Chain saw recommendation

[ScottOkla]

I have a few Stihl 026's and a Stihl 017.

The 017 was purchased for removing limbs. I would not recommend it. It is good, but not great. Certainly not for heavy use.

I was so pleased with my 026 that I bought a second. I don't like to run a saw for more than a couple of tanks of gas in a row. I now let one cool down while the second gets used for a couple of tanks.

I have not had a single problem with my 026 pair over the last 5 years. My father, meanwhile, has gone through 8 "disposable" ones during that time.

I now have a third 026 left to me by a family member who passed away. Neither of us knew the other had an 026. Brilliant minds... (Ha)

 

[ScottOkla]

I have a few Stihl 026's and a Stihl 017.

The 017 was purchased for removing limbs. I would not recommend it. It is good, but not great. Certainly not for heavy use.

I was so pleased with my 026 that I bought a second. I don't like to run a saw for more than a couple of tanks of gas in a row. I now let one cool down while the second gets used for a couple of tanks.

I have not had a single problem with my 026 pair over the last 5 years. My father, meanwhile, has gone through 8 "disposable" ones during that time.

I now have a third 026 left to me by a family member who passed away. Neither of us knew the other had an 026. Brilliant minds... (Ha)

 

[CurlyDave]

I just bought a Husky 350e with an 18" bar, and am very satisfied with it.

A lot lighter than the Rancher models.

The guy who owned the store said:

a. it was the easiest starting saw in the store, which was very important, and,

b. it was the best selling saw in the store.

Now this was a Husky dealer, so all this is relative, but it is in southern Oregon where a lot of people cut down a lot of trees.

I would never suggest it is a professional model, which it isn't, but a lot of guys who make at least part of their living from selling firewood use them.

 

[CurlyDave]

I just bought a Husky 350e with an 18" bar, and am very satisfied with it.

A lot lighter than the Rancher models.

The guy who owned the store said:

a. it was the easiest starting saw in the store, which was very important, and,

b. it was the best selling saw in the store.

Now this was a Husky dealer, so all this is relative, but it is in southern Oregon where a lot of people cut down a lot of trees.

I would never suggest it is a professional model, which it isn't, but a lot of guys who make at least part of their living from selling firewood use them.

 

[1bush2hog]

Stumpfield - There are many good saws out there. Your purchase should be based on your needs, budget, and what is comfortable for you.

I have Stihl's in my arsenal - 009, MS250, 260pro, and 360 pro, as I have a long term land clearing project going on and I need my equipment to work when I am ready. They can usually outwork me too /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

The MS250 is lightweight and a good all around saw and cheaper than the 260 or 360 - However, I use the 260 with an 18" bar the most due to the power and weight. I use the 360 with 20" bar for felling and bucking the larger stuff and the 009 is great for smaller limbs and pruning.

I have no problems starting any of my saws and actaully enjoy (yea I'm a sick puppy) using them. Keep in mind the best and most expensive saw you can buy will only be as good as the maintenance and usage performed on it - meaning if you don't keep your chain sharp and perform routine maintenance - you will ruin any saw eventually, no matter how good it was when you bought it.

Safe saw use can never be over emphasized either.

Good luck, have fun, and be careful.

 

[1bush2hog]

Stumpfield - There are many good saws out there. Your purchase should be based on your needs, budget, and what is comfortable for you.

I have Stihl's in my arsenal - 009, MS250, 260pro, and 360 pro, as I have a long term land clearing project going on and I need my equipment to work when I am ready. They can usually outwork me too /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

The MS250 is lightweight and a good all around saw and cheaper than the 260 or 360 - However, I use the 260 with an 18" bar the most due to the power and weight. I use the 360 with 20" bar for felling and bucking the larger stuff and the 009 is great for smaller limbs and pruning.

I have no problems starting any of my saws and actaully enjoy (yea I'm a sick puppy) using them. Keep in mind the best and most expensive saw you can buy will only be as good as the maintenance and usage performed on it - meaning if you don't keep your chain sharp and perform routine maintenance - you will ruin any saw eventually, no matter how good it was when you bought it.

Safe saw use can never be over emphasized either.

Good luck, have fun, and be careful.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I have a Stihl MS250 that I use for firewood etc. and have been very happy with it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I have a Stihl MS250 that I use for firewood etc. and have been very happy with it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[greatrandini]

I guess what I want to know is what kept breaking on your chainsaw? I have a cheap poulan and it works fine for home owner chores etc.... I also have an elec chainsaw that is quite handy. Are you an experienced chainsaw user? I remember when I was a kid and I rented a chainsaw to clean up my Grandma's half acre. I knew nothing of chainsaws and I kept throwing the chain. I finally figured out it was my technique and not the fault of the saw.... I did learn how to replace the chain make adjustments etc... Years later I had my own acres and I purchased an old chain saw. I bought a cheap file guide and learned how to shapen the chain. I used that old hunk a junk alot and never had any problems. It was not near the quality of the saw I had rented years before...... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[greatrandini]

I guess what I want to know is what kept breaking on your chainsaw? I have a cheap poulan and it works fine for home owner chores etc.... I also have an elec chainsaw that is quite handy. Are you an experienced chainsaw user? I remember when I was a kid and I rented a chainsaw to clean up my Grandma's half acre. I knew nothing of chainsaws and I kept throwing the chain. I finally figured out it was my technique and not the fault of the saw.... I did learn how to replace the chain make adjustments etc... Years later I had my own acres and I purchased an old chain saw. I bought a cheap file guide and learned how to shapen the chain. I used that old hunk a junk alot and never had any problems. It was not near the quality of the saw I had rented years before...... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif