chainsaw recommendations

[Texomahog]

My old 31 is 30 years old and still going. As I am not getting any younger, a few years back, I bought a 180 cb-e. It seems like it weighs only half as much, or less, than my big saw. If you don't rush, it is amazing what you can do with it. I can go all day long with it, whereas my old saw wears me down pretty quick.

 

[Cord]

According to my local Stihl repair mechanic, he can no longer get parts for this saw. Sounds as if I should take a look at the 311.

Don't junk the saw. There are guys around who rebuild these things and then sell them. Search around and maybe you can get a few bucks for your wreck.

btw I have a MS201C, 270 and 460. Looking for a 660 to round out the stable. My most used saw is the 201, but my favorite is the 410 with it's full chisel chain.

 

[Herkypilot]

Stihl 311 for me. It's a good saw although I've only owned if for about 8 months. I switched the stock chain for a pro chain. Have to be more concerned about kick-back with it as it has no built-in protection from that, but it sure does cut well. I also have a Husky 435 for the last couple of years. It does fairly well too.

 

[Oliver1655]

As TomSeller mentioned earlier, having a good dealer close is an important factor to consider. I have Stihl, Poulan, McCullock, & Jonsered saws. The Jonsered CS2139T is professional 39cc top handle saw which is heavily used. I love it. (Actually most of the saws I use are top handle, I like the ergonomics better than a rear handle.) There are great saws in many brands. If you are looking at only one saw & would use it fairly often, I would recommend a 50-60cc farm/rancher or professional grade saw. Stihl 362, Jonsered 2162, Husqvarna 455, 460 562xp, Dolmar PS6100. If you are looking at a 35-40cc range: Stihl 201, 192, Jonsered CA 2139T, Husqvarna 435, 338xp, Dolmar PS 351.

Dependability & good service from a close dealer - Prime factors in choosing a saw.

 

[HillStreet]

My Stihl 029 is 20 years old and just starting stalling this fall. Bought parts to rebuild carburetor over the winter and change all filters and fuel line. If that doesn't fix it, i will replace it with a new Stihl without shopping around.

 

[schmism]

My stihl 010 needed some fuel line and a handle bar bushing and a new gas cap. i walked into the small engine shop that does stihl and said i needed parts for my 010. he laughed at me standing right there. I raised an eyebrow... whats so funny? you shure about that number, that saw would be like 30 years old. I said ya, sounds about right and ya im shure about the number.

so the guy reluctanly looks up the parts and pulls them out. The shop is 5 min down the road from my house. i got home put the new parts on then cleaned up the saw and took it back. I walked in, asked for the guy, tossed the saw on the counter and said, Ya i was shure about the number! He gave me a smurk as if to say, i wont be able to sell that guy a new piece of plastic.....

in short. rebuild the 029. all the parts are still available.

my 039 is still running strong.

 

[IXLR8]

I'm happy with my Homelite Zip saw that my grandfather bought in 1960. He passed it down to my dad, then my dad to me. I had to put a new clutch, bar and chain on it about 25 years ago as the original pitch chain was no longer available. It is getting to be a bit difficult to start, needs a carb clean and rebuild, but still runs strong once I get it going. I don't dare pull the carb apart to clean as I haven't been able to find a rebuild kit for it and I am afraid I won't get it sealed up again if I pull it apart. I also have a Sthil MS270 and an Echo CS271 for the smaller stuff.

 

[TomSeller]

I'm happy with my Homelite Zip saw that my grandfather bought in 1960..

Those are cool old saws. I love hearing them run.

 

[un-quality]

My stihl 170 is 5 years old and is my wife's go-to for limbing etc. I have a 360 - guess it's about 10 years old? pulled the spark arrestor screen and cleaned it up. Nothing else in the neighborhood can keep up with it. Lots of echos, huskys and stihls around here. all are good saws - the stihl dealer network around here is good. Jonsered are just rebadged huskys. Husky also makes the throw-away poulans and new black mcculloughs. echo is a great saw but not made in USA like the stihl- my uncle has a CS-530 and it's a great saw.. the 360's and 660's have the best power-to-weight ratio. the 360 can get kind of heavy after a while. If i had to do it all again, i would have just got a 261 probably. the 360 is more then enough power for anything. Get a good bar - stihl ES, cannon or sugi-hara, with RSC chain - not the anti-kickback variant. rock and roll. I plan on trying out a stihl trimmer but i have an echo that's about 15 years old and hasn't died yet, so no excuse for a new one yet. The stihl pole saws are better than the echo's. the echos are 9-11 foot, the stihls are 7-16'. anyway, good luck with rebuilding your old one, if not, stick with the pro series for another 30 year saw. If you have alot of felling to do the 360-440-660 can come with wrap around handles that make felling a breeze- if all you have is small trees and bucking to do, you can't beat a 261.

 

[endinmaine]

I had a Stihl back in the '80s and did not like it,,, hard to start and too heavy. Bought a Husqvarna 372xp and have been very happy with it. It is NOT a home owners type saw but a heavy duty commercial saw. It has a 20" bar and I've taken down many very large trees. I also sharpen the chains myself using the Husqvarna Pixel Sharpening Kits and it does a better job than having it done professionally.