Chainsaw Brand Quality Question

[TGF]

I have been using an Axe for the last 2 months and as much fun as it is, I had a tree with about a 3 foot diameter trunk fall down during the last wind storm and i figure it is time it buy a chainsaw. My friends and neihbors say buy a sthil everything else is junk. Reading the reviews at Amazon seem to further their opinion. I am sure several of you guys own chain saws so help me out with some real world expeirince. Is it worth the money to get a Sthil, or is their a brand of comparable quality for less $$?

 

[niemeyjt]

I think your neighbours are half right - Stihl are indeed very good - certainly they are what I would buy.

However, I think most people would agree Husqvarna are every bit as good, and probably Jonserads and Sachs-Dolmar are not very far behind.

What does your favourite dealer sell? What feels most comfortable - oh, and to avoid a post on the safety forum - think training and safety kit as well - which do not have to be all from same vendor.

J

 

[farmeratheart]

I'm sure that you'll get plenty of replies on this open ended question! I've owned and used chainsaws for most of the last 35 years. I always went with the lower priced saws because a Stihl seemed a higher than needed initial investment. Last Christmas my wife bought me a great present-Stihl MS290 Farm Boss. I can very comfortably say that I was probably more wrong than right all those earlier years. The Stihl is that much better! Good luck and be safe with whatever you get ...

Frank

 

[Egon]

There are saws equal to the quality of a Sthil. Just make sure you are comparing the same use definition of the saw.

Quality costs. Other brands with equal quality will be in the same price range.

 

[rekees4300]

You don't want to use an axe to chop up a tree with a 3 foot diameter? ... what a wuss! kidding

Stihl is worth the money ... been using them for decades and wouldn't consider any other brand except maybe Husqvarna.

 

[TGF]

I'm sure that you'll get plenty of replies on this open ended question! I've owned and used chainsaws for most of the last 35 years. I always went with the lower priced saws because a Stihl seemed a higher than needed initial investment. Last Christmas my wife bought me a great present-Stihl MS290 Farm Boss. I can very comfortably say that I was probably more wrong than right all those earlier years. The Stihl is that much better! Good luck and be safe with whatever you get ...

Frank

Good to hear because i was looking at a Farm Boss or Wood Boss. The closest dealer to me sells Stihl.

I am not going to quit the axe but what lies on my woods floor is truely a monumental task, 3 feet dia, and about 60 foot long. Its laying right across my rifle range and the brush is starting to get high were i can't go with the tractor. The axe is alot of fun and takes some skill, i can take a 4 inch log in 3 swipes if they are good ones.

 

[RobertN]

You can't go wrong with a Stihl. They are great.

Husky is pretty good. Sach's, Jonsereds are rated good.

Remember though, at least in Stihl and Husky brands, there are consumer, and Pro type models. Compare apples to apples when you look at them.

Aboristsite has TONS of info about saws, brands, ect.

 

[wedge40]

Stihl is pretty good, but make sure you can remove and replace the oil and fuel caps before leaving the store.
The engineer who came up with the new design needs be keel hauled in my book.

Wedge

 

[Logan]

I bought a Stihl 026 about twelve years ago and it has been a great saw. The dealer told me then that the even numbered Stihl saws were pro saws and the odd numbers were home owner saws. I don't know if that still applies. I have an old Poulan saw that is big and heavy, sounds like a chevy 327 running and idling. Now it will cut some wood...

 

[Nitro-Fish]

All of the big saw manufacturers have different grades of saws, most have home owner grade saws, land owner grade saws and professional saws; the professional saw will definately cost more money (but there is a world of difference when taking the professional step, especially in the power to weight ratio). The MS290 mentioned in one of the above posts is a good example of something considered a land owner saw, kind of middle of the road but a real step up from the box store cheapies. It doesn't say where you are located, but I would suggest you rent a saw to tackle your 3' tree; in theory people are sure to chime in and say you can cut a 3' tree with a saw that has an 18"-20" bar, and I would tend to say sure you can (especially so if it is one of the pro class saws). If you are not really into a saw purchase try renting one, just be sure to let the rental company know how big of a tree you are cutting so you get a decent size saw. Better yet, if you have a freind that is used to using a saw this would be an even better idea, as lack of experience is not good when attemmping to cut a tree as large as the one you're talking about. It might even be a good idea to hire someone to come in and block the tree up for you! Check out www.arboristsite.com you will find a great deal of info there, however if you do visit that site, be prepared; you will get a broad variety of opinions on saw quality

 

[Cougar300]

A Stihl would be better than my Poulan??
Maybe I should upgrade.

