Chain Saws

ToeJam · May 18, 2004

I need to buy a chain saw this week to take care of some trees in my yard, but I don't know squat about them. So tell me your thoughts and experiences.

I'll probably use it 2-3 times per year on trees 16" in diameter and less. I don't need any of the professional models, but I also want something that will last for a long time.

Shotgun · May 18, 2004

I think the Stihl MS260 would be perfect for you.I think it comes with a 16" bar but you can put up to a 20" on it. You will never regret buying any Stihl power equipment. The MS 210 would probably suit your needs also.It's designed for home use and is priced right.

superbee · May 18, 2004

I agree, Stihl is the best. Husqvarna a close second. Look at what is on sale. I have a Stihl model 029 Farm Boss. Probably a little bigger than what you need.

Shaners · May 18, 2004

My buddies that cut wood for heating purposes, all use Husky's or Stihls.

If it were me that was buying a new chainsaw, I'd probably just go to Walmart and buy a Poulan. Poulan makes a good saw for the occaisional woodsman... it's not as powerful as the others, but with a good chain it will get the job done almost as fast.

Any saw will last a long time with proper maintenance... I have a 25 year old Craftsman (made by Poulan) that still cuts some wood every once in awhile.

99Silver6.0 · May 18, 2004

Ive got an old Stihl that I have owned for 8 some years. Still runs like a champ.

Lance Link · May 18, 2004

I bought a John Deere CS56 last year and love it. Their saws used to be rebadged Homelites or something but they got serious a couple years ago and greatly improved their saws. Mine has a 16" bar and 4.1 hp.

http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductCatalog/...Name=Chain+Saws

pacodiablo · May 18, 2004

For occasional stuff, a McCulloch might do the trick. We have had ours for 25 years and it still runs, but I have heard that older McCullochs are better than newer ones.

GF7PE · May 18, 2004

I have a Stihl 029. I love it!! Bit heavy tho

SilveradoWV · May 18, 2004

STIHL

That pretty much says it all.

HillHound · May 19, 2004

I need to buy a chain saw this week to take care of some trees in my yard, but I don't know squat about them. So tell me your thoughts and experiences.

I'll probably use it 2-3 times per year on trees 16" in diameter and less. I don't need any of the professional models, but I also want something that will last for a long time.

For the amount of wood you need to cut I can't imagine any saw you pick would wear out within 10 years. If you have the money buy a small Stihl or a Husqvarna. Some of the homeowner models from these two manufacturers are still well under $200. They're not very rebuildable but for occasional yard work they don't need to be.

Keep the chain sharp, keep the air filter clean, use the right freshly made fuel mix and even an el-cheapo will cut good for years.

I like Stihls as well. I have a 440 Magnum 20", a older 021 16" and a little 009L 12" which I like to carry along on my ATV in case I need to clear a trail. Plus a few old Homelites which are retired but still run occasionally.

Saws are like penknives and tools-you can never have too many!

99silveradoz71 · May 19, 2004

STIHL

That pretty much says it all.

I've had mine for around 8 years and am lucky if I use it 1-2 times a year. It always starts right up and does the job nicely.

ToeJam · May 19, 2004

Well, I did buy a Stihl. When to three or four different places last night looking at different brands. I thought a 16" was going to be too small, so I was looking for a 18" or 20" bar. I liked the MS 270 and MS280 but the only ones they had in stock at a local shop had 16" bars the quick-start feature which bumps the price pretty good. I ended up getting the MS 290 with a 20" bar. It's probably more than I'll ever need...but that's better than not having enough.

Glad to hear it is a good brand! Thanks for your opinions everyone!

BTW - What is the going opinion of Echo? I went to two different places last night to look at Echos and both shops only had one or two models in stock?

99silveradoz71 · May 19, 2004

What is the going opinion of Echo?

I've got a gt2400 trimmer by them that's my second oldest piece of lawn equipment. It works quite well. They're an all-around good company, but Stihl has the rep for saws so you made the right call.

frdfandc · May 20, 2004

I've had an Echo string trimmer (actually 3 different ones)and a Homelite trimmer (my current one. I like the Homelite a little better than the Echo. Just personal preference I supposed. BTW - Homelite is made by John Deer for Home Depot, so its reliable. I've had mine for 2 years now, not a single problem.