Chainsaw Recommendations

happysawer · Oct 31, 2020

Toyboy said:
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.

I agree with that my STHIL 211 does not have Adjustable oil control, and just getting enough oil on my 18" bar is a challange i discused it with STHIL when i thought not getting enough oil, they said because of the EPA they wanted to keep oil at the minimum.
So far it's been enough but if i did put a longer bar and chain on it might not get enough oil.

ptsg · Oct 31, 2020

I have a Shindaiwa 440 chainsaw, which I believe they are now owned by Echo. It's been an absolute beast for over 19 years.

Never had any problems with it and it cut loads ands loads of wood. Always started beautiful, just requiring one or two pulls with the choke on.

Recently, it gave me a little bit of trouble and I've been thought about getting a second chainsaw anyway, so I bough a Husqvarna 545 Mark II. I like it a lot, lots of power, very very responsive. Starts very well too and I've yet to have it bog down on me.

JJT · Oct 31, 2020

I'll second the Echo recommendation. I own 3 Echo saws and their mini tiller/cultivator. Some of these are close to 20 years old, with 100+ hours and they all start with no more than four pulls.

two_bit_score · Oct 31, 2020

Jo D said:
Purchasing a chainsaw for my husband. We are not professionals, just homeowners who have some smaller trees to cut down (after the tree guys cut the big ones down) and want something that will last and be useful. Hurricanes come through plenty so we could always fins ourselves cutting something unplanned. It will probably see action a few times a year. We are looking at an 18 inch which is more than we need right now, but want to be prepared if we need bigger. We are looking to spend around 400and the following have come into play. Stihl Farm Boss MS 271 (recommended by my yard guy and what we think we want to go with) and then a Husqvarna 440 rancher by the guy at Tractor supply (which seemed cheap in comparison) or Jonsered CS 2245. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

I thought this was an interesting comparison between two Stihl saws. Skip to 7:41 in the video.

stihl 261 vs Farm Boss - Bing video

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two_bit_score · Oct 31, 2020

Jo D said:
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

Then you might want to take a look at the Stihl 261 in that video.

ericm979 · Oct 31, 2020

Stihl's web site lets you look up the local authorized dealers. And you can get the list price for the saws you're considering.

Their homeowner saws work fine, they are just a little less powerful and a bit heavier than the pro saws of similar engine size. They will cut a lot of trees.

Buy extra chains, chain files for that size chain and handles (Husky makes a good file handle). Stihl makes good chains though they cost a bit more than others.

Besides chaps, ear and eye protection, you should have steel toed boots. Husky makes a good inexpensive helmet with built in ear muffs and face shield.

Captain Dirty · Oct 31, 2020

Firstly, I am gratified that you are, in fact, shopping for chainsaw shops, Hopefully you will find the extra time well spent. Secondly, I am happy you have involved your husband in the process. Receiving a "surprise" gift of a new tool is often a disappointment for the recipient.

Jo D said:
I would be very interested in the premix gas. I am not familiar with it

Most small equipment manufacturers specify 89 octane gasoline with no more than 10% ethanol. Most chainsaw users mix a measured amount of gas with a measured amount of 2 stroke oil to get the recommended 50:1 fuel mix. Ethanol attacks some materials and also attracts water. Over time the resultant corrosion causes problems especially in the small passages in the carburetor and other parts of the fuel system. "Best practice" is to buy no more gasoline than will be consumed in 30 days, empty the fuel tank at the end of each use of the machine, and run out the fuel that remains in the system to prevent the "bad gas damage". There are variations that include treating the gas with a stabilizer, ethanol remover, etc; buying ethanol-free gasoline (some service stations, Philips66?, carry it; I'm told aviation gasoline is ethanol-free); or storing the equipment with a tankful of non-ethanol fuel; all at greater expense and inconvenience. Recognizing the hassle, small equipment dealers and other outlets now sell "canned" premixed non-ethanol gas and oil fuel at a premium. Around me the cost is $18-$20 per gallon. You will have to decide ifs it is worth the premium.

LD48750 · Oct 31, 2020

Just a point of information, in order to SELL Stihl equipment, you MUST service it.
Your local mower shop as well as the ACE will both service Stihl saws.

I have a Stihl MS250 18" bar for most of my firewood cutting, A cheap China saw (52cc,22" bar, $80 delivered to my door) for the bigger stuff when needed, & a Harbor Freight Lynxx 14, 16, & 18" bars.
The China saw gets used MUCH more then I thought I would use it but the Stihl is still the primary.
The battery saw for quick jobs & back up. Gets a LOT of use.
Couple plug in saws for trimming firewood that got cut too long at the basement door and I'm not sure I understand how anyone could get by with just one saw.

Sonny580 · Oct 31, 2020

I have a MS250---o.k. saw BUT main guy is my Echo 310. ( best starting saw on the market) ----also the Husky 235 is great. On the Chimna side---believe it or not is the Blue Max,---16 OR 18 inch bars and yes power enough to handle 18" bars. I have cut some bit chit with mine and have had good luck with them so far.

RalphVa · Oct 31, 2020

Jo D said:
Purchasing a chainsaw for my husband. We are not professionals, just homeowners who have some smaller trees to cut down (after the tree guys cut the big ones down) and want something that will last and be useful. Hurricanes come through plenty so we could always fins ourselves cutting something unplanned. It will probably see action a few times a year. We are looking at an 18 inch which is more than we need right now, but want to be prepared if we need bigger. We are looking to spend around 400and the following have come into play. Stihl Farm Boss MS 271 (recommended by my yard guy and what we think we want to go with) and then a Husqvarna 440 rancher by the guy at Tractor supply (which seemed cheap in comparison) or Jonsered CS 2245. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

My wife has had 3 sixteen inch battery chain saws. I would never, as a casual sometimes user, buy a motor chain saw again. Wife cannot start a motor one.

