on FBMP for $300 after using it, especially if you keep the box/paperwork. The Stihl clones all have issues, and people buy the saws then spend 2x the price of the saw buying Stihl parts, nevermind time wasted. If you are really being cheap, Walmart has options like Blackmax for around $200 for a 20".

Personally my absolute favorite saw is my Oregon 18" self sharpening saw. If I can run an extension cord to it, that's what I'll use. And I have a Stihl, a big Echo, and a Cordless Ryobi. The Oregon just keeps trucking all day long, sharpening takes less than a minute.

 

[KenC]

I second what Rege is suggesting. Quality chainsaws tend to have fairly decent resale value. You may want to consider getting a decent saw and selling it when you are done. The work will certainly be less frustrating than getting it done with a sub-par saw.

If it were me I’d get some chaps, **** can happen fast with a chainsaw and they are cheaper than an ER visit and preferably to losing a limb or bleeding out.

Keep your chains sharp, be careful and good luck.

Got chaps years ago. Never needed them, but better safe than sorry. Looking at saw options now, just hoping someone here has some first hand experience with the cheaper ones. Stihl keeps a tight rein on the dealers so they are never available at decent prices. Echo is better at that, but not much.

 

[mike93lx]

Got chaps years ago. Never needed them, but better safe than sorry. Looking at saw options now, just hoping someone here has some first hand experience with the cheaper ones. Stihl keeps a tight rein on the dealers so they are never available at decent prices. Echo is better at that, but not much.

Whats a "decent price"? Do you just mean a discount?

 

[Spareparts]

I know this will get me a lot of ****, but I have used several Poulan Saws, last one was about 10 years ago
18" 42 cc motor, used that saw a lot at the Golf Course, they bought nothing but Steihl. Every time we needed one
it had been stolen or borrowed and not returned, out came the Poulan. Only use it a couple of times a year but
it starts and cuts good. I also have the HF sharpener to keep the chain's sharp. Fresh mixed gas and oil for the chain
and th best thing was it only cost $139, probally around $200. now. 2nd on the Chaps and good gloves.

 

[Kurt4440]

I have 3 pro Stihl chainsaws and 3 Echo chainsaws.
That being said, I ordered a 25.4cc Neo-Tec top handle chainsaw last week, and I am scheduled to receive it tomorrow. I will let you know what I think of the Chinese manufacturing.

If I were in your situation, I would get a saw sooner rather than later. If you can afford a pro saw great, if not, I would look at the "improved" Chinese saws with upgraded parts from Taiwan and Italy, as they get better reviews.

Good luck and be safe.

 

[RTM]

Free workout included. Handles sold separately

Two-Man Crosscut Saw

A crosscut saw is a lot slower than a chain saw and it certainly is a lot more work, but it's also quieter and lighter with no noxious fumes. For heavy cutting and felling Precision ground design can't stick in cut Needle point, wide perforated lance tooth cutters for...

www.lehmans.com

Two Man Saw Handle

Selected hardwoods shaped to fit hands with comfort, sanded and lacquered. Steel sockets, pins and screws draw up tight. Reversible in case of wear Fits our #33-55 or any saw with 1/4ID or larger holes less than 1-1/8 in from end of saw 14L x 1-1/8OD (Cost is for each handle) USA...

www.lehmans.com

I have several human powered ones standing by for when Publicly Greedy & Evil gets slammed by the next windstorm here.

 

[micromind]

.

 

[zendriver]

Free workout included. Handles sold separately

Two-Man Crosscut Saw

A crosscut saw is a lot slower than a chain saw and it certainly is a lot more work, but it's also quieter and lighter with no noxious fumes. For heavy cutting and felling Precision ground design can't stick in cut Needle point, wide perforated lance tooth cutters for...

www.lehmans.com

Two Man Saw Handle

Selected hardwoods shaped to fit hands with comfort, sanded and lacquered. Steel sockets, pins and screws draw up tight. Reversible in case of wear Fits our #33-55 or any saw with 1/4ID or larger holes less than 1-1/8 in from end of saw 14L x 1-1/8OD (Cost is for each handle) USA...

www.lehmans.com

I have several human powered ones standing by for when Publicly Greedy & Evil gets slammed by the next windstorm here.

FOr most people that would be free, cardiac arrest

 

[RTM]

FOr most people that would be free, cardiac arrest

Yup, definitely need to pace myself as well.

 

[bcschief]

I've had a little top handle 14" Echo for years. Good little pruning and limbing saw.

