Beginner saw

[Sawyer Rob]

I agree there are no beginner saws. Any of the will cut you if you arent careful!

The reason saws get more 菟ro is really just a bit more power and a bit less weight. If you are cutting all day that matters. Get a mid size saw, I think Husq or Stihl are fine choices. 251 ish is about right.

I agree, there are no beginner saws, all will cut you bad!

As for pro saws, along with lighter, and a bit more power, they ARE built out of better materials where it counts, to make longer lasting saws.

For some that's useful, for others, not so much.

SR

 

[xyz123]

IMO look at the echo 400 or older stihl 250 over the 251 or makita 4300. Both still light and better for the wood size you mention.

 

[Egon]

There seem to be about four or five quality chainsaws on the market. Look them over and choose a professional model. A size equivalent to the Husky rancher 55 should suit your requirements. Bar length is easily interchangeable as are different chains as long as they fit the bar and drive sprocket. Having a couple of different length bars may be advisable.

An essential are proper boots, pants and face shield. They should be the first purchase.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have bigger Stihl saws but I really like using my little Stihl 017. It has been a huge headache over the years, to get it and keep it running, and the thing is a plasticy piece of consumer junk. You can twist the whole thing and often linkages come undone or plastic junk things snap out of place.

I am looking to buy another small quality saw this time. I was considering Makita (Dolmar) but they have been difficult to locate and I want to try a saw before I "order" it from a dealer that "can get it". The regional rep was supposed to E-Mail be information and never did!

Echo makes some great saws at a good price and even the parks and rec. departments are buying them over Stihl.

BTW, Does anyone know how you measure bar length? Is it, how much bar sticks out from the saw? Just wanted to make sure I wasn't getting fooled.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Is it, how much bar sticks out from the saw? Just wanted to make sure I wasn't getting fooled.

Yes...

BUT, that doesn't mean it will use the same amount of drive links, even though it has the same length of bar as another brand...

SR

 

[Industrial Toys]

I actually dropped in at a large rental place that was also an Echo dealer. There were new saws but also a bunch in the rental fleet I could actually try.

Also, the sales guy was a Mennonite that used to cut a hundred cord a year. I put more credit in what he says than a salesman with smooth hands that plays Golf on the weekends! lol

 

[hslogger]

For a little pooper chainsaw the MS170 is real good. I have a couple of them. They come with 16 inch bar. I ordered mine with a 14 inch bar and a free floating sprocket instead of the standard star drive. This little saw just rips with the 14 and is real handy. It aint the size of your wand but the magic behind it. I recommend this saw as set up like I have them to first time and limited use people who ask me personally.

 

[Jstpssng]

The biggest problem that I've had with the smaller saws is that the smaller chain comes off way too easily; especially since you say you will be cutting a lot of brush. I also reiterate what others have said; get decent chaps, hearing protection, and hard hat. You also might consider finding a chain saw safety course; ask at your local cooperative extension service. You will get a lot of helpful, potentially lifesaving lessons.

 

[JK22]

I hate my echo. Real pain to start (if at all). Finally bought a Stihl. Should have spent the money up front. Now I’m out the money I dropped on the echo.

 

[Industrial Toys]

What model was it? I noticed right away, where the consumer stuff ends and the commercial stuff begins when looking at the saws in real life. Don't ask me how. But, I think it's a little ways up there in ccs.