The latest is a Stihl MS 120 with 36 volt battery. Its chain oil indicator isn't as good as the one on the Kobalt 40v ones, but they went into factory recall. Stihl cuts great. Uses a smaller tooth chain than the Kobalt did.

Ralph

Toyboy · Oct 31, 2020

Note:
I would never buy or use a saw made in China period !! To each their own....

ptsg · Oct 31, 2020

Toyboy said:
Note:
I would never buy or use a saw made in China period !! To each their own....

What's not made in China these days?

happysawer · Oct 31, 2020

Toyboy said:
Note:
I would never buy or use a saw made in China period !! To each their own....

I looked at a brand new STHIL CM800 i have a picture posted in this thread it's close to $2000 US i have found many people logging using the chinese made Holzfforma G660 Blue Thunder a 92cc chainsaw cost $265 US, sure many say they are poor quality but they also say they will do the job and when they fail mostly after 3 years of hard service, they just spend another$265.
you devide $2000 by $265 and you can buy 7 G660 for the price or $265, if the logger can keep cutting for just one year he is far ahead in his game.
Myself i am no a logger have no reason to buy a STHIL CM800 also no need for the G660 but if i was working as a logger needed a big chainsaw and all i could afford was the G660 you bet i would buy a G660.
====
Like the Colonel told the Sergeant in the movie "The thin red line" You don't have to tell me i am right will asume it.

rademamj1 · Oct 31, 2020

I could not find the Holzfforma G660 Blue Thunder at $265 price. Did find it on sale at $375 at a farm store nearby my house. It is a big sized chainsaw. Also, I think Amazon has it on sale at $365 price. Also, many reviews on the G660 recommend replacement of the carburetor within first month of ownership, as a safety precaution due to mainly severe fuel leakage during use. They were not recommending a rebuild, but complete replacement of the carburetor.

My experience suggests during heavy use, the G660 may need to be replaced every year.

happysawer · Oct 31, 2020

rademamj1 said:
I could not find the Holzfforma G660 Blue Thunder at $265 price. Did find it on sale at $375 at a farm store nearby my house. It is a big sized chainsaw. Also, I think Amazon has it on sale at $365 price. Also, many reviews on the G660 recommend replacement of the carburetor within first month of ownership, as a safety precaution due to mainly severe fuel leakage during use. They were not recommending a rebuild, but complete replacement of the carburetor.

My experience suggests during heavy use, the G660 may need to be replaced every year.

JimP · Oct 31, 2020

Jo D said:
Purchasing a chainsaw for my husband. We are not professionals, just homeowners who have some smaller trees to cut down (after the tree guys cut the big ones down) and want something that will last and be useful. Hurricanes come through plenty so we could always fins ourselves cutting something unplanned. It will probably see action a few times a year. We are looking at an 18 inch which is more than we need right now, but want to be prepared if we need bigger. We are looking to spend around 400and the following have come into play. Stihl Farm Boss MS 271 (recommended by my yard guy and what we think we want to go with) and then a Husqvarna 440 rancher by the guy at Tractor supply (which seemed cheap in comparison) or Jonsered CS 2245. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

I've been using a Stihl 260 Pro with a 16 inch bar for heavily for years. In that time its needed minimal maintenance. I added a Stihl MS441CM a few years ago to fell bigger and more difficult trees. The 260 is my go to saw for most work. Plenty of power, easy to start and light enough to use for hours. The 16 inch bar is plenty for most uses, don't forget you'll be doing a lot of cutting on smaller branches where the longer bar can be more cumbersome. In my area many tractor dealers also sell and in house service Stihl products. No one discounts Stihl so try and find a close dealer your comfortable with. If you buy Stihl premix oil when you buy the saw, Stihl used to double the warranty length. You don't need to buy Stihl branded chains or bars. Aftermarket is significantly cheaper and just as good. Baileys online is a good source and their branded chains in a 10 pack go on sale every so often. They are $10-12 vs 20+ for a Stihl chain.

As others have said BUY SAFETY GEAR now, especially chaps and a helmet. I like Labonville (online) full wrap chaps, not a fan of their helmets. Baileys also sells chaps and helmets.

I think Tractor Supply has changed the brand of chainsaws they sell over time. I don't see a service department so they must contract out service and I wouldn't expect them to carry any parts.

Randy Gann · Oct 31, 2020

I second the advice on chains from Baileys online. Good quality and great prices. Also if you’re thinking about getting the Stihl 2 N 1 chain sharpening tool. You can save a few bucks and buy the exact same sharpener online made by Pferd. I think Pferd makes the Stihl version. Stihl saws are like Apple Mac computer products, only sold at authorized sales service centers and prices the same everywhere. On last comment on safety. I like to wear my steel toe boots when handling firewood. Not just when cutting wood but any time there’s a chance I might drop a piece of wood on my foot! Can you tell that was a lesson learned?

spitter · Nov 1, 2020

I bought a 056 magnum in 83 and a 021 t I bought in 95 . I cut at least 3-4 cords a year and heavy prunning on 5 acers of wooded property . Never had a break down just general matinence. Buy good quality once and never worry about it. I have a neighbor who says he will never pay more than $250 for a saw . I said but you buy a saw every 2 years. He says he will never spend over a grand on a saw I said you spent way more than that.:confused3::drink: