Chain Saw Recommendation

[Palum6o]

I think I need to get my own chainsaw. I had rented an electric one from HD and it was more of a pain to constantly adjust it during use. I then decided to look at getting a new one, but was surprised at the cost of new ones. I just one for low to medium duty.

[Joeaksa]

Stihl. Owned one for years and still wish I had it. Gave it to my best friend and he finally wore it out, 27 years later.

Look on Ebay for used ones, might find a deal.

[VINMAN]

Definately agree with Joe. Stihl is the best. Another excellent brand is Jonesred.

[legion]

I have to look at what brand I have.

I got mine at Menard's for something like $75. It's a two-stroke (I hate the anemic electric ones). I've used it to cut down and cut up a pine and a spruce, each about 12-14" around and 20-25' tall. Considering it sees use maybe once a year, it's been perfect for me. I have to sharpen the chain after every use (and sometimes during use).

Get the Stihl if you need something to use frequently, but the cheap ones are okay for infrequent use.

[Hugh R]

ECHO is what many professional tree trimmers use. I have one and its great.

[Seahawk]

Stil for all my uses. I own a twenty year old that runs perfect. Also, think about a pole saw if you don't have to cut more than 24'' logs. I love 'em.

[unimog406]

I am a proud new england redneck, and have a very strong opinion about this. for infrequent use, a stihl will be fine, but over the long run... It also depends on how large/ tough the stuff you're cutting is. For big stuff, and a saw that will last forever, its husky all the way. [husqvarna]
Having said that, I have a new favorite limbing/ small tree saw; an echo. tiny light little sucker, but great for sub 4" diameter.

also, get a good chain file, and get good at sharpening. maintain correctly, bar oil, etc...
and most importantly of all. BE SAFE
take a course if you're not completely familiar with felling/ safety techniques, whatever you need to do to keep yourself alive!

[MikeSid]

Depending on how minimal your useage would be, check out the Sawzall blade made by Skil called "The Ugly". Made for pruning. This would probably limit cuts to 8"diameter, but if you already have a reciprocating saw, your investment would be only about $15 for the blade.

I used one when I got tired of a gas chainsaw fouling the plug and it was flawless and fast. Much less noise too.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by unimog406

and most importantly of all. BE SAFE
take a course if you're not completely familiar with felling/ safety techniques, whatever you need to do to keep yourself alive!

Yes. I never cut without eye protection, chainsaw chaps and steel toed boots. Chainsaws are like motorcycles, things will happen that will hurt. Wear the right clothes.

[vash]

i went with an ECHO. i got a smaller chain model with a relatively big motor. side by side up against my buddies STIHL, i absolutely kicked his butt. but i bet my chain was sharper. i picked the echo because it was the easiest to start. it has one of those bubbles that let you pump and prime the carb. pump, choke, rip, sputter, unchoke, rip, roar, death to branches.

either way, i would go with ECHO, STIHL or Huskyvarna. (altho i had to toss my husky due to a bad part)

have fun, be careful. most manly tool on the planet.

[NICKG]

Originally Posted by unimog406

I am a proud new england redneck, and have a very strong opinion about this. for infrequent use, a stihl will be fine, but over the long run... It also depends on how large/ tough the stuff you're cutting is. For big stuff, and a saw that will last forever, its husky all the way. [husqvarna]
Having said that, I have a new favorite limbing/ small tree saw; an echo. tiny light little sucker, but great for sub 4" diameter.

also, get a good chain file, and get good at sharpening. maintain correctly, bar oil, etc...
and most importantly of all. BE SAFE
take a course if you're not completely familiar with felling/ safety techniques, whatever you need to do to keep yourself alive!

I have a husky 345...great saw, i personally don't bother sharpening...new chain is like $15 (oem husky too)
I did tree work when i was younger, don't consider anything that isn't Husky or stihl....

[Palum6o]

I am partial to Echo because I have a weed trimmer and leaf blower that use the same fuel/gas. However, the smallest model (14") at HD is $200. They have Homelite and Poulan/Poulan Pro that are much cheaper, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for - or does it matter? What I don't want to do is adjust the chain tension every 2 minutes like I had to over the weekend.

[RickM]

Originally Posted by vash

i got a smaller chain model with a relatively big motor.

This was my approach 15 years ago with my McCullough. Shorter bar and larger engine. I use it a lot and have never had one service issue. I also use the non-safety chain which is more aggressive (gotta be careful with them as they bite real hard).

To be honest I feel Stihl saws are too heavy for frequent homeowner use....and I'm a fan / owner of their products.

[Dantilla]

A friend has bought three or four brand-new chainsaws since I've known him. Always tells me what a great price he paid. Two problems:

1- They don't last. That's why he needs to replace them often.
2- When he has a big job, he asks to borrow my Stihl.

[Flatbutt1]

Stihl or Echo. I've had both and they are great tools. BUT you must respect these things, alot. They will bite you BADLY if you take your eyes off of them while they're spinning. I **** thee not.

[porsche4life]

Build one of these...Can't go wrong with a V8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R27UHHhxtX0

someone should build one with a flat six

[Mr_Wizard]

WWLU?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I've cut down more trees with a Husqvarna than anything else and swear by them.

My grandfather likes his Stihl.

[turbo6bar]

Can't go wrong with any main brand. Stihl would be the one I'd buy if I had to stick with one brand. Husky good. Jonsered good.

A few years ago I bought a modified Efco 962. It has all kinds of hot rod mods. It cuts like hell unleashed. You can pick them up under the Efco/John Deere name on eBay for cheap.

If you're on a budget, spy for these models: Stihl 026, Husqvarna 350, Husqvarna 346. These are 13 lbs saws that can do virtually anything. The balance is good with a 16" bar. The 026 and 346 are professional models. The 350 is a light commercial unit, but may actually be better suited for a person who only cuts occasionally. The 026 has been superseded with the MS260 ($$$). I would not have qualms buying these saws used, but do buy the one in the best condition.

[Palum6o]

If it were down to the Stihl M170 and the Echo CS-306??