Small Chain Saw Advice?

Vob · Mar 21, 2005

Thanks for all the advice, chaps. i went to my stihl/Husky dealer and he reccomended the stihl 170 or 180 over the equivalent husky.

I dunno about the US, but here you need a Chainsaw from a rope and harness license to but a top handled saw, so the 200t or equivalent is out of bounds.

how come guys in the US use the husky top handle? in the UK, we don't give it a second chance!

Stihl 200's all the way, it seems. I'm not speaking from experience, just other people.

RobertN · Mar 21, 2005

Which Husky model was he comparing too?

In my expierience with Chainsaws, Stihl/Husky are pretty much on par even.

My Arborist buddy has both brands. He has the Husky 335XPT, and the equivilant Stihl. He uses and likes both...

It is odd that you have reg's on use of a top handle saw...

bczoom · Mar 22, 2005

( how come guys in the US use the husky top handle? in the UK, we don't give it a second chance!)

My small saw is a Husky 338XTP with the top handle. I like the top handle since the weight is balanced below my hand so it can be easily operated with 1 hand. When the weight is out front, the center of gravity is off and it gets hard on the wrist.

Egon · Mar 22, 2005

( ( how come guys in the US use the husky top handle? in the UK, we don't give it a second chance!)

I'm guessing it's a safety issue involving kickback. One has less leverage with the top handle.

Egon

Mith · Mar 22, 2005

at work there is a husky top handle on a shelf, nice as anything /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif real easy to handle (havent tried it, its too new) theyre not supposed to be sold to anyone who dont have a licence. its price tag is at £350 inc VAT /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

as to what you have already, the husky, sounds troublesome, leave it for now.
the stihl, adjust the carb, maybe a new sparker. i just completely stripped and redid a 013 (needed new piston and rings) they arent to hard to fix, maybe ask your stihl dealer to show you how to adjust it. go in buy some oil or something and ask, he should show you.
you say its very tempremantal, is this cos the carb is misadjusted, have you the right mix?

new wise get yourself a stihl, husky and any other dealers that are in your area magazine and price list. compare the models and prices.
go talk to your local dealer and say what you said here, he may have just the thing. seems sad to buy new for ( personal use, once or twice a month,)

btw, welcome, nice to have more from the UK, well outnubler the USA soon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
(north or south wales?)

Vob · Mar 22, 2005

South Wales, my friend-Swansea area.

yourself?

Mith · Mar 22, 2005

north hampshire ish

voodoo · Mar 22, 2005

Hi there and welcome to the forum. As Mith says, the more from this side of the "pond" on this forum the better. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Now down to business. I am totally biased, but go get yourself a Stihl. I bought a MS 250 last year with 16" bar. Paid £285 (inc VAT). Its the absolute dogs *$£^%^%^.

Like I said I'm biased. My father has a Stihl 044 somewhere in the region of 25yrs old. I grew up with him using it. Nothing it ever couldn't cut. Nothing ever broke. Oil lub to chain gave up once. Found out it was bit of dirt. Strip, clean and airline through and back to full operation.

The MS 250 has a reinforced plastic crank case. I thought this must be cheaper than the aluminium. Dealer says that in the 6 yrs Stihl has gone to plastic, there has never been one cracked, split or worn out through his door. The weight saving is a big bonus.

If you're serious about the tree surgery work, spend the money. If it dosn't work out the Stihl will still hold its value the best. Just look at e-bay to see the serious second hand money they make.

You might want to see a a dealer will give you something for your two knackered saws towards a new one. Alternatively, what about putting them on e-bay and getting what you can for them.

Hope this helps.

Nigel