Best and worst chainsaw?

[Fields_mj]

I have had the same Stihl Farmboss saw for about 30 year. It has had to have a couple trips to the shop for tuneups and minor repairs, mainly to the fuel lines because they tend to break down over time. My expaierience is that it is not so much the saw as the chain you use. I bought a couple of "consumer grade" safe chains that would burn through a log faster than cutting it. A logger friend told me to go to a pro shop and ask for what he called a "skip tooth" chain. He said I would have to be careful or it would tear me up, but it cut through the same logs extremely fast and smoothly. Also, keep your chain sharp. Like a dull knife, a dull chain is much harder to deal with.

Skip tooth has half the cutters that a normal (full complement or full comp) chain has. Semi skip is in between. Basically, a full comp chain has 1 cutter for every 2 drive links, a semi skip has a cutter for every 3 drive links, and a full skip has a cutter for every 4 drive links.

I think what you are talking about is full chisel chain. The cutter on a full chisel chain comes to an actual point. The leading edge on a safety chain forms a curve as it transitions from the gullet (side plate) to the top plate. Semi chisel is very similar to a full chisel but it has a slight radius instead of a point. Full chisel is the most aggressive. There are all kinds of videos showing that it's no faster than a semi-chisel chain, but those folks don't know how to correctly sharpen a full chisel chain. Properly sharpened, a full chisel chain is noticeably faster. Having said that, it also dulls faster than a semi chisel chain, and as soon as it starts to get dull, its advantage goes away. That means A) ALWAYS keep it out of the dirt and B) Sharpen it every time you fill up the tank with fuel. The sharp point that makes the chain cut faster also makes it a LOT more "grabby" meaning that it will kick back on you a lot more than other chains. It also pulls itself into the wood more, so don't lean on the saw when its cutting. Let the saw and chain do the work, and for crying out loud KEEP BOTH HANDS ON THE SAW AT ALL TIMES. If you don't know why, then you don't have enough experience to know when either.

If you're cutting wood that has a lot of dirt in the bark (from skidding it, or wind blown into it), or if you don't sharpen after every tank of fuel, or if you take your chains to the dealer to be sharpened on a grinder (ugh, that's a painful thought), then semi-chisel is probably better for you. The initial contact area is spread out a little more than it is on a full chisel chain, so it doesn't wear quite as fast and can last a little longer between sharpenings (2 to 3 tanks of fuel max). Actual safety chain is a waste of time and $$ in my opinion.

Odds are, if you think your saw cuts slow, its because your chain isn't actually sharp, or hasn't been sharpened correctly. The advantage of a pro saw can quickly be erased by a chain that's not as sharp as it could be.

 

[Fields_mj]

Based upon the above, my choices are evaporating. I do not possess (nor need whatsoever based upon our now current and foreseeable future residence: HOA does all maintenance) any battery powered lawn equipment. My battery powered tools have much lower/smaller design & capacity than chainsaw requirements. And, since the point of use could be years in the future, there is zero confidence that the batteries will still be health upon the "break-glass" intent for use.

That battery dynamic, with the rubber rot on a gas powered model makes my concept of an emergency-unused device problematic.

If you're in an HOA, being prepared for a disaster is a pipe dream. Even if you had a working saw, cleaning up downed trees after a storm is one of the most dangerous things you can do. I've hung my share of trees while felling firewood, but I've never come close to the stuff that we've dealt with doing disaster cleanup. Not even close. My primary rule for doing this kind of work is the damage is already done so there's no reason to get yourself hurt trying to clean up the mess. My 2nd rule is don't be braver than you are smart. Based on what I've see, there must be some REAL geniuses out there....

 

[Metalmaster10]

I will start cutting firewood in the coming months which made me wonder, "what's my best and worst chainsaw?" I'm not extremely picky on brands but my experience with Echo is mixed and is limited to one model with Stihl. Aside from a basic homeowner, inexpensive poulan I've had 3 chainsaws.

My first "farm/commercial" grade purchase was the echo cs590 "timberwolf." Bought it bout 9 years ago (?). My favorite saw. 20" bar and cuts everything I've thrown at it. I've cut firewood: we heat our home with a Lopi wood stove. I've trimmed trees and cleared well over 1,000 cedar off of 70 acres. This saw is my favorite. It's a bit heavy for trimming and clearing cedars.

I wanted a lighter saw so, I stuck with Echo and bought the 4510 with an 18" bar. This saw never ran right. Finicky bout idling. I struggled with it for a few months. My dealer (who is great) tweaked it. Ran a bit better. I even started buying the echo premix fuel. I've always used premix but upgraded to echo's red "something." Somehow, that saw burned up and I threw it away after less than a year. The dealer said water somehow got in the fuel. I'm not sure how that could have happened. Regardless, I never liked the saw so I didn't press it.

