Which chain saw?

[jyoutz]

The only regular maintenance that ANY chainsaw requires is: chain sharpening, clean/replace spark plug, use clean fuel and bar oil, clean the gunk off the saw and ocassionally bang out the air filter. Really all saws are the same in this regard. Sounds like what you're reading is just Husky marketing dept. story-telling.

 

[Egon]

Gary:
Gary, I'm not being hard on the the farmer. He had a dog for herding his cows. Trouble was the only tree where the poor dog could lift his leg was 10 miles away and after the 20 mile morning round trip was tired out and usless for herding. The Farmer was going to cut down the tree so his dog would be of some use but did't own an axe or saw. When he went to Regina a slick salesman sold him the most expensive chainsaw in the store [ note: rich farmer ] but didn't tell him all about using it. After several days of sawing the Farmer gave up and set a post in the yard for the dog and gave the saw away to one of his most disliked neighbours. Think that fellow also gave it away.

Egon

 

[looch]

Keeping the chain sharp is the most important part. I take regular breaks while using the saw because you really don't want to use one while you're tired. I take this opportunity to give the teeth a quick whack the file. I also sharpen them before putting the saw away. At the same time I'll clean any gunk out from around the chain-brake area, check/clean the air intake, grease the bar tip, and depending on how long unitl next use - empty the gas tank.

 

[Scott_in_WVA]

The filter.....can go a long time without cleaning.I have used my Stihl all winter without cleaning it...and it it does need a cleaning it is a small task and I have never had trouble with my Stihl.The only maintenance is keeping the chain sharp and the right tension on the bar and keep your fuel/mix clean and you won't have any problems.

 

[dmccarty]

TractorGirl,

Each year in the summer time the saw will be a bit harder
to start so I replace the spark plug. I buy two or so at a time
since my other Stihl equipment uses the same plug.

Use fresh 91+ octane fuel/oil mix.
I use Stihls bar and oil mix. I don't have any problems with
their consumables so I use em.

I sharpen the chain every time I use the saw.

I also clean up the air filter every time or every other time. No
real good reason but I just do it. I did get it clugged up once,
likely because I had not cleaned it in a year. So now I just
do it all the time. Not hard at all.

When its time to put on a new chain I try to remember to
flip the bar over.

Thats about all the maintenance the thing takes. And it does
not take long to do nor is it hard. You will fumble around the
first couple of times but it ain't rocket science.

Later,
Dan

 

[butzkeg]

I've used both Stihl's and Husky's, and have zero complaints about either. Don't know the exact models, but my dad has a Stihl 31 and Husky 28, father-in-law has a couple smaller Stihl's and a Stihl 57 and 84 I believe. I have helped them cut, that's why I don't have any saws. If I had to get one, it would be the best deal on a Husky or Stihl I could get. As much as theirs have been used and continue to hold up, I'm convinced both brands are excellent.

Anyway, that big Stihl is a beast. Must weigh close to 20lbs, feels like 50 after a couple hours, 42" arm, and goes thru just about anything.

 

[Tractorgirl]

Thanks guys! My hubbie was adament that based on speaking with one guy who operates a Husqvarna (who raved about the "no maintenance") that was the route to go. The friend knocked the Stihl for requiring more maintenance. That didn't seem right after what ya'll reported so had to check it out. Thanks!

 

[rstcso]

Just thought I'd heat this up a bit (not hot enough in Texas, yet). I went into my favorite chainsaw shop a couple of months ago. They have been in the same location for over twenty years and have sold Stihl and Husvarna the whole time. In the maintenance area were two Husvarnas and over twenty Stihls. Just an observation /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif.

And of course, I own Husky /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif. I'm not prejudiced, I just wouldn't own any other brand, even if it was given to me (although I would keep it long enough to sell it!).

The local Home Depot started a deal with NationsRent and now have rental in the store. They use Husqvarna equipment.

No matter what route you go, Husqvarna or Stihl, learn it, respect it (immensely) and maintain it properly and it will last for many trees.

Spend the few extra dollars on the safety equipment.

 

[rancar]

No chainsaw is a no maintenance saw. Every one requires maintenance of some sort whether it is change of plugs, chain sharpening, chain replacement and tightening, and the like. I've had my Stihl 044 for 7 years and I've never had to yet bring it in to the shop for maintenance. All I've ever done is sharpen the chain and or replace it and clean saw dust from the air filter. You'll find you'll be doing the same thing with the Huskys.

 

[rstcso]

OOPS. I knew I shouldn't have posted what I did...

<font color=green>...and maintain it properly</font color=green>

You might compare the number of Stihls and Huskys in the shop to how many Dodge Ram pickups (what I own) you would see in the shop compared to the number of Dodge Vipers in the shop at the same time. Just a lot more Stihls out there. The actual failure rate of both, when properly maintained, is quite low.

You MUST take care of it. Sharpened and correctly maintained chains are critical. I used to carry several chains. I would just change the chain when out cutting, then sharpen them all when sitting around the house. Saved a tremendous amount of time while I was out cutting.

Thanks for letting me turn up the heat. We still haven't hit 100 degrees in central Texas this year... yet!