Chainsaw selection... ideas?

[dmccarty]

I used my Stihl weedwacker as a brush cutter for years. I wore out quite a few saw blades. And those things ain't cheap. But I used what I had and what was paid for.

But it was WORK.

I bought a DR Mower that will cut down 2.5 inch trees just like the Stihl brushcutter and my MX6 rotary cuttter. The DR will also cut the grass and run a generator. It is expensive but it works much better then the Stihl for cutting down brush/saplings. The DR is a good work out but it is less work than a hand held brush cutter.

And at the end of a few hours of work my arms are not vibrating for hours afterwards when I am trying watch TV or work on the computer. The hand held brush cutter has its place but the DR works better for me.

Later,
Dan

 

[smfcpacfp]

Here's a serious chainsaw for your consideration

 

[savedbyzero]

It's not always about the brand...I have a Stihl 029 that has also cut many cords...but I also have an old Mac beater that I cut rocks with and have owned Echos too...
I think the main thing is running a sharp chain...at the expense of early replacement even. I bought one of those chop saw sharpeners from the Chinese store...you know which one..I'm telling you , once you get all the teeth the same size, the saws cut like butter...it's actually fun to go out and cut wood...

 

[Kernopelli]

My first saw was a 14" 32 CC Craftsman/Poulan I got as a Christmas present in 1983. I used that saw religously....I cut firewood for sale, tornado clean up, downed untold trees, used it as a demolition saw and wore out untold 16" Oregon replacement bars and chains. After having it for about 10 yrs. I was out cutting miles from town and ran out of 2 cycle oil and thought "what the heck, I want a new saw anyway". I ran 4 tanks using 30 wt. oil in it that day and that saw lasted another 10 yrs of regular use. When it died, I was going to get a Stihl and my lovely wife surprised me with a new saw....a new Craftsman. Well, I've been trying to kill it for the last 6 yrs and the only thing I've done to it is replaced the sprocket ( my fault) and bar studs. I currently have a second Poulan that is an exact copy of my first Craftsman that I keep a Cannon 12" dime tip carving bar on.....it starts and runs flawlessly.

After the "inland hurricane" that came through S.Illinois on May 8th, I cut wood every day for weeks with friends and neighbors, we're still not completely done. I watched a neighbor literally throw his 029 in a ditch w/ 2' of water standing in it and stomp off because he was so frustrated, his son in law couldn't get his MS290 started after about 2 hrs of cutting and he told me not long ago that it's never ran as good as his "cheap saw", another friend ended up taking his new 455 Rancher back to the dealer because it was running so bad. I am by NO MEANS saying they are junk brands, they aren't but they have problems too.

My friends are all saw snobs and continually tell me a Poulan isn't worth the effort it takes to throw in the trash. I have cut side by side and tried their Husky's, Stihls, Makita's and Echos for years and I have to say they have never once had the opportunity to tell me what a heap my saw is but I have gotten more than a few digs in on them when they were working on their $400 dollar saws while I just kept cutting. Maybe I have been the luckiest Poulan owner to ever walk the earth but my experience is to adjust the air and fuel screws so they idle smooth and run clean at max RPM, hit the chain a few licks w/a file after every tank, good 2 cyl. and bar oil and they cut as smooth, fast and dependably as anything comparably sized. I am certain that the "big 4 or 5" saws are truly higher quality saws, but for anything less than true commercial service, I don't think most people would ever see a difference.

 

[Steve C]

My first saw was a 14" 32 CC Craftsman/Poulan I got as a Christmas present in 1983. I used that saw religously....I cut firewood for sale, tornado clean up, downed untold trees, used it as a demolition saw and wore out untold 16" Oregon replacement bars and chains. After having it for about 10 yrs. I was out cutting miles from town and ran out of 2 cycle oil and thought "what the heck, I want a new saw anyway". I ran 4 tanks using 30 wt. oil in it that day and that saw lasted another 10 yrs of regular use. When it died, I was going to get a Stihl and my lovely wife surprised me with a new saw....a new Craftsman. Well, I've been trying to kill it for the last 6 yrs and the only thing I've done to it is replaced the sprocket ( my fault) and bar studs. I currently have a second Poulan that is an exact copy of my first Craftsman that I keep a Cannon 12" dime tip carving bar on.....it starts and runs flawlessly.

