Best Chainsaw for under $400??

[2305implements]

Just remember one the most important lessons in felling a tree. Cut your notch in direction of fall about 1/3 or less way into tree. Then back cut toward your notch but DO NOT cut into hinge! The hinge is the inch or two left which is the direction the tree normally falls if it ain't rotten. You will be amazed at what you can do using this method. You can even fell a large tree in opposite direction of lean using wedges.
I'm just an average chainsaw dude myself but this is the most important lesson I've ever learned and have dropped hundreds of trees now. I recently dropped a 26" maple right beside the house with complete confidence right on target.
For a large tree leaning opposite all you need is a rope tied off and have someone pull toward the side forming a V.

 

[xyz123]

Jonsered chainsaws are Made by Husqvarna. Just different plastic and name.

Just FYI

Now days, NOT in the past .

 

[2305implements]

thank you very much xyz123. my jonsered was new in approx 87' and it was junk from day one. no such problems from several husky's since and I'm sure Sthil is good too from what i hear.

 

[LD1]

Now days, NOT in the past .

True, but jonsered was bought by electrolux (parent company of husqvarna) in 1979. So unless you have a saw older than that, than there was a husqvarna counterpart.

2305implements: If you had a 1987 J-red saw, then it was made by husky, and husky had a saw just the same, only orange. What model was it yoiu are refering to??

I had a 1983 J-red 630, which was the same as a husky 261, and very similar to the husky 266 I had. Some of the plastic would even interchange, allthough different color.

If you look far enough, their are problem saws and saw families from ever brand including stihl. IMO the huskys that can be bought at TSC, which are just a homeowner grade saw, arent anything special. Thats not saying husky is a bad saw, they saw a need for a cheaper grade saw and they built one, just not for me.

My concern lies with the comments about how huskys are good saws, yet one will never own another j-red due to a past bad experience. It just makes no sense to me. Thats like talking about how great MF CUT's are, but saying that you will never own a AGCO CUT because you had D-17 that was a POS.

I'm not meaning this in a bad way, and I am not looking for an argument, It's just that a lot of people dont know they are the same company and have been for some time.

2305Implements: If you walked int a husky dealer, who also carried the j-red line, and you were looking to buy a 372xp and he had a 2171 J-red for much less, would you pay the extra for the orange plastic of the husky???

 

[RxRatedZ71]

I registered for a chainsaw on our wedding registry. My soon-to-be wife jumped on me and said that was tacky and redneck. I explained that it was a necessity and wouldn't be much different that if someone brought a push-broom to the reception. So I didn't get one but got a bunch of gift cards to HomeDepot and then I bought my chainsaw. The Echo CS-346 has a 16" bar and runs great. I've had it for 4 years and replaced the sprocket only once. I've found that the Craftsman-brand replacement chains are far better than the Oregon brand the local hardware store sales. I think it was $260 when I bought it.

 

[xyz123]

True, but jonsered was bought by electrolux (parent company of husqvarna) in 1979. So unless you have a saw older than that, than there was a husqvarna counterpart.

I can show you a 1982 like brand new Jonsered that dont have a Husky counterpart.

 

[LD1]

I can show you a 1982 like brand new Jonsered that dont have a Husky counterpart.

You are missing the point.

For one to say that they will never own another J-red saw due to a bad experience over two decades ago is stupid. (2305implements)

We agree that they havent always been one and the same, but they have been now for quite some time. The OP is asking about new saws, and J-red makes an excellent one and SHOULD be considered just as much as a husky.

So just out of curiosity, what is the saw you are talking about. I believe that there were still a few saws made by old J-red after the 1979 buy-out, as with anything (cars, tractors, etc) but it would have been short lived before they became one in the same. The 1987 That 2305 is talking about, most likely is a husky saw wearing red and black.

 

[xyz123]

So just out of curiosity, what is the saw you are talking about. I believe that there were still a few saws made by old J-red after the 1979 buy-out, as with anything (cars, tractors, etc) but it would have been short lived before they became one in the same. The 1987 That 2305 is talking about, most likely is a husky saw wearing red and black.

I was just messing around with you and was trying to get you to guess :thumbsup:. Jonsered didnt even make it , it was another makers saw and E-lux had bought them up too. Hint hint. Jobu also relabled it as a version for their needs over in Norway.

 

[D7E]

thank you very much xyz123. my jonsered was new in approx 87' and it was junk from day one. no such problems from several husky's since and I'm sure Sthil is good too from what i hear.

Not had any newer j-reds but in the early 90's myself and friends bought several 2050's and every one was a pile of junk from new to the point where they were dangerous !

 

[LD1]

Not had any newer j-reds but in the early 90's myself and friends bought several 2050's and every one was a pile of junk from new to the point where they were dangerous !

They were the same saw family as the husqvarna 40, 45, and 49. With the 49 being the 2050's equal. The 2050 and the husky 49 were the exact same saw.

But you are right they are POS saws. But what can one expect from a plastic crankcased homeowner grade saw. When it comes to saws, you get what you pay for.