Best chain saw

Storm56 · Jan 26, 2012

I am not a fan of Stihl's fuel and oil flip caps either. They work ok when new, but it does not take long for them to develop into a pain.

So Husky, Dolmar and some Echo's have become my saws of choice.

hydro2 · Jan 26, 2012

I am partial to my Husky 372 xp.

mdelmarcelle · Jan 26, 2012

I haven't used other brands, but I have two older Stihls. Both run great and hold up well. The part availability for Stihl tends to be pretty good too.

RobertN · Jan 26, 2012

For a smaller saw, I am a big fan of the Stihl 024/026/260 family of Pro saws. They are a really nicely balanced saw.

s219 · Jan 27, 2012

I run Echo and Stihl saws myself. For 40cc and under, I think the Echos are hard to beat. My larger saw is a pro model Stihl, and I think that's where Stihl excels. But you need to pay big bucks for that grade of saw. Stihls under $400 are OK, but not really remarkable in any way.

If buying a Husky, be aware that many of their models are cheap saws -- sharing a lot in common with cheap Poulans (same parent company). Again, you have to get into their pro models to get a good Husky saw.

If you are having problems with the chain check6, try going back to your dealer and ask them to take a look. That actually sounds like a matter of improper installation or adjustment to me. Properly setup, a saw should not be throwing the chain unless you're doing a real number on it while cutting, or are cutting with a dull chain. It doesn't take more than one brief encounter with dirt, stone, or metal to dull a chain, and that can render any saw useless. 99% of the time, when I hear someone having problems with their saw, they either have a dull or improperly tensioned chain, poor oiling, or a bar that is out of whack.

Also, be careful tensioning a chain that is new, or that has been run and heated up. Both need extra care. If you tension a hot chain, it will contract when it cools and be too tight (to the point where it could bend the crank).

rekees4300 · Jan 27, 2012

check 6 said:
I am leaning towaeds either a Husqvarna or Stihl Comments/ recommendations

Recommend Stihl MS 290 Farm Boss. Will last decades with some TLC.

http://www.stihlusa.com/chainsaws/MS290.html

1955jd · Jan 27, 2012

i have both stihl and an older homelite...both work great except the stihl is hard to start, been that way since new,had it back to the dealer several times and was told theres nothing wrong with it, ..the homelite starts on the 1st or second pull and has been a great saw, i still use it, the homelite is around a mid 80's vintage so its seen its share of cutting

check 6 · Jan 27, 2012

Thanks for all the comments. I would agree that the weak link in all Stihl power equipment is the fuel cap. Don't know how many times they have leaked. Several have been replaced under recalls ( fuel caps that is). spent some time last night in the shop and I think that the chain jumped because of a very slight bend in the chain bar. The saw had operated great up until yesterday. So a new chain and bar are in order. Secondly Since I seem to be using the saw more and more on larger cuts it would probably be worth it to get a pro model Stihl and keep this for lighter trim work. Still open to suggestions.

The Deerslayer · Jan 27, 2012

I currently have two Stihl saws and have been very pleased with them both. The MS 290 is used for the bigger stuff and I just got the MS 180. That one may be something you want to check out. Mine has a 16 inch bar on it and the toolless chain tensioner. At first I was somewhat suspect with that feature, but I researched it and once I started using it I found how convenient it really is. That saw runs great and is pretty light considering other options. I also have a backpack blower and trimmer from Stihl and have always been impressed with the quality. Good luck...no matter what direction you go..you get a new piece of equipment; and that's always a good thing!!