We cannot get pure gasoline here, unfortunately.

No airport close by? I think the gas they sell is ethanol free.

It used to be you could find some turd out in a field somewhere. Put a battery in it, squirt some gas into the carb and it would start and run. Now, if it sits for 3 months the carb needs to be rebuilt and the fuel lines have started to rust......

I have five chain saws (two older hand held and three pole saws of varying length, weight and stupidity), two weed whips (one with the plastic blades and one with the metal cutters) and associated blowers, etc.

I use the 93 Stihl blend only. I get it at dealer price since the local Mennonite Stihl dealer and I are friends. I started doing this a decade ago after years of buying plastic bits (from primer bulbs to fuel lines), over and over.

I still have my bag of parts.

If I am not planning on using the tool for the next week or so I drain/pour the gas into a clean bucket and return the fuel to the gas can. I have a large funnel with a fuel screen, worth every penny.

I then start the tool and run it dry. For long term storage I'll remove the spark plug and fog the cylinder.

The oldest chainsaw, a Stihl Wood Boss, predates me on the farm...over thirty years old and runs perfectly. One of the weed whips I bought the year before we bought this place decades ago.

I want things to run when I need them to. The 93 octane Stihl has made it work.

Use that or some other version.

I just clean it and put it away together with my leatherface mask and apron.
Nothing fancy.

Did you always use non-ethanol before? I have no doubt the high $ canned gas works....but....

I too have the same criteria...don't we all ;)?

Between my uncle & I....bet we have 25 2-cycles...my oldest is over 25, his even older...
I've just never pampered them...but don't abuse them with ethanol either. I just have never had an issue, nor my older relatives....doing what we've always done....YMMV.

If I'd ever had any issues with mine...then I would reconsider....but not until then.

Or Marinas....though I haven't fueled at one in years, they used to have it too.

Use it or lose it …..

I used regular gas (10% ethanol) and added 2 stroke oil to the mix. I mixed by the gallon depending on the mixture required.

I did not dump gas tanks and run dry in those days. From what I have read, it may, and I emphasize may, not have mattered. They would sit for weeks with gas in the lines.

If I did not have an avenue to Sthil gas reasonably priced, I would hit the local marinas and buy non-ethanol gas and mix.

Works for me. I burn maybe five gallons of gas a year in my 2 strokes, twice that in trimming years. That is a lot more time on the saw than you guys think.

I'd bet the 10% ethanol caused all of your issues...that's what it does :(. The additives might help mitigate, but pure is better.
I just mix a gal at a time, from non-E pumps that move a lot of gas....never kept track, but 4-5 a year...

Did I mention that Ethanol sucks :(

Since there is some chainsaw knowledge here
 

What would you guys recommend for an occasional use CS for limbing trees, cutting up large branches, etc.? I know nothing about them other than brand names and even though I may not use it much, I still like quality tools.

Are used CSs always a fool's economy? TIA. :cool:

Honestly, Denis, in your circumstance it is as much about chains being sharp as it is about the brand of saw.

I have a sharpening jig in my workshop. I actually asked the Mennonites to teach me how best to sharpen chains. I know, but dull blades are the real fool's economy.

I really like pole saws but that may not work for you.

Buy a good brand of chainsaw, new or used, have at least three sharpened chains ready (I have tons) and you should be good to go.

Mine starts up fine, even if I haven't used it for a year. Mind you it is a Husqvarna ;)

An interesting thing with my Honda motor bike. It can be an arse to start if I haven't used it for a month or two. But if I drain the fuel from the carb if starts almost immediately. I'd say the same applies to most small engines.

Is your gas sober Bill....I 'spect so. This ethanol crap sucks...on so many levels it isn't funny. I don't think the ROW is as stupid as we are :(.

Yes it's sober gas.

We do have ethanol gas here but we know when we are buying it as the fuel companies brag that it contains 3% (or whatever) as if it's a good thing.

I have a Stihl 029 that I fuel with truFuel. It’s expense stuff on a relative basis but my use (limited) mitigates the cost. The saw has always been put away wet. It’s had a neglected life but I’m fix’n to get her a spa day at my local Stihl dealer.

This year I put new carbs, fuel lines, plugs and filters on everything. Chain saw, blower, power washer, and trimmer. Kits on amazon were $10 - $15. All good so far, I will run dry in the fall.

For around $300....you would not go wrong with an Echo CS400 (40cc) that Baz mentioned in that other thread, or a Stihl MS250 (45cc) with a 16" bar. Stick with a rear handle (not top handle) and an anti-kickback chain (Stihl green code) unless you have ample experience imo. Husqvarna makes great stuff too...no one sells or services them around here though...I've asked why....parts & support. Redmax is supposedly Husqvarna design but with quality Japanese parts....

....but in reality, as Paul says....any ol' saw with a sharp chain will suffice for casual use....just like a meh-car ;).

Used saws are fine imo, if they are in good shape....older saws are fine too...evaluate like you would an old car.

As you see, key is a good fuel. And / or dry store it. Personally as I have mentioned here in similar threads, I buy the Stihl gas premix. I have very little usage and it pays for itself by keeping the tools (chainsaw and hedge trimmer) always ready. They are stored in my garage that gets pretty hot in the summer. No issues, even after a year of dormancy.

On my lawn mower and dirt bike (both 4 stroke) I use seafoam.

G

Avgas + non-synthetic oil, leave it in the saw/can.

Don't underestimate the use of a small electric chainsaw.

I grew up cutting wood and thought electrics were for wusses.

Having bought a small electric that can be used on the supplied pole, it is the cat's meow.

Light and non stinky it's great for 10 minute jobs with small trees/branches.