HELP!! Finding my wife was easier than buying a chainsaw!!

[jpierce75]

So many models, options, companies, and dealers!!!

I have been lurking here for several months trying to decide on a saw in the $250-$400 range. The more I read, the more I get confused. I just want to buy one all around saw for use.

We currently have 26 acres of woods on our 40 acre land. It will be for mainly cleanup as I do not have a fireplace.

Here is what I am going to use it for:

1. General cleanup of fallen branches
2. Cutting off limbs in trails
3. Occasional tree fallen across the road
4. Cutting up some fallen big trees to hopefully begin to make a playhouse.

I have most dealers pretty close to me here (Stihl, Dolmar, Jos, Solo, Echo, Husky)

I have seen the Stihl MS250 or MS290 and it looks pretty good. Many here mention the Dolmar 5100s as an alternative.

I just need something simple and will last for a while. If there is a better performace/price point for a bigger saw, I am open to that. I am also young enough and work out enough that weight is not a concern. Probably will be using it about 10 times per year.

Thanks for your help!!

 

[clearance]

Just go and buy some used Husky or Stihl around 60-70cc, its not that hard, you are just a part time weekend warrior, don't stress out man.

 

[sILlogger]

ive never ran one but i sure do hear a hole lot of people hail on the 361 stihl. if you could find you a used one, that would get you a good pro saw that would prolly fit your uses nicely

 

[sILlogger]

btw, welcome to the site!! before long u will prolly be buying another saw anyway, once u get the "itch"

 

[Ductape]

This time i'd like to be the first to recommend a Stihl 361.

:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Ductape]

Blasted ! I was already beat to it !!

 

[2000ssm6]

MS260 or 361 both out of your price range but great saws. If you want a big smile on your face get the 361:biggrinbounce2: . MS290 might do you well also if those are too pricey.

 

[dustytools]

Ive seen and heard good things about the Husky 350 as well as the others mentioned. For around $300 it makes a great part-time saw.

 

[Edge & Engine]

Do you have any local Shindaiwa dealers? You might want to check out the 446s. 44.6cc, lists for $399 (with 16" bar).

 

[saxman]

My number one choice would be the MS361, a great all around saw for little stuff or it can handle bigger bars if needed. In reality the MS260 should be fine for your needs but hey; go for the gusto and live large!!!!:rockn:

 

[Sprig]

"Finding my wife was easier than buying a chainsaw!!"

This may be true but it can be much harder to get rid of a saw even though its the cheaper choice.


Believe me I know :bang: :bang:

Kk, better now.....

The ms250's are a tad small, the 290's seem to be problematic (though this could be operators errors too), I recently got a 270 and so far am be very, very happy with it though a bit more 'grunt' would be nice. For a nice mid sized worker the 5100 seems to be a very popular choice. You say your only going to be using it around 10 times a year but don't really say what you'll be doing with it so my gut says any decent Sthil, Husky, Dolmar, heck even a Shindawawawa or Echo, around 50-60cc will suit your needs and carry you through the winters.
Read here and learn, shop around, tons of info and once you are knowlegable you will enter a bargain fore-armed, which, I may add, is a darned sight better than being de-armed! (remember the PPE eh!)

Kk, my 0.02$ worth, and yes I feel much better thanks.

And Welcome!

Serge

 

[wdchuck]

First, welcome to AS.

Second, PPE, get some.

Third, a two saw plan may not be a bad idea, but something in the 50-60cc range is about right, you could always head to HD and see if they have a decent used, Makita 6401 rental saw, nice saw for the money.

If you are set on a new saw, what's your budget, one saw and two bars is good way to go as well, and stretches your dollar.

Fourth, PPE, and wear it, $100 gets you a nice helmet system and chaps.

 

[daemon2525]

Ms260

This might work!!!

 

[Noah]

Sounds to me like you would like a Non-etech Huskey 359. If you ask a dealer, make sure he can confirm its not the californicate etech version. It'll say it on the side if it is. One of the caps is also green if I remember right. Mine's been reliable, easy to start, balances well, and light enough to handle for hours. Should be plenty of power for what you need. I also had the Stihl 361 that some have mentioned. Its very similar in power range and handling. They've got a good rep, but mine happened to be a lemon. I give a slight edge to my Huskey for ergonomics, and power. The price difference was substantial. Either should work well, unless you get an etech, or lemon.

Now, why was it so easy to find your wife? I'm still looking for a good one.

 

[Four Paws]

The best $400 saw out there...PERIOD! Quit listenening to the rest of these guys trying to spend your money for you. The 361 is favored by many, but is out of your price range. You will NOT be disappointed with the Dolmar

 

[Steve128]

Hot ticket!

Four Paw The best $400 saw out there...PERIOD! Quit listenening to the rest of these guys trying to spend your money for you. The 361 is favored by many, but is out of your price range. You will NOT be disappointed with the Dolmar

+1

 

[Freakingstang]

Yup, he beat me to it. Best saw for the money. Would have to spend 500 in husky dollars to get the same, or 600 stihl dollars to get an equal comparison...

 

[2000ssm6]

There is a ms290 in the classifieds. If it is in good shape, $150 is not bad. The makita from HD would be nice with a 7900 top end You can find good used saws just have to be careful.

 

[joatmon]

So many models, options, companies, and dealers!!!

I have been lurking here for several months trying to decide on a saw in the $250-$400 range. The more I read, the more I get confused. I just want to buy one all around saw for use.

We currently have 26 acres of woods on our 40 acre land. It will be for mainly cleanup as I do not have a fireplace.

Here is what I am going to use it for:

1. General cleanup of fallen branches
2. Cutting off limbs in trails
3. Occasional tree fallen across the road
4. Cutting up some fallen big trees to hopefully begin to make a playhouse.

I have most dealers pretty close to me here (Stihl, Dolmar, Jos, Solo, Echo, Husky)

I have seen the Stihl MS250 or MS290 and it looks pretty good. Many here mention the Dolmar 5100s as an alternative.

I just need something simple and will last for a while. If there is a better performace/price point for a bigger saw, I am open to that. I am also young enough and work out enough that weight is not a concern. Probably will be using it about 10 times per year.

Thanks for your help!!

4 reasons = 4 saws. Concentrate on finding 1 saw to do 1 thing now. The rest come later. Oh, if you don't understand, then start reading some posts here. :newbie:

Remember, for buying that first saw, there's cash; for the other three, there's MasterCard.

 

[sawinredneck]

I hear nothing but good about the 5100, never run one though.

For what you are talking about doing, and a good first saw/only saw (yeah right ) I highly recomend the Huky 350!! Awsome little saw for the money!! And I have yet to find a way to kill mine!!!