Which chain saw?

[cisco]

Hmm, how much are you going to use it, and on what, and do you want something that will last nearly forever, if treated right. Stihl and Husqvarna (or replicas under other names) are the heads of the class, and cost a fair amount. Stihl prices are fairly rigidly controlled, but you can get Husqvarna at a discount on occasion. Echo is very good, the next step down, and a number of dealers sell such over the NET, at decent prices. For a general duty, and fairly cheap, chain saw, check out the Sears deals when some unit, usually a 16" or 18" saw, go "on sale" every month or so. I've Echo equipment, but picked up an extra Sears chain saw 2 years ago, and aside from the lousy chain that comes with it (get a good one, carbide tip or similar), it's a lot better than I would have expected, and less than 1/2 the price (on sale) of a Stihl. Is it as good as the Echo, heck no. Has it cut down a bunch of trees, yet still starts on the first or second pull, yes. So, what do you want to do with the saw, and what can you afford to pay - like most things. Almost forgot, Consumer Reports has reviewed chain saws within the past 2 years.

 

[Tractorgirl]

Thanks for the warm welcome and the great info guys!!! Ya'll have convinced me I'm on the right path at looking at the Stihl but really need to consider the Husqvarna. As 91 acres of our land was recently timbered, there are still some down trees that need cut up and burnt plus a few dead standing trees. The saw will definitely get a heavy workout.

I appreciate the provided links and will continue to study it out to find the perfect saw.

Thanks again!!!

 

[cstocks]

I only owned one saw. Stihl. I have had it for over a dozen years and still cranks on first or second try, even after sitting up for months or even a year. That is good enough for me.

 

[rancar]

Welcome Rhonda. I use a Stihl 044 with chisel point chains. It's a professional logger's saw that cuts like a hot knife through butter. It's a little heavier than the 029 and a little more expensive but it packs a tremendous wallop if you're looking for power to cut some big timber.

Regards,
Bob Ancar
Cambridge, NY

 

[soarkrebel]

Well several years ago when i was going to school and me and my wife had one kid and were poor i bought a poulan. it is a 3800 , has a 3.7 engine. the thing is oh 11 years old and still getting it. i also have a poulan 1800 ,1.8 engine, paid $100 for it 10 years ago. both still go great.
I had to have a saw back then for i lived in my grandfathers farm and the only heat was a wood burning heater. i wanted a husky but way out of my budget back then. the poulan was but i scraped it up.
I have come close to buying a stihl 025 but i keep thinking my poulans cut alot of wood every year so why spend the money. but if i was going to buy a new or when i will get a stihl. i used them and like them . the big poulan holds it own but for the price of that saw today i can get a stihl.
the little poulan for the price are great for trimming and cleaning up.
but i will say i don't know about the new poulans just the old ones.

 

[ScottAR]

I second the 026 Stihl with 18" bar. I dunno what they call the model now, but its a screamer and not too heavy. Get an extra chain while your buying XXX chainsaw. They seem to touch the dirt at the worst times.

 

[jyoutz]

For that much land/work to do you need a light-weight pro-saw. Stihl is tops in the forestry/logging industry and I'd definately recommend going that route. I recommend the Stihl 036 farm pro with a 20" bar. I have that model for fuelwood cutting and I'm a forester. Stihls make great dependable products, but the pro line is better built than their homeowner's line. The pro line has rebuildable engines, while the other models have throw-away engines. Don't go with anything smaller for what your needs are. The other models (026) are dandy, but a little small for your needs. Trust me on this. The woods industry is what I know best.

 

[jyoutz]

The 044 with a chistle chain is definately the way to go for timber falling. A wonderful saw that makes wood fast. In this case however, I would caution against buying anything much larger than the 036. The 044 is really for experienced users only.

 

[Egon]

Tractorgirl:

There is a wise man from Texas who solves many problems and gives great advice. He post's quite regularly and receives great respect for his knowledge and wisdom. He own's a Poulan.
Egon [from Nova Scotia]

 

[dourobob]

Welcome to TBN TractorGirl

I'll add my vote for Stihl - Twenty six years ago I bought a used 041 Farm Boss (it might have been 10 or 15 years old then) - this was when I was a full time wood burner and my muscles were a lot younger. I used that saw almost every day for about 12 years and now I use it maybe once or twice a year. Over the 26 years it has cost me only the price of chains, gas, oil and a couple of spark plugs. It stihl (pun intended) starts on first or second pull and cuts maple like butter. I have a small Poineer saw that I use now for light work and, while it does the job and was inexpensive (they used to be manufactured in my neck of the woods so there are lots of folks who know how to work on them) but it isn't a fraction of the saw the Stihl is.

I want to further support the safety recommendations mentioned above - helmet, visor, ear protection, chaps or pants - a small investment in your safety and your future.

Good luck.