20 inch chainsaw recommendation

[GlennMeyers]

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

 

[jjeff]

Own a 20" bar Stihl 311 great power and saw when it starts. Next 20" saw will probably be an echo really like my 400 with 18" bar though very underpowered for larger rounds though but always starts easy in any condition or temp.

 

[Hay Dude]

Stihl 261C
Love mine

 

[Jrasband]

Stihl 261C is amazing, runs a 20" no problem if your chain is sharp. Main reason I like the 261 over anything bigger is it is nice and light.

 

[jjeff]

A stihl 311 is definitely heavy however with a decently sharp chain I think actual use of the saw is reduced compared to less powerful ones. my lesser echo 400 is definitely light but cuts nowhere near as quickly as the 311.

 

[dodge man]

I’ll echo the Stihl MS261. It’s a pro saw but worth every penny.

 

[Hay Dude]

Get a pro saw. Buy once, cry once.

 

[Squirrel's242]

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.

 

[hayden]

I too would only buy a Pro saw. It’s worth the extra $$.

Also consider Husky 562XP. I have the predecessor 262XP that is 30 years old and still screams through almost anything. Be sure whatever you get has a 3/8” chain, and not a .325”.

 

[Jrasband]

I too would only buy a Pro saw. It’s worth the extra $$.

Also consider Husky 562XP. I have the predecessor 262XP that is 30 years old and still screams through almost anything. Be sure whatever you get has a 3/8” chain, and not a .325”.

What do you think is better about 3/8" chain?