Chain saws

[dacoonz]

I need to replace my chain saw. It will be used mostly on small to medium sized trees and branches just to maintain a 10 acre property. About 20-30 hours per year operation. Any suggestions?

 

[DT86]

You will get a different opinion from each and every reply.

For what you are talking about I would look into a Stihl MS290 FARM BOSS. I do not cut much fire wood but have 130 acres leased and family owned to maintain and that is my go-to saw.

Then again you can pick up a Poulan for $100 that might do what you need.

 

[TomSeller]

The Stihl MS290 Farm Boss is a great saw for your quantity of use and you will likely never wear it out. If you wanted to go premium, the Stihl MS261 pro would be a good choice, but I don't think you need it at your hours per year.

 

[crazyal]

Do you have a budget in mind? If not then I would suggest a professional model over a homeowner saw.

 

[GManBart]

I have a Stihl MS 170, 311, and 460 Magnum....the little 170 gets used by far the most. For whatever reason, the 170 seems to cut far better than anybody would expect from a smaller saw, and at $180, is affordable. I actually think it cuts stuff up to 12" in diameter (roughly) better than my neighbor's Farm Boss 290....weird, but it sure seems that way. I got the 170 after finding the 311 gets pretty heavy after a couple of hours. I figured I'd use the 170 for just limbing, and bucking, but found I use it for felling a lot as well. If I were to start over, I'd get the similarly sized MS201 based upon how much it gets used, but that's a saw that costs nearly three times as much.

 

[weldingisfun]

I used Poulan saws for 25+ years. Even had three at one time. After reading and hearing nothing but good things about Stihl, I finally broke down and bought the MS291. It was pricey but does it ever cut wood. I sold my Poulans. If you can afford it, the Stihl would be my suggestion. You will not regret it.

 

[Egon]

Figure out what the budget allows and go shopping. Make an attempt to stick with one of the major brands. thumbsup:

Remember that bar length, type of chain and displacement all go together on speed of cutting and ease of handling. More important is one that feels comfortable in your hands.

 

[grandpa1]

Stihl MS250 would be a good candidate as well. I have an older Stihl 025 which I think the MS250 replaced that has been an excellent firewood saw. I also have a MS261 that I like but that seems like quite bit of saw for 10 acres.

 

[s219]

20-30 hours per year is well above what homeowner saws are rated for (they are considered occasional use and only have 50 hour emissions warranties). I'd suggest mid-grade or pro. If pro (Stihl 261, 362, etc... or Husky XP models, for example) the saw will last you forever and offer the best combination of weight, power, and maintainability.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Figure out what the budget allows and go shopping. Make an attempt to stick with one of the major brands. thumbsup:

Remember that bar length, type of chain and displacement all go together on speed of cutting and ease of handling. More important is one that feels comfortable in your hands.

This is my advise also. At 30 hours per year you just need a saw you like and one that will start reliably. If you keep the chain sharp any saw will cut wood. I don't see where speed which is a power, weight, and expense trade off would be to important in your case but I could be wrong. I would buy a husky because that is what I know but there are lots of very usable and decent saws for your situation. I would think something about 45 to 50 cc's would be good.

 

[catskinner]

I like my Stihl's but Husky's and Jonsered are good saws. A 40 to 50 cc saw would make a good size for a one saw home, but I would buy two bars, like a 14-18 or 16-20 combo. Also helps if you need to free a pinch bar.

 

[Kernopelli]

20-30 hours per year is well above what homeowner saws are rated for (they are considered occasional use and only have 50 hour emissions warranties).

This is a good point made for a lot of different power equipment. The first time I heard this, I had contacted Troy Built about a pressure washer issue. I do not remember the exact words they used but it was very close to the above. They told me we were using the washer far more than designed and gotten way more use than its expected total life ( and basically told me I should be elated with how much use we got out of it). I would not have considered how we used it unusual/ excessive ( definitely not "professional") at all. I know they said "homeowner" machines are for "occasional use" of just (want to say they said under 5) hours a year. I'm pretty sure they said the expected life was 50 hrs.

