Did you know that Stihl products aren't expensive??

[Shmudda]

Swines,

Thats why my tools are MINE. If someone wants to borrow something, I tell them the local dealer has all they want. My wife gets pissed, but in the end, I'm not left with a repair bill and a busted up, worn out piece of junk because someone can't take care of it.

Craig

 

[montanaman]

Another advantage is that if it's not in stock chances are they can order in and have it for you in a weeks time or so.

If I have a steady customer come in for something like a bar, chain, or clutch part and I'm out of stock on it, he will get one from a new saw on my shelf and I will replace it when it comes in.

Ken

 

[Duckklr69]

I own 2 Stihl saws and a Stihl weedeater, I figured out a long time ago if you buy cheap you end up doing it many times over, I buy top of line products now and only buy once.

 

[Hookblock]

I have the MS 021,260,361 chain saws, FS 95 brush cutter, BG 55 blower, and a TS 350 cutoff saw. And soon a HT 101 pole saw. Very happy with all of them. I have a great dealer to work with.

 

[ChesapeakeMarine]

MS361 and FS110R...excellent products, excellent dealer

 

[RWEST]

Yes, Stihl definitely makes top quality products. I own a number of their saws, ranging from an old (25-30 years, probably) 014 that still works fine through various "Pro's" (026, 036, 046) to the 066, which is a beast. Never had any real problems with any of 'em. They all just work!!

We were clearing some property a few years back, and got so tired of hearing my brother squawk about the problems he was having with his saw (Craftsman, I don't know who actually made it) that we pitched in and got him an 036 as an early birthday present. He was amazed at the difference.

We also have an FC95 edger with mini-cultivator and power sweep gadget, which really makes short work of lawn cleanup in the spring - the snowplows push gravel and stuff along the edges of the yards, and that power sweep is much nicer than a lawn rake.

Stihl's definitely good stuff!!

In fairness, Husqvarna equipment, at least their chainsaws, is also top of the line. Aside from an improperly installed fuel filter from the factory on a 261, my Husky's have never been a problem, either. Their 365, which I believe is no longer made, is probably the best all-around saw I've ever used. Light enough to run all day, powerful enough to handle the 12-16" hardwoods that predominate around here. But, this IS a "Stihl" thread, so, I shan't digress further.

Spending a few more dollars for a top quality piece of equipment isn't really an expense, if you factor time saved (or lost) having to constantly adjust this, or tighten that, or whatever. And, there is definitely a difference in the 'feel' of a top quality piece of equipment that can't be overstated. Can't be described, either, but you'll know it when you feel it.

 

[williekioti]

You get what you pay for, plain and simple. I have way more chainsaws than tractors, something like a 14:2 ratio . Most of 'em are Stihls, a couple of Huskys and few others.

If you want longevity in a chainsaw buy a Pro model Stihl(or Husky/Jonsered or Dolmar), something that just cuts and delivers the performance for years with very little cost over time. If you just cut a couple cords a year or yard clean up in suburbia or occasional trimming and such then a cheapy, throw away saw is probably fine. [Disclaimer: I say throw away only because when you wear out a piston/cylinder or break any major component they are not worth fixing vs. a pro saw that can be rebuilt many times over.]

I have 30+ year old Stihls still cutting with their original P/Cs only having replaced plugs, filters and such, now how many Wild Things or Ryobis bought today will be operating in 2038? Not saying consumer (homeowner) saws are junk or not a viable option, you just have to decide how soon you want to replace it.

As far as promoting the service department and technicians working in same, that is probably the biggest selling point for me in choosing a saw dealer and I perform 99% of my own saw maintenance including rebuilds. I favor the old hole in the wall saw shops with oily floors, the smell of two-stroke in the air, guys with dirty hands and crates full of old, burned up/crushed saws and parts out back to the pretty OPE stores with clean white shelf rack systems and pressed uniforms. But that's just me. I like talking to owners that KNOW their product inside and out. Like the Olive grower (sorry forgot your username ) stated earlier to be able to walk into a shop and have the guy(s) assist you imediately to get an intregral piece of equipment back into service ASAP is priceless. Stuff breaks, even top end, pro grade saws (usually do to user) so having a top end dealer with a competent tech staff is a must for me.

My .02.

Oh, just like to add.........I find this thread particularly interesting on a site where guys and gals are spending many thousands of dollars on tractors and tractor toys but quivelling over spending few hundred on a decent chainsaw. I favor orange & white myself, but recommend Pro grade of any color as a starting point for any potential sawyer.......................

 

[TCowner]

I agree with the idea you get what you pay for. Many years ago I purchased a throw away say when JC Penny actually sold chain saws. It was a McCullogh 310 so I thought it would be a pretty good saw. I fought the darn thing for about 3 years. I finally gave up.

I went to the local Sthil dealer and purchased an 026 and never looked back. Thats been over 12 years ago. I've replaced numerous chains, a couple of bars and one drive sprocket but that is it. It starts easily, and I'm convinced it runs just as well and has lost no power since it was new. It certainly fits in my "best buy" category.

I also purchased an Echo 670 two years ago which also has been a great saw. But we'll see whether it has the longevity of the Stihl. But so far, so good.

 

[NuBota]

You know I have to chime in here on this one!

When I finally built my house in 1996 I put a wood burner in it. At that time I was using an old Mcculloch Mac 10-10 saw that my Dad bought in 1968, and used it until 2002 when I had finally had enough. Not that the saw was giving me problems or not cutting (which it cuts really good) but I was tired of the vibration, and it was just working me harder then I worked it. I went to my local Stihl dealer in Delmont, PA and was looking at saws when the owner came up to me and asked if he could help me. I answered that I wanted a saw that I could work, and one that wouldn't work me. At that time he took me over to the "homeowner" type saws, MS290 Farm Boss. I looked at him and very politely said, "I don't think you understood what I said. I said I want a SAW, not a toy" I walked over to the MS460 picked it up and told him to fuel it up, it was going home with me.

I got it home and began to attack a pile of logs about 8' high, 8'wide x 12' long or so. I ended up cutting that pile up in less then half the time it would have taken me with that old Mac 10-10. I had the biggest grin as the sawdust was flying and had enjoyed every minute of that day. Needless to say I have purchased a few more Stihl saws, and a blower. I am very happy with everything that Stihl engineers and manufactures because it is quality and top of the line equipment, second to none!

I just wish they would make a tractor now..........but I'm in good hands with my BX24.........

Craig

Did the exact same thing - had four 50" oaks to cut - the MS460 rocks - use the 20" Crapsman for limbing

 

[Birdmayon]

I agree with the original poster. I went to Lowes and checked out the husky saws. I almost bought one just based on the ASSUMPTION that a similar Stihl would be more expensive. Luckily I decided to check out my local Stihl dealer and the Farm bosses were the same price, so I left with a 310.

Would the husky from lowes be as good a saw? Maybe. But here's something to chew on...I bought a husky weed trimmer from Lowes. The cheesey throttle trigger snapped off less than a year later. I had to call Husky directly to try to get it fixed, they said I'd have to bring my receipt to a husky repair shop and they could replace the trigger under warranty. Of course I didn't have the receipt and the closest husky repair shop was like 40 miles away anyway. Had I purchased a trimmer from a local shop, they could've looked my info up and just taken care of it. I tried to purchase just the trigger from husky, nope, have to buy the whole handle assembly for $60 to replace a $2 plastic trigger. I won't buy husky again, and I probably will buy all of my equipment from local dealers from now on. You may save a little up front when buying from a box store but I think you're better off in the long run if you deal with an actual dealership.