I then picked up the Stihl ms250 with an 18" bar. This is a great saw. Lighter than the echo. And, starts a bit easier. But, it doesn't cut as efficient. I use both saws and appreciate them. The cs590 remains my favorite. It just cuts so dang fast and sometimes the weight works for me. Even when I'm sawing cedars horizontal the speed may offset the weight.

I do want a new saw. I'm thinking about a new cs590. What's your experience for best all around saw. By all around, I mean firewood and property mtnce (clearing cedar, fenceline cleaning, even cutting brush and underbrush).

In 35 years of using chainsaws, Power to weight ratio has been a huge issue for me. For storm cleanup, clearing fence rows, cutting firewood my stihl 036 pro (now the 362) has been my go to.
I have had smaller saws that have been good for light work, but my Stihl has been great.
I just added a 462 with 32" lightweight bar for big work. A Stihl 261 would be a fantastic lightweight, high performance saw for most firewood tasks.
Husqvarna makes great saws too. Slightly heavier than their Stihl pro series counterpart, but very high quality.
My .02

 

[RFB]

If you're in an HOA, being prepared for a disaster is a pipe dream. Even if you had a working saw, cleaning up downed trees after a storm is one of the most dangerous things you can do. I've hung my share of trees while felling firewood, but I've never come close to the stuff that we've dealt with doing disaster cleanup. Not even close. My primary rule for doing this kind of work is the damage is already done so there's no reason to get yourself hurt trying to clean up the mess. My 2nd rule is don't be braver than you are smart. Based on what I've see, there must be some REAL geniuses out there....

The primary purpose for the saw is emergency travel/egress. I am talking about the need to move a downed tree off of a road using a saw, winch/tow chains; make it smaller, pull it out of the way. BTDT, but during that time the tools were in frequent use, not dormant storage. My background includes 40+ years of professional emergency service for very large public safety agencies. "Disasters" were the daily job.

 

[edgarrian]

growing up on the farm my dad and grandpa had to Poulan chainsaws. They seem to run pretty good. My grandpa took care of them. When I purchased chainsaws for my place. I went with stihl 271. Its pretty light which i was pleasantly surprised. I purchased a carbide chain for it. The carbide has been great. I have a smaller stihl but I rarely use it.

As for what brand to get. Personally id go with what works and which has a good reputation. Especially if your gonna use it often. Thats how I determine if i go name brand or cheap. Most of my tools are cheap bc i dont use them often enough to worry about breaking them. Chainsaw needs to run b/c I cut a lot of wood

 

[kenhar]

The primary purpose for the saw is emergency travel/egress. I am talking about the need to move a downed tree off of a road using a saw, winch/tow chains; make it smaller, pull it out of the way. BTDT, but during that time the tools were in frequent use, not dormant storage. My background includes 40+ years of professional emergency service for very large public safety agencies. "Disasters" were the daily job.

An axe and a crosscut saw are reliable. No gas, no batteries. Make sure the axe has a synthetic handle.

 

[RandyT]

Stihl is pretty much dominating right now. If you really want a nice saw, see if you can find a German made Dolmar before Makita moved the operations to China. Their 5100 series was a 14,500 RPM saw. There are 60cc too all the way up to 90cc

The 6400-7300-7900 and the 9010 were German made all the way up to the stop of production. The smaller saws were german manufactured but assembled in China. The 5100 was a failure of a saw, and as a dealer we were told to turn them down to 13,500 due to the high revs were burning them up. The early 5100's were 14,500 but later versions prior to the 5105 were reduced to 13,500 with rev limited ignition modules. Also the 5100 had issues with dirt ingestion around the air filter sealing surface and were showing signs of cylinder and piston damage.

 

[leeave96]

We have several Stihl MS 250’s and they have been very good saws. Aside from our Stihl fleet of chainsaws, we have been buying Echo Chainsaws recently. It’s hard to beat IMHO Echo for the price and feel they make great 2-cycle engines.

We have a 620PW which would be close to the 590.

My recommendation is go with a 50cc saw as a companion to your 590. We have a 501P and like it. I feel the 4910 is a better value and with a few exceptions, pretty much identical to the 501P. You might still find a 4910 at Home Depot or a dealer.

Another saw Echo recently discontinued is the CS400. If you look, you can still find a left over. They are a great saw too. We have one of these too.

Best of luck!

