JD Line Trimmers, Chainsaws, etc.

KB9UDE · Jan 15, 2007

Have any of you guys purchased or used the JD line of trimmers, saws, or other 2 cycle handheld equipment that they offer?? Who makes it and is it really worth the money?? Would it withstand commercial use if needed??

What kind of financing did the dealer offer?? I have a JDC credit card but according to the JD website they offer 2 months NO payment NO interest and then 19.8%. That is not what I call an incentive to buy from them.
I can put it on my regular credit card for a better deal than that!!

Thanks for your advise.

John

JDGREEN4ME · Jan 16, 2007

I have one JD chainsaw and a JD trimmer set up as a brush cutter. The saw is made by a company in Italy but I do not know the origin of the trimmer. I have had good luck with both and I like the saw as much as the Sthil that I also have. I did not finance either one so I do not have any information on that.

savageayape · Jan 16, 2007

You're correct, that's a terrible incentive to purchase an item, but a lot of people fall for that trap with companies all the time.

I would not purchase a JD chainsaw. They don't make them and JD's expertise is in making tractors and some implements, not chainsaws. I would stick with Stihl or Husqvarna for chainsaws.

By the way, you should never finance something as small as a chainsaw. If you don't have the cash to purchase it, then you can't afford it. Make the payments to yourself as though you were making the finance payments. Then after you have enough cash, go purchase the item.

Kyle_in_Tex · Jan 16, 2007

We have 2 of the JD chainsaws. A CS40 and CS56 (if I remember correctly). They have both performed flawlessly for about 4 years now. I don't use them commercially but I do use them for firewood, tree trimming, etc on 26 acres with lots of oaks. I use the 40 for the lighter duty work due to its lightweight and the 56 for the bigger stuff. They are made by a reputable Italian company.

I can easily recommend them. I've worked at a shop back in the 80's that sold Stihl, and Poulan amongst others. So I've seen my share of saws and their problems.

Engine_Tech · Jan 16, 2007

The saws are made by a company in Italy that makes premium saws for the European market. In some ways they are better built than Huskys or Sthils (two piston rings verus one, etc). The trimmers are Mitsubishi.

The complete line of JD handheld products are commercial quality and hold up really well. Several years back when JD owned Homelite some of that product infiltrated the line up and was sort of a black eye. Now all of that is gone (has been for 4+ years) and everything is solid.

Hard · Jan 16, 2007

My JD line trimmer is excellent. I would buy it again for sure.

jcmseven · Jan 16, 2007

My dad has a JD line trimmer. It does not make the same savage two stroke power noises as my FS250R Stihl, but it does well and is really quiet and smooth. As for the chainsaws, I still prefer Stihl, but my dealer says he has three of the JD's himself and cuts A LOT of wood. They have never given any trouble and cut well. He is letting me use one of them next month, so I will compare it to my 441 Stihl and let you know. I doubt it will be of that level, but I do understand JD "makes" a reliable, solid performing saw.

John M

savageayape · Jan 17, 2007

No they don't. JD puts the John Deere name on a saw made by an Italian company. Are you going to tell us next that JD makes Monopoly game boards because there is a JD version? If they were the best, they would be used by those in the logging and log home building industry more than they are. I'm not saying the JD chainsaws are not good reliable saws, but for the money you should really get a Stihl or Husqvarna. A very good Stihl or Husqvarna can be purchased for just a couple hundred dollars and change. Don't finance one!

I'm also curious why no one can name the Italian company making the JD saws. I'm sure it has a name. I would like to know what it is. It has been described as a "reputable" company, and a company that makes premier saws for the European market. What is the name of the company?

Dutch445 · Jan 17, 2007

Efco, or Olympyk,,, from Italy....

savageayape · Jan 17, 2007

I hope this isn't getting too far off the subject. If it is I'm sorry... In my log home building research, I learned of one other chainsaw manufacturer which is considered to produce one of the best chainsaws available along with Stihl and Husqvarna, but I can not remember the name of that company. That's the main reason I was asking for the name of the Italian company which produces JD's chainsaws. Does anyone reading this know which company I'm refering to? I just can't remember the name, but I think I would remember it if I heard or read it.