chainsaw recomendation

[kylel]

Hello,
I'm new to these forums. My fiancee and I are starting an organic farm in VT. We will be using wood for heat and hot water and willl go through about 6 cords that we will be pulling from the property with draft horses. Can anyone recommend some good chainsaws that are powerful, but not excessively big. I am looking at used saws as I want to spend less than 200 if that is realistic. Also, I was told that while huskys are good saws some of the home depot models are cheap and inferior. Does any one have any first hand experience with these saws and does anyone know which models to avoid? I know where I can get a husky 55 in my price range. Would it be a good saw?
thanks

 

[CharlieG]

372xp is my main firewood saw, though more than $200. I consider it an investment in the future, so the money I spend now, saves me money later on. Spike60, an AS sponsor is a good source of info on the Husky line and sells that equipment.

 

[abohac]

I like my 2171 Jonsered if that is any help. $200 will only buy a 1/4 of it though.

 

[aandabooks]

If the Husky 55 is in your range and it's in good condition that would be a good saw. Several people here on AS have them and seem to recommend them. The Husky 100 series saws are made in the same factory as Poulan. Any of the larger displacement saws or 300 series are Swedish built.

 

[Stihl051master]

My dad has cut all his firewood with his Husky 55 for over 10 years and it's still going strong. It's light, has good power, and has been extremely reliable. It would be a good saw if you can get a deal on it.

 

[rx7145]

You might find a 290 for $200.

But any way you cut it, you are not going to get much saw for $200.

 

[Brushwacker]

Hello,
I'm new to these forums. My fiancee and I are starting an organic farm in VT. We will be using wood for heat and hot water and willl go through about 6 cords that we will be pulling from the property with draft horses. Can anyone recommend some good chainsaws that are powerful, but not excessively big. I am looking at used saws as I want to spend less than 200 if that is realistic. Also, I was told that while huskys are good saws some of the home depot models are cheap and inferior. Does any one have any first hand experience with these saws and does anyone know which models to avoid? I know where I can get a husky 55 in my price range. Would it be a good saw?
thanks

I once added a 55 to my frewood business. Mine didn't work out well. I wanted to run a 20" bar and it didn't feel it had ample power and the oiler was not putting quite enough oil out. Power felt better with an 18" and smaller .325 sprocket but it seemed if I used it more then 15 minutes my back would be hurting or it would break down. No matter what I did it seemed that saw hurt me one way or another and I took a big loss owning mine for about 18 months. I am sure there is many of them much better then mine was, but for what you say you want a saw for in the $200 range (You would be very fortunate to get a pro quality mid size saw for less $.)I would go for a bit more displacement. Some models in that catagory that have treated me very well are Stihl 034's or 036, 041 AV (make sure it is an AV with dampners for anti vibration ), an O44 would be superb but you would probably have to go nearer $300 if you can find a decent one for sale. A McCulloch 610 or SXL 12 Homelites aren't bad saws you may find cheap that will run a 20" bar. There is several other good old models out there, some may be a bit difficult to find parts for in a hurry if your needing them fast.
Use the search function here to find out a models reputation by users.

 

[Brushwacker]

You might find a 290 for $200.

But any way you cut it, you are not going to get much saw for $200.

or MS310 and 029 Super which have a little more dispacement.

 

[secureland]

Hello,
I'm new to these forums. My fiancee and I are starting an organic farm in VT. We will be using wood for heat and hot water and willl go through about 6 cords that we will be pulling from the property with draft horses. Can anyone recommend some good chainsaws that are powerful, but not excessively big. I am looking at used saws as I want to spend less than 200 if that is realistic. Also, I was told that while huskys are good saws some of the home depot models are cheap and inferior. Does any one have any first hand experience with these saws and does anyone know which models to avoid? I know where I can get a husky 55 in my price range. Would it be a good saw?
thanks

Is the 55 in good condition? Seriously...... run the saw for a solid 3-4 hours before comitting to buy it. Some saws with bad compression will start just fine and cut through a couple of big logs like they were new, but as soon as they are hot they die on you and are nearly impossible to restart. Don't spend $200 only to say good-bye a few days after the saw is home. Also have a serviceperson or knowledgeable friend look it over.
Unless you're growing illegal crops, you're going to need to keep expenses down and be resourceful, lol

 

[day52]

If I was going to buy a new saw in that range, I would definitely get a Dolmar 5100...but, if that Husky is in decent shape I would get it in a second. My old 50 provided a lot of firewood for many years. My son worked on it and did not put the sparkplug in tight. Tried cutting a big old hickory and was reving to the max. You can guess the rest. Still sold it at an auction for $70 because a guy wanted it for parts and the extra chain. I would buy the 55 if it was decent, and I absolutely don't need another saw in that class. Other possibilities might include any Stihl from an 031 up. If you don't know much about saws, you might want a "pro" to look at the choice for you. Talk to your neighbors---someone will have the expertise to go through the basics with you. Good luck with the farm!

 

[Zodiac45]

I have a 51 which is just a hair smaller than the 55 and same series saw. Mine has been flawless and gets allot of use. I recently rebuilt the top end (piston and rings) after 10 yrs and it's as good as new. I paid $150 for the saw 10 years ago. It's cut many a cord over the years. I use an 18" bar on mine.

 

[zanderson]

I picked up a used Stihll 044 last winter for $250. It looks a little rough but runs great. I personally think that if you're doing a lot of wood cutting, the bigger the saw the better (to a certain extent). It may be heavier, but the less time it takes your saw to get through the wood, the less time you have to hold it.

 

[CharlieG]

get the 372

 

[OilHead]

20 years ago you could buy a Mac 610 for $ 200 . I think your going to have to step up to the plate a tad unless you just settle on an echo 400 for $ 299. There are much better around . Try & find a running stihl 044 for 150 -$ 200 Worst case would be if the thing stoped running you could still get a Bailys kit . Much better buy in to something you will really like

 

[hornett224]

$200 won't get you anything worth having.

unless you get it off a crackhead.

 

[Swamp Yankee]

FWIW

Husqvarna is running a finance promo right now thru the end of July, 0% for 6 months on purchases over $250.
If this works out for you you could get into a new 350 / 450 for about $60 a month or a 359 for $90 a month, ($50 or so if you put your $200 down). Either way you're getting a new saw with a good reputation, particularly in your circumstance, with a full warranty.

Don't know your situation but repairing a used saw can add up the dollars fast. If you know the person that's owned it that's one thing. Buying a used saw from a stranger is a crap shoot.

Good luck and Take Care.