 

[howardjohn]

I own stihl all the way. 3 chain saws a 180, 250 and A 440? Also a blower and demo saw. The 250 is not a bad saw always cuts good for me but the 440, not sure of the exact model #, cuts like a monster even with a dull chain. All my equipment is older and has needed minimal maintenance.

 

[highjinks]

I will start cutting firewood in the coming months which made me wonder, "what's my best and worst chainsaw?" I'm not extremely picky on brands but my experience with Echo is mixed and is limited to one model with Stihl. Aside from a basic homeowner, inexpensive poulan I've had 3 chainsaws.

My first "farm/commercial" grade purchase was the echo cs590 "timberwolf." Bought it bout 9 years ago (?). My favorite saw. 20" bar and cuts everything I've thrown at it. I've cut firewood: we heat our home with a Lopi wood stove. I've trimmed trees and cleared well over 1,000 cedar off of 70 acres. This saw is my favorite. It's a bit heavy for trimming and clearing cedars.

I wanted a lighter saw so, I stuck with Echo and bought the 4510 with an 18" bar. This saw never ran right. Finicky bout idling. I struggled with it for a few months. My dealer (who is great) tweaked it. Ran a bit better. I even started buying the echo premix fuel. I've always used premix but upgraded to echo's red "something." Somehow, that saw burned up and I threw it away after less than a year. The dealer said water somehow got in the fuel. I'm not sure how that could have happened. Regardless, I never liked the saw so I didn't press it.

I then picked up the Stihl ms250 with an 18" bar. This is a great saw. Lighter than the echo. And, starts a bit easier. But, it doesn't cut as efficient. I use both saws and appreciate them. The cs590 remains my favorite. It just cuts so dang fast and sometimes the weight works for me. Even when I'm sawing cedars horizontal the speed may offset the weight.

I do want a new saw. I'm thinking about a new cs590. What's your experience for best all around saw. By all around, I mean firewood and property mtnce (clearing cedar, fenceline cleaning, even cutting brush and underbrush).

I currently have two 20+ year old Husqvarna saws. A 20 inch 460 and an 18 inch 350. Both of these units start very easily every time and run like they did when I bought them. These units are amazing tools that allow me to work on my project rather than work on a saw.

 

[ClinchfieldPaul]

I have 3 Huskys. Starting with a consumer 350 from Lowe’s and after putting a more aggressive chain on it and putting an aggressive filing it did fine but not enough power for the filing. I than got a 562XP and the saw with a skip link chain will go through wood like butter than like “Tool Time” I wanted more power so I purchased a 572XP. Another sweet saw but I find myself going to the 562 unless I have bigger wood. Bars are 18”, 20” and 24” respectively.

 

[Bearcat81]

My first Stihl lasted 43 yrs-parts no longer available (carb)-my next was a Stihl Farm Boss .....ez choice.

 

[MJZ]

Wow. That's incredible

 

[bcarlson]

My first saw was a Jonsered 49 back in 1983. In 5 years cutting 12 cords per year of popple, birch, and pine for heating my log house, it was all worn out, but parts no longer available to rebuild it. In 1988 I bought an Echo CS4600, still cutting the same amount of wood each year, and it's STILL running fine today, 36 years later! Only parts ever needed were 3 bars and probably 25 chains, and a couple starter ropes. It's got to be the toughest saw I have ever seen!

 

[OzarkChris]

If you have a son or grandson about 10 yo., give him a chainsaw with no safety gear and have him start cutting trees. Let's see how long it takes for the mother of the son to come at you like your nuts.
Report back to the group.
I'm not advocating not putting kids to work but just not put them in situations that increase their likelihood of being maimed or killed.

But, when I was 10 they didn't have safety gear - or if they did it wasn't available where we lived.

I really think that is the real issue here. No safety gear, no seat belts, etc! Those were days that are so much different than today. Call it work ethic, call it stupidity but back in the '60s (or earlier) I was taught by my "elders" to get stuff done and be safe doing it. I recall soaking my corks in used oil (hydraulic and/or motor) to waterproof them - went through a bunch of socks until the oil stopped leaching out. I would imagine doing something like that today would get you thrown into either the looney bin or jail. Yet, here I am today with both feet still attached - although I still, to this day have cravings for a shot or two of 3-in-1 oil .

I'm guessing it all comes down to perspective. Setting chokers at 10 and throwing bales during hay season were normal for almost everyone I knew back then. Never thought about it being child labor!

Fortunately, I'm still seeing this going on out here where I live now. Our neighbor is a good sized cow farmer, his grandsons & great grandsons are driving trucks, tractors, skidsteers, hauling trailers, etc - whatever it takes to get the job done. Trucks and other equipment may need blocks on the pedals and something to sit on so the youngins can see out the windshield, but that's just part of growing up.

