Another Chainsaw Purchase Question?

[talon1189]

I have been lurking here for about a month and have been reading many different post Here is my situation.......My friend and I want to get into some smaller tree work for side money. He has about 25 years experience in tree work and I have very little. We basically do gutter cleanings and hedge trimming right now. I bought a new Stihl 180 chainsaw today for smaller jobs as per recommendation from reading post. I will be shopping for a new bigger Stihl saw within the next month with about a $400.00 budget for now. I know that most members here demand and recommend the Stihl 361......but it is out of my budget at this time @ $599.00 :bang: I am looking for a low to medium commercial capable chainsaw only. What are your recommeded chainsaws within my budget even if the saw is not a
Stihl? I do appreciate all opinions Thanks!

 

[Griner Bros.]

Best $400 spent, a Dolmar 5100s ...

 

[computeruser]

I am looking for a low to medium commercial capable chainsaw only.

What exactly do you mean by this? What kind of cutting do you anticipate doing?

If you are really on a budget, an MS290 would be a cost-effective way to get a larger saw. It is big enough to cut most stuff and will quickly pay for itself twice over and then you can sell it on ebay or something like that and roll that money into a 361 or something like that.

If you are not looking to flip a saw but rather to keep it, a Husqvarna 359 or Dolmar 5100s would be the way to go if you are limited to $400.


EDIT: PM'd you with something you might be interested in buying.

 

[Cut4fun]

Dolmar/Makita

What about one of them Home depot makita 6401 64cc with 20". For $205 used. http://www.arboristsite.com/showpost.php?p=428051&postcount=25

 

[clearance]

Why not get a used saw that has some power and is proven instead of buying a so so new saw? There was a guy on this site a couple of months back selling a Husky 272XP, at the same time someone was asking "should I get this little saw or that homeowner saw I don't use it much, don't have much money but I want something new, blah, blah..." I suggested they get the 272 (an awesome kickass saw), instead they got some Stihl that wasn't a pro model with less displacement, and paid way more for it than the 272. Look into it, Stihl or Husky pro models.

 

[Cut4fun]

HD saws

Heres a look at the 6401 Dolmar/Makita saw from HD rentals. http://www.arboristsite.com/showpost.php?p=425157&postcount=7

 

[GAPULPER]

New saws - 359 Husqvarna or 2159 Jonsered which are same basic saws. I believe the 5100 Dolmar is a great saw as well, a little smaller and lighter but about the same power.

Used saws - big list.... need a reputable seller or a bit of a gamble.