Chainsaw selection... ideas?

peter_vii · Oct 27, 2010

RadarTech said:
hey folks,
I am looking for some advice on a new/used chainsaw...

having been a member here for some time.. and getting some great help.

where else would I go for some tractor/field questions?

ok so here we go...
We recently got nailed with more than 10 inches of rain over 2 days...
I checked the rain gauge and it said 10 inches on the second day, but it also said 8 inches the night before a heavy 3 hour downpour.

The tree that fell, and I really need to take a picture, was about 20-22 inches diameter. It fell across a neighbors drive that I share part of my driveway with. Another neighbor cut it in half to clear the drive while I was out of town. The tree pulled up roots fell off the hill and landed across the driveway. It was cut in the middle and was about 15 feet long from root base to where it was cut.

It was all my little saw could do to cut part of the roots off to get it to roll over. After rolling it over, the little 3400 managed to lift the top up high enough to place some small logs under it to help it move. Then I was able to drag it about 200 feet to a good resting place out of the way.

So that has gotten me to thinking my chainsaw leaves a little to be desired...

I have a poulan pro Lowe's special 18 inch chainsaw..
It is ok for cutting small stuff and handling the softwood. But for a recent locust or whatever that tough !@##R%@ was just ate it for breakfast...

I want something tough enough to handle a locust tree.. (we have at least 4 or 5 that are on some precarious hills....) but cheap enough to work good...

Now here is what I think I need... Please make reccomendations:

1. 18 or 20 in saw-- (maybe an 18 inch saw that can have a 20 inch bar too..)

2. a good saw, not some cheap half plastic saw that I can depend on in the dead of winter or in the middle of a rain storm to clear the drive.

3. something that I can get parts for. Someone told me to get the powerhouse from northerntool.. but really?

4. A case-- I really want something I can protect when it goes in the truck..

what do you think?

thanks,
J

Get Stihl 260 pro with 18" bar. I got one and it is the cutest chainsaw I ever owned. Light and powerful. Easy to handle and operate.

RadarTech · Nov 21, 2010

peter_vii said:
Get Stihl 260 pro with 18" bar. I got one and it is the cutest chainsaw I ever owned. Light and powerful. Easy to handle and operate.

Funny thing.. I have the new saw and it had been a year since I got it.. Could not believe all the recent posts on this thread!!!

I got a husqavarna 445..

Reverend Blair · Nov 21, 2010

I'd likely go with a Stihl or a Husky. The Makita/Dolmar seem pretty good too, but they seem to be a bit finicky when it comes to keeping the chain on.

No matter what you get, keep in mind that most of the 2 strokes have been experiencing a lubrication problem. It's not really the manufacturers' problem, it's ethanol in the fuel that washes the oil off the surfaces that need to be lubricated. That generally makes it a good idea to use premium fuel instead of regular, since it usually contains less or no ethanol.

Skyco · Nov 21, 2010

I haven't had any problems keeping the chain on my Makita/Dolmar 20", unless I let a new chain get way loose as it initially stretches.
I used the heck out of that saw the last few days, cut a downed 87 year old Hickory, about 33" diameter 3 ft up from the base. 16" pieces I had to roll uphill a ways to the ATV/Trailer, about 500lbs per 16" round according to an online log calculator*.
If I'd have known at the time I was struggling with 500 lb logs I'd have given up:laughing:
Just got the trunk, about 6-7000 lbs I now see... more to cut next trip.
BTW I love that Makita/Dolmar saw, got it at Bailey's.

*http://www.forestryforum.com/calcs/log_weight.htm

RadarTech · Nov 22, 2010

Thend chain stretch makes me wonder..
How much chain stretch do yall see in husqavarna chains?
Is there any difference in big box chains and dealer chains?

newbury · Nov 22, 2010

RadarTech said:
Funny thing.. I have the new saw and it had been a year since I got it.. Could not believe all the recent posts on this thread!!!

I got a husqavarna 445..

We don't care!!

Just let us continue giving you advice!!

And advice is pretty generic for a generic problem

shade tree welder · Nov 22, 2010

RadarTech said:
I got a husqavarna 445..

REVIEW IT! for us...

DeltaT · Nov 22, 2010

I have a Shindaiwa 490 pro. Made in Japan and I love it. Starts immediately no matter how cold it is. And it is good on fuel too.

I started out with a Poulin, but wasn't happy with it. It kept on quitting on me and after one day I was so aggravated I threw it in the woods and bought the Shindaiwa.

Found the Poulin the next day and keep it as a back up in my shed.

Skyco · Nov 23, 2010

RadarTech said:
Thend chain stretch makes me wonder..
How much chain stretch do yall see in husqavarna chains?
Is there any difference in big box chains and dealer chains?

AFAIK all new chains "stretch" some although some chains are sold as pre-stretched. The stretch is really more of a wear in of the link bearing surfaces I think.
Remember too the longer the chain, mine is a 20", the longer the "stretch".
Chains will also "stretch" or "grow" as they get hot in a hard cut, especially when new.

I use all Oregon chains bought online for about half what a big box store or dealer sells them for. I also only buy "pro" chains without the consumer anti-kickback features...yes they are more dangerous but cut better IMO.