What is the good Chainsaw for clearing?

[Joe Batt]

I gave up with 2 cycles. Even the local small engine and mower shop quit selling 2 cycles. Too unreliable. I was spending about 1/3 of my time fighting with the saw.

I use a palletized contractor generator and Oregon plug in electric saw. Dragging the cord would be a PITA if I was making firewood, but I'm just clearing land. I plan on eventually replacing the independent generator with a PTO driven generator.

Above is a mention of chaps and electric saws. The Oregon does stop the blade almost immediatly when you take your finger off of the trigger. The motor takes time to wind down, but the blade stops. Holding the trigger may cut through chaps though.

 

[Robert walker]

I have 2 stihl saws. I have a 036, 20” bar that I bought in 2000, still starts every time I get it out, I have never done anything more than change spark plug and put gas and chain oil in it along with buying a new chain here and there. Have never ran into anything it won’t cut.

 

[JWR]

As I posted before, I am clearing several lots, and need a good chainsaw to tackle the bigger trees and can grind them down afterward with a stump grinder. But you really cant find out much of anything out of the stores on what works for solid pine and oak that we have down here. What is a good Chainsaw that starts on the first pull, lightweight but powerful, and doesnt breakdown after a day or two of heavy cutting..?

I won't bother reading the other inputs, many good I'm sure. The answer is one word. Stihl. I have 5 gas engined Stihl products. Blower, shrub trimmer, pole saw, string trimmer/edger/universal head thing, etc. One is an old model 026 chain saw. Had it for at least 40 years. They last forever. Always maintainable. Parts readily available. Local expert service shop. Worn out I don't know how many chains, a few blades. etc. You simply cannot do better. Brand matters in my experience. There is solid reason why they dominate the market. Not that there aren't other good ones but none better.

 

[Mart5130]

As I posted before, I am clearing several lots, and need a good chainsaw to tackle the bigger trees and can grind them down afterward with a stump grinder. But you really cant find out much of anything out of the stores on what works for solid pine and oak that we have down here. What is a good Chainsaw that starts on the first pull, lightweight but powerful, and doesnt breakdown after a day or two of heavy cutting..?

Stihl.

 

[big bubba]

one point not mentioned equally as important as name brand or displacement are 3 important words: ethanol free fuel. surprised just how many small engine owners (including mowers, etc) are not plugged into fuel quality. your choice to treat but i do.
i hear complaints all the time regarding poor reliability of 2 cycle engines. but they continue to use ethanol polluted fuel & wonder why no starts or carb problems after sitting a season.

 

[Reddogs]

one point not mentioned equally as important as name brand or displacement are 3 important words: ethanol free fuel. surprised just how many small engine owners (including mowers, etc) are not plugged into fuel quality. your choice to treat but i do.
i hear complaints all the time regarding poor reliability of 2 cycle engines. but they continue to use ethanol polluted fuel & wonder why no starts or carb problems after sitting a season.

The problems that ethanol causes for small engines is unbelievable. Had to throw away many of my small mowers and rebuild the carb on the bigger one, and it ruined the fuel meter on the SUV. Had to guess at my fuel level till got rid of it.

 

[caver]

I've owned 3 Stihl saws. First was a 250 great little saw. Second was a Farm Boss and it was a dog. Both were stolen out of my barn. I replaced the small saw with a 251. It's been in the shop 2-3 times. last time he just replaced the carburetor. I also needed a bigger saw so tried a Makita/Dolmer. That's a great saw. Only way I would buy another Stihl would be an older used one gently loved.

 

[agburnsky]

OPE equipment has been mentioned, but learn the proper way to cut trees and how to use a chainsaw. Too many of us learned from just picking it up or watching someone else, bucking firewood is different from felling 30 inch trees.. There are some good books well worth the read and the US Firest Service has some great information online. I used a saw quite a bit before I realized I didn't know as much as I thought. Looking back I was lucky, also, chainsaw chaps save me from slicing up my leg one time when I was tired and not paying attention to how I was holding the saw. Good luck and be careful.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

The problems that ethanol causes for small engines is unbelievable.

luckily our local Cenex (Roseau MN) has a premium non ethanol pump option so that is all I run through my small engines, snowmobiles, wood processor, atv's, etc... the extra cost I think is well worth it.

I think it has made a big difference in lowering repairs over the years.

I highly recommend using the non ethanol suppliers for chain saws.

 

[Reddogs]

Like everything, electric saws have their place and will become more useful as the battery technology improves. They do seem VERY easy to use and maintain as long as you aren't clear-cutting a forest. I wear my chaps based on what I'm doing and how long I'll be doing it. I know that isn't smart, but I'm being honest. If it is going to be hours behind the saw and fatigue is going to be an issue or I need to move quickly (felling) they are on. If I just need to make a cut to clear a trail. I have a gas saw so I wouldn't replace it until it dies. Maybe by the time it does the batteries will be even better and they'll figure out how to solve the chap problem (or I'll be too damn old to be using a chainsaw).

Hmm, the Battery Powered electric chainsaws for DEWALT, and RYOBI, and STIHL looked good, the HUSQUARNA I still have to check on..

