Small chainsaw

[Berkshires]

Hi gang. Yeah, another chainsaw thread. I looked around a bit, and wasn't able to find answers. But if someone just asked the same question and I missed it, feel free to just send me to the other thread.

I've been running a Homelite (Home Depot brand) 16" 33cc chainsaw for 20 years or so. It still runs great, but it I'm thinking of upgrading. My problem is that it gets bogged down, it likes to cut to the right or left (and when it does it sometimes stops grabbing the wood at all), it doesn't have dogs on it to help keep it straight, and at 16" its bar it's a little small.

I use it for bucking, taking down a few trees, and general yardwork. Mostly for bucking up trees for firewood to run my maple syrup evaporator, plus a little extra for the woodburning stove. Maybe I buck 3 full cords a year.

Now what I don't want is a big 24" chainsaw. I'm a little guy - strong but small, and as I said I only process a few cords of wood a year. So I don't need or want a huge saw. But I think I've gotten my money's worth out of this old Homelite, and would be willing to spend up to maybe 5 or $600 for something that could make my life easier when it's time to buck up the wood. I was thinking something with an 18" bar. And I'd hope to get another 20 years out of my next saw.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Gabe

 

[WoodmanSr]

Hi gang. Yeah, another chainsaw thread. I looked around a bit, and wasn't able to find answers. But if someone just asked the same question and I missed it, feel free to just send me to the other thread.

I've been running a Homelite (Home Depot brand) 16" 33cc chainsaw for 20 years or so. It still runs great, but it I'm thinking of upgrading. My problem is that it gets bogged down, it likes to cut to the right or left (and when it does it sometimes stops grabbing the wood at all), it doesn't have dogs on it to help keep it straight, and at 16" its bar it's a little small.

I use it for bucking, taking down a few trees, and general yardwork. Mostly for bucking up trees for firewood to run my maple syrup evaporator, plus a little extra for the woodburning stove. Maybe I buck 3 full cords a year.

Now what I don't want is a big 24" chainsaw. I'm a little guy - strong but small, and as I said I only process a few cords of wood a year. So I don't need or want a huge saw. But I think I've gotten my money's worth out of this old Homelite, and would be willing to spend up to maybe 5 or $600 for something that could make my life easier when it's time to buck up the wood. I was thinking something with an 18" bar. And I'd hope to get another 20 years out of my next saw.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Gabe

Been covered here... look up Best 40cc Saw, Echo cs4910, Echo cs400. Other 40-50cc are discussed.
I'd skip the new generation cs4920 or cs4010 which are stratocharged clean emissions models. Are some still available older above models or 2nd hand.
Echo has alot of value for the money, & 5 year homeowner warranty, only why stating those models. Search those model threads for discussed Stihl or Husqvarna alternatives.
As often suggested, your dealer support will guide the Manufacturer choice. Your needs don't justify a Pro series saw. imo. Someone will still say Pro model Stihl ms261. Vs. home/ranch Stihl ms271 would serve you fine enough. Etc.

 

[J D]

Firstly I would say it will be worthwhile establishing why your saw is cutting left/right. It may be that your bar needs replacing, but more often than not it's related to how you're filing your chain.
If it does just require the bar dressing or replacing that would likely be worth doing to have a good spare saw... or a smaller saw to compliment with a slightly larger one.
For a new saw I second Woodmans comments. Echo have some really good offerings in the category your looking at

 

[Michael E]

Firstly I would say it will be worthwhile establishing why your saw is cutting left/right. It may be that your bar needs replacing, but more often than not it's related to how you're filing your chain.

I agree, that sounds like a chain issue.

When you say you are looking for an 18" chainsaw, you might as well look for a car with 16" wheels. What I'm trying to say, you can put any bar length on any chainsaw. But what kind of chainsaw do you need? When your 33cc saw lacks power, I would suggest a 50cc replacement. If you are looking for a lightweight model, check out the professional lineup of any major manufacturer. Weight reduction is expensive, that's why homeowner saws often have more weight at the same power output.

 

[Chainsaw Pete]

First thing I'd do is put a new chain on your saw. Well, actually, the first thing I'd do is check a few things...air filter, spark plug, your drive sprocket, and your bar (mostly preventive maintenance). There is plenty of info around on how to maintain a chainsaw's bar. Then I'd put the new chain on and see how it cuts.

I'd characterize myself as an advanced amateur. I clean up storm downed trees for myself and friends, and this summer have been helping a friend on his farm (half w/ a sugarbush). I'm partial to Stihl - was given a big old (obsolete) one and bought a MS250 and later a MS311. I have both 18 and 20" bars for the 250, and every time I use it I'm surprised at how fast it cuts. I too am a little guy, and probably have a few years on you, but lighter is important if you are going to be using the saw for a few hours.

After you read what all the guys have to say in this thread, I would suggest you make a spreadsheet showing the brand, cost, displacement, power, weight and bar range to compare the saws you are considering. I have a last column on mine, that shows the Power to Weight ratio - more for curiosity than anything else. Then come back here and ask about a few saws you are serious about buying.

If you don't do all your own maintenance, buy from a shop that has a good reputation for servicing what they sell.

Stihl seems to be putting their electronic engine management system on their pro saws, and I don't know enough about that to suggest anything. From what I've seen, the homeowner saws do not have this. I do suspect it will make owner maintenance a bit more difficult, and probably increases the cost of the saw. I'd prefer a simple carb to said newfangled electronics...unless the guys here start raving about (and not at) this Stihl engine management system.

 

[Chainsaw Collectors]

Like some others I’m going to recommend looking into Echo. I have a CS-490, good saw.

 

[EchoShindaiwaMakitaDolmar]

Echo/Shindaiwa, 40-59cc range: cs400, cs4910, cs501p, cs590 Timberwolf

Or, if you can find a NOS/New Old Stock Makita/Dolmar, 50-56cc range: ea5000p, or 5600FR Ridgeline