CHeap chainsaw?

[studor]

Despite all the dire predictions of failure and wasting money I have always had pretty good luck with factory rebuilds. I think a lot of times the factory rebuild has all the problems ironed out versus those build by assembly line process without a tryout. I have two cheap inherited chainsaws and one Stihl at the moment --they all run and with a sharp chain they all cut well. One of the cheapies is a 30+ year old Craftsman (it used to have an automatic chain sharpener) and the other is a MAC 510. The cheapies are noisier but other than that do the same job as the Stihl. Lots of guys around here have Poulans that live a sad shorter life in the back of pickups left unrestrained on dirt roads -- they still work when needed. In my experience the worst thing you can do to a chainsaw is lend it -- no matter what brand they never seem to come back the same way -- JMHO

 

[SPYDERLK]

I have a Homelite 16" saw I purchased from Home Depot 3 years ago. It cost around $100. I wanted it for small work mostly clearing tree branches that fall onto my path through the woods.

All my buddies said I was nuts and the saw wouldn't last 1 year.

Well, its lasted into its 4th year and is doing fine. I just make sure to clean it up every once in a while and don't let old gas sit too long.

I also have a bigger Echo saw and, I will admit, the Echo is much better built and sturdy.

But, for the smaller projects, I must say the Home DEpot Homelite special has exceeded my expectations.

MoKelly

I have some old Homelite XLs and XL2s. These have the two trigger positions. I have never worn one out despite long use, but every 10 yrs or so I tend to run over one of them and destroy the case. Any body have any theyd like to sell?
larry

 

[20 20]

One of the cheapies is a 30+ year old Craftsman (it used to have an automatic chain sharpener) and the other is a MAC 510.

The cheap line older saws are nothing like the new. The new cheap line are all made by the electrolux company, completely different beast from yesteryear.

 

[studor]

The cheap line older saws are nothing like the new

That may be so but that may be a good thing -- the craftsman has no safety stop and the white metal housings on both are not as good as the plastic on the Stihl (or a new poulin for that matter) -- an old POS does not get better with age --- just easier to handle

 

[milkman]

The saw guys on another forum are raving about this little number, seems to be a tough little saw.

Ryobi Reconditioned Gas 18 In. Bar 40 CC Chain Saw - ZRRY10532 at The Home Depot

 

[MotorSeven]

Like Eddie, my dad only had a couple of cheap(Poulan & Mac) saws. They never ran right & we were always fiddling with them. When I built my log house & put a Hearthstone stove in it for primary heat, I decided no cheap saws for me. I went to a local saw shop that carried Stihl's. I forked out almost $400 in 1983 for a Stihl 024 Super chainsaw. My best friend went and bought a Cratfsman(Poulan) saw at the same time to help me cut firewood. His saw lasted less than one year. I am still using my 024 & it is my favorite to use even though I now own 5 other Stihl saws.

JMHO, just go buy a quality saw....you will never regret that decision.

RD

 

[wolc123]

I bought my dad a Poulan woodshark, 14" at Walmart about 8 years ago for $80. He never liked it much and eventually gave it back to me. I also have a Husky 262XP, 20" bar that I paid about $700 for, 10 or so years ago. I cut around 12 face cord of firewood a season and a few large trees for lumber logs. I use that little, cheap Poulan whenever I can, for anything less than about 12" diameter, limbing, clearing brush, and even making the final cuts on large pieces after cutting them most of the way thru with the big saw and then rolling them over. As long as the blade it sharp, it really cuts good and is much easier on my back than the big Husky. It has also been very dependable, other than the rope not retracting properly until it was broken in, there have been no mechanical issues. I am kind of thankfull for that problem, as my dad would have probably kept it otherwise. My big-dollar Husky, on the other hand, has needed the gas line replaced twice for cracking, and The big-money Stihl 028 woodboss I had prior to that siezed up after about 10 years. When and if I ever wear out one of my current saws, the next one will undoubtably be another Poulan.

 

[RobertN]

Funny you mention that! I have been using a saw of my Dad's... It is a Stihl 024AV from '81. It is an awesome saw!

I get to use it, cause I fix it when he goobers stuff up(mostly the bar and chains).

I can not say enough about how good of a saw this 024 has been. It is light, has great power, is easy to handle, and cuts very well. Starts real easy. And... you can still get parts for it...

Like Eddie, my dad only had a couple of cheap(Poulan & Mac) saws. They never ran right & we were always fiddling with them. When I built my log house & put a Hearthstone stove in it for primary heat, I decided no cheap saws for me. I went to a local saw shop that carried Stihl's. I forked out almost $400 in 1983 for a Stihl 024 Super chainsaw. My best friend went and bought a Cratfsman(Poulan) saw at the same time to help me cut firewood. His saw lasted less than one year. I am still using my 024 & it is my favorite to use even though I now own 5 other Stihl saws.

JMHO, just go buy a quality saw....you will never regret that decision.

RD

 

[GT2]

I have some old Homelite XLs and XL2s. These have the two trigger positions. I have never worn one out despite long use, but every 10 yrs or so I tend to run over one of them and destroy the case. Any body have any theyd like to sell?
larry

I have a Super2 thats about 30 years old. I've used the heck out of it!
Only probs were a broken reed valve after about 15 years and now it's sucking bar oil into the combustion chamber, haven't taken it apart yet to see if its fixable.
I'm more than satisfied, I'm amazed!

 

[radioman]

I have the little homelite XL and used it for over 15 years with no major issues like my poulan from big box does. What I am looking for now is the Super XL all metal saw for my father to replace his that is burned up.