first saw frustration.

[sipho]

This is only my second post, Im a few weeks on from my first post and still im struggling to get to grips with getting my first saw.
I have been looking on ebay as the money for a new good quality saw is more than I have. My logic is to get a good quality used model rather than a less good new saw. It seems that the apatite for stihls on e bay is insane and relentless, they all go for silly money (for a used model). So Im looking for a husqvarna as I think there is slightly less demand.
I understand that the pro huskys match up well to the stihls, am I right in thinking you get more bang for your buck?
I looked at an air injection demo and a vibration test on you tube and the husky looked better in both.
I have taken an interest in an ex army 181 se with a 24inch bar "unused since overhaul". He says the compression is excellent and certianly passes the "old forestry workers test" of hanging it from the pull chord and seeing how fast it drops against the compression, are there any old forestry workers who can tell me if this means anything?. Price is £285.00 delivered it comes with a nice metal storage box gaters, gloves, chaps and a helmet. Helmet I have already. Any imput at all is greatly appreciated

 

[Brian VT]

This should probably be in the Chainsaw Forum but...
Buying any used saw is a gamble unless it has a warranty. Same as buying a used car. You could get a great deal, and many have, or you could get stuck with someone else's headache.
I see "Unused since overhaul" as it's unproven. I'd rather hear "Only 12 tanks through it since overhaul. Cuts great." but, I dunno, it might be good as new.

 

[smokinj]

yes that will tell you how good the compression is for sure:greenchainsaw:

 

[ozzy42]

I would be very leary of buying a used saw unless you really knew what to look for in a saw,,,,and you can't find that out from an on line picture.
I have found a few good deals at pawn shops from time to time.

Got a MS290 for 100$ 3 years ago,the man let me take it outside,put some mix in it,it fired up like any good saw sitting a while,revved good,idled good,had little wear on sprocket bar,and chain. Gave the man the money and started using it that day.
I have seen others that are wore slap out ,and they want 20-30$less than new,,,,,,NO WAY.

 

[Philbert]

This is only my second post, Im a few weeks on from my first post and still im struggling to get to grips with getting my first saw.

Lots of things could fit here, like "Why not buy your third saw first" (get the one you really want instead of screwing around with junk).

I gotta agree with the other posts, unless you know saws, you are likely to buy 'somebody else's troubles', especially if it is a home rebuilt saw.

Check out dealers in your area. Some of them will sell you a used saw that they took in on trade, or one that they reconditioned. They are more likely to know what they are doing, and to be there if a problem surfaces, than some guy on CraigsList or E-bay.

Plus, you can start off on a relationship you will need for parts and advice, especially if you are new to saws.

Philbert
(Spell checked for your protection)

 

[BIG JAKE]

Wenzhou Rigao Packing Machinery Co.,LTD is a professional filling machine manufacturer and exporter in China. We are specializing in liquid filling machine, oitment filling machine.

Maybe you should go there!

 

[jefflovstrom]

Well, go to the swap meet or buy a saw that pays for itself.
Jeff

 

[arbadacarba]

I have a reconditioned Poulan Pro that I use as my " rocks and roots " saw. They sell for about $140 Canadian for a 42cc saw - more than enough power for most situations. If you do a simple muffler modification then they are very good bang for the buck. The only fault I have found with them is their bar adjustment mechanism. Other than that it has proven very reliable.

All things are relative. I have yet to find saws as good as the old Stihl 031 and the original Shindaiwa topping saws, and I have yet to find saws that are as bad as the old Pioneer and McCulloch logging saws. Don't be afraid to spend less money just because the saw doesn't have a big name.


That said, I think I'll award myself another:kilt:

 

[dbotos]

1) Try before you buy. If they won't let you fire it up and test it out on a small log (or at least do it for you), walk away.

2) Set aside some money for chaps and steel-toed boots. If you think new saws are expensive, try emergency room bills.

3) Nothing wrong with Huskys. My ground saw is a 455 Rancher and does great.

4) Compression should be measured with a compression tester and compared to specs.

