chainsaw recommendations

[adirondackmtnman]

The Stihl dealer network is very hard to beat. So are their saws. I doubt I'll ever buy another brand.

I agree. I used to run Husqvarna, then ran into a couple saws that had problems, and finished off with a local dealer completely disinterested in customer service. Found a local Stihl dealer who welcomed me into his shop, bought an MS362, and haven't looked back since.

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

 

[JimRB]

http://www.stihlusa.com/WebContent/CMSFileLibrary/downloads/Chain-Saw-Comparison-Chart.pdf

 

[dirt ditch]

Last month the shop at work just got a new 311 to replace an old worn out 260 pro. Stihl quality through and through. Almost keeps up with my 361.

 

[mikehaugen]

I too have a 361 with 25" bar that I bought from a government auction. It appeared to be pretty well used up, and I got it cheap. That thing still purrs, and starts within about 5-6 pulls even after sitting for almost a year on untreated ethanol fuel.

I also have a 015L, it is a top-handle and I love that saw. Has to be about 30 years old or more, and I can still get parts for it. If it ever dies (which I may not live to see) I will buy a 201t or whatever replacement is out at the time. Never thought much of it, but having a top-handle saw is very handy and now that I have one, I don't think I would want to be without one. There is also a 192t that is considerably less money.

 

[mjonesnh]

Have a Stihl MS362 that I am very happy with. 20" and 25" bars have handled everything I needed to cut including almost 4' maple trees.

 

[rekees4300]

Here's my dilemma: My Stihl 031 that I bought new in 1978 finally bit the dust after many years of noble service. It was one heck of a rugged saw. So, I'm looking for a replacement and have been perusing websites and a couple of local dealers. What I've found fills me with unease. The current stock seems much less robust - lots of plastic, and I've heard grumbles about poor customer service, specifically regarding Husqvarna. So, what to do?

So what's wrong with plastic? It doesn't rust and it's light weight. Stihl puts plastic where it can and metal where it's needed. I've used Stihl saws for decades and have no regrets. Recently bought MS391 with 20" bar and it's high quality. So my recommendation is to stay with Stihl.

 

[GManBart]

I have an MS170 with a 16" bar, an MS311 with a 20" bar, and MS 460 with a 28" bar, and am very pleased with all three. I bought the 311 as an all-around saw, and like it for that, but was getting worn out when it got down to limbing, and bucking smaller trees, so I got the 170. The funny thing is, I find I use the 170 probably three times as much as the 311 now. I got the 460 because I have some massive cottonwoods that died...when I say massive, I mean 36" plus at the base.

If I were starting over, I might get an MS 201 C-E instead of the 170, and an MS 362 instead of the 311. The 201 weighs a bit more than the 170, but has a significant amount more power....it would still be light enough that it wouldn't wear you out. The 362 is actually lighter than the 311, and has .4hp more, so it would be win-win. I would also consider jumping up to a 660 from the 460, but I got such a smoking good deal on the 460 I couldn't turn it down, and I don't do that much work with it anyway.

Here's the family all cleaned, tuned, and ready for the cutting season (I was waiting on the proper scabbard for the 460 at the time)...

 

[haveissues]

I have a 311 that I bought used. I have no complaints amd like it a lot.

 

[mikehaugen]

Here's the family all cleaned, tuned, and ready for the cutting season (I was waiting on the proper scabbard for the 460 at the time)...

http://s454.photobucket.com/user/G-ManBart/media/null_zps8e37da29.jpg.html

That's a nice looking family there

 

[walker450]

+1 for Stihl.

I'm still using my dad's ol' 039 to this day. I have no idea when he bought it... but I'm guessing '94 or '95. It has a "rollomatic" bar.

I also have a Stihl FS 130 trimmer/brush cutter that I bought a few years ago. It has the 4-mix engine, which is a four-stroke but you still have to mix the fuel. The thing is a beast and always starts on the first pull, if I can turn the choke off fast enough to keep it running!