That said.....I have used Poulan chainsaws for 25+ years too and have never had an issue. No way I average 30 hrs a year though. I have heard countless times that they are junk but I've got yet another cord of wood I cut last week with that "junk". I got my first one in '84 and had it so long that when one day I ran out of 2 stoke oil out in the woods, in frustration I decided to mix the gas with 30W motor oil and when/if she blew I'd finally be justified in getting a bigger saw. I ran it all afternoon that way.....then the next several years on premix again. Never could kill it. I finally gave it to my step father about ten yrs. ago. I have used Stihl saws though and there is no doubt that size for size, they are more powerful and better quality. I did break down and buy a Stihl FS120 weed trimmer after destroying countless cheap brands and have to say there is literally no comparison to the $100 trimmers. I would say it is probably hard to beat anything made by Stihl. If you really use the saw 30 hrs a year, spend a little more and get a Stihl, it will probably be the last saw you buy.

 

[DeereMann]

Agree with the others.....50cc engine is about right for an all around saw. Recommend Stihl MS261, it's worth the money for no hassles.

 

[GManBart]

20-30 hours per year is well above what homeowner saws are rated for (they are considered occasional use and only have 50 hour emissions warranties). I'd suggest mid-grade or pro. If pro (Stihl 261, 362, etc... or Husky XP models, for example) the saw will last you forever and offer the best combination of weight, power, and maintainability.

Is there anyplace they have those guidelines published? It may just be me, but that sounds low.

I know I've put many times that on my cheapie 170 without a hiccup. In just the last 6 weeks, I've run nearly two gallons of premix through it (storm cleanup), and that's like 25+ tanks. I figured I would use it sparingly, but boy that turned out to be wrong! I do wish I'd gotten the 201 for smaller tasks, just so I know it'll last for years, but I think most people would be surprised how well, and how long, even the least expensive Stihl models will run.

 

[The Fred]

Why not ask the pros?

Around here the dealers swear by Husky for saws and Stihl for leaf blowers and other lawn care equipment. I have both but I sure do love my Husqvarna saws. Nothing less than 4 cubic inch minimum for bucking firewood or cutting down bigger trees. 50cc is a child's saw IMO.

Just my opinion.

Husqvarna 385XP 24" Chainsaw

My favorite.

Fred

 

[Coyote machine]

Stihl, refer to my signature. :thumbsup:

 

[jack707]

I always bought Huqsavarna

 

[murphy1244]

Echo--------------------------_____-Echo-----------------__________________echo

 

[Oliver1655]

There are a lot of good saws out there. I have Jonsered, Husqvarna, & Stihl saw I am currently using. Dolmar & Echos also would be good options.
Limb to medium sized tree is what a lot of firewood gathers go for. If you are only planning on having one saw, a saw in the 55 - 65 cc range is generally considered a good size.

If you get a professional level saw you will have better resale, a lighter weight to cc ratio, & much greater durability.

On the newer Husqvarna & Jonsered saws the last two numbers will be close to the cc's the saw is rated. Example: The above mentioned Husky 385 XP = 84.7cc A Jonsered CS 2139T - 39cc

Bill's Saw Shop has the specifications for most of the Husvarna & Stihl chain saws:
- Husqvarna: Bill's Saw Shop - Husqvarna Chainsaw Specs
- Stihl: Bill's Saw Shop - Stihl chain saw specifications

An important consideration is do you have a dealer close by to service the saw. Don't be afraid to buy a good used professional level saw.

Also consider buying a 2nd older saw as a back up. You can generally find one for $50-75. Everyone pinches a saw from time to time. As you gain experience the occurrences get further apart. The backup saw will be very handy.

 

[nickc]

Stihl ms290 can't say anything negative about it. If I needed a new saw tomorrow I'd buy the same thing