Chain saw recommendation

[Slamfire]

For real heavy work I've got a Stihl 066 with 24" bar, but around the house use a Husky 51/16". I do have a Craftsman electric for climin' up into trees with, I like the fact that it stops when I let up on the trigger. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Slamfire]

For real heavy work I've got a Stihl 066 with 24" bar, but around the house use a Husky 51/16". I do have a Craftsman electric for climin' up into trees with, I like the fact that it stops when I let up on the trigger. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Boondox]

This seems to be a topic that often leads to brand wars. I currently own a Husky and a Stihl, but have used and liked a Jonsered in the past. My advice would be to focus on the features you want (power to weight ratio, HP, bar length, compression release for ease of starting, ease of adjusting chain tension, etc). Don't get a huge saw just because it's macho; you need to be able to handle it safely!

After you settle on the features, talk to the guys at your local shop. I mean a place that sells and services them, not a big box store. Ask what they prefer and why.

Educate yourself first, then choose. A good chainsaw can completely change the way you look at a forest! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Pete

 

[Boondox]

This seems to be a topic that often leads to brand wars. I currently own a Husky and a Stihl, but have used and liked a Jonsered in the past. My advice would be to focus on the features you want (power to weight ratio, HP, bar length, compression release for ease of starting, ease of adjusting chain tension, etc). Don't get a huge saw just because it's macho; you need to be able to handle it safely!

After you settle on the features, talk to the guys at your local shop. I mean a place that sells and services them, not a big box store. Ask what they prefer and why.

Educate yourself first, then choose. A good chainsaw can completely change the way you look at a forest! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Pete

 

[JimR]

Since 1973 I have owned Homelites, McCullochs, a Poulan, Husky's and a Stihl. I have settled down to the Husky 55 Rancher with an 18 & 20 inch bars a 262 XP with 24 and 28 inch bars and a Stihl 120 16" bar for limbing downed trees. I also have a small McCulloch Professional saw with a top handle for doing up in the tree limbing work around the property. The Husky's and Stihl saws will outcut any Homelite, Poulan or cheap saws on the market. As mentioned above by Boondox. You need to find out what size saw that you really need. Too small will make you work harder. Too big will tire you out quicker. The new Husky 455 is a great saw and the replacemnet for the 55 Rancher. This saw is a medium weight saw that will not tire you out. With a 20 inch bar you can cut through a lot of different size trees with it. Good luck with your search. A dealer that does repair work will tell you which saws not to by. They know the lemons on the market.

 

[JimR]

Since 1973 I have owned Homelites, McCullochs, a Poulan, Husky's and a Stihl. I have settled down to the Husky 55 Rancher with an 18 & 20 inch bars a 262 XP with 24 and 28 inch bars and a Stihl 120 16" bar for limbing downed trees. I also have a small McCulloch Professional saw with a top handle for doing up in the tree limbing work around the property. The Husky's and Stihl saws will outcut any Homelite, Poulan or cheap saws on the market. As mentioned above by Boondox. You need to find out what size saw that you really need. Too small will make you work harder. Too big will tire you out quicker. The new Husky 455 is a great saw and the replacemnet for the 55 Rancher. This saw is a medium weight saw that will not tire you out. With a 20 inch bar you can cut through a lot of different size trees with it. Good luck with your search. A dealer that does repair work will tell you which saws not to by. They know the lemons on the market.

 

[johnk]

All saws work as long as you don't hit the dirt. Always keep your chain sharp for safety and pleasure reasons. Heres my arsenal..

 

[johnk]

All saws work as long as you don't hit the dirt. Always keep your chain sharp for safety and pleasure reasons. Heres my arsenal..

 

[johnk]

another

 

[johnk]

another

 

[stumpfield]

Thanks for all the replies. Finally, I bought what I thought are pretty good saws. Stihl 361 and Stihl 084. Both are used. I found them in a garage sale and bought them today. I spent $850 for both saws. I don't know if it's a good deal or not but I got to have them. The wife thinks I paid too much. Here's a picture.

 

[turnkey4099]

All saws work as long as you don't hit the dirt. Always keep your chain sharp for safety and pleasure reasons. Heres my arsenal..

Well, up to a point. If all you are using them for are a few trimming cuts, the stuff found in the big box stores will do (Macs and Poulans). If you do some serious cutting, stick with the brands the professionals use. They all put out both homeowner and pro lines. The homeowner lines are reliable and much cheaper.

Husky, Stihl, Johnsered, Echo all put out good saws. Purchase of one should not be made on the brand name but rather the dealer you are buying from. Buy what he sells/services.

Harry K

 

[JimR]

What is with all the double posts????

 

[hockeyhead]

you did good, not great, but definetly alright, that ms361 is one bada$$ pro-grade saw, top of the line in the 60cc catagory, $600 new with a 20" bar, yours looks pretty new, (new bar??).
084, 120cc monster, what is that a 36", 32" bar, a little older model, another highly respected pro- model stihl, looks like you are ready for some Paul Bunyon type cutting, That 084 will pull $450- 500 on Ebay today,
What was that about some little craftman ?,
from the bottom of the pile, to the king of the hill in one garage sale.
good job

 

[hockeyhead]

Oh by the way, both those saws are life'ers, you just need a ms180 limbing saw and you are covered smallest to biggest,

 

[stumpfield]

you did good, not great, but definetly alright, that ms361 is one bada$$ pro-grade saw, top of the line in the 60cc catagory, $600 new with a 20" bar, yours looks pretty new, (new bar??).
084, 120cc monster, what is that a 36", 32" bar, a little older model, another highly respected pro- model stihl, looks like you are ready for some Paul Bunyon type cutting, That 084 will pull $450- 500 on Ebay today,
What was that about some little craftman ?,
from the bottom of the pile, to the king of the hill in one garage sale.
good job

Thanks. After we got home, I did searched ebay trying to justify my purchase. It's one of those days you feel like a kid and got to have these toys. You thought you got a good deal. Tell your wife to go to the ATM to get cash while you wheel and deal with the seller.

The ms361 is like brand new with 25" bar. It didn't show any sign of being used much at all. The 084 is about 6-7 years old with 32" bar and only used on one big job according to the owner. Both saws start easily and ran great.

Tom

 

[MotorSeven]

Hey Stump....not bad at all!! Now your gonna need a mill for that 084 so you can start slabbing....that thing is a beast...put it to work!

 

[LBrown59]

How did we get all the double post in this thread?

 

[TMAC]

Haven't read over all the posts but, for landowner and ranch use I went with the Husqvarna 455 Rancher. I've had it for 2 years now and it's been a good saw. My father just purchased a Stihl MS290 Farm Boss today matter of fact. Both saws carry about the same specs. The MS290 might be a touch stronger.

For landowner use I would highly recommend either. Check them out.

 

[stumpfield]

How did we get all the double post in this thread?

Looks like a lot of posts prior to the new forum software conversion appear double. Hopefully the system admin will fix it.