After the "inland hurricane" that came through S.Illinois on May 8th, I cut wood every day for weeks with friends and neighbors, we're still not completely done. I watched a neighbor literally throw his 029 in a ditch w/ 2' of water standing in it and stomp off because he was so frustrated, his son in law couldn't get his MS290 started after about 2 hrs of cutting and he told me not long ago that it's never ran as good as his "cheap saw", another friend ended up taking his new 455 Rancher back to the dealer because it was running so bad. I am by NO MEANS saying they are junk brands, they aren't but they have problems too.

My friends are all saw snobs and continually tell me a Poulan isn't worth the effort it takes to throw in the trash. I have cut side by side and tried their Husky's, Stihls, Makita's and Echos for years and I have to say they have never once had the opportunity to tell me what a heap my saw is but I have gotten more than a few digs in on them when they were working on their $400 dollar saws while I just kept cutting. Maybe I have been the luckiest Poulan owner to ever walk the earth but my experience is to adjust the air and fuel screws so they idle smooth and run clean at max RPM, hit the chain a few licks w/a file after every tank, good 2 cyl. and bar oil and they cut as smooth, fast and dependably as anything comparably sized. I am certain that the "big 4 or 5" saws are truly higher quality saws, but for anything less than true commercial service, I don't think most people would ever see a difference.

That was very well said.
Your experience has been exactly the same as mine. I don't know any professional loggers, the consumer saws seem to work for me just fine. I am trying to resist the 55cc Poulan with the 22" bar at TSC for $199. I have 2 smaller Craftsman/Poulans and the Husky 372XP. I always try to use the right tool for the job. I think a Poulan is what most people need but you don't get any bragging rights with it.

Since I am out of work perhaps I should contact them and see if they need a marketing person?

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/153734-chainsaw-selection-ideas-5.html

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

Steve, not sure what bar you have on the 372, but Bailey's has a bar & chain combo for it on clearance for $35. (I think 20 or 22")

 

[RadarTech]

Folks,
I have read and read.. and it came down to a choice that was a no brainer...
A work program allowed me to get a husqavarna 445 with a case, extra chain, quart of bar oil, a pint of premix oil, some kind of sticky gloves, the scrench, and a pair of safety glasses....

and all for the meager cost of a 1099 tax form...
no out of pocket expense...

Alas-- it sits in the mud room, factory clean right now, oil and gas free as we had that snow fall and no time to cut anything...

It came from Western Lawn Equipment in O'Fallon, MO...
If you know them, they did good!!!

J

 

[RobertN]

I think your next to last sentence says it well.

My more expensive Pro type saws run excellent. Excellent. But... I keep them up, keep them tuned, keep the chain sharp, and use quality mix with premium gas.

I have seen expensive saws run bad; most times it comes down to poor maintenance, old fuel ect. I have had a couple inexpensive saws that ran great, with proper care and good gas.

I'll take the better saws any day though. I find they handle better, especially after hours of cutting. Also, the last couple weeks, I have been using a Stihl bought new in '81. It is still an excellent running, excellent handling saw. A 29 year old saw. And, I can still get support/service for it.

You do not see many inexpensive saws lasting that long, and having parts/service still available. It is hard, to beat that aspect of getting a good tool. I have, used up a inexpensive saw that cut well, but just was not built for the long run.

It is no different than cars, trucks, tractors ect. I have seen some less expensive tractors work out very well. I have also seen some more expensive quality tractors not last so well. In most cases it was care and handling.

My friends are all saw snobs and continually tell me a Poulan isn't worth the effort it takes to throw in the trash. I have cut side by side and tried their Husky's, Stihls, Makita's and Echos for years and I have to say they have never once had the opportunity to tell me what a heap my saw is but I have gotten more than a few digs in on them when they were working on their $400 dollar saws while I just kept cutting. Maybe I have been the luckiest Poulan owner to ever walk the earth but my experience is to adjust the air and fuel screws so they idle smooth and run clean at max RPM, hit the chain a few licks w/a file after every tank, good 2 cyl. and bar oil and they cut as smooth, fast and dependably as anything comparably sized. I am certain that the "big 4 or 5" saws are truly higher quality saws, but for anything less than true commercial service, I don't think most people would ever see a difference.

 

[RobertN]

Get it out and use it! If not, you will hex that fine saw

A work program allowed me to get a husqavarna 445

Alas-- it sits in the mud room, factory clean right now, oil and gas free as we had that snow fall and no time to cut anything...

 

[Steve C]

Steve, not sure what bar you have on the 372, but Bailey's has a bar & chain combo for it on clearance for $35. (I think 20 or 22")

wow that is a great price. I have a 16 and a 24 so a 20 or 22 would be a good addition to the saw.