Dirt makes for a dull chain almost instantly.
Learned that the first day I ever used a chain saw.

I have the Stihl MS 250 C-BE with Easy2Start.
Lots of power, easy to start and no tools necessary to tighten the chain.
I think it was about $300.

The only downside is that lots of parts are made of plastic to help keep the weight down.

Unfortunately Sears sources their saws from a few vendors (MTD, Poulan, Homelite, McCullough).....so it's a crapshoot as to what you're getting.

All the late model Craftsman I've seen have been Poulan's, have seen some older stuff that looked Homeliteish.
pwd, I know some guys like Lonnie. I remember one telling a punk kid "you couldn't keep me in gas and oil" and he was probably right.
Jim

It's still a mixed bag.....

"MTD Southwest Inc. Recalls Troy-Bilt, Craftsman Chain Saws, Breaking Handles Pose Laceration Hazard"

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07040.html


FWIW....

"Electrolux group has been pretty much the largest chainsaw manufacturer in the
world for some time now. Electrolux owns the following brands:

McCulloch
Poulan (which incorporated Partner of Sweden and Pioneer of Canada)
Husqvarna
Jonsered"


Although I've heard that MTD bought McCulloch.

IIRC, some Craftsman saws were built by German manufacturer Dolmar. I wouldn't be bashful about owning one of these.