Chain saw shopping
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Either the Stihl or the Husky that were recommended multiple times will work great for you. I have the Husky because that is what I can get the best service for where I live. Both saws are good so let the matter of local quality service be the deciding factor.
I can recommend no saws in the $300 range - unless you find something used - and that's a crapshoot too.
BlankBlankBlank
Minister of Fire
I waste a lot of time compulsively shopping before a purchase so I "knew" all the garbage like power/weight and "don't buy too big/small a saw" and "What you really want is 10 saws for each species of tree you may encounter. Get a trailer and a guide for the woods". I eventually burned myself out and just bought a chainsaw that cuts wood. I cut around 2-3 cord per year, mostly oak. I didn't want used because I wouldn't know if something was screwed up or in dangerous condition. I went to Stihl because they were about 1/2 mile closer than Husky and I wanted the real thing, not a big box knock off (one of my anti-corporate funks). I walked in, told the guy what I needed to do (actually I said 5 cord/year) and he recommended 250-290. I picked up the 250 and then the 290, then went back to the 250 and walked to the counter to buy. It felt right. The 290 seemed a lot heavier and I wasn't planning on going to a larger bar. I figured with a 16" saw I could fell anything I needed to cut on my property.
I have to say it was disappointing the first time I used it. It didn't cut any faster than my old homelite (that incidentally was stuck in a tree, the reason I was chainsaw shopping that day). I figured oh well, I should've bought the bigger one. Then I read about safety chains.......... The safety chain is now my dirty wood chain. With the more aggressive chain the saw cuts much faster but any kickback is not overpowering. If I bury it I can bog it down but then you just let up and she keeps on going. With a real sharp chain the chips fill up quick. Very happy with it. I think auto-decompression would be nice on a larger saw but its pretty easy to start as long as you don't flood it. Once in a while I find an MS260 pro on Craigslist but I'd have to cut more wood if I bought it. A longer bar would be nice but I'm not out there day after day. 2 hours with that saw will give me 4-10 hours of splitting/stacking and hauling brush.
I have to say it was disappointing the first time I used it. It didn't cut any faster than my old homelite (that incidentally was stuck in a tree, the reason I was chainsaw shopping that day). I figured oh well, I should've bought the bigger one. Then I read about safety chains.......... The safety chain is now my dirty wood chain. With the more aggressive chain the saw cuts much faster but any kickback is not overpowering. If I bury it I can bog it down but then you just let up and she keeps on going. With a real sharp chain the chips fill up quick. Very happy with it. I think auto-decompression would be nice on a larger saw but its pretty easy to start as long as you don't flood it. Once in a while I find an MS260 pro on Craigslist but I'd have to cut more wood if I bought it. A longer bar would be nice but I'm not out there day after day. 2 hours with that saw will give me 4-10 hours of splitting/stacking and hauling brush.
CTYank said:
+1 Love my refurb 445! Really a great saw and the refurb looked brand new (though the chain did need to be sharpened out of the box).
k, not trying to start a saw war (stihl vs. husky)...but, the husky i bought back in 84 is still going strong and is the only chain saw i have had....ever. either of those 2 brands should be a good choice
(broken link removed to http://asheville.craigslist.org/tls/2701510957.html)
Here is a clean saw in HVL. There are many like this on Craig's list from my observation.
Here is a clean saw in HVL. There are many like this on Craig's list from my observation.
If I had around $300 to spend, I would probably go for the 445 husq. Its a decent bang for the buck. As others have said, try to buy from a dealer.
You would love running a Dolmar 420. Very solid 42 cc saw that cuts like a much bigger saw. Pro-quality build, high-revving little beast with plenty of torque, but smooth as butter in the cut. Easy to pull, and it starts third pull every time. About $300.
yooperdave said:
I've still got a '70s Homelite that runs brand new. Bad part is its hard to start and has no safety features. Can't get real parts for it and is as heavy as a cinderblock.
BlankBlankBlank
Minister of Fire
WoodNStuff said:
There's also no vibration isolation. It will shake the fillings out of your teeth.
BlankBlankBlank
Minister of Fire
btuser said:
Need that too. Come to think of it. I also need a machine that grabs my chainsaw and bucks out my logs to 16". LOL. Now that would be the chainsaw. Then again after the novelty wore off, I'd be completely bored with it. I love C/S/S.
Gasifier
Minister of Fire
I run a Stihl Farmboss most of the time. I really like it.
But more importantly:
Whatever saw you go with, do this one thing. Learn how to operate it safely and skillfully from someone who has used one for many, many years. And knows how to do it safely. Take your time, make sure you where protective equipment at all times. A pair of Chaps, Safety glasses, good heavy boots, etc.
It does not matter what size or type of saw you are using, they can all hurt you bad.
Sorry about the rant, don't want to see you get hurt.
Good luck with your new saw. They are a great tool, just need to be respected, like anything else that is dangerous.
But more importantly:
Whatever saw you go with, do this one thing. Learn how to operate it safely and skillfully from someone who has used one for many, many years. And knows how to do it safely. Take your time, make sure you where protective equipment at all times. A pair of Chaps, Safety glasses, good heavy boots, etc.
It does not matter what size or type of saw you are using, they can all hurt you bad.
Sorry about the rant, don't want to see you get hurt.
Good luck with your new saw. They are a great tool, just need to be respected, like anything else that is dangerous.
Not sure if you made up your mind yet. Here is another local saw:
(broken link removed to http://asheville.craigslist.org/tls/2699160635.html)
(broken link removed to http://asheville.craigslist.org/tls/2699160635.html)
yooperdave said:
That's like 27 years!! :wow:
Prolly best at this point to NOT get yer hands on a Stihl . . . the thought of how you wasted those 27 years will just make you sick :lol: :lol:
AnyWho, Kathleen, Get the Auntie to just kick in $300 toward the saw ya really want
(broken image removed)
I'm very happy with my Dolmar 510 - three years old and I've gone through about 20 cord. Fairly light and has good power. Cheers!
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