I was one of the fortunate ones in my town that lost only trees, house and shop untouched by an EF3 tornado Sat nite/Sunday morning. Lots of others lost homes and had injuries. We only lost power for about 48 hours. I did lose several large trees, 8 or so, 18/24" diameter and near 80' tall. The little stuff, broken limbs etc that littered the yard are already stacked. Now comes the big stuff!

So, my Echo will do some of the cleanup, but I'll need a bigger saw for some of it. And, likely will never need it again. I'll use the Echo to cut small limbs off and a bigger one to separate the trunk from the big limbs and stump. Not looking to cut it all into firewood sizes, just small enough to push to a burn pile or street for pickup.

Which brings me to my question: Have any of you had experience with the ultra-cheap saws from China? I see a lot of them in the $100 dollar range which seems to be to good to be true.

I would also be thinking about a generator to keep the fridge and the freezer running and maybe some lights.

 

[ATC]

You can rent chainsaws from a few places around here...check into that.

 

[whateg01]

You can rent chainsaws from a few places around here...check into that.

I'm betting any place nearby that rents them is already out

 

[zendriver]

Not hard to imagine that after a major wind storm, that renting or "running to Home Depot" might pretty much be a lost cause, for snagging a chainsaw.

Roll the dice for a $150 and leave it NIB until you need it.

I have an 80's Japanese Echo 500VL ripper, for tackling any major carnage. Haven't started it in a few years, but it always seems to be good to go when needed. Have a smaller echo gas and an electric chainsaw, that I can run off generator, if needed.

Good luck. Just get something.

 

[Dave455]

Over the years, I've found there are a few things that you never want to go cheap on. Safety equipment and boots / shoes for a start.

As regards tools, anything that's struck (punches and chisels) or pry bars are top of the list, but also anything potentially dangerous such as an angle grinder. I had a cheap grinder once, but it was so awful to use I had to replace it with a better one.

I reckon chainsaws are in the same category. No matter how good a deal, or how little you think you will use it, there's no way I'd go cheap. Just get a Stihl, or Husqvarna, or whatever.

When you're done, sell it if you must, but personally I'd sharpen the chain, empty the tank, and store it till needed next time. My betting is there will be a next time!

 

[OccupantRJ]

Free workout included. Handles sold separately

Two-Man Crosscut Saw

A crosscut saw is a lot slower than a chain saw and it certainly is a lot more work, but it's also quieter and lighter with no noxious fumes. For heavy cutting and felling Precision ground design can't stick in cut Needle point, wide perforated lance tooth cutters for...

www.lehmans.com

Two Man Saw Handle

Selected hardwoods shaped to fit hands with comfort, sanded and lacquered. Steel sockets, pins and screws draw up tight. Reversible in case of wear Fits our #33-55 or any saw with 1/4ID or larger holes less than 1-1/8 in from end of saw 14L x 1-1/8OD (Cost is for each handle) USA...

www.lehmans.com

I have several human powered ones standing by for when Publicly Greedy & Evil gets slammed by the next windstorm here.

There will be a bottle of kerosene with a rag stuffed in the mouth of it needed with that for cutting green wood.

 

[ATC]

I'm betting any place nearby that rents them is already out

Probably. But unless a tree is on his house or blocking his driveway, I think he's got time to wait.

Also, OP's 14" saw can still do the work. The trees can be cut into lengths and stacked out of the way for now, until he gets a bigger saw to do the majority of the cuts....but that 14" saw will get them out of the way for now.

 

[whateg01]

...

Also, OP's 14" saw can still do the work. The trees can be cut into lengths and stacked out of the way for now, until he gets a bigger saw to do the majority of the cuts....but that 14" saw will get them out of the way for now.

True. People underestimate the work a smaller than optimal saw can do. On paper it'll cut a 28" log in half. Just a lot more effort to do so. But if it's got to get done, it'll work.

 

[KenC]

Probably. But unless a tree is on his house or blocking his driveway, I think he's got time to wait.

Also, OP's 14" saw can still do the work. The trees can be cut into lengths and stacked out of the way for now, until he gets a bigger saw to do the majority of the cuts....but that 14" saw will get them out of the way for now.dT

The little Echo is in no way capable of this job, other than limbing. But you're right, plenty of time as the drive has been cleared. 8 Huge! trees, laying on top of one another in some areas. One in particular is nearly 3' in diameter. Of course I can limb with it, but won't cut anything requiring double sided cuts, too much danger of pinching, jamming etc with all the tangled trees. That, and the small chain on it cuts really slow compared to the bigger ones. I plan to cut the smaller limbs off, drag away to a flat area and reduce to 10' or less for city pickup. Then stack a lot of it on the remaining stumps to be burned later. The stump's cut faces will be vertical and same with the root mass, ranging from 4-8' in diameter. Not paying for the heavy equipment needed to handle those. And they will leave really big pit if removed with the dirt attached. I'll let time and fire reduce that to a situation manageable with my little tractor.

