Chainsaw Recommendations

[happysawer]

Another important item that first time chainsaw users over look is their need of safety equiptment, most people know eye protection is needed when using powered equiptment, but your head needs protection also STHIL and many others offer very nice head protection that includes ear protection and a screened face shield, i had a bubch of trimmed limbs fall on me and my girlfriend helper and i was just using a small pole trimmer not a Pole chainsaw they were just small branchs but i sure felt them, now i have a safety STHIL hard hat it has really made working safer for me.

Then another item i am planing on getting it's wrap around safety Chaps, one slip with the running chainsaw and if the chain contacts your leg "OUCH" STHIL and many others offer safety Chaps full and wrap around, these safety chaps are designed in layers that quickly stop a gas powered chainsaw NOTICE i said gas powered they don't work with an electrict powered chainsaw.

Then there is the need for good quality foot protection you need to be sure footed when using a chainsaw and this calls for a good tough boot does not need to be steel toed just good and sturdy.

Gloves are your hands friend good quality gloves are always needed IMHO many don't use them i say good luck it's your hands.

Remember with chainsaws just like with a firearm do something foolish, and you don't many times get another chance.

 

[kenmbz]

Second the safety equipment, bought chaps, helmet with ear and face protection before first use.
Never use a saw when tired or frustrated is just as important.
If I had the $ I would buy the Stihl, but I am out with the saw all the time and upped mine from an 18" to a 20" and was very happy. Most people seem more comfortable with 18" or less, since a bar/chain is much less $, then go with a 16 or 18 and see if that works well.
14" is too small for any sizable trees and over 20" brings a lot more risk.

Jonsered is different quality based on size, so that leaves the Stihl and husky from your list.
Go hold them and that can also show which one you will be more comfortable with, ignore salesman unless he is a mechanic/sawyer and can tell you something that is not just printed right on the box

The place I bought mine from, knew all the tweaks and was really helpful, I had already decided on brand/size.

 

[Snobdds]

Buy once, cry once. Get the stihl.

For a chainsaw, always get gas. If you have a hurricane and the power is off for a few days, it will be hard to charge a battery based saws.

 

[Egon]

In his videos Bucking Billy Ray discuss Bar Lengths say 16 inch , what he says is with short bars you spend a lot of time bending over and when you bend over your getting your face close the chain end of the bar, and the end is the danger point as for KIBKBACKs.
Also bending over is harder on ones back, if you watch his videos he is many times using a pretty long bar.
Myself the 18" bar is what has worked for me, but not against getting a 20" or 24", just check chain prices and give it some good thinking before buying a longer bar.

Bucking Billy may be taking through his hat.

 

[happysawer]

Bucking Billy may be taking through his hat.

I have to admit old Bucky is a quite a talker, but if you watch him handle his many saws there is no dought he does know a lot.

 

[Randy Gann]

Just my thoughts. A battery saw would be great to have handy for those quick yard jobs when you have a limited amount to cut. For the big jobs a pro quality gas saw if properly maintained will last decades. I had a Stihl 032AV that I ran for 30 years cutting firewood for my home near Greensboro. Stihl and Husqvarna pro grade saws are like Kubota and John Deere for tractors- - they own major share of the market. Don’t think anyone has mentioned, you could get a pro grade 50cc saw with both a 16” bar and 20” bar. You will find yourself using the 16” bar most of the time as it is lighter and easier to manage. In addition it will cut faster (faster chain speed). You have the 20” bar available if you have some really big stuff to cut.

 

[nytryder]

I have had an 026 Stihl for over 20 yrs. Used mostly for hurricane clean ups and small odd jobs from time to time. Friend of mine bought a Farm Boss and complained about the weight of the Farm Boss. He tried my saw and immediately wished he had purchased the smaller saw. My saw is used by tree climbers because of ease of handling and easy starts, hot or cold. Hope this helps!

 

[Frankenkubota]

I have 2. The smaller Echo 310 for 80% of what I do and the still 310 for the big stuff. The still is very heavy compared to the echo, and far more powerful!

If you are going to use it for long periods, if occasionally or every day, weight is a factor. IMHO

 

[happysawer]

I have 2. The smaller Echo 310 for 80% of what I do and the still 310 for the big stuff. The still is very heavy compared to the echo, and far more powerful!

If you are going to use it for long periods, if occasionally or every day, weight is a factor. IMHO

Being 82 i can sure agree that the weight of the chainsaw, is something you should give a lot of thinking about.

 

[PILOON]

OK, here is my 2 cents.
Buy a whatever brand (you did name the better ones) but buy from an authorized dealer and not a big box store.
Dealers carry professional tools* while the box stores only carry handyman W/E user models and they don't have service capabilities.

Authorized dealers have trained technicians and a full range of spare parts on hand.

It all boils down to professional service and customer care.

*much less plastic on pro models plus generally more maintenance friendly