Old saw is becoming a hassle, thinking about a new saw.

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Sourwould

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I'm new to the site, so hello everyone. Someone probably posts something like this daily, but I'm looking for some honest advice.

I've got an old Poulan 3400 that is becoming more and more unreliable. I'm thinking about just buying a new saw. The Poulan was serviced by our locally trusted dealer at some point before I bought it (PO says right before I bought it, but who knows). From the looks of it, the carb has had a kit recently, new spark plug, chain, fuel filter, and fuel lines. It didn't want to idle at all shortly after it came into my possession. I retuned the carb and it idled nicely, screamed cutting firewood and that was that for a while. I'm pretty new to chainsaws, but have worked as an auto mechanic in the past and still moonlight. Recently, the damn the just won't start, seemingly at random and when most needed (of course). I've started reaching for the axe a lot more than I'd like to.

This has led me to window shopping for used Stihls and Husqvarnas. There are just too many models for my brain to sort through. I only cut firewood for a little extra cash for the winter lean times. I don't do any felling, and dead standing can't be cut with a firewood permit in my area. I've felled trees, but always with an axe and one man cosscut, not sure if I'd even want to use a chainsaw. I don't get much big hardwood through my lot, maybe 12" at the most. I mostly see oak, maple, and some locust.

Stihl MS250's seems fairly common on the used market here, there's a few MS290s. Husqvarna 350's seem fairly common. I'm not sure if I need that much saw. There's a Stihl MS170 for a good price.

Funny, I've got two friends into chainsaws. One swears Stihl are junk and the other swears Husqvarnas are junk. Sounds like the same old Ford/Chevy debate. I'm not really much one for brand vs another, as long as I can get the job done.

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!
 
Welcome @Sourwould

What's your budget for this saw purchase? That will really help with making a realistic suggestion.

As for your 3400, it's a great firewood saw that was ahead of its time, and is still relative today. Have you checked to see if it is producing adequate spark?

If you are considering buying New, you would do well to consider an Echo CS-490. It's a Pro Quality 50cc saw with a really good reputation. Since it is basically Pro construction, it will be much better built than any of the plastic cased saws you mentioned previously.
 
Can't speak for the Husky models, but the MS 250 would probably serve you well. It would handle anything up to about 16 inches. I would not put an 18 inch bar on one.
 
I'm hoping to spend around $200. I would spend a little more if I knew I was buying something to last. There's a 346xp on CL for $375 right now (ouch), an MS250 for $200 (one just sold for $125 and I was too late to the game).

The Poulan cost me $40 and I certainly got my money's worth, despite the frustration. I haven't checked the spark, weary to do it the usual method (arcing).

Most of the wood I get is from jobsites being cleared for new construction. All the big stuff goes to the mill and I try to buck up what's left.

I'm in the Asheville area.
 
I'm hoping to spend around $200. I would spend a little more if I knew I was buying something to last. There's a 346xp on CL for $375 right now (ouch), an MS250 for $200 (one just sold for $125 and I was too late to the game).

The Poulan cost me $40 and I certainly got my money's worth, despite the frustration. I haven't checked the spark, weary to do it the usual method (arcing).

Most of the wood I get is from jobsites being cleared for new construction. All the big stuff goes to the mill and I try to buck up what's left.

I'm in the Asheville area.

Well maybe Mista Hogg will drop in and give you the 336 on that size saw: never know.

In the mean time, read up on each model you are considering, as the ones you've mentioned all have their quirks.

ECHO is certainly a good choice.
 
I'll have to read up on the Echo models mentioned. I'm looking for reliability first and foremost. There's nothing I hate more than waking up early and ready for the day's project and doing nothing the whole day but messing with a fussy tool.
The Echo's are solid, and reliable, with a really good warranty. The 490 is around $350, and the 590 will run $400.

Here's a good deal on a decent consumer saw(Echo CS 400).
http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/echo-cs400-175-runs-like-new.298706/
 
Welcome to the forum. Some great suggestions already. Here's a local deal worth looking into. Fit it up with the 16" bar offered and I think you'll be a happy camper. Very light and agile, good power and a bit smother than the 3400 you're used to.
http://asheville.craigslist.org/grd/5643806139.html
 
^ I had seen that, and should have read up on it more. Didn't think there'd be that much difference between a a 250 and 260 model number. :D
 
^ I had seen that, and should have read up on it more. Didn't think there'd be that much difference between a a 250 and 260 model number. :D
Hahaha! Yes, it can be a bit confusing. The 260 is a 50cc Pro Saw, that will last, and last with proper care. The 250 is..........meh?
 

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