 

[sipho]

thanks to all who posted here. buy your 3rd saw first I recognise as good advice (for any tool) form philbert. Im gonna look for local dealers and see if I can get a deal from them. Already put a in lot of man-hours looking on tinternet.

 

[treesquirrel]

Good luck! If you can wait then it might be better to just save until you have enough for the right saw new.

I've only run Stihl's professionally and since I have had zero perfromance issues I see no need to try any others.

 

[Job Corps Tree]

First Saw Frustration

I have always been a Husky Man, but for a Climbing saw I have to say go Stihl. The Husky climbing saws have to many problems, bar Oiles & such. going bad far to soon. I have both for climbing , now days I climb with the 020 Stihl and all the rest with Huskys including one I bought in 1984( 298XP) new still runs great. I even had a Polan for 10 years but Husky small saws not any luck not sence the old Husky 35 topper. Iknpw that you guys in the UK may get differant saws from what we get here in the States but?

 

[crashagn]

Good luck! If you can wait then it might be better to just save until you have enough for the right saw new.

+1 You never know what your going get online and the actual condition it will be in. The higher price you pay on ebay + shipping i imagine you could save yourself a headache and save your $$ for something new or atleast something you can hold in your hands and try before buying.

 

[Brushwacker]

You can get an abused or lemon saw regardless of brand. If your not much experianced with saw maintnence buying used is more risky especially ebay.
I myself buy used 90% +. I didn't buy any Huskies until my later years 2 were new. That said I would rather take my chances with stihl chainsaws as they have been more trustworthy for me by far. If you have good dealer support and parts availubility any brand should get the work done as long as you can keep it going. IF you will put more then an hour at a time on it , I'd look for a sound anti-vibe system + a big enough power head to pull the bar you most use well.

 

[stihlhere]

dont do it when i got started i bought a ms 440 (ebay) for $250.00 it ran well but was wore out falling apart. I used it for a year before crank bearings went out cost me 150.00 to fix and did all work my self. (it had also ben ran over i thank broke antivibe mount) I use it for stump removal now. but it could have been worse. And trust me nothing on earth is worse than an unreliable chain saw. MY first job i was in a tree limbing with a wallmart poland threw it out of tree after arms cramped from all the pulling trying to get it to start. I finished up with a ms290, heavy but would at least run, I used an o15L stihl after that for a while and as soon as i earned enough money I went and bought a ms200t 16 inch bar and never looked back. I now own a ms200t, 038,026,ms290,ms440,372xp husqvarna, dont know about the 372 tho it was on a truck i bought and just got new oiler for it so havent tried it yet. but the stihls are very reliable and save me time which makes me money.
ONe last note Im from a family of loggers my father skidded logs with horses untill he was 15 grandady bought 1 skidder (lawnmower with tracks) anyways he tried both when european saws arived here husqvarna and stihl he liked the power of husquvarna but not reliability. Daddy says only one co. makes saws thats stihl. his cutdown saw was an 051av anyways that was a long time ago i'm sure there are other good saws just not for me.

 

[sipho]

What about the compression drop test? how does it work. .....what are you looking for?... good resistance against the pull chord? or is this a bad idea period?... I can talk to my mechanic about doing a proper test for me.
I will keep looking for a used saw if i have to do a bit of of work on a saw it will be a good learning exercise and there is always a chance of a good bargain, (with knowledge from earlier posts about models worth looking at).
To get me started on some small firewood I can get a ms181 14'' with spare chain for well under £200 new. I would not mind my dad using this as I understand the short bar and less powerful saw is less likely to cause him any accidents.
I guess when there is a lot of small stuff to do why not use a small saw.
I know that I will need the power in the future though. I see so many ads offering free wood for logs etc. and often good quality timber.

 

[Job Corps Tree]

first saw frustration

Compassion can only be checked with a gage you can guess but to do it right use the Gage. 140 lbs may feel ok but 200 lbs

 

[Philbert]

Compassion can only be checked with a gage you can guess but to do it right use the Gage. 140 lbs may feel ok but 200 lbs

I want me one of those compassion gauges. Might be helpful with the wife, boss, etc.

Philbert