looking for best chan saw in 14" class. Wants light weight, reliability

[airbiscuit]

The holy grail seems to be the Husqvarna 346XP (professional grade). I have one and I also have a Husqvarna 345 (commercial grade). I researched a lot before I bought. The 345 is the lightest, most horsepower for the lowest cost. I love my 345.

 

[Sodo]

That battery saw is definitely interesting. Currently I can buy a XP saw for the same price. I might buy one when the price comes down.

Prob not the right time to buy. They are currently selling on eBay for more than mfrs suggested retail price. Must be hot sellers. I personally want one that uses the same battery as all my electric tools. I have DeWalt 18v now, but may change to Makita. 36v Makita chainsaw uses two 18v batteries from their other 18v drills, sawzall etc. I had a Makita 20 yrs ago, it sucked - things have changed.

I'd like one now but prob should wait for more competition.

 

[grnspot110]

I have one of the Oregon 40V with two batteries: I bought it for a purpose, clearing up to 4" +/- trees in my timber, mostly Hack-berries. With the two 4ah batteries it will last me two hours plus of cutting, piling & treating the stumps. Which is a day's worth of that kind of work for me anymore! Well satisfied with it for smaller cutting! I also have a 240 Husqvarna w/16" bar that I'm not too proud of & an 18" Poulan as a backup.

 

[DFB]

There are a few larger Li-on saws from several of the name brand saw manufactures along with some lesser know brands. So right now there are some to compare. Sthil has a 36V saw and Echo has 58V model. For other names besides the Oregon already mentioned there is an EGO 56v, Kobalt has an 80v and 40v saws and Greenworks has 40v. Even Ryobi and Craftsman offer a 40v along with B&D and something called Sun Joe.

Of course there has been many smaller ones for a long while using the cordless hand tool batteries of their respective manufacturers


Ahh just seen a top handle design from Makita in 36v twin battery configuration.

Like with most anything battery the ah rating should be considered for run time and recharging time

The Echo is $299 with a single battery at the HD.


The Sthil looks to be $289.95 minus battery and charger and $509.95 is package price at my local dealer.

 

[slaveToHorses]

Gee I was down to getting the Stihl 150cbe. But oh no, now I have to decide between stihl,husky, gas vs battery and the Oregon battery saw! Thanks, I think
Fortunately there are lots of local dealers for all these. I am looking for one that has all of them.

 

[terryknight]

The only issue has been that all we've really seen so far are rear handle designs which he doesn't want.

If there is a top handle battery model out there someone can let me know

Stihl Makes one the MSA 160. top handle battery powered saw. supposedly weights 8 lbs with battery and will run ~40 minutes. i've though of getting one for in tree work.

i love the top handles for limbing, light and powerful.

 

[DFB]

Stihl Makes one the MSA 160. top handle battery powered saw. supposedly weights 8 lbs with battery and will run ~40 minutes. i've though of getting one for in tree work.

i love the top handles for limbing, light and powerful.

Tks haven't seen that one before.

The new STIHL MSA 160 T arborist saw | STIHL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i4BX3QzevM