20 inch chainsaw recommendation

[bearskinner]

I have used my Stihl MS-261 C for many years now. It came with a 20” bar, 3/8 chain and has been the most reliable big wood saw I’ve ever owned. I cut all my firewood log rounds with it 3-4 cords a year, and log and buck up at least 20 trees a year off my place. The pro saw was $100-$150 more, but the lighter weight makes it well worth the extra $$. Never had any down time.

 

[Hoho223]

Rancher 460 with a 24 inch bar. Used 90% for cutting firewood. It is getting heavy though…77

 

[Tom59]

I run a 270c w/20inch bar full chisel chains it's a ripper...light still got enough oomph. I was thinking farm boss but for a around my property it would be overkill. The 270c is light. 260 would have done the trick too.

 

[Cranblue]

Hi All,

I need to buy a new chain saw. I have a Husky 18 inch that is around 22 years old or so and the trees I need to cut up are too big for it. I figure a Husky or Stihl but open to other ideas as well. I would like to go with either brand's middle line, not home or professional but I think it is called Rancher series.

Secondly are there good online discount sites to buy or is buying local at a box store, hardware store TSC etc better?

Thanks so much,
Glenn

for it. I figure a Husky or Stihl but open to other ideas as well. I would like to go with either brand's middle line, not home or professional but I think it is called Rancher series.

Secondly are there good online discount sites to buy or is buying local at a box store, hardware store TSC etc better?

Thanks so much,
Glenn

Have older 270 farm boss 20 in bar definitely great saw hard starts but work horse.Got new saw this year Echo Timberwolf 590 20 in bar definitely great saw little cheaper better warranty my local Ace dealer has transitioned from Stihl to Echo price and warranty of Echo is better.

 

[GeneSimm7]

I find that the Echo's are easier to start. If you get a Stihl get a model with the compression relief.

 

[JeepHead]

I will add my two cents.

Don't buy a Stihl or Husqvarna rancher saw, they're still throw away home owners saws. The rancher labeling is just marketing.

The best bang for your buck saw on the market today is the Echo 590 which is a 60CC saw built mostly like a pro saw. This saw is easily rebuildable if ever needed and parts are everywhere. They're a great running all around saw that is built well. Mine is probably 15 years old and still runs like a champ.

If you're after a 50CC saw, the Echo 4910 is one heck of a nice saw. Pretty much the same saw as the Echo 501P but missing a couple minor things like captive bar nuts and steel handle. It's a better value that the 501P and will cut just as well and just as fast. I would buy a 4910 over a 501P any day of the week. I own the Stihl 261CM, and the Husky 550, and I prefer the 4910 over both of the others. My 3 favorite 50cc saws in order of most liked is 4910, 550, 261.

If you decide to go full pro, the Husqvarna 562XP II is my favorite 60cc saw, it's absolutely wicked for it's size. I have heard great things about the Stihl 400 but have yet to run one.


Good luck and let us know what ya decide!

 

[Bentrim]

I worked for a small engine shop that handled Husqvarna but repaired most anything that someone could drag in the door. Personally went to company school when the 455 was introduced. Liked what I saw and bought one. Used it until I couldn't anymore and sold it. Now Husqvarna has brought out the 460 just an enlarged 455. The 460 is advertised to use a 13" to 24" bar and uses 3/8 chain.
As for Stihl to Husqvarna (remember I have been away from it for a while) Husqvarna 455 is a heavier saw, has or at least had a faster chain speed for faster cutting, uses the X torg engine.
As a tech I hated when a Stihl came in as they were harder to repair. Stihl also uses an inboard clutch, when left on or is slipped excessively it will melt the crankcase of the engine. Husqvarna uses an outboard clutch, may destroy the side cover and need to remember to open brake before removing side cover.
Husqvarna can be purchased at a dealer or box stores, tractor supply, etc. Stihl is only sold at their authorized outlets, a Stihl dealer, Ace hardware, John Deere Dealers. They want you loyalty to them, do not have parts lists or service manuals online.
As for Echo I have had minimal experience with them but they seem to be an excelent choice too.

 

[QSYB]

I have tons of Echo equipment and nearly bought a TimberWolf. But I decided I didn't want to show up without enough machine. I bought a Stihl 362 C-M with the thought I may want/need a 25" bar at some point. True commercial machine with a steel case, built in Germany. It may be a little heavier but this saw is just beastly. I've yet to find it wanting for power.

 

[Pleease]

Having both the Stihl 261c and Echo CS4910 - if they were cars, the Echo is a Honda and the Stihl is a Ferrari. If you want reliable running/easy start, get the Echo. If you want speed cuts and the Stihl name, get the Stihl, but it's finicky about it's start up routine. The Stihl was bought first (per the buy once cry once saying) and someone killed it and had to go into the shop. While there I picked up the Echo "for the meantime". Echo turned out to be a really good saw. Honestly, would have been nice to have bought it first.

Both saws will cut logs - keep them cleaned, lubed, fresh fuel, sharp chain. It's the cutting experience and cost of purchase that are different. I'm not blaming the break down on the Stihl, that was all operator error. But using them head to head for the same jobs, year round in all the 4 seasons, the Echo is much easier to live with.

I have 3 Echo products - a 20+ year old chainsaw, a 21 year old weedeater and a 5 year old weedeater - and you’re right… they’re all “Hondas”. They virtually always start, they rarely break and I don’t have to pamper them.

I don’t use the chainsaw much, but it can sit there for a year but will typically start anyway.

 

[ksbrdmkr]

I like my husky rancher 455, easiest saw to start I've ever had. But to cut 30in plus osage orange the 70cc saw is a must. So I have an old steil av045 and a foreign blue thunder for the big and love my 16in battery saw for trimming