Tanaka Chain Saws

[burzynsr]

Hope I am posting this in the correct place. I have the opportunity to get a Tanaka chain saw as a safety award gift. I have a Husqvarna that has been great and a mid size Poulan for lighter cutting. I have never seen or used a Tanaka but I have heard of the brand, the particular saw will be a 14 inch 1.6 hp, 32.2 cc. Lighter in weight than my other saws and it comes with a 7 year homeowners warranty. So are they any good? I can select another item if the feedback is negative but this saw if it is good would be the perfect size for trimming and cutting limbs out of trees. My Husqvarna is a 20" brute and the Poulan is an 18' model good but still a little large. Just what I need another engine to maintain Ha Ha.

 

[davesl708]

I would go ahead and accept the saw. With a seven year warranty should not be a bad choice. Only question is where would you go for warranty work?
A small saw is always handy.

 

[kenmac]

A little tanaka
History

 

[s219]

If it's a real Tanaka design, pre-merger, it would be an excellent saw -- light and powerful. If it's just a rebranded Hitachi, post-merger, meh....

I used to know what to look for to tell them apart, but I'd probably need to see the saw in person to say nowadays. The styling may be a giveaway if it's a Hitachi, as they kind of went crazy with the case design. Tanaka saws were more traditional no-nonsense designs.

 

[burzynsr]

I am going to search for a Tanaka dealer/supplier.

 

[kenmac]

If it has plastic housing (case) It would be no better than a walmart poulan

 

[PILOON]

IMO, Tanaka is superior to Poulin. Go for it!

 

[burzynsr]

I have a dealer at about the 25 mile mark. My Husqvarna and Poulan have plastic cases. The Husqvarna is a brute and twice the saw as the Poulan. I am sure the Tanaka is a plastic case saw. It is a safety gift, not designed to make a living with. Since a dealer is close I think I will get it. I'll keep you all posted as to how it does.

 

[kenmac]

the plastic case poulan and husky are owned by the same people.. Many yrs ago, owned a tanaka trimmer that I liked..

If I already had 2 saws.. I would pick something else.. You can do what you want,, it's your gift

I have a poulan that I use as just a junk saw.. I have yet to destroy it
sometimes it's better running it than my husky 372xp

 

[Alien]

I once had a trimmer of a well known brand. It used to badly burn my arm on the muffler shield every time I used it and took a bit to start it. I went in to a local place and told him the story and he showed me a Tanaka trimmer.
I was dubious of the name as I had never heard of it but he assured me they were great. To top it off I had to pay very little difference for the new Tanaka using the trade.
That was about 8 or 9 years ago.
I love that little Tanaka. Starts easily every time and is nicely balanced and doesn't burn me. It also just runs great and idles real sweet.
On that basis I recommend them.