Echo cs 400 gets the job done. Lots of good options out there, like mentioned a fresh/sharp chain is required for any model to work well.

I would buy a used Stihl or Shindawa.

The only machines I see power linemen carry are predominantly Stihl or Husqvarna. When my 40 year old Homelite dies, I'm gonna get a Stihl. :D

But, these days, Homelite's probably a cheap chinese knock off of it's former self.

but do those linemen buy their own saws? i had to buy three for my office..i got the green light, and bought three stihls. stihl, when you care enough to spend "not my money".

Makita saws are German and mine has been running without any work for well over 15 years. They are made by sachs dolmar and you can get an identical saw by purchasing the makita variant. They are both sold on ebay all the time and parts are super easy to find if needed (again I haven't needed them but they are always listed on ebay). You really won't hate a makita gas saw or sachs dolmar.

I bought a Stihl with a 24 inch bar bout 20 years ago. It's stihl going.........













Sorry.

The precision on a Stihl piston would shock you. There's a reason they run well.

I have an Echo CS 371 that works great. 18" bar which handles most of the work I run across as a landscaper. This machine has never let me down.

As has been mentioned.....get an extra chain and a way to sharpen them. Some use files - I have a nice Oregon electric sharpener but there's also a Dremel attachment that impresses me allowing sharpening without removing the chain.

Here's the CS -370 which is similar to mine:
ECHO CS-370 36.3cc Easy-Starting Chain Saw - ECHO USA | ECHO USA

And here's the Dremel attachment:
Dremel Sharpening Kit A679-02 at The Home Depot
(it also comes with a mower blade sharpener)
You can (and should) buy a pack of extra sharpening stones if you buy this kit.
Widget Supply: Chain Saw Sharpeners

Hope this helps and good for you to help out your uncle....good luck! :)

Stihl or Husq.

Owned 6 different stihls in my life.


It's the smoothness of them, hardly any vibration, toss the echo/homelite/sears crap in the garbage can they shake so bad that your fore-arms will ache after mere minutes of use.

a 20" bar is perfect for 95% of common homeowner or weekend warrior. Even a 16" bar. Egads I have my dads 16" stihl from ~1972ish that has never needed a piston or other major repair.

Depending on the size of your trees, a Stihl farm boss 028, incredible awesome saw with a 20" bar that will last you for a lifetime.

Dave.

Stihl 015 16" bar
Stihl MS170 16" bar
Stihl 028 20" bar.
stihl 034 24" bar.

Had another Stihl 028 20 bar and sold it to the neighbor so it wouldn't be too far from home. Neighbor also went out and bought a 28" bar........now THATS a saw.



Stihl, what everyone else says "I'm just as good as.........." and then their Crapsman POS falls to poser rank very quickly.

You can get Stihl parts very easily, try that with your MTD or YardBird brand.

I have a Jonsered at my Vermont casa...

It has been a reliable tool for almost 20 years....

I also have a Stihl..

and a Craftsman in my flatlands abode.

Chainsaws have gotten so much lighter, faster, and safer in the past 20 years that if you have one that old, might as well treat yourself to a new one. You've probably earned it.