Chainsaw Recommendations

[happysawer]

OK, here is my 2 cents.
Buy a whatever brand (you did name the better ones) but buy from an authorized dealer and not a big box store.
Dealers carry professional tools* while the box stores only carry handyman W/E user models and they don't have service capabilities.

Authorized dealers have trained technicians and a full range of spare parts on hand.

It all boils down to professional service and customer care.

*much less plastic on pro models plus generally more maintenance friendly

I agree with a local Dealer and their known service people, you have someone to meet face to face that can give you advice if needed and help with problems if any happen.
At Home Depot and Lowe's try getting the real store manager to talke to you, and how they hire service people is you take a computer assement test if you pass it someone who know nothing about fixing anything gives you a quick talk and your hired that is if your not over age 60.

You by any tool and have a problem good luck at best they will send it back to the Mfg. who knows, if they try fixing it chances are it's then scrap and that is all there going to do for you.

at a Big box your best bet if it does not work quickly return it, and go to a local Dealer that will give you quality service, and have real trained service people.

 

[CobyRupert]

For me comparing chainsaws, the horsepower/weight ratio is one of the biggest factors.
Combined this with manufacturer’s reputation, a non-electronic ignition, and an upper weight limit and bar size maximum that depends on how I’m going to use it.
OMHO, a 40-50cc saw is probably the “just right” size. Not too big & heavy for trimming jobs, but can still get through occasional bigger logs too.

 

[happysawer]

For me comparing chainsaws, the horsepower/weight ratio is one of the biggest factors.
Combined this with manufacturer’s reputation, a non-electronic ignition, and an upper weight limit and bar size maximum that depends on how I’m going to use it.

what is a non-electronic ignition?

 

[Jo D]

There is an old adage with regards to local bicycle shops, but it applies to almost anything. "Before you shop for a widget, shop for a widget shop." The brands you are considering are reputable; Stihl and Husqvarna are the Ford and Chevy of chainsaws, how you evaluate the dealer may decide the brand. This forum frowns on religious discussions.

With a 5+ acre woodlot of aging trees (typically 3 blowdowns a year) my go-to saw is 50 cc with a 16" bar--light enough to limb, large enough to buck and fell. 18-24" diameter trees can be handled with that length bar. The original post indicated you would hire out the big stuff.

I do not saw all day, every day, but during the 2 - 4 hours of actual sawing involved in cleaning up a tree, I probably drive my saws harder than a professional owing to my lack of experience and finesse. I have rationalized "commercial" or "pro" grade saws. You (or your husband) may be happy with a "farm and ranch" grade machine. I was not. I think you are correct to reject "homeowner" machines.

One other point--with sporadic or infrequent use you may find it helpful to spend $20.00 per gallon for pre-mixed, non-ethanol fuel.

I would be very interested in the premix gas. I am not familiar with it

 

[Jo D]

Should mention another bar and chain come in real handy if your bar gets pinched. Just take the power head off and put on the spare bar and chain.

Some people use the better quality gas for mix. Others may add a little diesel conditioner. There is no one best oil. The refineries just use different containers.

My Husky 365 was Tuned up about twelve years ago, left with a full tank and not used till a week or two ago. Three pulls and no start! Found the switch was off! Two more pulls and it was running.

After reading all the wonderful information here, and then having the husband read (he knows and can get more out of all the information you guys are sharing) and we are highly contemplating the extra bar now. Always planned on an extra chain, which would turn into 2 if we do the 2 bars. Thinking 14 & 18 possibly

 

[happysawer]

After reading all the wonderful information here, and then having the husband read (he knows and can get more out of all the information you guys are sharing) and we are highly contemplating the extra bar now. Always planned on an extra chain, which would turn into 2 if we do the 2 bars. Thinking 14 & 18 possibly

Myself i would make it along with the 18" a 20" or 24" a 16", is just to short unless just using a prunning saw when climbing a tree.

