Calling All Chain Saw Experts

I recently sold one of my toys (Lexus SC300) and have a little extra cash right now. I have been wanting a chain saw for a while and this seems like the time to buy one. I'm looking in the $200-250 range. I realize this won't get me a nice big professional grade chain saw but I'd really like one that's reliable and works fairly well. Primary usage would be storm cleanup, trail clearing and occasional (1-2 times per year) firewood cutting.

I have been looking at Stihl but understand that some of their homeowner models (the only ones that fall into my price range) get a bad rap for less than great reliability. I've also been looking at some Echo models as I hear they have better reliability in the small chainsaw segment and decent power. I have heard very little positive about Poulan Pro and have heard almost all negative about Husqvarna.

Are there any small engine mechanics or anyone who uses chain saws professionally that can recommend a good chain saw for my purposes? Please don't recommend a $500 professional model because that's more than I need or am looking to spend.

 

I have a Poulan, it always starts easily and has plenty of power for having a 16" bar. I use it to prune two cherry trees and a plum tree and I also take it wheeling and camping. The only thing that isn't so great is how quick the chain that comes with it dulls. I replaced it with an Oregon brand chain and its been perfect.

 

I really liked the Poulan that I looked at. It had the largest bar in my price range but a lot of people online were saying they had cold start issue with that model. How old is yours?

 

Husqvarna and Shindiawa-have both-bought used-great products.
Only issue was when i used ETHANOL gas--NEVER will use it again in small engines.
It ate up the rubber components in the carb and gas tank-USE REAL GAS.
If you were going to buy new--suggest Husqvarna-they are reasonably prices.
Sears and Homelite have a " less than good " reputation.
CARE and maintenance are the key to long use.
Added note--BOTH ARE more than 30 years old!

 

I frequently repair saws, and burn wood, so have a bit of familiarity on this topic. I have an early 90s stihl 028, and my dad runs an 034. Both have been used fairly regularly and have never skipped a beat. I believe the ms280 is similar, but may be out of your price range. I've fixed a few huskys in the past and am not crazy about them, but they do have a following I guess. I believe stihl has a deal now if you buy a new saw and a six pack of their oil you get your warranty doubled.

 

I'd really like something I can keep for 18 years but that model retails for $350 which is a little more than I'm looking to spend right now. I may just need to wait until I'm ready to spend that amount.

My other concern is that the newer models may not have the reliability they used to.

It's getting hard to find gas w/o ethanol where I live. I've started putting Sta-Bil in any fuel I plan to run in a small engine and treat our vehicles regularly too.

 

You may want to look at getting an older, used saw. They're generally just as reliable as the newer models (sometimes more reliable) and you can either save some dough on similar quality as new, or you can get a big upgrade for the same money as buying a lower quality new saw.
I've got an old Husky 51 that I bought used in high school for what it would have cost me for a new base-model Poulan. I've cut literally hundreds of cords of firewood with it and the only things I've replaced besides bars and chains have been the spark plug and the air filter. Never had to rebuild the motor, it always starts second pull, and I can run it all day without it missing a beat.

 

I have a Stihl 026 with an 18" bar. Plenty of power and the bar is enough to tackle some larger stuff, but small enough to be easy to manage.

I've had good luck with that saw, and it's quite old at this point.

 

they are out of your price range but I have two echo saws I swear by

 

Save your money. Get the better Stihl. The cheaper saws are not made to run hard and long, like their more expnsive counterparts. They are made for a guy who trims trees in his yard.

 

Very good information. Thanks. I'm usually pretty OCD about maintaining my equipment. I like to buy something once and keep it as long as possible.

I looked at the 250 and would like it but it's more than I'm looking to spend right now. I may have to wait until I'm looking to spend that much. I definitely don't want to buy a $200 chain saw and then decide I want the next step up two years later.

That doubled warranty may be worth a little extra $ though.

 

Even if you are using it just around the house, get as nice a saw as you can afford. I have had my Stihl for 20 years. It's as reliable as the sun and moon. Take care of it and you will never need to buy another.

 

have you checked online or flea markets? flea markets sometimes have good deal-Make them start it-if they won't=move on.

 

I guess it's worth mentioning that I bought my 028 on eBay for $200 about 6 years ago. I used it 4 years then replaced the bar and chain with a 16" Oregon, and that's it. The only thing I don't like about stihl is you can't buy oem parts online. Part of stihls dealer agreement says they can't ship parts anywhere other than the dealer.

 

I've had lots of chainsaws, Stihl's are expensive for the good one's. Huskvarna are real good, expensive also. Can't spell any of these saw names, but I have had good luck with the last 2 Echo's Iv'e had. Present saw is an 18" bar model that's 5 years old, run it out of gas, re-fuel when time comes, Bingo, starts every time. Oh, and cuts well also, about 15, 100-125 foot tress in a row, limbed and logged up no prob. Bar oil, file and adjust as you go.

 

I checked craigslist for Stihls and found a couple. Unfortunately they were both professional models with lots of extras and they wanted $500-750 for them. One was a really good deal but it was $750 and was MUCH more than I need. Came with 4 bars of varying lengths and 5 chains. Would be a very good deal for a pro.

 

I have two husquvarna saws one is a rancher 55 with a 16 inch bar and one is a 575xp with a 24 inch bar. Both smaller saw is 15 years old and runs just as good as the day I bought it. The 75cc saw is about 8 years old and also runs great. I always think I want to buy a new saw but there is no reason. I run a short bar on the 55cc saw so that it can spin high rpms and not get bogged down as easiliy. The lower priced saws vibrate the crap out of your hands and if you are operating them for any amount of time you will tire quickly.
I say save your money and buy the best husky or stihl from an authorized dealer you won't ever regret it.

 

Off the tack, but..

If you don't have access to non-ethanol fuel, buy super unleaded and mix a fuel stabilizer in. I use Startron and have never had issues since making the move. I learned this the hard way with a snowblower..

 

It took me almost ten years to wear out a Poulan Pro...and the replacement powerhead from woot was under $100...meanwhile, my 1985 vintage Stilh 028 is a fine running saw, while the 2005 vintage MS290 Farm Boss is my goto machine for heavy use.

What you will find is that you will spend more on replacement chain than on anything else.

I recommend a low level Stihl, like the MS160, from a local dealer who can supply and sharpen chain.


Howard

 

I have an older Husky 351. Fantastic beast. Paid about $275 CAN for it. Buy a solid used one and it'll treat you well. That way you can get more saw for your buck. I'd try to stay around 50cc if you can. Any smaller and you might wish for more saw later down the road. Gives you a little more flexibility when it comes to larger jobs. But don't get a massive 70cc saw that will bite you in the ass.

Also don't skimp on safety gear and read, read, read on felling and bucking trees properly. It seems really easy but the forces involved in the saw and felling of the tree are immense and extremely unforgiving.

^This. Cept get Husky.