Small Chain Saw?

[JRobyn]

What I'm not hearing in this thread is "what the replacement parts are costing?" Some of the manufacturers are making the return money on parts, Big Time. That's been a real factor in my choosing a saw. So far I've kinda been leaning towards the Echo. bjr

I did a "recondition" on my Dad's Echo cs3400 a few months ago - parts prices were ok, but certainly not cheap. I believe that Echo has outsourced their entire parts operation (Empart?), but maybe that is just for older models. What I WAS impressed with is that they actually had all the parts I ordered still available and in stock!

- Jay

 

[LarryD]

no motors either.
larry

That's the electricians response.

I have seen seized motors though.

 

[rdln]

Parts prices are the last thing I would consider when buying something like this but......I did forget the saw was in the bucket one time while scooping up a log and cracked the handle all up. The replacement handle was $70 for a $200 saw!!

Saw, meet Tape. Tape, meet Saw.

 

[ultrarunner]

Stihl, Echo or Husky are all excellent. for smaller saws - I prefer Echo. The main thing is to find a good dealer that carrys any of these brands that will provide you with the best service.

Even though Home Depot and Lowes carrys these brands (Husky & Echo), always buy from a reputable dealer that provides good service.

I'm fortunate in that my local family owned and operated mower shop sells and services Echo, Stihl, Husky and Honda products.

I've had very good luck with my commercial Echo Brush Trimmer and my little Echo 341 saw and Backpack Blower.

I also like my Stihl MS250 saw for larger work.

I was actually thinking of only Stihl for the small saw and the owner of the shop recommended the small Echo CS341 for limbing.

 

[IXLR8]

I am not sure about Echo parts prices being any cheaper than the others. The oil tank cap on my little 280E was leaking, ordered a new one, had it in 3 days... $18.00 I thought that was a bit expensive for a little plastic cap.

 

[Lowell]

Don't buy the Stihl MS192. I bought one for my wife due to the claimed easy starting mechanism. But the cord would pull out and not retract. --- after about 1 hour of usage. I fixed this and it worked again so i thought it was fine. But now, after the warranty is expired, it did it again. Note that this saw has seen maybe 10 hours total use in less than 2 years. So i took it to the dealer to ask if they knew of a design defect and thus if they would upgrade it so this problem stops. They said there were no flaws to their knowledtge and i would ahve to pay them to do any further work. I find this unacceptable and so suggest to new buyers not to buy at least this model (MS192CE) from Stihl.

 

[kenstrac]

I'm in the market for a small, lightweight chainsaw to trim the trees I've cut down. A friend recommended an Echo CS300. But it looks like those are obsolete. Anybody have any other recommendations. I was looking at the CS341 with a 12" bar, 10" if I could get it. Anybody have a cost estimate for this saw?


Wedge

How much work are you planing on doing less than 10 hrs a year?
How about a Sears made by Poulin less than $100 on sale.They are good for occasional use.

 

[PILOON]

Stihl. Husky (Jonsered) Echo!

My good buddy operated a small engine shop and I was very active 'giving him a hand' from time to time so I am 'in tune' with quality and service issues.

You can't go wrong with any of the above and I'd suggest service and not price be the guide.
Note that in each catagory (size) the prices will be fairly close.
Stay away from 'box store' models as nobody will service them and basically they are consumer products designed for low price and occasional usage.
Good luck.

 

[SpringHollow]

Just recently bought a Stihl 180 - was pretty impressed for such a light saw. I have 3 other larger Stihls but boought this mainly for clearing out brush but it has more power than i would have thought.

Ken

 

[wedge40]

Sorry for the long delay in relying. All very good advice. Now I'm going to shop around for either an Echo or a Stihl. I'm hoping to stay under $300.00 and it looks like I can. I have access to both dealers, so now it come down to prices.

Wedge

 

[SpringHollow]

Stihl 180 is $180-200 with bar and chain.

Ken

 

[shepherd]

your john deere dealer carries the sthil line now

 

[bglz42]

Echo, Stihl or Husky. I own Echo. Cannot go wrong with any, just buy it from a local shop and not a big chain...

 

[GarthH]

I took the recommendation of the group last fall buying a Stihl. I bought the easy start - not sure I love it but over the next 25 years I may learn to appreciate it basically you pull the cord slowly and once there is enough tension the saw actually pulls the piston.

In Canada we pay a lot more - I think it was over $300 with some oil and a small maintenance kit. It was worth every penny with the bitter cold weather, at least the saw started and ran.

I would recommend the Stihl product - proud U.S. manufacturing.

 

[_RaT_]

Echo, Stihl or Husky. I own Echo. Cannot go wrong with any, just buy it from a local shop and not a big chain...

I must agree. I was very partisan to Stihl. I have an old 1977 Stihl 028E Super that is well, SUPER. I had a Stihl 192 14" but my new Husqvarna 14" (don't recall the model number) top handle is hands down better and of course, more costly. I had an old Echo 16" and thought it was junk but after purchasing a CS 400 for our work crew, it is a dynamite saw at a great price and the best warranty in the business. I like all three brands and would be open to others as well. All three make the homeowner models which are fine but you cannot compare the homeowner model experience to that of the far more costly and better made professional saw. I understand why professionals choose Stihl and Husqvarna, they are well made saws when it comes to the professional models. For most of us, Echo as I am sure many other brands are very well made.

 

[billbill1]

I have always had Stihl's and have had great luck with them. I own a Shindaiwa (357) top handle and an Echo SC-440 that I bought off of Ebay for $125. Both are OK saws, not great like Stihl. IMO, if you take good care of the saw, you will be happy with most brands, if not-you'll hate any of them. 2 strokes need care to work properly.

 

[The Dougster]

I bought my bride a Stihl EZ start and she loves it... gets downright possessive.... I think we paid about $250 plus/minus... Highly recommend it

 

[PAGUY]

I have a Poulan 16" bar for big jobs. A Sthil 015 (needs a new bar) for small work. Two electric hand chainsaws for cutting off branches from a downed tree. Two electric pole chain saws for delimbing trees and a 18 volt battery operated hand chainsaw for the occasional low hanging branches.

Luv them all and they all have their place when it comes to the job at hand.

 

[_RaT_]

I have a Poulan 16" bar for big jobs. A Sthil 015 (needs a new bar) for small work. Two electric hand chainsaws for cutting off branches from a downed tree. Two electric pole chain saws for delimbing trees and a 18 volt battery operated hand chainsaw for the occasional low hanging branches.

Luv them all and they all have their place when it comes to the job at hand.

16" for "big jobs". You have little trees.

 

[peterc38]

Just recently bought a Stihl 180 - was pretty impressed for such a light saw. I have 3 other larger Stihls but boought this mainly for clearing out brush but it has more power than i would have thought.

Ken

I second that. MS 180 is tough to beat for a small limbing and occasional use saw for the price ($200)