Whats the best $400 chainsaw.

[RedNeckGeek]

jmo but for a saw that may sit for quite a bit of time before needing to be used Iwould avoid the primer bulb equipped saws- once again jmo

I'm a bit late to this discussion, but I can tell you one saw NOT to buy: a Stihl MS271. It looked good on paper, 3.5 HP and pretty light at 12.3 lbs, but the one I have lacks a primer bulb and is a bear to start the first time cold. The little Stihl MS192 T C-E sitting next to it is my go-to saw: much lighter, will cut anything up to 18" quite easily, and is a one or two pull starter using the primer bulb.

EDIT: My saw is the 2013 edition; Stihl apparently updated it in 2015. Same weight and power, but now claims higher efficiency.

When I'm done with either saw, I pour the gas out of the tank, then start it and let it run dry. Maybe that's why I don't have problems with the primer bulbs?

 

[Fesntkilr]

I have had many different Stihl and Husqvarna chainsaws that I have used on our land and in commercial work. I have owned models from the Stihl 200T, MS170 all the way up to an 880. My current flavor is a Stihl MS440 and a Husqvarna 455 rancher. But the most reliable saw that I have ever owned was actually not a Stihl or Husqvarna, it was a Japanese made Echo. I literally abused that saw and it never once, I mean NOT...ONE.... TIME...EVER gave me any trouble and I mean I ABUSED it. I bought it used at a pawn shop for cheap and it was the saw I would grab for working close to the ground, around rocks and other hazards thinking if I ruined a saw, I would prefer it was the Echo. I would stihl be running it today had it not walked away out of the back of my truck when I was paying for gas at the gas station. I mean 5 minutes paying for gas and my favorite saw GONE!

Heck, the Japanese are famous for building stuff that runs right (Toyota Nissan Honda Kawasaki) why would an Echo be any different??

Why can't American companies build equipment that is comparable in quality if not better than the Japanese?

 

[Fesntkilr]

I'm a bit late to this discussion, but I can tell you one saw NOT to buy: a Stihl MS271. It looked good on paper, 3.5 HP and pretty light at 12.3 lbs, but the one I have lacks a primer bulb and is a bear to start the first time cold. The little Stihl MS192 T C-E sitting next to it is my go-to saw: much lighter, will cut anything up to 18" quite easily, and is a one or two pull starter using the primer bulb.

When I'm done with either saw, I pour the gas out of the tank, then start it and let it run dry. Maybe that's why I don't have problems with the primer bulbs?

+1, I had one too. She was like a cheap , ahem, "Lady of the Evening"....overweight and underpowered.

 

[/pine]

...Why can't American companies build equipment that is comparable in quality if not better than the Japanese?

They can...but it all boils down to the almighty dollar and basically the cost (supply and demand) for raw materials...

There's no reason other than cost why they don't build chainsaws etc., etc....to the same specs they build aircraft engines...and if saws lasted as long as most of the owners...they would not sell that many...

 

[atsah]

Stihl 250 would be plenty of saw for he needs.. Stihl Motomix is the only fuel I use in my 2 cycle engines, no ethanol, 92 octane with synthetic Stihl oil in it, it isn't cheap but for people that use two gallons of 2 cycle mix, it's the way to go, ethanol is the devil for these engines..

 

[4570Man]

Around here ethanol free gas is easily accessible. I always run ethanol free gas in my small engines including chainsaws. It's unlikely for any of my stuff to sit for more than 6 months. 2-3 months is more likely. I never drain it and I've never had any trouble.

 

[motownbrowne]

I have had many different Stihl and Husqvarna chainsaws that I have used on our land and in commercial work. I have owned models from the Stihl 200T, MS170 all the way up to an 880. My current flavor is a Stihl MS440 and a Husqvarna 455 rancher. But the most reliable saw that I have ever owned was actually not a Stihl or Husqvarna, it was a Japanese made Echo. I literally abused that saw and it never once, I mean NOT...ONE.... TIME...EVER gave me any trouble and I mean I ABUSED it. I bought it used at a pawn shop for cheap and it was the saw I would grab for working close to the ground, around rocks and other hazards thinking if I ruined a saw, I would prefer it was the Echo. I would stihl be running it today had it not walked away out of the back of my truck when I was paying for gas at the gas station. I mean 5 minutes paying for gas and my favorite saw GONE!

Heck, the Japanese are famous for building stuff that runs right (Toyota Nissan Honda Kawasaki) why would an Echo be any different??

Why can't American companies build equipment that is comparable in quality if not better than the Japanese?

I have a Japanese saw also. Mine is a Shindaiwa 488. I used have an Echo also, but it didn't come along on the last move. My Japanese chainsaw has been just like my other Japanese motors. Flawless. It's a pro type saw. Paid $60 for it on Craigslist. Before i owned it it was a rental saw, so it hasn't been babied.

Just today I bought a complete parts saw with a scored piston for $50. I'm gonna clean up the cylinder and do a little grinding on the ports. I'm hoping to achieve a mildly ported 50cc pro saw with a whole set of backup parts for a total of $110. Not too shabby.

Echo has some great offerings right now. They have the saws in the 60cc class. The 590/600/620 are all very solid performers. A little bulky and heavy for the power, but well built and reliable.

 

[C4Ranch]

This would be my pick. 60cc echo for $399 free delivery and 5 yr warranty.

ECHO 2 in. 59.8cc Gas Chainsaw CS-59-2AA at The Home Depot - Mobile

 

[RedNeckGeek]

Whatever saw I ended up with, I'd make sure there was a full service dealer located nearby so that when, not if, it broke I could get parts or have them fix it.:2cents:

That kinda keeps out the brands only sold on line or in big box and department stores.

 

[jerrybob]

I have a Craftsman 18 inch saw I bought from Sears 14 years ago. I don't know who made it but I can tell you.....it has cut hundreds of trees down.....lots of firewood.....starts after a couple of pulls every time and aside from changing the plug......has required little maintenance. The ones they sell now appear to be cheaply made but 14 years ago.......they were better. My saw has been used and abused but is still going strong.