Help me choose my chainsaw lineup

[DABSGT]

I have a 30 year old Jonsered it's not used as much as it was in the past but starts every time I need it, all it needs is fresh gas and a clean plug.

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[Tollster]

Different strokes for different folks I recon.. Ergonomics play a big part for me, and I too have tried most all over the past 50 years, and can say, I love the ones I have now.

 

[LD1]

Did I miss where you said what you have now?

 

[LD1]

Did I miss where you said what you have now?

 

[motownbrowne]

I asked the same question on forestryforum. I think I've decided to go with the 460. It's bigger, newer, and my brand of choice. I'll post some pics when I get it. Should be today or tomorrow.

 

[Pilot]

With arthritis in my hands easy starting is a important. Given that, here's my lineup:

I have a Stihl 029 that has always been a problem starting when cold. Starts fine when warm. Runs well after it starts. 20" bar.

Recently replaced the 029 with a Husky 455, about the same size as the 029, and I am still getting the hang of starting when cold vs. warm. Runs really well and I like the compression release.

Have a Shindaiwa 357 top handle which I use most of the time. Light weight, can use one handed when you need to reach far. Starts on 3rd pull every time. Have had it maybe 12 years.

Best running saw is my Power Pruner (now Echo). Have had it for about 20 years, never been in the shop. Easy to start, cold or warm, will idle all day. Can reach up to about 13 ft. high. I wish my other saws started & ran as well.

 

[farmer2009]

I only run one saw for now. An Echo CS-400. With an 18" bar it's a good general use saw. Enough power to fall trees and light enough for delimbing. Although I have been eyeing a Husky 460 with 24" bar. Just can't justify it currently.

 

[milkman]

I started hanging around AS and went to a GTG, now have several chainsaws. In order of preference,

Husky 346XP only down side, I get done cutting before I want to.
Earthquake 3816 light and nimble, does really well for price.
Dolmar PS-540 got real cheap and turned out nice
Poulan Pro S25 just because it was Dad's saw.
Stihl 026 and Earthquake 4518, not fond of either because of weight vs performance.

 

[turnkey4099]

I was worred about the starting for nothing. Tried a cold start on the 441 this morning. Boot in loop, Deep breath and PULL. Almost gave myself a black eye it pulled so easily. 2nd pull - WHAT'S THAT NOISE!!? That 441 pulls easier than my 361 does cold.

As for the 1/2 mile of Willows. I don't expect to ever finish it. Been at it 3 or 4 years now just picking the ones hanging over the field. He is one motivated farmer. Says to drive though the crops all I want .

Off tomorrow to baptize that 441 on a big one, estimate at least 36" DBH.

harry k

 

[dfkrug]

I've got a Shindaiwa 488, 50cc saw which is great. That one's a keeper.

I love Shindy saws! My main saw is a 377, 37cc with 18" bar. I just missed out on getting a used 488 and a 357.
You and PILOT have great saws, no longer made since Echo took them over. I watch CraigsList for Shindaiwas.

If you do much cutting, several sizes of saw are called for. I now use 5 sizes here, since I recently added a 100cc
Husky, a 30 yo unit that I rebuilt (28" bar 2100CD). My big logs were just too much for my 24" Husky Rancher 455.
I can see why the 2100 is used in competitions...it's like holding a dirt bike up against a log.

My smallest saw is an 18V B&D on a 10' pole. It sure beats the gas-powered pole saw (weight).

My 455 Rancher is now 10 yo, and still starts easily and runs flawlessly.

I am also a big fan of small arborist saws like the MS192T, but the Husky and Echo units are just
as good IMO. My older Stihl 019T is not runing well now, so I use an ancient Poulan S25 tophandle
pro saw (1973). Also not running well is my Tanaka tophandle. Sold my Efco tophandle: nice!