I have a Stihl 290, a Craftsman, and an Echo Arborist Saw. We heat 100% with wood, and I use all three saws. I had to get the Echo because I have trouble holding the Stihl for long periods after having my shoulders/arms reconstructed in the military. I also have an 30 year old Homelite saw, and it has other issues, however it was built like a tank. Homelite makes a good homeowner saw as well.
The Poulan line makes saws for Poulan/Weedeater, AYP, McCulloch, RedMax, AYP, Craftsman, and the box store Husqvarna saws. The brands are all owned by the parent company Electrolux, and they run the Poulan plant in AR. This is from their global website: "The portfolio includes a number of strong brands with Husqvarna, Gardena (Canada) and McCulloch as core premium brands and other brands include PoulanPro, WeedEater, Dixon and Bluebird. The retail chain Sears is one of Husqvarnaç—´ largest customers, selling forestry, park and garden products under the Craftsman brand."
I like all three saws. My Stihl is a workhorse, and is my main cutting saw, however it was expensive. My Echo starts on the first pull every time, and is light, but the plastic, and the saw seams to not have the quality like my Stihl. My Craftsman is my oldest saw, and was my first saw, and it runs great to this day, however it gives you more of a workout. It was built about 10 years ago, and does not have the shock absorbing gaskets/springs like some of the newer Poulan saws. I would definitely say for the price, the Wildthing is a great deal, especially if you plan on using it around your house.
Tractor Supply just anounced that they are going to be carry the Jonsered Brand of chain saws exclusively starting on April 29th. That is probably why they are selling their stock of Poulan Saws so quickly..
http://www.tractorsupply.com/conten...20130424-_-CNTR_B1-_-Brand_Awareness_Jonsered
They are also a Swedish company, and they make saws that are on par with Stihl, and Husqvarna, however they carry the same price tag.
The main issue that a lot of people have with their chainsaws regardless of the brand is having fresh gas, with the proper good quality oil mix, and a good ethanol treatment like StarTron. I have had my Stihl, and Husqvarna that I owned and my craftsman all act like they had terrible stalling, and idling issues with bad gas. You really need fresh gas higher octane gas, with the correct mixtures. The other issue is proper chain adjustment. New chains stretch, and require a break in period where they have to be readjusted. If you don't readjust them, they can jump from the bar, injure you, or your saw, and wreck your bar and chain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rMVaK6Z25cI also make sure to change my air filters, clean or change my spark plugs, and the fuel filters in each saw each year. These are maintenance steps, that will cost about $10 per saw per year, and will keep them running great.
Keeping your chain sharpened at the correct angle is huge, and will totally effect how the saw cuts, or does not cut. Any saw with a properly sharpened chain at the right angles will cut like butter, just a different speeds depending on the torque of the saw.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PTXj1VIlbc I also make sure to run the gas out of them each winter so they do not become effected by the ethanol sitting in the carburetors.
And last, if you own a saw, you need chainsaw chaps, gloves, and helmet, with eye, and hearing protection. I work in an Emergency Room now, and I see horrible accidents from chainsaws that happen from people not using these items.
Hope this helps a bit!