Please don't get me wrong, I just can't imagine having a 10 year old driving a vehicle in the city - although I do hear instances of this on the news frequently, but that is a totally different thing!

I believe, from personal experience, that these young men & women that help their parents, etc on the farm learn to grow up quick and develop a great work ethic, but also become the envy of non farmer kids because of all the "Fun Stuff & Cool vehicles" they get to play with. Afterall, who needs a Tonka truck if you have the real thing!

 

[tradosaurus]

But, when I was 10 they didn't have safety gear - or if they did it wasn't available where we lived.

I really think that is the real issue here. No safety gear, no seat belts, etc! Those were days that are so much different than today. Call it work ethic, call it stupidity but back in the '60s (or earlier) I was taught by my "elders" to get stuff done and be safe doing it. I recall soaking my corks in used oil (hydraulic and/or motor) to waterproof them - went through a bunch of socks until the oil stopped leaching out. I would imagine doing something like that today would get you thrown into either the looney bin or jail. Yet, here I am today with both feet still attached - although I still, to this day have cravings for a shot or two of 3-in-1 oil .

I'm guessing it all comes down to perspective. Setting chokers at 10 and throwing bales during hay season were normal for almost everyone I knew back then. Never thought about it being child labor!

Fortunately, I'm still seeing this going on out here where I live now. Our neighbor is a good sized cow farmer, his grandsons & great grandsons are driving trucks, tractors, skidsteers, hauling trailers, etc - whatever it takes to get the job done. Trucks and other equipment may need blocks on the pedals and something to sit on so the youngins can see out the windshield, but that's just part of growing up.

Please don't get me wrong, I just can't imagine having a 10 year old driving a vehicle in the city - although I do hear instances of this on the news frequently, but that is a totally different thing!

I believe, from personal experience, that these young men & women that help their parents, etc on the farm learn to grow up quick and develop a great work ethic, but also become the envy of non farmer kids because of all the "Fun Stuff & Cool vehicles" they get to play with. Afterall, who needs a Tonka truck if you have the real thing!

I would bet the majority of "elders" didn't tell their kids to be "safe doing it" or if they did say that didn't elaborate what "safe" meant.

When someone says "good old days" there was very little "good" or "old" about those days.

 

[kenhar]

I would bet the majority of "elders" didn't tell their kids to be "safe doing it" or if they did say that didn't elaborate what "safe" meant.

When someone says "good old days" there was very little "good" or "old" about those days.

My dad lived through the the great depression and when he would hear someone refer to the good old days, he would say " these are the good old days".

 

[OzarkChris]

I would bet the majority of "elders" didn't tell their kids to be "safe doing it" or if they did say that didn't elaborate what "safe" meant.

When someone says "good old days" there was very little "good" or "old" about those days.

Being told not to kill yourself, or "Do your best not to get hurt or hurt the ___" (equipment) to me was being told to be safe. Not a slam against you, but I am curious, why do you seem so touchy, for lack of a better word, about days gone by?

I can think of many more things back 50, 60+ years ago that were, to me, much better than the equivalent today. For example, I can remember many, many days taking off on a bicycle and being gone most, if not all day long and the folks never thought twice about it. No X-box etc, just good, hard playtime.

I still believe that good, hard work never really hurts anyone - unless it was illegally forced on them (which does NOT include parents telling their kids to do their chores!) In fact, I believe, doing those chores actually builds character and a sense of responsibility!

 

[airbiscuit]

I knew that picture would provoke comments. I didn't let my own son use a chainsaw at 9 1/2 (but he probably did at 13). My dad grew up in a log cabin with a dirt floor. When he was in 8th grade, his father (my grandfather) died. He dropped out of school to run the family farm and sustain the family. He made sure his 6 brothers and sisters graduated from high school.

We lived on our own small, dirt poor dairy farm (23 cows). We scratched out a living, but everyone had to help with the work. I drove a tractor (John Deere B) with a hand clutch and a baler at age 6. By the time I used that chainsaw, I had been watching my dad use it for 5 years or so. He taught me how to use it, how to stay clear, and about kickback.

My whole life, I was observing how things get planned, done, and fixed. I learned a lot. We never really thought about work being a burden - it was just a thing you did. So ya, I used a chainsaw at 9 1/2, but I was probably safer and more deft with it than many of the weekend warriors out there.

 

[ultrarunner]

My dad lived through the the great depression and when he would hear someone refer to the good old days, he would say " these are the good old days".

Mine too... he reminiesed of being able to not have to lock your doors or getting sued as a business because the public restroom sink was a half inch too high and the police actually came when called...