What chainsaw do you carry?

Stihl 036 Pro 20" not sure what that is compared to newer saws. 64cc I think

 

I make sure to top off the oil every gas fill up. Last thing you want is a dry bar. I have it a good sharpen before I started, prob spent 20 min touching up all the teeth then flat file the burrs off the top. I find taking the extra time before I start the less time during I spend on touch ups.

 

Lol I have a few chains so I just go until it's annoyingly slow. The. I take them all to the saw shop when I get home.

 

I've got a husqvarna only because my parents bought me something from Lowe's that I ended up returning and could only get a store credit. Otherwise, all my other power tools are stihl. The husq works ok, but I think the stihl would be easier to start and last a little longer.

 

I hope I don't get flamed for this but.... Does anyone use an electric chainsaw? It seems like it would be cleaner, quieter, and it may be able to run off of the bed outlet. No need to carry fuel for it either. Thoughts???

 

I had the same thought, is ideal not needing to carry fuel. But the bed converter is pathetic in terms of output, 400w peak. A basic electric chain saw is looking at about 1500w, and even then will be drastically underpowered to its gas powered counterparts.

I just carry some oil in the chainsaw case to mix with the fuel in my jerry cans, when fueling the chainsaw.

 

My Husqvarna 359 + 20" bar + full-skip Stihl chain makes the snow fly. It's my second one (gave the first to my bro). My buddy runs a few different Stihls and they get it done too.

For most guys I recommend getting a good Stihl like a 362 - they're solid and user friendly, and 59cc is a nice size for an all-purpose saw.
Learn how to make & keep a sharp chain and it'll bring down forests for you.

Side note: my Hultafors axe fits nicely in the compartment under the rear passenger seat. Love those quality Scandinavian tools.

 

Nope, like @crashnburn80 said you need more power. But even at home with an extension cord they're underpowered. Electric are getting better but they just don't compare to "real" ones yet for anything more than cutting down a little Christmas tree.

 

Doesn't matter how good the saw is, the problem is there just in not enough power in a 120v AC power source compared to a gas saw.

 

Stihl 024 for my everyday carry.
Stihl 441 with a 28 inch bar for snow wheeling and firewood trips.

 

well electric saws are only really good for around the house or carving but I would not take one into the bush with me ever. I rely on a good ole gas power even a cordless saw is only good for a few cuts before having to try to charge it.

 

Stihl 028

 

Thanks for the honest input. I plan on getting a solid 16 inch saw in the next month or two. It seams like Stihl is the most common here on TW.

 

Stihl MS 250 with 18" bar. Most reliable saw in my opinion. Neighbor's use them and so do I. I actually have the whole 2013 lineup from Stihl. Weed wacker, leaf blower, and chainsaw

I have never had a problem with any of the Stihl products starting wether it's winter or summer and I put them thru their paces

 

Husqvarna 51 is my most dependable model. I run 40:1 synthetic oil and a touch of Techron in corn-free gas. The trick to ALL 2-cycle engines is to not run them too lean. They "sound" better but they lack lubrication and working power which wears them out. Learn how to tune a 2-cycle properly and re-tune it whenever your altitude changes to keep the fuel/air mixture spot on. Also you can cut wood for hours with the same chain if you NEVER, NEVER, NEVER let the chain touch dirt and that includes when turned off and resting. Good luck and be safe.

BTW, I've had very good results from a cheap Harbor Freight electric chain sharpener. I keep 3 chains in rotation for each one of my saws. Saves time in the forest from having to stop and sharpen the teeth.

 

I think a 16" in a 30-40cc will be perfect for your needs. Can't go wrong with a Stihl. My carry is a Stihl MS261 20", perfect for coastal California but I'll get an 18" bar when I move to the desert.

 

Husqvarna 353 for the past ten+ years. It's been bulletproof.

 

That's a great saw. I ran one for awhile with an 18" bar, did great on everything but big bucking jobs. We do a lot of old pines so I went up to the 359.

 

I'm a big fan of my Stihl MS250. Light saw with enough power to work through large oak if you are patient and have a sharp chain. A recent oak that I fell:

 

same saw! Love that thing