 

[CobyRupert]

what is a non-electronic ignition?

Maybe non- “electronic engine management system” is the right term? Where carb adjustments are electronic. ..so not ignition. I don’t know much about them, other than to stay away.

 

[rademamj1]

Get that Stilh MS271 chainsaw. It's never failed to start in 4 years for me. Even after being stored for months. Buy only the no ethanol premixed fuel at Ace hardware or Home Depot or Loews. Also purchase some extra chains for the saw.

 

[Peter 315]

I would be very interested in the premix gas. I am not familiar with it

You can get it at the dealer or tsc, home depot, parts store, they have 40:1 , 50:1...... quarts and gallons

 

[happysawer]

Maybe non- “electronic engine management system” is the right term? Where carb adjustments are electronic. I don’t know much about them, other than to stay away.

All i can add is the “electronic engine management system Sthil uses on my 261 C-M has reall worked well, when my Temps here went from the 80s to the 40s, engine fired right up and idled ready for action.

 

[Jo D]

I agree with a local Dealer and their known service people, you have someone to meet face to face that can give you advice if needed and help with problems if any happen.
At Home Depot and Lowe's try getting the real store manager to talke to you, and how they hire service people is you take a computer assement test if you pass it someone who know nothing about fixing anything gives you a quick talk and your hired that is if your not over age 60.

You by any tool and have a problem good luck at best they will send it back to the Mfg. who knows, if they try fixing it chances are it's then scrap and that is all there going to do for you.

at a Big box your best bet if it does not work quickly return it, and go to a local Dealer that will give you quality service, and have real trained service people.

None of what i am looking at is available at either of the stores you mentioned by me. I dont know if Tractor supply or Ace hardware would fit in that category to you. If we go with the Stihl, ACE is the only authorized dealer I have been able to find (and we would have to drive about an hour to get to ne that carries the one we were looking at originally). Lighter would be good, for sure but we just dont have the ability to do the 300$ jump. IM not sure if ACE was listed as an authorized repair have to look that up, but they are authorized dealer. Tractor supply isnt a authorized dealer (and doesnt carry the saw period) but is authorized repair and parts. My local saw and mower place doesnt come up as a listed/authorized anything but I know from my yard guy they sell them, and I know he buys other equipment there and has repairs done there that he cant do himself. I know they will register your serial number incase ever stolen. Your thoughts on those 2 stores?

 

[happysawer]

None of what i am looking at is available at either of the stores you mentioned by me. I dont know if Tractor supply or Ace hardware would fit in that category to you. If we go with the Stihl, ACE is the only authorized dealer I have been able to find (and we would have to drive about an hour to get to ne that carries the one we were looking at originally). Lighter would be good, for sure but we just dont have the ability to do the 300$ jump. IM not sure if ACE was listed as an authorized repair have to look that up, but they are authorized dealer. Tractor supply isnt a authorized dealer (and doesnt carry the saw period) but is authorized repair and parts. My local saw and mower place doesnt come up as a listed/authorized anything but I know from my yard guy they sell them, and I know he buys other equipment there and has repairs done there that he cant do himself. I know they will register your serial number incase ever stolen. Your thoughts on those 2 stores?

Tractor Supply sells Poulan and if you look at Poulans web sight and read the really BAD reviews no one in their right mind would by a Poulan today.

Now if ACE Hardware can get the STHIL chainsaw you want i would go with ACE. chances of having a real problem requiring a full take down repair is not something i would worry about, if something that bad happened a simple contact with STHIL and they will get things started for having it back in service.

I understand your not close to the point of where buying, not like me just within 2 miles from a full service dealer, but am sure if a problem happens ACE will get it fixed and you won't have to quickly drive back to them.