This is from chainsawexpress.com.

What do you think is the best chainsaw brand?

Stihl (37.0%, 301 Votes)
Husqvarna (23.0%, 185 Votes)
Jonsered (16.0%, 133 Votes)
Dolmar (13.0%, 104 Votes)
Echo (4.0%, 36 Votes)
Homelite (3.0%, 22 Votes)
McCulloch (2.0%, 15 Votes)
Poulan (1.0%, 11 Votes)
Oregon (0.0%, 4 Votes)Total Voters: 811

 

[TGF]

just spent about 3 hours at arborsite, not sure if i should thank you guys or curse you lol, another place for me to spend hours on end reading.

 

[Nitro-Fish]

just spent about 3 hours at arborsite, not sure if i should thank you guys or curse you lol, another place for me to spend hours on end reading.

:laughing:...............

Now thats funny!

 

[crusty 1]

Years ago my very first saw was a mac.,junk.Bought a stihl,very good and used it for many years.Decided to try a husky,not too bad.Then a jonsred,not bad but I always liked the stihl pro model saws the best.All saws except the mac were the high end saws,just something about the feel of the stihl and metal vs plasticDave

 

[arrow]

If you have a Stihl dealer as closest, go with them. Differences in today's pro chainsaws as to good and bad are not worthy of a conversation as they are so close. Everyone makes junk including Stihl and Husky and both those companies make excellent stuff. If you need a chainsaw all the time then buy one. If you can rent one because this tree is the only other time you'll use it, you are better off renting. A saw able to effectively (key word) pull a 24" bar when fully embedded will cost $800-$1000. You can rent one of those for $40 to $60 depending on locale. I have used and worked with every chainsaw mentioned and then some and have no affinity whatsoever to any as far as performance. Dealer backing and parts availability are more of a legitimate issue to me. You will be unhappy with anything much less than 5 hp for a 24" bar. This will be an expensive purchase if you are just getting one for this tree. A Stihl 290 should not have more than a 20" bar and is a cross between home owner and professional. The Stihl 362 is a pro saw and better suited for bigger timber. I am biased toward production as logging was once my lively hood. Smaller saws simply take longer and if you don't mind that, then a 290 would be fine.

 

[ultrarunner]

I use Stihl and Echo... like them both.

80% of the time I use the Echo... even though it is a limbing say primarily... I was fortunate to have it with me when a winter storm blew over a 36" dia fir. Was able to get through it with the 16" blade to get it off the driveway.

It really depends on what you need to get most of your chores done.

 

[TGF]

I have about 6 acres of woods I wish to maintain (develop into a park type area) and there is a bunch more fallen trees, this one is just forcing the issue because it is in the way. I expect the saw to see plenty of work however it doesn't need to be lightning fast as my lively hood is working in the city. I want something reliable and safe, as when I do have time to use it I don't want to be broken or to weak for the job.

I am going to check out Stihl's locally on Thursday, I appreciate your help, I may get a 16-20 inch bar and rent a 24 inch bar for the the big stuff when I need it.

 

[doall]

I have had a 029 for about 12 years. (now ms290) works great. My dad has a 026. my saw will cut what his pro grade will about as fast, but his is lighter and vibrates less. I wish I would have bought a pro grade, but I like mine. It has cut tons of fire wood and been used after tornados in some bad stuff. I am sure it will crank in 3 pulls right now and I haven't used it in a month or so.

 

[s78wingrider]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/chainsaws/172149-shindawa.html

 

[frogfish]

Bought a Dolmar last fall and have been very pleased with performance. Have about 70 acres of woods and there is always a tree down that needs removal. While Dolmar is not the household name brand you often hear about, I would not hestitate to recommend it. You'll do fine with Stihl, Husky or Dolmar, all very good saws.

Keep you chain sharpened and by all means be safe!