Chain saw recommendation

woodlot · May 25, 2006

( Here's my real question. What is the best chain saw for cutting fire wood and general use at the ranch?)

Man, you'll get a lot of opionions with a question like that, I'll offer mine too. I use a Jonsered 2152 for a mid-sized saw and I love it, it rips! I'd go with a 16" bar for the work you described.

Jonsered 2152, see it here

woodlot · May 25, 2006

( Here's my real question. What is the best chain saw for cutting fire wood and general use at the ranch?)

Man, you'll get a lot of opionions with a question like that, I'll offer mine too. I use a Jonsered 2152 for a mid-sized saw and I love it, it rips! I'd go with a 16" bar for the work you described.

Jonsered 2152, see it here

63DH8 · May 25, 2006

Years ago, I worked for a logging outfit. I asked the same question. They said Stihl or Husquvarna if I was going professional. If all I wanted to do was cut several cords of firewood a year, a Poulan Chain Saw is a good inexpensive choice. That's been ten years ago. It's still running strong and never given me any problems. The only thing I've done to it was change the chain and bar with an aftermaket (Oregon) brand.

63DH8 · May 25, 2006

Years ago, I worked for a logging outfit. I asked the same question. They said Stihl or Husquvarna if I was going professional. If all I wanted to do was cut several cords of firewood a year, a Poulan Chain Saw is a good inexpensive choice. That's been ten years ago. It's still running strong and never given me any problems. The only thing I've done to it was change the chain and bar with an aftermaket (Oregon) brand.

stumpfield · May 25, 2006

( 

Man, you'll get a lot of opionions with a question like that.....

)

All right, How about this...

Suppose you lost/destroyed your saw. You are going to get one tomorrow. What would you get?

stumpfield · May 25, 2006

( 

Man, you'll get a lot of opionions with a question like that.....

)

All right, How about this...

Suppose you lost/destroyed your saw. You are going to get one tomorrow. What would you get?

3RRL · May 25, 2006

stumpfield,

It seems your sawing needs will be very close to mine. I started one of those other threads that were mentioned. After tons of feedback, I ended up with a Stihl MS310...great all around saw for the money. I wanted to get the MS360 but didn't. I also considered the Husquevarna Rancher 455 or 55, whatever it is as well as their 346 or 350. I get an 18" or 20" bar and either the .325" or 3/8" chain. I also ended up getting a Solo 633...great little 2hp saw for limbing and such.
For our needs, any of those will do you right.

3RRL · May 25, 2006

stumpfield,

It seems your sawing needs will be very close to mine. I started one of those other threads that were mentioned. After tons of feedback, I ended up with a Stihl MS310...great all around saw for the money. I wanted to get the MS360 but didn't. I also considered the Husquevarna Rancher 455 or 55, whatever it is as well as their 346 or 350. I get an 18" or 20" bar and either the .325" or 3/8" chain. I also ended up getting a Solo 633...great little 2hp saw for limbing and such.
For our needs, any of those will do you right.

Spiffy · May 25, 2006

If all I wanted to do was cut several cords of firewood a year, a Poulan Chain Saw is a good inexpensive choice. That's been ten years ago. It's still running strong and never given me any problems. 

Actually, Poulan makes the Craftsman saws; Husquvarna is under the same ownership as Poulan now too FWIW. Some fancy add-on, or sometimes just the color was they only difference when I bought the Craftsman [over 5 years ago] to a near identical Poulan. Poulan has cheap saws all over now (maybe sells good ones some places too yet, though they may leave that to Husquvarna - who's "big box store" products may or may not [I have no idea] be worthy of the name); anyway, I figure there's a reason they can sell a package for $125.

I did go with Craftsman's "top of the line" at the time (though caught a really good sale); it paid it's dues. They don't carry that one anymore; they do have a 55cc, but I think my 46cc looked better built - based on a quick glance anyway.

Anyway, my Craftsman needed about $50 in parts recently: I decided it deserved it and am fixing it; however, I have some projects this summer that will require some torque, so I'll be spending some money at the Stihl dealer first.

Spiffy · May 25, 2006

If all I wanted to do was cut several cords of firewood a year, a Poulan Chain Saw is a good inexpensive choice. That's been ten years ago. It's still running strong and never given me any problems. 

Actually, Poulan makes the Craftsman saws; Husquvarna is under the same ownership as Poulan now too FWIW. Some fancy add-on, or sometimes just the color was they only difference when I bought the Craftsman [over 5 years ago] to a near identical Poulan. Poulan has cheap saws all over now (maybe sells good ones some places too yet, though they may leave that to Husquvarna - who's "big box store" products may or may not [I have no idea] be worthy of the name); anyway, I figure there's a reason they can sell a package for $125.

I did go with Craftsman's "top of the line" at the time (though caught a really good sale); it paid it's dues. They don't carry that one anymore; they do have a 55cc, but I think my 46cc looked better built - based on a quick glance anyway.

Anyway, my Craftsman needed about $50 in parts recently: I decided it deserved it and am fixing it; however, I have some projects this summer that will require some torque, so I'll be spending some money at the Stihl dealer first.