 

[Jo D]

Second the safety equipment, bought chaps, helmet with ear and face protection before first use.
Never use a saw when tired or frustrated is just as important.
If I had the $ I would buy the Stihl, but I am out with the saw all the time and upped mine from an 18" to a 20" and was very happy. Most people seem more comfortable with 18" or less, since a bar/chain is much less $, then go with a 16 or 18 and see if that works well.
14" is too small for any sizable trees and over 20" brings a lot more risk.

Jonsered is different quality based on size, so that leaves the Stihl and husky from your list.
Go hold them and that can also show which one you will be more comfortable with, ignore salesman unless he is a mechanic/sawyer and can tell you something that is not just printed right on the box

The place I bought mine from, knew all the tweaks and was really helpful, I had already decided on brand/size.

Thank you. we have decided to wait to buy, my initial plan was to hit the local saw and mower place yesterday and buy the Stihl Farmboss. We have now decided to take one or two day trips next weekend to get to the places that have them near us and feel them out, and see what kind off information we can get. If we can get a good quality pro series that isnt 600-700 it would be worth it for the weight difference

 

[ruffdog]

jo d....my dad and I (both retired) have been heating with wood for 55 years and we cut all our own wood. We have small saws all the way up to 100cc+ as we take down some monster trees. For little jobs, we both have the baby MS180 Stihl 14" saws and they have cut more wood than I thought they should. Yeah, they are a cheap homeowner saw but we sure got our money out of them. The occasional 10" tree is easy for it. It sounds like a 16" homeowner saw would be plenty for you and I would buy stihl. I would not get 2 bars for a small saw. I have big saws that I have a 20,25,36" bar depending on the job. If I don't need that long bar, I sure don't want to carry it around all day. Spend the extra $ on the better oils and PPE like hearing protection, shield, chaps, boots. Most of all, be safe.

 

[Jo D]

Tractor Supply sells Poulan and if you look at Poulans web sight and read the really BAD reviews no one in their right mind would by a Poulan today.

Now if ACE Hardware can get the STHIL chainsaw you want i would go with ACE. chances of having a real problem requiring a full take down repair is not something i would worry about, if something that bad happened a simple contact with STHIL and they will get things started for having it back in service.

I understand your not close to the point of where buying, not like me just within 2 miles from a full service dealer, but am sure if a problem happens ACE will get it fixed and you won't have to quickly drive back to them.[/QUO

Thank you, That is extremely helpful. We do have some closer but they just havent had any in stock in the 2 or 3 weeks we have been looking. So we will take the drive. Do places like that tend to only service if you bought from them?

 

[happysawer]

although not anywhere near a professional when it comes to trees, Hardhats, eye protection, ear protection, good work boots and quality gloves are readily available in this house. We likely have a face shield somewhere cant say for sure, the chaps would be the only thing I know we dont have My husband has been in the construction industry for 30plus years and was also the Osha person at 2 different companies he worked for. Not just the go between for the company and Osha, but he taught Osha safety classes for his men and was certified to sign the certificates. My 10 year old knows to wear gloves, and safety goggles when he goes out to "work" on a stump we have that needs to come out

In watching Bucken Billy Ray videos even someone who has used chainsaws for all his life, and is in the bush almost everyday he also has been pretty badly hurt by his saws, so no matter how large the chainsaw is or if it's a homeowner type it can hurt you if you make a mistake when using it.

 

[Toyboy]

In regards to "canned" fuel. I've never used it but my cousin in Hawaii has. It's handy for occasional small jobs but pricey. True Fuel may be the name?? Anyway, if your going to be doing a lot of cutting it's not for you.

Bar length: A lot of chatter here about putting/getting a longer bar on the saw of your choice. I would not exceed the manufacturers recommended bar length without an adjustable oilier for the chain. A fixed displacement oilier would not be able to keep up with a bar that was longer then intended and will eventually ruin the bar and chain. If you purchase a saw that has the bar length you feel necessary, then you can buy the shorter bar & chain which will work well.
Pro saws come with adjustable oilier's to accommodate different length bars but that comes at a price also.