Chainsaw Compression Release?

[mbjacobs]

I'm shopping for a new, larger chainsaw and have just about decided on a Stihl 026 or a 026PRO. The major difference is the PRO has compression release and costs $40 more. My question is - is it worth it?

 

[cowboydoc]

I guess it would depend on who you are. If I was buying it for my Grandpa or wife was going to use it I would say yes, for myself no. Also though the pro has a few more upgrades, at least that's what I was told. I have it on mine and rarely use it but when my wife starts it she uses it everytime. Without it she would have a hard time starting it. It definitely makes it much easier to pull to start it.

 

[MChalkley]

I've got a Stihl 044 and I sure wish it had a compression release, but the 044 is a lot harder to pull than the 026 and I'm a whimp (just for you, Rat... /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif).

I don't have any trouble starting it at the beginning of the day, but after I've been running it a while and vibration fatigue sets in, it's really tough.

 

[Boondox]

I have it on my Husky 372XP and love it, especially when tired or in cold weather. It's not so much the easier pull, it's more the safety of having the saw remain more stationary as I start it. None of that bar swinging to the side as I give a mighty yank.

Pete

 

[cowboydoc]

That's a good point about the bar swinging Pete.

 

[Boondox]

Learned it in the school of first-hand experience.

Pete

 

[cowboydoc]

Sadly isn't that the way we learn most lessons? At least myself that's the way it is.

 

[BBearden]

My dad has the 26 and I have the 26 pro. Mine is easier to start. Boondox is 100% correct about the swinging bar, especially when you're tired. btw, I have had mine for about 1 year and have really abused it clearing land. I regularly run it about 4 hours per week. It has seen hard use. When clearing the cedars it regularly hits rocks and soil. Just keep the chain sharp and oiled and it should last a long time.

 

[poorboy]

Just bought a husky 350 with the release and it sure was an improvement to brother in laws 55 rancher in regards to starting. The guy that I bought it from also sales and services saws for the local loggers. He said that the release cuts down on a lot of wear and tear that sometimes comes from starting. I can't remember if it was something mechanical or what. I do know that I am more likely to shut it down before crossing a few logs than I was with the others. So I guess there is a safety factor after all along with starting on the ground without swinging it. The 26 pro would be my choice if the husky service hadn't been so superior in my area.

 

[genelp]

I've had an 038 for years, we used to heat our house with a wood stove. The saw doesn't have a compression release, but it would sure would be a nice option at times. Like Boondox I have first hand experience with a swinging bar, the saw was already running, I got my foot tangled in a vine while I was clearing out some small trees and brush where my brother-in-law was getting ready to build a pond. Luckily it didn't go deep, but it sure was a wide "scratch".

Gene

 

[hayden]

I've got two Husky's, a 50 and a 262pro. The 50 is easy to pull. The 262 is real nasty. The biggest problem is that when it snaps back, which is does when you don't quite overcome the compression stroke, it really janks the hell out of your hand. It's been downright painfull a couple of times. I'd love to have compression release on the 262.

Unfortunately, I can't say where the model you are considering fits relative to the two Husky models I have, but my guess is that if they offer compression release, it's for a good reason.

For $40 I'd just do it.

 

[MChalkley]

Hayden - That's the biggest problem I have with the Stihl 044. I often wish it had a compression release for just that reason. To have that thing snatch the handle out of your hand on a really cold day can just about make you want to pack it up and go home! /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

 

[cp1969]

The 55 Rancher doesn't have compression release? My 55 (plain, not rancher) does.

 

[mbjacobs]

Thanks everyone for the info. It looks like compression release on a chainsaw is like HST on a tractor - not absolutely necessary but sure nice. My little 011 Stihl is still going strong after 16 years so $40 extra is only $2.50 a year. There, I've talked myself into it.

 

[hayden]

Yup, that's what happens.

Do you have any sense where the Stihl model in question fits into the size/compression range? I'm not familiar with Stihl's line other than knowing bigger numbers mean bigger saws, which is pretty easy to figure out. On 044's a pretty big machine, right? Do you think the model in question (was it an 033?) will have the problem?

 

[dmccarty]

mbajacobs,

I have a Stihl 046 with compression release. I think I would be very hard pressed to start that bad boy without using the release. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

The 026 may be different of course.

If you can crank the 026 with out the release then you will be fine BUT if that puppy is hard to pull get the release. Its a real ouch with you pull the cord and your hand slaps into the saw. BTDT. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Good Luck,
Dan McCarty

 

[jdkid]

Hi ya's
what size is a 044 stihl??i have a dolmar 120si 69 cc with no compression release it has got me a time or two (pulling back the cord) but that come from not starting it the right way .i an a bit shocked in hearing the swinging bar tho and saying this cuts it down ..i take it ya drop starting one hand on cross bar other on cord and trigger locked ???for a start 99%of books state don't do this, mosting logging crews frown on this style ..on the ground with one foot though the back handle or if wanting to start standing place back handle between legs(tip for the day on this one start on ground for frist start of the day kick back is a bit painfull)ether way you are incontrol of bar at all times
catch ya
JD Kid

 

[erich]

I have a Stihl 036Pro with the compression release and wouldn't be without it. I severed some tendons and some nerves in my right hand a few years back and although I healed up pretty good when the rope snaps back it is really painful. I owe alot to that doctor I must say.

Eric

 

[Boondox]

Eric -- I did the same thing on my left hand a few years back...with a bow saw! When using power equipment my mind is all about safety, but when I grabbed that bow saw I didn't even think of gloves. Likewise, my surgeon did an excellent job. Not sure, but the five pounds of coffee I gave him might have helped wake him up for the early morning operation! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Pete

 

[MChalkley]

hayden - The 044 is a pretty good sized saw - I wouldn't want to use one any bigger for more than an hour or so. It's an awfully good saw. I've had it for close to 10 years and it's always done great. I'd like to have an 046 with compression release, though.