dgeesaman
Silver Member
I've been using a borrowed saw lately (an old school Homelite XL 14") and getting some stuff cleaned up around our property. But the time is coming for it to go back and I should be ready for winter and the fall storm season with my own. I've researched a bit and decided that I'd like a mid-size all-around farm/ranch saw. I've also decided that for another $100 I would be willing to buy a full "pro" line saw if it will work better in my hands and last longer. Based on these criteria I have been looking at Stihl and Husqvarna.
I will use it for:
- Clearing fallen trees (oak, shagbark hickory)
- Breaking down damaged oak pallets
- Removing a couple of junk pine trees and heavy shrubs around the house
- Firewood cutting, maybe. I have 4 acres of wooded land that I can consider for harvesting. Our forced-air allows wood burning or heat pump and I have a good cord of oak to try this thing out this winter.
- For any felling of heavy trees I'll call my boss from work because he does chainsaw work for fun and he has experience with that stuff.
So, some dumb questions:
1) It seems I can get a midrange saw (MS271 or 450) for $400, or for $100-150 more I can get a true pro quality saw. (MS261, 346XP). While that difference is not chump change, if the saw lasts longer, is more serviceable, etc I think that it's a reasonable upgrade to consider. I sense that with what the EPA is imposing on small engines, the average cost of a good saw is going to increase even more rapidly in the future, so the later upgrade will come at a steeper cost. Is this worth considering?
2) If I buy one of the "pro" class saws listed above, is there anything about it that is less appropriate for an occasional user?
3) I have a Neilsen 100B chainsaw grinder in my shop left behind by the previous owner. It looks to be in good shape and very sturdy. While I plan to use a guide/files for most sharpenings, grinding is apparently still required sometimes. Will this grinder serve the purpose? Anywhere I can get a manual?
4) I learned recently that outboard marine engines have a parts availability of about 10 years. Most engines last a lot longer than that, making life very difficult. Does this same crap happen with chainsaws? Between Stihl and Husqvarna, mid-range vs pro, is there a difference in long-term parts availability?
Thanks in advance.
I will use it for:
- Clearing fallen trees (oak, shagbark hickory)
- Breaking down damaged oak pallets
- Removing a couple of junk pine trees and heavy shrubs around the house
- Firewood cutting, maybe. I have 4 acres of wooded land that I can consider for harvesting. Our forced-air allows wood burning or heat pump and I have a good cord of oak to try this thing out this winter.
- For any felling of heavy trees I'll call my boss from work because he does chainsaw work for fun and he has experience with that stuff.
So, some dumb questions:
1) It seems I can get a midrange saw (MS271 or 450) for $400, or for $100-150 more I can get a true pro quality saw. (MS261, 346XP). While that difference is not chump change, if the saw lasts longer, is more serviceable, etc I think that it's a reasonable upgrade to consider. I sense that with what the EPA is imposing on small engines, the average cost of a good saw is going to increase even more rapidly in the future, so the later upgrade will come at a steeper cost. Is this worth considering?
2) If I buy one of the "pro" class saws listed above, is there anything about it that is less appropriate for an occasional user?
3) I have a Neilsen 100B chainsaw grinder in my shop left behind by the previous owner. It looks to be in good shape and very sturdy. While I plan to use a guide/files for most sharpenings, grinding is apparently still required sometimes. Will this grinder serve the purpose? Anywhere I can get a manual?
4) I learned recently that outboard marine engines have a parts availability of about 10 years. Most engines last a lot longer than that, making life very difficult. Does this same crap happen with chainsaws? Between Stihl and Husqvarna, mid-range vs pro, is there a difference in long-term parts availability?
Thanks in advance.
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