Better, but not best, for occasional use chain saw
 

We have some trees/branches on the property that need to be cut up. I need more grunt and cutting time that I get from my little electric chain saw. I need a "real" ;) chain saw. There is a local store that is a "Farm Service Center" that sells everything including Stihl. I think those are well regarded.

I want a decent chain saw that's going to work well and last, but I don't need the best chain saw.

Does anyone have any recommendations on what I should get or what I should look for? Are there any questions that I need to answer to be able to answer this question?

This thing may go a year or two without being used, but then be needed for several hours at other times.

I believe I've seen folks say to get multiple chains so you can swap when one gets dull.

How would I maintain it or set it up for sitting far a year or two?

Thanks for the education.

Airplane gas.

I have a couple Stihl saws that sit for extended periods.
They always fire right up, as 100LL avgas lasts almost indefinitely.

No matter what quality, a saw won't last long if gas with alcohol sits in it for very long.

OK, no airports nearby. Sounds like I'll need to drain any gas that doesn't get used.

I use Stihl as well. I have the 150 C which is older and eats whatever I feed it. IDT they're still available but the 170 series might suit you with a 12" bar. They're usually under $200. I run them dry and store them that way. I always have a sharpened chain on deck.

https://bassanipowerequipment.stihldealer.net/products/chain-saws/homeowner-saws/ms170/

Thanks. Good to know.

So you're not thinking that I need one of these?
:D

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Go with a saw you can get serviced locally . Stihl/Echo/Husqvarna are all good saws and they make homeowner quality and pro quality . My wife bought me a 16" Poulan years ago and I am surprised how well it has held up .

To me 16" bar/chain is a good size for a homeowner . I have three chains so I rotate out dull as needed . For engine size go 38 - 45 CC. Anything larger than that the weight can start getting up there .

NEVER EVER use ethanol fuel . Period . Use non ethanol mixed to correct 2 cycle ratio . If the saw is going to sit for more than about two months either add fuel stabilizer or run the saw out of fuel . I have never had an issue with restarting after following those rules . Good luck

I like my Echo CS 400. Use non-ethanol gas and you should be fine.

I've been to those fairs in New Hampshire, they are a hoot!

Echo here as well. 16" bar. It's served well. Ditto on the no booze gas.

Pure gas aka boat gas. I swear by it.

I have a mid level Husqvarna- nicer than you get at a big box store. Super light and easy to handle. Has a narrower gauge chain than typical so less power to cut. Down side? Probably need to sharpen more.

I have had it 17 years or so. Bought it when I got the house with 70+ maples. Use it every year but not much. Critical piece is will it start.

It has been a rock star!

How do you guys find gas with no corn? The nearest gas station that I know of with no corn gas is 50 miles away.

Bought the Dewalt battery powered saw. The thing kicks ass! My dad and I used it a few weeks ago cutting up a dead Ash that the wind blew over. For a gasser, I'd go Poulan if your just using it occasionally. My brother has one and it works well.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/1106997-battery-powered-chainsaws-yikes.html

I can't get no corn fuel. My Stihl has always used whatever the local BP sells and I've never had a problem. But I ALWAYS run it dry.

For once a year use you could buy the pre mixed fuel that shops sell at 10x the price of pump gas rather than mixing a gallon that you won't use. It's usually 50:1 and ethanol free but very pricey.

^^^
You can buy the premix from Husqvarna or Stihl but it's EXPENSIVE.

You described my use. I bought an ECHO maybe 15 years ago. Occasionally used. It’s a great saw. CS45 or something with a 16” bar.

I run non-ethanol after I had a fuel line ear thru with the other stuff. Easy fix. Cost me $50 at a pro shop. The guy did marvel at how well my saw ran, after he was done. I buy non ethanol. A gallon of the store bought premix stuff is $15 and last so long with me. I only run the saw, but more often my blower. I run the saw dry and put it away. Zero issues. Except wgat I mentioned earlier.

Stihl is what I use, let it run out of gas when going let it sit for a while and it won't let you down.

Does all pump gasoline in the USA have ethanol?

Nope

There is a Bucc-ees about 50 miles from me that sells alcohol free gas. I think it's 91 or 92 octane and about $1/gal more than 93 octane gas with corn.

Echo here also...great power to weight ratio as well.

For a while it was the Marathon station on US 1, but then a Wawa went in on SR 44, so that's where I get mine.

I also fill up some large fuel cans to have during hurricane season but also use those to make my 2-cycle mix for all my handheld power equipment, which is mostly Echo brand.

I also use non-ethanol in my motorcycles and vintage Porsches.

The Silverado gets the regular stuff. :)