As of now I'm leaning toward a 22" Echo purchase.

Thanks for all the thoughts.

 

[KenC]

Whats a "decent price"? Do you just mean a discount?

Something other that a mandated minimum by the factory and no internet availability. I just don't care for their business model.

 

[KenC]

Have you ever cut trees/logs with a chainsaw before?

I ask because not only is the saw itself pretty dangerous but if you have no experience with cutting logs that are scattered about, the logs can be a very serious hazard as well.

The term 'widow maker' come to mind.....

More experience than I really wanted. Yep, trees felled one atop the other are tricky, the wrong cut at the wrong time can roll an entire tree top in a flash.

 

[KenC]

Free workout included. Handles sold separately

Two-Man Crosscut Saw

A crosscut saw is a lot slower than a chain saw and it certainly is a lot more work, but it's also quieter and lighter with no noxious fumes. For heavy cutting and felling Precision ground design can't stick in cut Needle point, wide perforated lance tooth cutters for...

www.lehmans.com

Two Man Saw Handle

Selected hardwoods shaped to fit hands with comfort, sanded and lacquered. Steel sockets, pins and screws draw up tight. Reversible in case of wear Fits our #33-55 or any saw with 1/4ID or larger holes less than 1-1/8 in from end of saw 14L x 1-1/8OD (Cost is for each handle) USA...

www.lehmans.com

I have several human powered ones standing by for when Publicly Greedy & Evil gets slammed by the next windstorm here.

I've actually used both a two and one man crosscut, years ago. Distant memory and it will remain so!

 

[mike93lx]

Something other that a mandated minimum by the factory and no internet availability. I just don't care for their business model.

We all have our hills to die on.

Stihl makes a great product, but if you don't want to support them, there are plenty of other options, including lots of cheap Chinese saws

 

[Wamsutta]

This otta work.

 

[the intimidator]

Just buy whatever is available for now or find something to borrow!! If your neighbor has a skid steer he surely has chainsaws!! Perhaps start their and offer to run his big saw in exchange for him moving the trees around!!

 

[KenC]

Jst buy whatever is available for now or find something to borrow!! If your neighbor has a skid steer he surely has chainsaws!! Perhaps start their and offer to run his big saw in exchange for him moving the trees around!!

I just have an aversion to borrowing power tools of any kind. Only once in the last 20-30 years have I done so. Power Pruner brand pruning saw. Limb took an unexpected bounce of another limb and bent the extension shaft. Cost me almost 500 bucks in parts.

 

[whateg01]

... Of course I can limb with it, but won't cut anything requiring double sided cuts, too much danger of pinching, jamming etc with all the tangled trees. ...
As of now I'm leaning toward a 22" Echo purchase.

A little confused about how you're going to cut a tree that's nearly 3 feet in diameter with a 22" bar without cutting from both sides.

 

[P0234]

Another thing to

We all have our hills to die on.

Stihl makes a great product, but if you don't want to support them, there are plenty of other options, including lots of cheap Chinese saws

They make a saw that cuts well. The rest is debatable. Their antiquated sales and service model ****. Husqvarna and Echo also make saws that cut well.

It's like saying Harley makes the best motorcycles. A lot of people believe that too.

 

[ericm]

An extra bar and chain can be used to cut your way out if you pinch the bar. I use wedges to try to prevent that but sometimes it happens anyhow.

I have a couple Chinese Stihl clones. They're not as good as the real thing. They both took careful setup and some additional parts to make a properly working non leaking saw. The real Stihls I have just work like they're supposed to.

 

[KenC]

A little confused about how you're going to cut a tree that's nearly 3 feet in diameter with a 22" bar without cutting from both sides.

Once all the limbs are removed, double-cuts are safe on the trunk alone since all the overhanging leverage and pinch points are gone.

 

[gungatim]

I'm betting any place nearby that rents them is already out

I'm betting most people who rent a chainsaw return it the same day or the next. At most you'd just wait your turn until it is available. Not like the wood is going anywhere...

 

[gungatim]

I have a few cheap Chinese saws, one is the pole saw, it runs great, only issue is the bar hold down isn't the most robust and will loosen up, but as far as running and cutting, no issues whatsoever. Also have a smaller limbing saw, again, runs and cuts just fine. I don't always like getting out the big Husky.