 

[TractorTYMe]

I got myself a Husky 572XP with a 30'' bar last year, it's a beast but it is heavy with this setup. I feel like an orangutang after 15 minutes dragging my knuckles.

 

[Rockbadchild]

i have a 359 husky, i like it, it’s good for both … it is discontinued… it could be a little more powerful maybe more in the 65cc would be perfect … husky and stihl are both safe pick i am more of a husky guy myself but it’s only personal preference. if i ever have to reaplace it i would get a professional for sure and 60 to 70cc

 

[Buzzard7]

As I posted before, I am clearing several lots, and need a good chainsaw to tackle the bigger trees and can grind them down afterward with a stump grinder. But you really cant find out much of anything out of the stores on what works for solid pine and oak that we have down here. What is a good Chainsaw that starts on the first pull, lightweight but powerful, and doesnt breakdown after a day or two of heavy cutting..?

I use Stihl saws and have had good look with them. Their Farm Boss is a good saw. Their pole saws are good, but they are heavy.

I have found the trick to easy starting is to buy pre-mixed fuel or find a gas station that sell gas without ethanol.

 

[John_Mc]

Husqvarna, Stihl and Echo all make good saws. (Makita/Dolmar does as well, but I think I read somehere thatthey are exiting the gas engine market. It's possible I'm confusing them with some other brad) They also make low-end "disposable" saws. And they make saws that are somewhere in the middle.

If you pick one of middle to high end saws, they will give you many years of service if you take care of it properly.

More important than the brand name you pick is finding a good servicing dealer in your area. Find one with a good reputation, and buy the brand they sell. Saws can be very reliable, but there will still be the occasion where you need something fixed or adjusted.

 

[Torvy]

Mostly independent small engine and equipment shops. HD carries their weed wackers, but not saws.

Maybe that's a New Mexico thing... It is both/and they have them at HD, I got mine at small shops. See them everywhere here.

ECHO 20 in. 59.8 cc Gas 2-Stroke Rear Handle Timber Wolf Chainsaw CS-590-20 - The Home Depot

Maintain your yard and remove thick bushes easily with the help of this excellent ECHO Gas 2-Stroke Cycle Chainsaw. Increased performance and durability.

www.homedepot.com

 

[Jstpssng]

One thing I didn’t see mentioned is dealer. All of the three manufacturers mentioned are good saws, but can you take it back to Home Depot or TSC when something goes wrong. The OP mentioned light. That would steer me toward a Husky... and don’t waste your money on the homeowner’s saws. They are fine for occasional use but it sounds like he’s doing a lot of work.
On the other hand, an Echo will cost up to 50% less; which is why I have an Echo 490, a 590, and their biggest brush saw. (I also have a Poulan out in the shed, for when I need something to bounce around in the truck.)Yet if I ever start cutting wood off my lot again to sell, the first load of wood will buy me a new 562 Husky. The

 

[jyoutz]

Maybe that's a New Mexico thing... It is both/and they have them at HD, I got mine at small shops. See them everywhere here.

ECHO 20 in. 59.8 cc Gas 2-Stroke Rear Handle Timber Wolf Chainsaw CS-590-20 - The Home Depot

Maintain your yard and remove thick bushes easily with the help of this excellent ECHO Gas 2-Stroke Cycle Chainsaw. Increased performance and durability.

www.homedepot.com

Interesting. The only Echo products they have at our Home Depot are weed wackers, but I haven’t looked at the HD online products. I did buy a Echo wheeled weed wacker at a local independent small equipment dealer and that is a great machine. Still am partial to Stihl chainsaws. That’s what most of the local loggers use. Something that I’ve noticed is that loggers in the west seem to prefer Stihl, but loggers in the east seem to use Huskies. Both are good, and though I’ve never seen loggers with Echo saws, I’m sure they are a good product based on their other items I own.

 

[kenmbz]

I have been happy with the CS-620P and have had the CS-490 (more plasticy but tough) for 4 years.
I have taken out many 20-34" Ash, cherry, oak etc. and they both start easy.
I got the 620 as the 490 was too slow in the 30" plus ash for bucking and found the 620 well balanced in the cut, though it is heavy to carry around all day.
Did well on this leaner, with 7 wedges to aim it and spin to the left so it would not take out the maple in the background. I still have 6-8 large ash to drop and who knows how many smaller ones.
So both saws will keep getting a workout.

I see most of the pros here use Stihl. My neighbor has a husky and his works well too.
For me the dealer was important (as was the huge difference in price).
If I was a pro the stihl would be more justifiable, but it was more than double the price.

 

[Joe Batt]

one point not mentioned equally as important as name brand or displacement are 3 important words: ethanol free fuel. ...

Why can't the manufacturers adjust? The auto industry did.

 

[jyoutz]

Why can't the manufacturers adjust? The auto industry did.

The auto industries now use fuel injection. Gas with ethanol eventually destroys carburetors. Fuel injection is probably not economically feasible on small engines, so they still have carburetors. I always fill my small equipment fuel cans with ethanol free gas at a local petroleum dealer (at a considerably higher cost than standard gas with ethanol). Even though the ethanol free fuel is expensive, i only use about 10-20 gallons per summer for my small engine equipment.