Chainsaw around $250?

[billwagnon]

I'm going to be clearing some dead trees on my uncle's land for a couple days. It's by a river that floods every year and trees float in.

I looked at Stihl chainsaws and they cost more than I can afford for this right now. My uncle has a chainsaw and I want to take a second as back up.

Any recommendations on a chainsaw around $250 that would be suitable for this?

[widgeon13]

Husqvarna will do the job. Stihl is overpriced.

[5String43]

I bought a nice Ryobe a few years back when I needed to replace my ancient Homelite. It works great and it came with a very nice hard-plastic carrying case that's big enough to contain a few tools, files, gloves, etc. It's a 16-inch bar, I think, and cost less than $200 at Home Depot.

The one thing I notice is that the chain seems to be of a finer pitch than the one on my old Homelite, so even when it's very sharp, it doesn't melt through a branch or a trunk the way the old one would. Something to look out for, perhaps.

The other thing I notice is that if you follow the starting instructions exactly, it will start right away every time. If you don't, it won't. A word to the wise, maybe.

[vash]

An Echo. About half the cost of a Stihl and 90% of the performance.

[Por_sha911]

Don't forget a good pair of safety glasses and some extra bar oil.

[Hugh R]

ECHO, and an extra chain as well. In my limited experience it seems to run and smoke less using ECHO oil for the pre-mix.

[gr8fl4porsche]

Used my Stihl yesterday. Fired right up after a year hiatus and cut thru the tree in seconds. What about used?

[Seahawk]

Whatever you get, get three extra chains and a hand sharpener set at the cut of the chain you will use.

Chainsaws are only as good as the chain: Keep it sharp, well oiled and don't cut too fast. Relax and let the saw do the work. Prepping the cut is also essential.

I have a 20 year old Stihl that never fails to roll...more than you need.

[Gretch]

Any chain saw that only costs $250 is at best a Harry-home-owner toy that will be junk after a little bit of use. A good commercial grade saw, Johnsered, Husqvarna or Stihl is a heirloom piece that, maintained properly, will last several decades.

And it is all about a sharp chain and proper chain tension....... all of it.

I put up 20+ cord a year........ and have Husqvarnas that are near 15 years old that I have worked like rented mules.

[rfuerst911sc]

My wife bought me a Poulan with a 16 " bar last year as a gift. While it is not a Stihl, Echo or other " top " brand it runs just fine and does the job for the average homeowner.

[Gretch]

I have a small Poulan and I like it........for limb work and light work..... it is not as robust as the three makes I mention above, but it will do as an addition to my logging tools. It is pictures above, the lime green one.

[pharlap71]

I had a big tree to deal with and instead of using my "homeowner" grade saw rented a large Stihl, I rented it on a Saturday afternoon for a half day and didn't have to have back till Monday morning. 25 bucks and they gave me a can of mixed gas and a container of bar oil. This thing would shoot pieces out about 2 inches long! It cut through like butter. Well worth the money.

[Mrmerlin]

check CL for saws they pop up,
I got a Poulan 20in that was used to cut down a small bush pretty much brand new except for the chain that had been touching the ground a few times and dulled the teeth.
New at HD was 195.00 i got if or 100.00
new Chain 22.00 fresh gas and a bottle of oil 10.00 it came with a very sturdy carry case as well

[Dantilla]

A friend has found "great deals" on three or four chainsaws in the several years we have been friends. Yet, when he has a big job, he asks if my Sthil is available, because his broke/won't start/is in the shop/isn't big enough for the job/whatever.

I have purchased one Sthil, and it starts, runs and cuts as new.

His multiple "great deals" look to me like the most expensive way to chainsaw ownership.

[billwagnon]

My uncle said a long time ago that Stihl was the only one worth buying but I think I will check out the Husqvarna and Echo brands. Stihl rental looks like it might be an option also.

His memory is really going now. He hikes the bottomlands with his dog and I want him to have at least one more summer of good hikes.

Thank you!

[intakexhaust]

Budget is $250? Slight dillema on chainsaws. First off I'd take a Stihl #1 or Husqvarna #2 but you're not going to get any in the better line. Other makes are just general homeowner short life use so for that budget, maybe thats the way to go. If you know enough and what to look for in a used saw, you might get lucky and find a clean Stihl or Husky but realistic, saws are largely abused and even if you buy one from a pro thats maintained, its probably wore out. Cruise a pawn shop or CL. I used to always run Husqvarna but now lean towards the Stihl. Both are extremely reliabe but the Stihl has a much better vibration dampening. Nice if you're using all day. Make the investment now and you won't regret it and never loan it.

Whatever you decide, use a specific mixing gas can just for the saw, have some spare chains + filer (forget about that quick sharpen device) and a wedge. A quick read on using a saw correctly can spare you potential issues but also show you efficient use of the saw and will help in longevity. I read a book 30 years ago something called Papps or Pappy's chainsaw guide but anyhow lots of excellent tips are in it that nobody is ever going to tell you once you pull the rip cord.

[look 171]

Echo. I have one, but do not use it all that much. My demo contractor uses his little Echo chain saw all the time. Every gardener I see on the highway has some kind of Echo equip. in the back of their trucks. That tells you something. I really think they are the Toyota of chainsaws.

[rusnak]

I have a pro model Echo (forget which model) that I used to cut a few thousand trees last year. Only needed a single chain, but I have an electric sharpener that makes quick work of it. I like the design of the Echo saws. My little homeowner Echo is nice too, but nothing like the big saws, which spin like mad.

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

I bought an OLD Echo at an auction not too long ago. Re-build of carberator and I have a GREAT machine for under $70.00.

I also have a Poulan Pro (sears branded) that I have had for a decade that does the job nicely. Had a Homelite that was supposed to be commercial grade. Had to work on it everytime I took it out. Never ran right for me. Traded it to a neighbor for a days labor. I got some good help for a day and he LOVES the thing. He knew what was wrong with it, fixed it, and it runs well for him.

Check out renting one! You should be able to get a higher quality saw that others will maintain. Make sure the chain is SHARP before you start. Nothing like cutting with dull chains, I know all about that....

[Palum6o]

I ended up buying one this winter from the ice storm we had. Lots of big limbs. Ended up buying a Husqvarna 240. It is nice, light weight, relatively quiet. Our neighbor hired a tree service. They all had Stihl chainsaws. I talked to one of them, and they said I made the right choice, if they had a choice, they would rather have the Husqvarna.

Only issue I'm having, the chain oil leaks out of it, after use, not sure if it's a flaw or maybe something I didn't do right.

When I considered renting a chain saw at Home Depot, they did say they replace the chain on them each time they are rented - you could just go that route save a little $$.