New poster looking for guidance, pls help.

[GTkillerbee]

Have read over this forum, and it appears as though everyone has their own opinion about chain saws. I have never owned one myself, but have used friends and relatives of various types. I am looking to purchase one for myself, as the recent ice storm here in N.C. has really messed up a lot of the trees in my back yard, and the cost to have someone else come in a clear it would be in excess of $750.00, plus I've just decided it's time to stop borrowing and get my own. Obviously, once I get all this mess cleaned up, it would be used sparingly during the year. None of the trees are really big, probably less than 18" in diameter. I'm not looking for something heavy duty, just something fairly reliable that isn't overpriced. Anyway, I just looking for suggestions. Here where I live, there is a stihl dealership, Lowe's (Poulan Pro models), Home Depot, and of course Sears. Please give me your best opinion. Thanks!

 

[Tony Snyder]

Get the Husqvarna 55 from your local dealer or from Sears, or get the CS 56 John Deere, either
with 18" bar. They are the best bang for the buck out there. ($325 to $350) ballpark. If that is too much money, I would look at the CS 47 John Deere or 345 Husky.

 

[Wolfcsm]

I think that I would compair the Huskys recommended above to a STIHL 026. Both are good saws but I think that the 026 will give you better service. Here in Texas, an 026 would run about $400 and about $430 for the 026 PRO

Hal

 

[buckwheat]

The 026 is a great saw, but if you're saying it will be used sparingly, then your money might be better spent on an 025. They're not a "pro" saw, but then you're not looking at pro work.

On the Husky side, again, going with one of the consumer models might be the way. I had a chance to run a 345, and was pretty impressed. They're available on the net for pretty good prices.

If you haven't picked up on it already, one prime consideration for any saw's performance is to keep it well serviced and the chain sharp.

 

[Ryan Willock]

I would opt for a MS250 @ $275, its plenty of saw for the home owner. Don't forget to purchase saw chaps AND a helment with eye and ear protection!!!

 

[treeclimber165]

I'll third the Stihl 025 for homeowner use. I bought a used one about 8-9 years ago from a pawn shop (after some saws got stolen) and just recently put $80 worth of rings and piston in it. It STILL rocks!

 

[John in MA]

My personal feeling has always been that the consumer Stihls (however good they are) are a little on the pricy side. Husky (even Poulan Pro) or JD seem to offer more bang for the buck, especially if it's not going to be used much after this.

Hey Wolf, what is that, a D10?

 

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

just something fairly reliable that isn't overpriced.

Wazzup Bee. None of us start out being chainsaw derelics. Woodsjunkie has a brand spanking new Husqvarna 346xp on sale right nowon the Used Equipment forum.

 

[Grateful11]

Go for the MS250. I've got one and I really like it. I had a Husky 55 and wasn't impressed by it, someone else must have been because they stole it. I'm sort of like you, I use my saws sparingly around the farm and in my small lawn care business. I just couldn't see paying $400 of the 260, if I were using it daily yes I would have bought it. Like the mechanic told me, "Use fresh fuel, a good mix, keep the air filter clean and it will serve you well". There's many a utility companies using them daily, so I'm told. I got the 18" bar only so I wouldn't have bend over as far when limbing. If it's going to be your only saw I'd lean towards a 16" bar, it will pull the 18" but you might be happier with the 16".
Grateful

 

[alamo-kid]

saw

I agree with the 025 or even a 021 for what you describe. the 025 will do it for sure and I have an 021 that has been bullet proof. Can't go wrong with either.


jeff

 

[Ryan Willock]

I opened up the muffler on my dad's 021 and it gained a lot of power (30-40%!) its still a 2 ci. saw but for light trimming and very ocasional work its ok:Monkey:

 

[shoot501]

Go with the 025, it will suprise you. I have several pro type saws and the 025 still gets used a lot. I've used mine quite a bit with no problems for over 2 yrs.

 

[Wolfcsm]

I have an 024 and a Husky 345, both are great saws - light and powerful. The 260/026 is the currently available small pro modle. It seems that the pro saws are made just a bit more ruggid. I bought the 024 off of E-Bay and it is great! The 345 came from Sears as a replacement for a saw that sears could not fix. Again, both work well. Have had each out cutting for a day and see little difference in them. But I like STIHL saws.

Hal

 

[My2cents]

The other day at Home Depot I noticed a bunch of saws lined up on display. The first thing I looked for was a HI and LO carb ajustment. All the cheap saws had them except the Echo!!
There was a Homlite for $137.00 if I was you I would purchase one of these inexpensive saws. Just keep the chain sharp. The lower end saws will perform fine. There is no need for you to buy an expensive Pro saw. I have cut many cords of wood with a cheap saw with overall good results. Unless you are bucking/cutting large quanities of wood there is no reason for an expensive saw.

 

[tony marks]

well forget what they said ,and listen to what a man in the know says.
in your position id check the shops around and pick up an 028 stihl.
if u can find one, the dealer will guarantee for say 30 days. get it.
if its in fair shape now,nothing u described will hurt it. their also available ebay. another good idea wood be to ask hear on the forum about a saw .
these fellas know pretty much what u need for a saw,and from my experience, they a pretty honest bunch. in fact thats
your best bet.

 

[geofore]

too much saw?

I'd have gone to www.toolsupermarket.com, clicked on ABC and checked out the Shin 757 for cheap. Overkill, but then all those guys you borrowed from would be at your place to borrow this one.