Chainsaw Recommendations

[happysawer]

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

I agree with a local Dealer and their known service people, you have someone to meet face to face that can give you advice if needed and help with problems if any happen.
At Home Depot and Lowe's try getting the real store manager to talke to you, and how they hire service people is you take a computer assement test if you pass it someone who know nothing about fixing anything gives you a quick talk and your hired that is if your not over age 60.

You by any tool and have a problem good luck at best they will send it back to the Mfg. who knows, if they try fixing it chances are it's then scrap and that is all there going to do for you.

at a Big box your best bet if it does not work quickly return it, and go to a local Dealer that will give you quality service, and have real trained service people.

 

[CobyRupert]

For me comparing chainsaws, the horsepower/weight ratio is one of the biggest factors.
Combined this with manufacturer’s reputation, a non-electronic ignition, and an upper weight limit and bar size maximum that depends on how I’m going to use it.
OMHO, a 40-50cc saw is probably the “just right” size. Not too big & heavy for trimming jobs, but can still get through occasional bigger logs too.

 

[happysawer]

For me comparing chainsaws, the horsepower/weight ratio is one of the biggest factors.
Combined this with manufacturer’s reputation, a non-electronic ignition, and an upper weight limit and bar size maximum that depends on how I’m going to use it.

what is a non-electronic ignition?

 

[Jo D]

There is an old adage with regards to local bicycle shops, but it applies to almost anything. "Before you shop for a widget, shop for a widget shop." The brands you are considering are reputable; Stihl and Husqvarna are the Ford and Chevy of chainsaws, how you evaluate the dealer may decide the brand. This forum frowns on religious discussions.

With a 5+ acre woodlot of aging trees (typically 3 blowdowns a year) my go-to saw is 50 cc with a 16" bar--light enough to limb, large enough to buck and fell. 18-24" diameter trees can be handled with that length bar. The original post indicated you would hire out the big stuff.

I do not saw all day, every day, but during the 2 - 4 hours of actual sawing involved in cleaning up a tree, I probably drive my saws harder than a professional owing to my lack of experience and finesse. I have rationalized "commercial" or "pro" grade saws. You (or your husband) may be happy with a "farm and ranch" grade machine. I was not. I think you are correct to reject "homeowner" machines.

One other point--with sporadic or infrequent use you may find it helpful to spend $20.00 per gallon for pre-mixed, non-ethanol fuel.

I would be very interested in the premix gas. I am not familiar with it

 

[Jo D]

Should mention another bar and chain come in real handy if your bar gets pinched. Just take the power head off and put on the spare bar and chain.

Some people use the better quality gas for mix. Others may add a little diesel conditioner. There is no one best oil. The refineries just use different containers.

My Husky 365 was Tuned up about twelve years ago, left with a full tank and not used till a week or two ago. Three pulls and no start! Found the switch was off! Two more pulls and it was running.

After reading all the wonderful information here, and then having the husband read (he knows and can get more out of all the information you guys are sharing) and we are highly contemplating the extra bar now. Always planned on an extra chain, which would turn into 2 if we do the 2 bars. Thinking 14 & 18 possibly

 

[happysawer]

After reading all the wonderful information here, and then having the husband read (he knows and can get more out of all the information you guys are sharing) and we are highly contemplating the extra bar now. Always planned on an extra chain, which would turn into 2 if we do the 2 bars. Thinking 14 & 18 possibly

Myself i would make it along with the 18" a 20" or 24" a 16", is just to short unless just using a prunning saw when climbing a tree.

 

[CobyRupert]

what is a non-electronic ignition?

Maybe non- “electronic engine management system” is the right term? Where carb adjustments are electronic. ..so not ignition. I don’t know much about them, other than to stay away.

 

[rademamj1]

Get that Stilh MS271 chainsaw. It's never failed to start in 4 years for me. Even after being stored for months. Buy only the no ethanol premixed fuel at Ace hardware or Home Depot or Loews. Also purchase some extra chains for the saw.

 

[Peter 315]

I would be very interested in the premix gas. I am not familiar with it

You can get it at the dealer or tsc, home depot, parts store, they have 40:1 , 50:1...... quarts and gallons

 

[happysawer]

Maybe non- “electronic engine management system” is the right term? Where carb adjustments are electronic. I don’t know much about them, other than to stay away.

All i can add is the “electronic engine management system Sthil uses on my 261 C-M has reall worked well, when my Temps here went from the 80s to the 40s, engine fired right up and idled ready for action.