Need chainsaw: svc manual, continuous use

[ruralNearDallas]

I need a new chainsaw. I tried Poulan Pro 18" yesterday, but am planning to return it because it quit after about an hour. I am looking for:

--I want a saw that I can get a service manual so I can work on it myself. I understand some sell them, and others don't. (I get them for my automobiles)

--I only cut would maybe 14 days per year, but when I do, it is because I have set aside a day to do it. I want a saw that I can run for at least 4 hours without quitting because it got hot or some other reason. I don't have time (that day) to repair or spend lots of time trying to get it to restart.

--Any other comments about a saw that is worth it. I have given up on cheap saws, so I am okay spending money.

We cut and split wood to heat our house all winter.

Thanks so much for any help.

 

[jdtractor]

hi i use to be a husky fan , but no more . they have went down hill in my opinnoin, quality and price they are sold where ever anymore. i would buy a stihl thats what i went to, have cut firewood for several years , along with timber etc...... and i own several acres, i like you need a good saw. stihl for my money! jst my .02 cts have a good1

 

[hayden]

Get a Stihl or a Husky. Both brands have consumer and pro models. In my opinion, it's worth the extra $$ for one of the pro models. Like you say, when you need it, you need it and don't want something that will give you grief.

Others can likely help with which Stihl models are good. On the Husky side, the XP models are the pro models. There's a 346XP, a 357XP, and a 372XP. And others that are even bigger, but it's unlikely you'll need one that big. Even the 372 is oversized for most homeowner use. Among others, I've got a 346XP (actually two of them) and love it. It's small and light yet still kicks but for a small/medium saw. For the really big stuff I have a 385XP, but it only comes out for stumps and really big logs.

 

[Furu]

Stihl is the only way to go unless you are a Huskie fan. Several options to go with but would choose a pro version. They are just built better. Stihl 260 pro is a great all-around saw but bar length is only 20", if you need more bar go up to the next pro size. If you go with Huskie do not buy from big box store they are the cheap version. Can not buy Stihl from anyone not a dealer. You can acquire a service manual from several places online but doubt the dealers will sell a manual.

 

[Egon]

Seriously think about a pro model. [husky stihl jonsered echo]

 

[xyz123]

Husqvarna 555 is basically a husky 560xp without the rev-boost new technology.
Husky 346 50cc new ones and older ones were 45cc. For 59cc saws and below.

Stihl 026 MS260, new one MS261, MS361 For 59cc and below.

Dolmar 5105 new, 5100S older 510 etc 50cc saws

Efco 156 165

Good consumer saw that is right for the money Poulan Pro 330 54cc and comes with 22" 3/8. I like 16" and 20" on them. $199 clearance priced when new and $279 regular price.
I have 2 of those 330 now used and a 3750 60cc and 3450 54cc I love them over the stihl plastic homeowner saws MS290 for lot more money.

Try and get metal crankcase magnesium best or aluminum and bolt on cylinders. JMO.

If buying new having a good dealer to back you up and work on saw would sway my decision on brand. Not the brand or make itself.

 

[arrow]

I need a new chainsaw. I tried Poulan Pro 18" yesterday, but am planning to return it because it quit after about an hour. I am looking for:

--I want a saw that I can get a service manual so I can work on it myself. I understand some sell them, and others don't. (I get them for my automobiles)

--I only cut would maybe 14 days per year, but when I do, it is because I have set aside a day to do it. I want a saw that I can run for at least 4 hours without quitting because it got hot or some other reason. I don't have time (that day) to repair or spend lots of time trying to get it to restart.

--Any other comments about a saw that is worth it. I have given up on cheap saws, so I am okay spending money.

We cut and split wood to heat our house all winter.

Thanks so much for any help.

What is the average size and species of wood you are mostly cutting?

 

[xyz123]

What is the average size and species of wood you are mostly cutting?

148" dbh dead elm with a 33cc - 42cc 18" :ashamed: wonder why it died.

Just joking of course, at least I hope I am wrong. :confused2:

 

[arrow]

148" dbh dead elm with a 33cc - 42cc 18" :ashamed: wonder why it died.

Just joking of course, at least I hope I am wrong. :confused2:

If the op is 7'6, we can narrow up that dbh a bit as long as you're willing to throw the standard out.

 

[xyz123]

I ran into a dead elm that size on a take down at a farm house (thats why I said that size) I had a 32" bar and felt like oh chit. Plenty of motor 122cc woods ported, just not enough bar and I wasnt spending the money on a longer bar to do for a friend.