Chain saw recommendation

[turnkey4099]

For homeowner type work, you don't -need- to go the extra expense of the pro line saws - usually around $100 or more over the cost of the homeowner types. I have been using saws since 1950 (with 20 years out for militariy service). Used just about every brand out there, most of which are only producing the 'big box' el cheapos now (homelite, mac, some Poulans).

In general you won't go wrong with either Husky or Stihl, I am running 2 Stihl (MS 310 and an old 041, and an old Husky 51). 51 is the limbing saw with a 16" bar, 310 main bucking with a 20" and the 041 for the big stuff with a 24".

It is very nice to have at least two saws available in case you have either a mechanical problem or get one stuck you have a spare to either complete the job or cut your way out of trouble.

Okay, What saw? Depends on the size of the stuff you will be cutting, and how much of it. A good general purpose saw with a 20" bar will probably be plenty as it will cut anything up to about 36". In falling big stuff long bars are better as it is much easier to make the falling cuts accurately.

My choice if I were replacing my herd:

MS 310 or the Husky equivalent with 20" bar
MS 260 (or like size non pro) or the Husky equivalent with a 16" in bar

Don't know if I would go for a third saw but that 041 is is nice for the stuff I am working on now. Have 3 already worked up with butts up to 39", 4 or 5 still to go with a couple that might go 48" butts.

Harry K

 

[turnkey4099]

For homeowner type work, you don't -need- to go the extra expense of the pro line saws - usually around $100 or more over the cost of the homeowner types. I have been using saws since 1950 (with 20 years out for militariy service). Used just about every brand out there, most of which are only producing the 'big box' el cheapos now (homelite, mac, some Poulans).

In general you won't go wrong with either Husky or Stihl, I am running 2 Stihl (MS 310 and an old 041, and an old Husky 51). 51 is the limbing saw with a 16" bar, 310 main bucking with a 20" and the 041 for the big stuff with a 24".

It is very nice to have at least two saws available in case you have either a mechanical problem or get one stuck you have a spare to either complete the job or cut your way out of trouble.

Okay, What saw? Depends on the size of the stuff you will be cutting, and how much of it. A good general purpose saw with a 20" bar will probably be plenty as it will cut anything up to about 36". In falling big stuff long bars are better as it is much easier to make the falling cuts accurately.

My choice if I were replacing my herd:

MS 310 or the Husky equivalent with 20" bar
MS 260 (or like size non pro) or the Husky equivalent with a 16" in bar

Don't know if I would go for a third saw but that 041 is is nice for the stuff I am working on now. Have 3 already worked up with butts up to 39", 4 or 5 still to go with a couple that might go 48" butts.

Harry K

 

[Dennisfly]

I had a 10 year old McCulloch that was hard to start, required constant adjustment of the carburetor to keep it running, and frustrated me every time I used it.

I bought a Husky 350e with 18" bar for the same purposes that you describe.

I'm delighted. It starts easily, has much more power than the McCulloch, and with the shock mounting, much less vibration. I have cut up 3 large trees and it is much faster. At the end of the day, much more was accomplished in less time and I was not so beat up as with the McColluch. It also has a compression release for easy starting and an externally accessible chain adjustment which I like.

 

[Dennisfly]

I had a 10 year old McCulloch that was hard to start, required constant adjustment of the carburetor to keep it running, and frustrated me every time I used it.

I bought a Husky 350e with 18" bar for the same purposes that you describe.

I'm delighted. It starts easily, has much more power than the McCulloch, and with the shock mounting, much less vibration. I have cut up 3 large trees and it is much faster. At the end of the day, much more was accomplished in less time and I was not so beat up as with the McColluch. It also has a compression release for easy starting and an externally accessible chain adjustment which I like.

 

[majik]

I have a mac. cp125 with a 46" bar no stooping,sounds like a harley when at idle. engine almost 8 hp..neat to own when I want to show off. I tell people it's my climbing saw might use it tomorrow....now where did I park the forklift?

 

[majik]

I have a mac. cp125 with a 46" bar no stooping,sounds like a harley when at idle. engine almost 8 hp..neat to own when I want to show off. I tell people it's my climbing saw might use it tomorrow....now where did I park the forklift?

 

[Cottonhawk]

I use a Shindaiwa 488 with 20" bar and a Stihl MS361 with 24" bar. Both are great saws and I consider them to be the top of the line chainsaws. When I have something I need to cut I don't have much time to waste. I need my equipment top notch condition and do the job efficiently. When it come to cutting woods, these two saws are doing wonderful job.

 

[Cottonhawk]

I use a Shindaiwa 488 with 20" bar and a Stihl MS361 with 24" bar. Both are great saws and I consider them to be the top of the line chainsaws. When I have something I need to cut I don't have much time to waste. I need my equipment top notch condition and do the job efficiently. When it come to cutting woods, these two saws are doing wonderful job.

 

[MotorSeven]

I've always run Stihl, but i think Huskys right there with 'em. These are saws that will last 20yrs if you take care of them. Of course their price reflects their durability.

RD

 

[MotorSeven]

I've always run Stihl, but i think Huskys right there with 'em. These are saws that will last 20yrs if you take care of them. Of course their price reflects their durability.

RD