It looks like I could use a new chain saw and have been looking at what's available. It looks like most are now clones of each other owned by the same company. Even Stihl seems to be a shadow of its former self. I would be looking at the smaller size unit because I would be limbing mature trees and don't want to be slinging a 20" bar all over the place. We don't burn fire wood any more, but I do have a couple of larger trees I would like to take down.
So what's the hive think.
Stihl or nothing. They are stihl made in Virginia Beach.
For around the yard use, I would consider an electric. I haven't cranked my gas saw since I bought an electric.
Toyman01 wrote: Stihl or nothing. They are stihl made in Virginia Beach.
QFT. There isn't anything else that compares.
im a firm believer in husqvarna. mine has never let me down.
and just because it come equipped with a 20 inch bar doesnt mean you cant fit up a smaller. i found my 12 inch too small a lot of times, and my 20 comes in awful handy.
What do you mean by Stihl being a shadow of its former self? I have a Stihl chain saw that is 20 years old, and they still sell the exact same one now. I have 6 pieces of Stihl equipment, some old some newish, and they are all fantastic.
I use a Stihl 028AV that my dad bought new in 1984 or 1985. It is a great saw. Friends have let me use their Husqavarna and Jonserred saws, both were nice saws.
I was utterly confused for the last five minutes. I'm glad I've figured out why you want "china saw recommendations".
In reply to N Sperlo:
So you do that too, huh?
Toyman01 wrote: For around the yard use, I would consider an electric. I haven't cranked my gas saw since I bought an electric.
I had considered an electric job for the limbing.
The best values out there are the refurbished husqvarna saws from vminnovations. I got a husky 445 with 16" bar for $179 shipped. Good saw. Does everything I want it to. Is it a 029 super or a 359xp? Nope. But it works for me and more importantly was cheap
Electric plus generator is about the same price as a new Stihl. And an electric pruner is way lighter and easier too.
bravenrace wrote: What do you mean by Stihl being a shadow of its former self? I have a Stihl chain saw that is 20 years old, and they still sell the exact same one now. I have 6 pieces of Stihl equipment, some old some newish, and they are all fantastic.
I'm no expert but a good while back some of the farm and garden web-boards were saying the new stihls were not as "good" as the old ones. Anything with the new model designation was scorned. The 028 and 034s were the last good ones. Seems the new models are all plastic now.
BTW Husquarna and jonsereds are now the same saw. Husquarna (or it parent company) also owns Poulan. They have a Prolan Pro that is better, but the regular Poulan has been pushed down the qualtiy scale.
Emissions/CARB compliance has taken its toll on all of the manufacturers.
When I worked for the NPS (S-212 Fire Saws) my baby was a Stihl MS361 (they don't make it anymore CARB killed it) it was my Goldilocks, not too big, not too small, "just right." I loved that saw.
At home I have a Husqvarna, I'm a little ashamed to say I can't tell you what model it is, I rarely if ever have a need for it, and don't remember. It was my grandpa's he was having trouble getting it running, and gave it to me to fix a couple months before he passed away, I never got it back to him.
Get on Craig's List and find yourself a nice used mid size pro saw and call it done; Stihl, Husqvarna, Jonsered, Dolmar, etc. they all make good stuff, that do the same thing. It's often as bad as Ford Vs. Chevy debate.
Obligatory picture of a much younger me, I'm the goober on the left with his saw turned opposite everyone else.
I have a Husqvarna 455 Rancher with an 18" bar that has served me well on the farm. It has pounded through a lot of wood without a hiccup. I'd buy another one without thinking twice if I needed another largish saw. I might buy a smaller saw for lighter work like limbing and trimming.
Basically anything old enough to have an adjustable carb will be great for occasional use.
I just did this dance three weeks ago. I bought a Stihl MS 180 CB-E. It's their smallest saw with the easy-start feature. I've used it one full 8 hour day clearing heavy, heavy brush (6-8" thick stuff.) and it's freakin awesome. Small enough I can swing it all day but big enough to do anything I need around the house. I do burn firewood, but most of what I get is less than 18" trunks, so I suspect it will do fine there too. The easy start is nice - you slowly pull the cord out and it loads a spring. At the top of the stroke it trips a release and the spring tension starts the motor. I HATE snatching on a cord for 20 pulls to get something started.
My choice came down to this or a Husq in the same price range and size. There's a Stihl dealer in town but only Lowe's for the Husq. Every Stihl piece of equipment I've ever used was awesome. Between those two points, Stihl was the only choice for me.
VminnovAtions runs deals on husqvarna 435's from time to time. A great little homeowner say with the benefit of buying it for $150.
bravenrace wrote:Toyman01 wrote: Stihl or nothing. They are stihl made in Virginia Beach.QFT. There isn't anything else that compares.
QFT.
http://www.vminnovations.com/Product_5048/Husqvarna-435-Chainsaw-16-Inch-40-9cc-Refurbished-435-BRC-RB.html
Find an online coupon to get 10-15% off that price and enjoy saving to a of cash. I've ordered two items from this place and both work excellent. One was a gas powered string trimmer and the other was my husky saw.
Fueled by Caffeine wrote: http://www.vminnovations.com/Product_5048/Husqvarna-435-Chainsaw-16-Inch-40-9cc-Refurbished-435-BRC-RB.html Find an online coupon to get 10-15% off that price and enjoy saving to a of cash. I've ordered two items from this place and both work excellent. One was a gas powered string trimmer and the other was my husky saw.
I'll have to check this at home. The work computer isn't liking this site.
Dr. Hess wrote:bravenrace wrote:QFT.Toyman01 wrote: Stihl or nothing. They are stihl made in Virginia Beach.QFT. There isn't anything else that compares.
QFT again......dad and I both have 025c models, we can switch between 16" and 18" within a minute and we have a new Echo(idk the model but its a 20") as a backup(black friday sale for cheap).
We also have a Stihl pole saw(those are amazing to have)
My Dad has a Stihl Farm Boss that's 38 years old and is still going strong. I bought a Farm Boss about 8 years ago and love mine, too.
I like my Stihl
In reply to spitfirebill:
I would say your talking about two saws. Wanting something small and light is not compatable with bringing down larger trees.
If your light saw desires are within 100 feet of an electrical outlet, I rather concur with the thought voiced by others, electric might be the thing. They are very docile and work pretty well on light stuff. No muss no fuss.
Dropping trees does not match well with sub 20 inch bars, and certainly not with the typical engine size that comes with a small bar.
I'm going to skip the Stihl praising/bashing, and say get what the dealer nearby supports. And I don't mean Home Depot. If you've a johnserd dealership, look closely at those saws. It's darn nice to be able to run down the road for a replacement part, and continue working. As opposed to mail ordering parts and waiting a week to finish a job.
The piston is important, but it's the chain that cuts, and the bar that steers that chain. Buy good ones. Take care of them.
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