I started out with a Husqvarna and loved it the first year or two, then it became harder and harder to start, and then it failed. I switched to Stihl and loved it for the first year or two, but it also became harder and harder to start. I bought another smaller one for limbing, but it had the same issues. Both went into the shop every year, and I just hated using either of them because of how much effort it took to get them to start.
A couple years ago I bought an Echo from Home Depot that has been awesome. Super easy to start, unbelievable power and super simple to maintain.
But to be honest, the Echo is the first chainsaw that I bought premixed gasoline for. The Husky and Stihl saws might of been easier to start and keep going if I had used premixed gas in them, so I'm not 100% negative on those brands. There are other features on the Echo that make it nicer to own, like how the chain tightens, how you can see through the plastic fuel tank to see how much you have, and all the power that it has.
I burn less than two cords of wood a year. Most of it is in the Spring and Fall when we have fires on the porch. I also clean up fallen trees on my land and I'm always clearing trees for fencing or my pastures. I cut up those trees into 12-foot lengths so I can pick them up with my
grapple and take them to the burn pile.
Having a saw that starts for small jobs makes a huge difference in how quickly that project gets done, and how much I enjoy doing it or hating it. On those days I just fill up the tank and oil for the chain, and never have to fill either up again.
I buy three packs of chains from Amazon. I'll hit a chain with a file when it starts to dull, but after a few times I'll swap in a new chain. They are cheap enough that I'm not going to spend a lot of time sharpening them.
Whatever you buy, make sure to use premixed gas. I think the difference is significant and probably the most important part of starting the saw when you want to use it!!!!!
