Guitmanjo
New Member
I will be buying a chainsaw in the very near future. It’s been 30 years since I cut much wood. In those days I used one of my Dad’s Homelites. But Dad spent hours working on his saws just to keep them running, and they weren’t very reliable. I now have a small cabin I’ll be heating with wood, and expect to cut probably only 1 to 2 cords of firewood annually, but I want a reliable, easy to use saw I don’t have to work on constantly. I’d expect I’ll mostly be cutting standing dead wood up to about 10-12”, but much of that will be Hedge and oak.
Last weekend I had a couple buddies out to show me their saws. One has an older used Husqvarna Pro 18” bar saw (don’t know the model), and the other has a new Husqvarna T435 12” bar saw (both are Husqvarna fans and have biases against Stihl, mostly bang for buck – both heat with wood and know more than I do so I’m leaning Husq). Though the older Pro saw was far more powerful, the weight and chain speed advantage to the T435 was quite notable and the owner of the older saw recommended I choose a smaller, lighter, faster saw like the T435. Research tells me that it’s probably too small and certainly the more dangerous choice, as I found myself one-handing it a lot on smaller stuff due to its balance and ease of use. I do know it’s designed for professionals who need one-handed operation, and that one-handed operation is simply dumb for the kind of work I’ll be doing. I’m passing on the T435 idea, but the experience tells me I would appreciate lighter weight and a fast chain.
I’d like to stay in the $300-ish price range so I know I’ll have to compromise, but I want a saw that will last me years with the least amount of trouble, so I could spend a bit more if that limits the choice too much.
I’m just looking for feedback and suggestions from experienced people based on my intended use. Thanks in advance.
Last weekend I had a couple buddies out to show me their saws. One has an older used Husqvarna Pro 18” bar saw (don’t know the model), and the other has a new Husqvarna T435 12” bar saw (both are Husqvarna fans and have biases against Stihl, mostly bang for buck – both heat with wood and know more than I do so I’m leaning Husq). Though the older Pro saw was far more powerful, the weight and chain speed advantage to the T435 was quite notable and the owner of the older saw recommended I choose a smaller, lighter, faster saw like the T435. Research tells me that it’s probably too small and certainly the more dangerous choice, as I found myself one-handing it a lot on smaller stuff due to its balance and ease of use. I do know it’s designed for professionals who need one-handed operation, and that one-handed operation is simply dumb for the kind of work I’ll be doing. I’m passing on the T435 idea, but the experience tells me I would appreciate lighter weight and a fast chain.
I’d like to stay in the $300-ish price range so I know I’ll have to compromise, but I want a saw that will last me years with the least amount of trouble, so I could spend a bit more if that limits the choice too much.
I’m just looking for feedback and suggestions from experienced people based on my intended use. Thanks in advance.
