Chain saws

[GManBart]

I drain my fuel out when I not cutting for a while, like more than a week, run dry. Anyone else do this? I know that the summer blend acts different than the winter blend here, not enough to change any settings though. I think plastic for gas cans are horrible, but good steel ones are $$.

I wasn't disciplined enough to do that, but I did try to run it dry when I knew it would be a while before I used it again. Now that I've switched to ethanol free gas for my saws, I'm not worried about leaving fuel in the tank for a while...probably won't ever stay in there long enough to cause a problem. Still, I run it dry when possible.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I wasn't disciplined enough to do that, but I did try to run it dry when I knew it would be a while before I used it again. Now that I've switched to ethanol free gas for my saws, I'm not worried about leaving fuel in the tank for a while...probably won't ever stay in there long enough to cause a problem. Still, I run it dry when possible.

I too run my saws dry prior to storage. Just yesterday, BIL wanted me to cut a small tree that had fallen on his fence. I had just disposed of all my mixed gas last week so I mixed up another gallon, Loaded the saw and gas in the RTV and went to see BIL. He wanted to work on his gate opener to get the stops adjusted "again" so we piddled with that for over an hour. Finally went down to the creek bank to cut the tree. Got out my Husky saw and pulled till blue in the face and not even a hit. So we went back to his shop to get one of his saws and I cut the tree and a few others and limbed them all up. Finished up and came home and when I attempted to drain the gas from the tank, I discovered that I had not bothered to fill it. Old age and Alzheimer's is a real beatch when it kicks in. I could have sworn that I filled that tank when I mixed the gas. Never thought to check for gas when it wouldn't start.

 

[mikehaugen]

I too run my saws dry prior to storage. Just yesterday, BIL wanted me to cut a small tree that had fallen on his fence. I had just disposed of all my mixed gas last week so I mixed up another gallon, Loaded the saw and gas in the RTV and went to see BIL. He wanted to work on his gate opener to get the stops adjusted "again" so we piddled with that for over an hour. Finally went down to the creek bank to cut the tree. Got out my Husky saw and pulled till blue in the face and not even a hit. So we went back to his shop to get one of his saws and I cut the tree and a few others and limbed them all up. Finished up and came home and when I attempted to drain the gas from the tank, I discovered that I had not bothered to fill it. Old age and Alzheimer's is a real beatch when it kicks in. I could have sworn that I filled that tank when I mixed the gas. Never thought to check for gas when it wouldn't start.

:laughing:

A Stihl would have started anyway! :laughing:

 

[yomax4]

After switching to non ethanol fuel and synthetic oil..I have no issues leaving the saws sit around a month or so.. I use 4 saws so it sucked having to drain them all the time.

I love that non Ethanol gas and the bad Stihl 044 mag.

 

[TomSeller]

I would have went with the 441, but went with the 362/660 combo. Thought CAD was a myth till I built a shrine to Sthil in my barn. Guys at work infected also.

362/660 is a nice combo. I have the 261/441, both anti-vibe. Not as macho as your 660, but maybe some day,

 

[TomSeller]

I don't drain saws, I seem to contaminate refilling the fuel unless I dump it. If I am at the end of a tank I don't refill but I don't go out my way to empty the tank. With ethanol free I can't see the issue.

 

[mike46]

I need to replace my chain saw. It will be used mostly on small to medium sized trees and branches just to maintain a 10 acre property. About 20-30 hours per year operation. Any suggestions?

I use a Sthil 230 for 5 years now and I do my 10 cords a year. The machine is reliable. Dont forget to use high grade fuel...

 

[divyakfm]

I need to replace my chain saw. It will be used mostly on small to medium sized trees and branches just to maintain a 10 acre property. About 20-30 hours per year operation. Any suggestions?

I have used Stihls, 041,028, 031, for over 35 years. All were great saws and still use the 041. Recently purchased a MS 390, thinking it would be of the same quality. What a mistake, this saw is a DUD, complete crap. When it got hot you could not start it again. Replaced the oil pump 3 times, and rebuilt the carb 4 times. Every time the dealer says it should work fine. Once out of warranty I was on my own. So think twice about getting involved with this company, you could end up with an expensive boat anchor like I have! Purchase a Poulon for $100, get an extended warranty. Parts are way cheaper that the gold ones for Stihls. When they die collect the $ from the extended warranty and start again!

 

[Dizno]

When my wife asks how many saws (substitute tractor, gun, tools, beers) do you need, I just smile and say 1 more.

Here's what I think
15 years old, Gonna try grand dads little 50cc out, help cut a little wood.
20 years old, need a bigger saw 60cc, on top of the world
25 years old, bigger is better, 70cc anything worth doing Is worth doing fast
30 years old, in our prime, 85cc you can't stop me now
40 years old, 70cc just trying to get a load a day to pay the bills
50 years old, 60cc I would have taken better care of my self if I knew I was gonna live this long
60 years old, 50cc Let the young bucks do the heavy stuff, show the grand son how to cut a little.
70 years old, 40cc Gotta cut a branch or 2 every now and again, hate to get out of my heated cab, maybe I'll wait for the kid to cut it.

This posting is really true, in my opinion. When I had no money, I used a 40V John Deere chainsaw purchased at a yard sale for $50 and at the end I used a Powersharp made by Oregon to make sharpening go real quick. This was the meeting of 35 year old technology with modern day top technology. Real neat the Powersharp which can go on almost any saw.

When I was in my early 30s, bigger was better - period! So I used a CS81 John Deere. If there is a big tree, I still use it - it has the power of a motorcycle engine and really is amazing. Problem is - tiredness hits a bit more frequent. Now the 026 seems to wag it's beckoning finger at me.

Like many here - budget, value, and application must come into equilibrium. I use a 026 Stihl as it really is nice from a weight and power ratio - it runs at 14,500 rpm from my understanding one of the fastest running saws. The Stihl rep told me, however, that the parts supply for this older saw is coming to an end. I also have a 028 and, although it is not as nice - especially when you have to tighten the chain, it is still nice. It also is the backup saw and a $180 yard sale special - and it is also bullet proof.

The only complaint i do have on the 026 is the air filter seems too small. Also, the 026 does like its fuel but it also is 100% worry free.

So, my wife similarly wonders why I need four chainsaws, I will needle her with a thoughtful "one more" comment and se what happens...too funny!

Finally, If I had to buy one saw, any saw, and I had money - I think I would buy a 261 new. It is a quality machine that will last a lifetime with the use of 20 hrs a year and I would only ever put ethanol free gas in it. Plus it is a nice mix of performance and weight. If I did not have money, buy privately a used Stihl. The two I bought were from older gentlemen that appeared to take of their stuff and were downsizing. I am real happy with all the saws I have - JD and Stihl.

 

[bostractor]

Have used a Husqvarna Rancher 350 for close to ten years. I'm pretty hard on equipment and this has never let me down. On my last trip to repair shop ended up buying a RedMax 400 (a commercial pro-line saw made by Husqvarna). It is light (9 lbs) and cuts like a saw twice its size.