* I need a new 14" or 16" chain saw! *

LBrown59 · Jul 8, 2006

What brand would you recommend?
Looking for something economical reliable light weight and easy to handle.
Don't have to be top of the line but don't want junk either.
Thanks for the info.

RockyMnt1 · Jul 8, 2006

I just bought a Stihl MS 390 last week for $503.00. I love it so far. 4 pulls and it starts!! Shop around. While the price of the saw is the same from dealer to dealer, mine threw in a gallon of bar oil, a six pack of Stihl 2 cycle engine oil, and an extra chain.

Study up on chains. There is a whole bunch of different chains out there. Each has its own benefits/drawbacks. I am sawing soft wood out here, so I wanted a full chiesel (RS) chain as my extra chain, but it doesn't have the anti kick abck features of other chains.

czechsonofagun · Jul 8, 2006

Good brandname - Husqvarna, Stihl - and the closest service/dealer in your area. And IMHO it is always better to go with bigger/stronger tool.

MikePA · Jul 8, 2006

LBrown59 said:
What brand would you recommend?

This thread in Rural Living didn't have enough information?

milkman · Jul 8, 2006

I had a Husky 50 w/20" bar that served me well for years, then I got a good deal on an almost new Husky 141 w/16" bar, so I sold the 50. The 141 is light and easy to handle and has done all my wood cutting and clean up from the storms, couldn't be happier with it. I keep the chain sharp and since I have been getting the chains from http://www.baileys-online.com/ they cut a lot faster than any other chain I've used. There are probably better more expensive saws to be had, but for the money, I don't think I can beat the one I got.

MotorSeven · Jul 8, 2006

Stihl & Husky are at the top, but for an occasional saw, Echo makes a decent product. Go to Home Desperate and price the one you want then check ebay because i see alot of new Echo's on there for a decent price.

duber34 · Jul 9, 2006

You all are going to laugh at me but I've had excellent results with a Poulan. I bought a factory refurbished, 16", 2.1 C.I., Model 2150 Woodsman 9 years ago for $90.00. I've felled a countless number of trees and cut many, many cords of wood and never had a lick of troubles. Well, I take that back. About 2 years ago I noticed the gas cap getting tighter and tighter to remove and put back until one day when I took it out to fill up, I could no longer get it to thread back in. For some reason (my guess is the ethanol in the gas) the plastic cap swelled. I purchased a new cap for about $2.50 and it's as good as new. Besides the new cap and new chains to replace worn ones, I've never spent any money on it. I figure at $10.00 per year to own this saw, if it died tomorrow it doesn't owe me a dime. I'd also run right out and buy another.

Regards,
Duber

Farmwithjunk · Jul 9, 2006

As far as economical, I'm FINALLY starting to believe buying a GOOD top-of-the-line saw is the cheapest way out. I've bought several "department store saws" over the years. Use it for a while, then toss it. 3 years back, I had to clean up where a small tornado went across the corner of our place. I just got fed up with using junk. I went out and splurged on a Stihl MS260. It came with a 16" bar. It is the wood-cuttin'est thing I've ever got my paws on. After 3 years of average use, it's still like new. I paid over $500 for it, but spread that out over the life of the saw, and it beats the daylights out of a new $200 saw every couple years, PLUS the benifit of having a better saw.

RockyMnt1 · Jul 10, 2006

I found a bunch of good info at this site:

http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?board=9.0

It is a very tractorByNet like site. These guys are as passionate about their chainsaws as we are about tractors!!!

slowrev · Jul 10, 2006

I have a Poulan pro 16" saw that I have used heavailly for 4 years. I cut about 20-25 pickup loads of wood a year. Much of it standing dead oak and cherry.
The saw is on about the 12th chain and 3rd bar. I have only had a couple of minor repair issues. Last fall a handle support spring broke and last week I replaced the sproket/clutch hub, (total parts cost about $15 ) which was pretty worn. Always starts, idles good, light weight. No complaints from me and I will buy another Poulan when it finally gives up.
Most of the Stihls and such are too heavy to suit my bad back
Ben