Chainsaw Brand Quality Question

[Cougar300]

A Stihl would be better than my Poulan??
Maybe I should upgrade.

This is from chainsawexpress.com.

What do you think is the best chainsaw brand?

Stihl (37.0%, 301 Votes)
Husqvarna (23.0%, 185 Votes)
Jonsered (16.0%, 133 Votes)
Dolmar (13.0%, 104 Votes)
Echo (4.0%, 36 Votes)
Homelite (3.0%, 22 Votes)
McCulloch (2.0%, 15 Votes)
Poulan (1.0%, 11 Votes)
Oregon (0.0%, 4 Votes)Total Voters: 811

 

[TGF]

just spent about 3 hours at arborsite, not sure if i should thank you guys or curse you lol, another place for me to spend hours on end reading.

 

[Nitro-Fish]

just spent about 3 hours at arborsite, not sure if i should thank you guys or curse you lol, another place for me to spend hours on end reading.

:laughing:...............

Now thats funny!

 

[crusty 1]

Years ago my very first saw was a mac.,junk.Bought a stihl,very good and used it for many years.Decided to try a husky,not too bad.Then a jonsred,not bad but I always liked the stihl pro model saws the best.All saws except the mac were the high end saws,just something about the feel of the stihl and metal vs plasticDave

 

[arrow]

If you have a Stihl dealer as closest, go with them. Differences in today's pro chainsaws as to good and bad are not worthy of a conversation as they are so close. Everyone makes junk including Stihl and Husky and both those companies make excellent stuff. If you need a chainsaw all the time then buy one. If you can rent one because this tree is the only other time you'll use it, you are better off renting. A saw able to effectively (key word) pull a 24" bar when fully embedded will cost $800-$1000. You can rent one of those for $40 to $60 depending on locale. I have used and worked with every chainsaw mentioned and then some and have no affinity whatsoever to any as far as performance. Dealer backing and parts availability are more of a legitimate issue to me. You will be unhappy with anything much less than 5 hp for a 24" bar. This will be an expensive purchase if you are just getting one for this tree. A Stihl 290 should not have more than a 20" bar and is a cross between home owner and professional. The Stihl 362 is a pro saw and better suited for bigger timber. I am biased toward production as logging was once my lively hood. Smaller saws simply take longer and if you don't mind that, then a 290 would be fine.

 

[ultrarunner]

I use Stihl and Echo... like them both.

80% of the time I use the Echo... even though it is a limbing say primarily... I was fortunate to have it with me when a winter storm blew over a 36" dia fir. Was able to get through it with the 16" blade to get it off the driveway.

It really depends on what you need to get most of your chores done.

 

[TGF]

I have about 6 acres of woods I wish to maintain (develop into a park type area) and there is a bunch more fallen trees, this one is just forcing the issue because it is in the way. I expect the saw to see plenty of work however it doesn't need to be lightning fast as my lively hood is working in the city. I want something reliable and safe, as when I do have time to use it I don't want to be broken or to weak for the job.

I am going to check out Stihl's locally on Thursday, I appreciate your help, I may get a 16-20 inch bar and rent a 24 inch bar for the the big stuff when I need it.

 

[doall]

I have had a 029 for about 12 years. (now ms290) works great. My dad has a 026. my saw will cut what his pro grade will about as fast, but his is lighter and vibrates less. I wish I would have bought a pro grade, but I like mine. It has cut tons of fire wood and been used after tornados in some bad stuff. I am sure it will crank in 3 pulls right now and I haven't used it in a month or so.

 

[s78wingrider]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/chainsaws/172149-shindawa.html

 

[frogfish]

Bought a Dolmar last fall and have been very pleased with performance. Have about 70 acres of woods and there is always a tree down that needs removal. While Dolmar is not the household name brand you often hear about, I would not hestitate to recommend it. You'll do fine with Stihl, Husky or Dolmar, all very good saws.

Keep you chain sharpened and by all means be safe!