Best chain saw

check 6 · Jan 26, 2012

I'm sure this has been discussed many times but let's do it again.

I'm looking for a new chain saw. I currently have the Stihl trimmer on a pole that is great and I use ot have the Stihl 16" bar chain saw that needed replacement. My local dealer recommended the EHCO 16 in bar. I have used it for about a year but I'm not happy with it. Today it threw a chain twice and the chain was (not any more) new and properly adjusted. So what is everybody using. I have bought my wife two rather expensive Husqvarna sewing machines and I told the dealer she should at least throw in a chain saw for me, didn't happen. I am leaning towaeds either a Husqvarna or Stihl Comments/ recommendations

murphy1244 · Jan 26, 2012

check 6 said:
I'm sure this has been discussed many times but let's do it again.

I'm looking for a new chain saw. I currently have the Stihl trimmer on a pole that is great and I use ot have the Stihl 16" bar chain saw that needed replacement. My local dealer recommended the EHCO 16 in bar. I have used it for about a year but I'm not happy with it. Today it threw a chain twice and the chain was (not any more) new and properly adjusted. So what is everybody using. I have bought my wife two rather expensive Husqvarna sewing machines and I told the dealer she should at least throw in a chain saw for me, didn't happen. I am leaning towaeds either a Husqvarna or Stihl Comments/ recommendations

I have the 16" Echco and I used the crap out of it last year. Don't know what your problem is but if you want to sell it PM me.

tractchores · Jan 26, 2012

I've got an older (90's) husqvarna and johnsered (early 80's). Both run really well given their age. the husqvarna has been great and though I use it a lot hasn't ever had any issues other than a new chain and bar periodically. I broke a part on my johnsered and since parts aren't made anymore will probably get a new saw soon and it'll likely be a husqvarna. Interested to see what other folks say too.

Tollster · Jan 26, 2012

I think either one of your choices are good, what makes the decission is how you plan on using it, once you decide that, I would consider weights, bar length and pitch, chain oiling systems. Only then can you decide on what is best, as I am sure you will hear from the TBN members to follow on such a broad subject.
The best is what works for you, nothing more nothing less...nice try troll.

Egon · Jan 26, 2012

The bar and chain are expendable and replaceable.:thumbsup:

namesray · Jan 26, 2012

not saying this one is the BEST chainsaw but i have a husqvarna 350 (18" bar) that i have had for about 3 years and cut well over 300 face cord of firewood with. that is over 300 face cord of felling trees, delimbing, sizing for winching, and blocking up to 16" block peices. that's a lot of cuts! it has treated me well and i still use it. i also have a newer husqvarna 455 rancher which is good, but is not outstanding. i use both for my firewood business. the 350 has been replaced with the 450 i believe. the 350 had problems with muffler bolts, which mine has, but a couple of tack welds and still runs fine. heard a lot of good from the husqvarna xp series.

Thomas · Jan 26, 2012

I really really like my Jonsered...except for muffler screen inside for sparks.

HCJtractor · Jan 26, 2012

I am fed up with Stihl and their absolutely horrible gas cap. I have 6 Stihl tools and everyone sux because of the gas cap that won't work. After numerous recalls and many replacement caps, they still just can't understand that it is an over-engineered, worthless design, and should be scrapped. I have spent way too much time trying to get a cap to seat and have dumped gas all over my clothing so many times that I reek of fuel. I borrowed my neighbors new backpack blower this week end and sure enough, finally seated the cap (or so I thought) and dumped gas all down my jacket and pants for the umpteenth time. And I am relatively mechanically natured and I think intelligent, but still can't get these caps to work. And I have various ages of Stihl saws, trimmers, blowers, edgers, etc, and they all do the same thing. I will never buy another Sthil product as long as they keep this design. So be warned. If you want to smell like gas and take 5 minutes every time you re-fuel trying to screw on a cap, buy Stihl.

jpm1 · Jan 26, 2012

I have at the present time 3 stihl saws. The 2 bigger saws have an honest 1000 face cord on each, the smaller one maybe 40 or less cords i don't really know. My saws have been used hard, dropped off loads of wood onto the road left in the rain, freezing weather and one was runover. Other than replacing a handle grip which was my mistake running over it with the tractor i have had to replace the brass gear in the auto oiler. Dealer said he never see a brass gear wear out, but plastic gears. . . all the time. I love my Stihls'!
My cousin and uncle have 3 Huskys and they love them too. Theirs don't get the abuse mine get but their still good saws. Personally its a "Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge" issue. I would recommend buying from a reprobable dealer and not a "Big Box" store. Reason being. . .if you need service you have a dealer to go to for quick service. I've very seldom been at the saw shop more than a half hour on a repair unless their real busy. I am fortunate to have a really Great Dealer! and only 10 miles away besides. The "Big Box" store it might be a young person who has never seen a chainsaw no less use one. and who's going to fix it? How long is it going to take? It's a mind boggling issue, Good Luck and Happy Sawing. . . .John

jpm1 · Jan 26, 2012

Your right HCJtractor, i forgot the gas cap problem! HA HA! ! My pants are always muddy, oily and smell of Diesel and gas so everythings normal for me. My small saw has that goofy cap and the oil cap is my problem. I have over come it kinda by remembering what side the black and white go. Up or Down? spose to be quicker? hea right! The 2 older saws have screw on caps which a blind person with gloves on can work and you can tighten them with a screw driver too! They don't leak . . .John

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!!