Whats the best $400 chainsaw.

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

Well, I'm cheap! For that little bit of cutting, I'd buy two or three reconditioned Poulan Pro 42CC 18" saws for $99 each at Rural King, a couple spare bars and chains, and several cases of beer. :laughing:

You'll spend more money that way, unless you do VERY little cutting.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

Stihl has the 250 on sale for $299 ($50 off)
THAT does not happen,,, often.

It is a little under 50cc,, but, I think it would be perfect for a non-woodburner,,,

It's 50cc, and that deal is pretty hard to beat!

 

[milkman]

Like CADplans says, I'd go with the MS250 also.

MS 250 Specifications - Occasional Use
DISPLACEMENT 45.4 cc (2.77 cu. in.)
OILOMATIC® CHAIN .325" RM3
GUIDE BAR LENGTHS* (Recommended ranges) 40 to 45 cm (16" to 18") STIHL ROLLOMATIC®
POWER SOURCE Gas

 

[4570Man]

Stay the course with Stihl... Thank me later!

Since he's only spending $400 there's better bang for your buck elsewhere.

 

[4570Man]

Well, I'm cheap! For that little bit of cutting, I'd buy two or three reconditioned Poulan Pro 42CC 18" saws for $99 each at Rural King, a couple spare bars and chains, and several cases of beer. :laughing:

I've got another family member who goes that route. It doesn't work out well for him. I'd rather have one good saw than 4 junk ones.

 

[4570Man]

I told my brother I was thinking of spending over $1000.00 for a Husquvarna. He told me how many Poulans I could get for that. I bought the Husky anyhow.

I've also got a $1000Husqvarna. ( actually about $900) You sure don't regret it when the chips start flying.

 

[motownbrowne]

Not the ms250. Sorry guys, but it's a homeowner saw. For $400 there's WAY better saws. I think you can buy a Dolmar 5105 for that. Echo cs590 would be a good choice too. Husky 555 is a good saw as well.

$400 is right at the cusp of good machines. Yes an ms250 is a fine saw, and yes it'll cut a lot of wood, but it's got a plastic crankcase, and is a "clamshell" design. Spend a little more, buy something pro-grade. All of the ones i mentioned above are pro grade. Magnesium case, split case construction.

I'm a stihl guy myself, but unless you're buying used, $400 won't get you one worth buying.

Speaking of used, I know where you can buy an ms361 (60cc pro stihl) for $425 delivered to your door. Used, with no warranty, but dealership service is pretty shoddy anyways.

 

[Bocephous]

It's 50cc, and that deal is pretty hard to beat!

I've had mine for 9 years now and would buy another. Very light and reliable. 16 inch bar is perfect for it.

Yes, it's a homeowner saw with a plastic case. I've not cracked or broken mine, and until a couple years ago when I added an MS362 to the lineup, it cut 6-8 cord of firewood a year for me. The potential buyer here looks to be using it far less than that.

 

[EddieWalker]

I've owned Poulon, McCullough, and Husqvarna chainsaws. All died fairly quickly. I currently have three Stihl chainsaws and one Echo, along with an Echo weed eater. The echo is a lot easier to start. If and when I need to buy another chainsaw, it will be an Echo. For me, it's all about how much effort it takes to get them started. Echo is night and day easier to start then Stihl.

Both saws cut great, they have plenty of power and once going, you can't really tell the difference from one brand over the other.

 

[jack707]

Well, I'm cheap! For that little bit of cutting, I'd buy two or three reconditioned Poulan Pro 42CC 18" saws for $99 each at Rural King, a couple spare bars and chains, and several cases of beer. :laughing:

Your cheap moss! You be spending more money in the end when the junk saw break! Save time and put up some money and get a good saw the first time.