I recently misplaced two nuts that hold the case to my dad's gas powered craftsman gas powered chainsaw (18 inch blade, 2.6 cubic inches). This chainsaw is pretty rusted and beat up as it is so i'm thinking about buying him a new one. You guys seem to know your chainsaws so I was wondering if anybody had some recommendations? I'm not looking for an industrial strength chainsaw, and price is an issue. I'm looking for something under $200. All responses are appreciated.
good cheap ground chainsaw?
- Thread starter onceagain
- Start date
Help Support Arborist Forum:
If $200 is your budget, you might wish to consider something along the lines of a good used saw. LawnMasters just sold a saw that would be ideal for your application. http://arboristsite.com/showthread.php?p=416902#post416902
The sad truth is that there aren't very many good choices under $200 in the world of new saws.
Some folks have been pleased with Husqvarna's 137 and 142, which are roughly within your price range. Stihl's 180 is also well-respected and can be had for about $200. If you are willing or able to make it up to $250 or so, your options expand substantially.
How often is this saw to be used? What are you going to be cutting with it? What are your expectations for it in terms of cutting ability/longevity/etc?
At the end of the day, I think your best move is to find a good used saw from a major manufacturer like Stihl/Husqvarna/Echo/Dolmar/etc. Maybe somebody here on AS will be able to set you up...
EDIT: I should have also specifically suggested the small Echo saws. The rear-handle models would be your best choice for all-around use. These are not powerhouse saws, but they're so light and nimble that the extra time that they take is no biggie. With a good, sharp chain, even the little 30cc versions can do serious work:
The stack in the front was all the work of the Echo:
The sad truth is that there aren't very many good choices under $200 in the world of new saws.
Some folks have been pleased with Husqvarna's 137 and 142, which are roughly within your price range. Stihl's 180 is also well-respected and can be had for about $200. If you are willing or able to make it up to $250 or so, your options expand substantially.
How often is this saw to be used? What are you going to be cutting with it? What are your expectations for it in terms of cutting ability/longevity/etc?
At the end of the day, I think your best move is to find a good used saw from a major manufacturer like Stihl/Husqvarna/Echo/Dolmar/etc. Maybe somebody here on AS will be able to set you up...
EDIT: I should have also specifically suggested the small Echo saws. The rear-handle models would be your best choice for all-around use. These are not powerhouse saws, but they're so light and nimble that the extra time that they take is no biggie. With a good, sharp chain, even the little 30cc versions can do serious work:
The stack in the front was all the work of the Echo:
Last edited:
chowdozer
Addicted to ArboristSite
I have a Stihl 011av that I really like and have used alot. It has had zero problems. The 011 is 41cc. A good one can be had on ebay for $100 or so if you have time to wait for the right one. A nice one went a couple weeks ago for $91 plus $20 shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/011-AV-Stihl-Chainsaw-NICE-w-VeryGood16-Bar-NEW-Chain_W0QQitemZ7754789755QQcategoryZ79669QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I'd be cautious buying on ebay, but there are good deals on some older saws. Pay attention to the sellers feedback. The seller I pointed out has 100% feedback for 343 auctions, so I considered buying it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/011-AV-Stihl-Chainsaw-NICE-w-VeryGood16-Bar-NEW-Chain_W0QQitemZ7754789755QQcategoryZ79669QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I'd be cautious buying on ebay, but there are good deals on some older saws. Pay attention to the sellers feedback. The seller I pointed out has 100% feedback for 343 auctions, so I considered buying it.
Allan.K
ArboristSite Operative
Well me...I would for sure go with a Stihl 
MS180 is $199.95 or a MS210 229.99. ...As for Husky/Poulan saws the 132/142...Save yourself some bucks and go to wal-mart and buy a poulan Wildthing....
MS180 is $199.95 or a MS210 229.99. ...As for Husky/Poulan saws the 132/142...Save yourself some bucks and go to wal-mart and buy a poulan Wildthing....
Last edited:
Lawn Masters
Addicted to ArboristSite
its a shame you didnt ask this earlier, I just sold my 024, which would have been PERFECT for what you want.
anyways, in the class you want for a saw, I'd agree with what has been said, get a new MS170 or similar saw, those seem to be the good ones, or buy an Echo like a CS346, those are good tough saws for their size.
anyways, in the class you want for a saw, I'd agree with what has been said, get a new MS170 or similar saw, those seem to be the good ones, or buy an Echo like a CS346, those are good tough saws for their size.
Buy the couple of missing nuts first. That'll get you a working saw, and stop you from buying the first saw you see. 
Work out if you are after another saw of about the same power, or if you are after something lighter and smaller, or something more powerful. Beware, the sky is the limit on what you can pay for a saw, and they all just cut wood.
The major good brands are Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo, and Dolmar. I've heard good things about Oleo-Mac, and Redmax too. McCulloch and Craftsman have really changed since your dad's day.
Work out if you are after another saw of about the same power, or if you are after something lighter and smaller, or something more powerful. Beware, the sky is the limit on what you can pay for a saw, and they all just cut wood.
The major good brands are Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo, and Dolmar. I've heard good things about Oleo-Mac, and Redmax too. McCulloch and Craftsman have really changed since your dad's day.
My vote is for the 180 also. Mine has a 14" bar and 3/8 picco chain. It has more power than youd think from such a small saw.
Husky372
ArboristSite Guru
If your in no rush you might also consider your local saw shops. They usually have used saws for sale. They may or may not have what you are looking for when you go but if you stay on top of it you will get one in good working order. Rental places also sell theres of to After a certain amount of hours.
