Chainsaw recommendations?
 

I need a chainsaw to cut down approximately 120 mid to large size juniper (I have a large juniper problem). I will then process the wood into fire wood. I will need something that will be able to do both applications. I went to Home Depot; they recommended Echo. :rolleyes:
A lot to choose from. Can anyone recommend a model/length? I was thinking 16 inch should do fine? I don't mind paying the money for something that will last me a few years.

i have a 50 cc husqvarna. very happy with it.


the guys i know who make a living with a chainsaw swear by stihl.

Buy a Stihl. Don't bother with any crap from HD or Lowes.

You can't go wrong with Stihl. I have the 2nd from biggest weed wacker and it works flawlessly. With a brushcutter blade I can go through 2" brush like butter.

I use two old late 70's vintage Homelite XL-76 chainsaws one has a 24" bar and the other is a 16". New Homelites are crap.

A Husky or a Stihl. Chainsaws have a lots of stress and HP going on inside and any lesser beast is going to be very maintenance intensive or fall to bits.

Have had 2 Stihl and 2 McCulloch in 38 years of cutting firewood as my only heat source.......Best move was a brand new 20 inch Stihl 042 a few years ago........

I was personally leaning towards Stihl. Thanks for Helping make up my mind guys!

+1.

I have a Husqvarna and Stihl. Both great saws. Stihl is from early '70's, Husqvarna is 20 years old. Both used heavily for my wood stove winter supplies.

yes

My Husky 61 is 30 years old and Stihl running! :)

Stihl
 

Buy a saw with a de-compression button, sometimes they can be a be btich to start!

I have three Stihl chainsaws.

The Stihl chainsaw I still use, I think a Woodsman, was in the barn when I bought this place 20 plus years ago. It looked old then! Still goes vroom every time. I have used it quite a bit over the years...I replaced the bar five years ago but no other issues other than fuel lines.

I also have two pole saws, a six footer and an extended type that reaches ten feet. The extender will make you work.

I really like the pole saws for most of the work I do now, mainly trimming and clearing. If the diameter of the Junipers is less than the bar size of a pole saw, don't discount using them for the type of work you may be doing.

Also, get a bunch more chains than you think you'll need. Nothing sucks more than a dull chainsaw blade. I sharpen my own, which I enjoy doing.

Lastly, please get all the gear and wear it, especially chaps and eye protection. One hot and sweaty post hurricane clean up day 15 years or so ago I cut my left knee up pretty nicely. No permanent damage, nice scar. I was very lucky.

Stihl, Husqvarna, and Shindaiwa are all very good saws.

Don't go cheap, a cheap chainsaw is constant aggravation.

I would buy a good used 16" before a new cheap saw.

Husky for me. The Stihl is definitely the pro's choice, but for the weekender (120 trees is not much) the Husky has better vibration control.
-C

Stihl makes very good saws and their home owner / occasional use saws are more than sufficient for what you will do. I bought one for under $400 last year and it served me very well. Low weight and very good power. It is made in the US.

Regarding safety, safety pants, helmet and face shield are a must IMHO if you go do any volume of work.

G

Chainsaw is the most dangerous tool there is.

Always assume it's trying to kill you.

Phenomenally dangerous. My Mom insisted I did a two day safety and usage of chainsaws course before I used one. I had the time of my life!

If I was to summarize the two days safety into one sentance; I'd say NEVER have the bar in line with your face. It's not a case of "if it kicks back" but rather "when it kicks back". Stand slightly to the left of it with a relaxed but firm hold and if it kicks back the bar will go vertically by your right shoulder - not touching you, rather than getting you smack in the middle of your face.

I have 4 Stihls (and an old Echo that doesn't suck either), and pay attention to what Paul said about the polesaw option. I opted for the 13' extender, commercial version, 'bout 750, and I wouldn't take twice that for it if I couldn't replace it....seriously. It's simply a beast and removes you from the danger zone on many cuts. FWIW....I've been using chainsaws for 45 years, and have never had a kickback....ever, though I keep a firm grip. A lot of those are just poor technique imo...

Didn't read close enough...Stihl MS250 w/ a 16" bar will serve you well....in the $300 range as I recall...

+1 - I think this is what I have