Stihl Farm Boss (MS 271) was my call after trashing two Huskys and a homeowner version Stihl.

Stihl's homeowner line isn't worth the money (e.g. plastic where it shouldn't be)

Stihl...'nuff said.

I've mentioned this before but if you want one of the worlds best and like that it's a Stuttgart based company (my father has an 80cc version and it's ridiculous).... otherwise Stihl is great too.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1442964940.gif

I picked up the Stihl Farm Boss 290 about 3 years ago - used it for a big storm clean up - has the 18" bar and does a great job. I clean it and run a file over the blade after each use.

For most homeowner stuff the Echo 590 is more than enough saw and is at the Depot. Good warranty, decent power and priced right. For size you need to figure out the largest tree's you'll be working with. Processing wood isnt hard but can be dangerous if you arent careful. Leave enough $$ in the budget for a set of chaps and a helmet with a face shield. Stihl and Husky sell a kit with both, I'm sure others do too. Make sure you have plenty of chain oil and a few files to keep the chain sharp. A dull chain is dangerous and slow.

I was looking at a ms271 at the local distributor. I'm thinking it might be little over kill since the juniper I have are all around 10 inch diameter bush type trees. But I will need to cord all the wood since I'm not chipping. I really need to make up my mind, I need to clear 40 acres by this weekend... :rolleyes:


I have experience with chain saws, I used to do landscaping back in Jr. high school, and will buy some chaps. Those YouTube videos of chainsaw vs a side of beef are eye opening.

I checked - I have the MS251 and can only recommend it. The homeowner line is plenty for your planned use. We are all gearheads and like to over-spec things, so that's understandable. But I have done equivalent amount of work of what you need to do with my 251. The Stihl saws come with a 1 year warranty, so go run the crap out of it and see if you can break it! :)

G

Here a comparison of the 271 with the 251

Stihl vs Stihl 2015 vs 2015 MS 271 FARM BOSS® Farm and Ranch Chain Saw vs MS 251 WOOD BOSS® Homeowner Chain Saw

And a review of the 251 vs the 250

MS251 has landed, first look and comparison photos. | Hearth.com Forums Home

i had some work to do at my place. super happy i had to buy a chainsaw to do it.

went to the shop and grabbed the first Stihl i came across. the sales person talked me down, and sold me an Echo. they only sold Stihl, Husky, and Echo.

my Echo is insane. (sorry) it has "retard strength". i nicknamed the saw "LENNY" i took it up to the mountains with a bunch of coworkers to clear a few downed, GIGANTIC trees. my Echo was the best running tool of the bunch. it was the smallest, and i think i cut the most. i do know i rescued every saw out there. at my bowrange, i bring my own saw for work. i cant seem to get their Stihls started as easily as mine.

oh, when i bought it, the guys made me watch a safety video and he gave me a safety talk and demo. took one hour. i figured it was worth it. best take away: never loan the saw out..they didnt have the safety talk.

Dremel has a very handy attachment for blade sharpening. I upgraded the burr to a diamond stone. One really should sharpen after every couple of tanks. This tool makes it easy to keep sharp and maintain the proper angle.
Dremel A679-02 Attachment Kit for Sharpening Outdoor Gardening Tools - Power Grinder Accessories - Amazon.com
By the way I have a 35 year old Stihl. Still works great.

A couple of hints for a new Stihl owner....make sure you get the "yellow coded" chain (verses a "green" one ). At least on a 250/251, it won't be too aggressive as to cause kickbacks....never had one, and the green "anti-kickback" chains just suck imo. I have one on my tree climber saw....not a fan AT ALL.

No need for decompession starts on these smaller saws either.

Nuthin' starts as easy as Echos, but once you learn how virtually all Stihl's need to be started, they're a breeze also, but can give a novice fits :D. My first Stihl was a line trimmer....I HATED it at first ;)