I’m probably going to be buying a chainsaw soon for various uses. I want to buy one a bit overkill. I normally would be using it for cutting down and rough-cutting trees and large bushes up to 12" diameter, but I want to be able to have enough beef for cutting larger stuff in the event of a disaster, as part of my church’s disaster relief.
I will occasionally be cutting tree logs for wood turning blanks. I don’t do a lot of woodturning right now, but I used to… and plan on doing a lot more in the coming year.
I’m pretty convinced I want a Stihl or Husqvarna. Seems to be the best in terms of reliability, but please do argue for your favorite (won’t touch a Poulan… we bought one brand new a number of years ago, was the biggest piece of crap that had a piston and a carb that I think has ever been built).
I am thinking something around 20-24", although I’m open to suggestions. Yes, I do have chainsaw experience, although they were 18" saws.
I will only be using this occasionally. I don’t need 12-hours a day, 6 days a week sort of durability… but I do want the thing to work when I need it, properly cared for. Chainsaws are one of those things that are only needed when they are NEEDED, and lesser brands seem to be a guarantee of disappointment.
Anyhow, I notice that Stihl makes different “grades” of chainsaw. All I care about is reliability as long as I can actually afford the thing.
Suggestions?
Saying “I am offended” is telling everyone else that you cannot control your own emotions, and thus you need everyone else to do it for you.
Chainsaws get into that Ford/Chevy loyality but I can tell you from experience the new Huskys that are not “xp” are barely a step above the poulan. The farm boss and home depot ones are for weekend warriors. My dad finally figured this out about 5 years ago after going through saws every other year. He got a 357xp and its awesome. I have run a Stihl 026 and it was mean too. Saws are like everything else, you get what you pay for.
X2 on buying anything, Husky or like from a big box store. They just aren’t the same caliber. If it were me, I would certainly go with a stihl. When my cub lays down, that is what I am going with. 20" bar is great all around bar length. While a 24" would be something to brag about, I think most of the time it would be overkill; not to mention more costly in chain and bar replacement ( if needed).
Good luck with your purchase.
Husqvarna or Stihl. Husqv non xp come off same assembly line in Ark as poulan, weedeater and craftsman. Xp’s are still made in Sweden, as far as I know. 346xp and 372xp are good saws.
I live in Summerville, and if I’m buying a Stihl, I’d prefer to stay as close to home as possible. I think the new location of the Warm Hardware off Dorch rd sells Stihl… are they anywhere else that y’all recommend?
Saying “I am offended” is telling everyone else that you cannot control your own emotions, and thus you need everyone else to do it for you.
What are reasonable prices to expect for a 20" professional grade saw? NONE of the internet sites are listing them, and I’m just trying to come up with how much I need to budget to buy one of these things.
So, let’s say a beefy Stihl or Husqvarna 20" saw, generally speaking. Are we talking $400, $600?
Saying “I am offended” is telling everyone else that you cannot control your own emotions, and thus you need everyone else to do it for you.
I see folks here trash them but, I have had an 18" Poulan “Wild Thing” for 13 years. Bought it to clear the lot I built on. Have used it and loaned it out ever since. All I have ever had to do is replace an occasional chain and bar. Just put new fuel lines on it this year. Part of how things last is maintenance. I don’t let fuel sit in it, sharpen the chain after each use so it is ready to go and it hasn’t let me down. And, cost less then $200. Can’t see spending $500 for periodic use.
“Apathy is the Glove in Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
also go for a minimum of 3/8 chain… 404 is the titts. I got a farm boss that I converted to a replaceable sprocket and run 3/8 chain.
There is a tag on all chain saws/lawn equipment/weed wackers. It actually gives the life expectancy of the equipment. most have an expectancy of 20 hours, and some go as far as 40 hours. spend a bit more and the expectancy is not listed. I need to post a picture to show everyone. quite interesting. Most all lawn equipment has a life expectancy which is very short lived.
pm me and I can probably talk it better than write it.
stihl or husq is the way to go. i have a stihl, remember bigger the bar the harder to handle. I thought I needed a 24+ inch bar and I recently borrowed one to do some cutting at my deer stands. I was worn slap out after using that thing all day. I am happy with my 16in stihl
Spend the money and get a good Stihl. Buy once, cry once.
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
I have a Stihl 026 I bought before Hugo. It was used a lot to supply a wood burning stove in the early years and recently has just been used for occasional limbing or small tree falling. It still usually starts on the third pull (first on full choke, second and third on half choke. Last time I used it it had been sitting with gas in it for a year and it cranked right up. Hope that helps
x10 on Stihl or Husky. I would get 30-40cc range saw for what you say you plan to do with it. If you ever plan much firewood and larger trees don’t go below a 50cc saw. I’ve had several cheeper brands and they are good for small stuff. The 25cc range saws are made for small jobs. If you just use them for that they will last a while but, a few big pines or oaks and you will see they can’t handle it. I have a 51cc XL Husky I have had since Hugo. Keep good bar and sharp chain and it will get it done. They use to go for about $360 but about $460+ now. Plenty of service for both around here. Up in N.C. they go Stihl and Johnsered. Not many as many Husky’s up that way. You want enough for what you may do but, you don’t want too little or too much. I bought a 810 Johnsered from a logger friend once priced right. You could NOT bog it down - freakin wood cutting machine!! But the power and weight would ware you tail slam out. Held about a 1/2 gal fuel. When you ran one tank you were ready to put it down.
I picked up a used sthil with the intention of doing a full rebuild. Saw has not been touched since I got it and Russia great. I used it around the house and while running calls for the local fire department cutting down trees for almost two years. Can’t ask for a better saw
