Need a new chain saw 20" should do

Slade · Jun 1, 2008

Would you guys go with a Stihl or is there something better now? TIA

DaryleD · Jun 1, 2008

There is nothing better. You might like the feel and balance of one brand over another, and should look at the specs, as well as handle a few, but for quality, you won't find one better than Stihl. There are several good brands though. If your intended uses are for more than ocasional spring clean up, or two or three short, easy uses a year, than don't buy anything from the big box stores ( ex. Lowes, Homedepot et.) Their saws will be lesser quality, than if you buy them from an outdoor power equipment mom and pop type store.

gerry100 · Jun 1, 2008

Stihl.

I've got a 16" 026 that I love. You can get a lot done without wearing yourself out.

mocassincreekranch · Jun 1, 2008

Stihl all the way. Have not used my 026 in over 2 yrs, filled it up with gas and oil and it fired after the 2nd pull.

Charlesaf3 · Jun 1, 2008

I'd say stihl or husqvarna is a matter of choice, both good saws that will serve you well.

If I had to generalize, I'd say I think the stihls a bit beefier, the husqys a bit more comfortable to use.

Eagleview · Jun 1, 2008

How do you spell chainsaw with only 4 letters.......STIHL .

Egon · Jun 2, 2008

Best be looking at what the saw will be used for and displacement rather than bar length.

Also remember that the saws may come in different usage classifications which will affect their durability.

Also note there are many different types of chains that will effect the performance.

Seems there are about four to five different models out there that get mentioned very frequently. Some brands are more popular in some areas than others and will vary from area to area. The Husky and Stihl brands seem to stand out as the most common.

You may note that both can be spelled using five letters.

daBear · Jun 2, 2008

Around here it seems like every yard service has NOTHING but Stihl saws and weed eaters hanging off their trailers. Must be a reason. I have a Stihl 029 saw and a Stihl FS90 weed eater and will not buy anything but Stihl in the future.

TA462 · Jun 2, 2008

I've owned my Stihl chainsaw for over 5 years now with no problems. I usually cut around 10 cords of wood with her a year.

scgargoyle · Jun 2, 2008

Iron Horse said:
How do you spell chainsaw with only 4 letters.......STIHL .

S-T-I-H-L.... 4 letters??

The Stihl MS-361 is a top pro model saw for a 20". A bit spendy, though.

Eagleview · Jun 2, 2008

scgargoyle said:
S-T-I-H-L.... 4 letters??

The Stihl MS-361 is a top pro model saw for a 20". A bit spendy, though.

I just re read my post and saw what my fat finger had done , clipped the 4 when i went for the 5 . I thought i'll fix that before anyone see's it.......

It's OK , i can count to five if i take my shoes off...

jetdoctor · Jun 2, 2008

Stihl 390 with 20" bar and 3/8" chain, it will be the last saw you ever need.

KentT · Jun 2, 2008

Not to diss a Stihl -- I own one, in addition to a new Husqy -- but this sounds an awful lot like "the only tractor to buy is John Deere"...

Both are misleading statements, IMO. Both Stihl and John Deere are overall good products, but at some price/performance points, other brands are better...

IMO, Stihl vs Husqy is an awful lot like Ford vs Chevy...

LD1 · Jun 3, 2008

I will throw dolmar out there as well. Definatally worth a look if you have a dealer. Good value for a pro grade saw.

If you are just an average firewood cutter that cuts 10 or so cord a year, any pro saw should last a lifetime if cared for.

It's a lot like buying a tractor...If you have a good dealer in your area that stands behind their product, go with them. Stihl, Husky, dolmar, they all make excellent saws but without a decient dealer I wouldn't buy one. I chose dolmar because of the quality of the dealers in my area compaired to the stihl and husky dealers.

Go to the dealers, handle the saws, use them, and get a feel for the dealers. You can't go wrong with any of the brands mentioned.

KentT · Jun 3, 2008

LD1 said:
I will throw dolmar out there as well. Definatally worth a look if you have a dealer. Good value for a pro grade saw.

Agree... and don't overlook the Dolmars sold as Makita brand or the Huskies sold as Jonsered...

My friend has had the large Makita (i.e. Dolmar) for several years and absolutely loves it. It's been absolutely troublefree and cuts like crazy...

Slade · Jun 3, 2008

Follow up: was at my tractor dealer yesterday and turned out he's the local elite and service dealer for Stihl. Ended up with an MS390.

Thanks for all the comments.

rdbrumfield · Jun 3, 2008

Being a logger from the NW, I have to go with the Stihl. I have had Mccullahs, Homelites, Echos, johnsered and huskys, I can honestly say that the stihl has been the one that has held up the best. Of course the technology has come a long way with saws too. Right now I have 5 s200 weedeaters, a pole saw, hedge trimmer, blower, an 019, 028,031 and an 066. The thing is with any one of these, they always start, with the simplest of maintenance. The one thing you must do for yourself though, is get one from a saw shop, not the local shop that sells tractors and farm equipment. If you ever have any trouble, a saw dealer will give you much more satisfaction on repairs. When you get it, be sure to get the chaps and protective headgear. I have seen some nasty cuts and scars on fellows that knew what they were doing. These things are not backyard toys. A small saw will cut you just as fast as a large one. Be aware and take the time to make yourself a way out if you are felling trees. Do not stand there and watch it fall, something will come out of the top or the top of another tree and hit you on the head as you watch the on go down. It does happen. Work safe, your family depends on it.

soarkrebel1 · Jun 3, 2008

You want the best .................STIHL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MDM · Jun 4, 2008

Ever watch the series Ax Men on the History channel? For them its Stihl or Husky, but it seems like I see more Huskys on the show than Stihl.

swines · Jun 4, 2008

MDM said:
Ever watch the series Ax Men on the History channel? For them its Stihl or Husky, but it seems like I see more Huskys on the show than Stihl.

Husky's run slightly higher RPM = higher chain speed = faster cutting....
Time = money.

Quality on both is equal. I've had a Husky since 1981 ... still works like new. Also have many Stihl products - both manufacturer's products work fine.

Would buy a saw by which company's local dealer is the best.