Thoughts on Chain Saws?
 

Believe it or not, this thread is related to Cub Cadets! I need a tool to make work for them to do :biggrin2: This winter was rough on the local tree population and I've got several large (think 8-12"+) "branches" down in the yard, along with one rather large dead tree that needs to come down this year. So, I must invest in a chainsaw. It doesn't need to be anything special, I don't plan on making a living with it, after all. I'd like to keep it at or under about $200 for budget. I've checked the local Menards and the choices seem to be either Poulan or Earthquake. I've heard enough about Poulan to know they are a decent middle of the road chainsaw, nothing special, but it'll get the job done. However, I know nothing of Earthquake outside of my fathers rototiller (which he loves, for what it's worth). Below are links to the four I'm considering. So what do y'all think? I need a chainsaw that can cut loads of firewood for the Cubs to haul around so the reward for helping me out will be pics of Cubs pulling firewood :biggrin2: Thanks guys :beerchug:

http://www.menards.com/main/outdoors...71-c-10109.htm

http://www.menards.com/main/outdoors...tm?cm_vc=PDPZ1

http://www.menards.com/main/outdoors...85-c-10109.htm

http://www.menards.com/main/outdoors...87-c-10109.htm

FWIW, I would avoid the one with purple on it! Do they have one in pink?:bigthink::biggrin2:

How big around is the tree you need to bring down? Bar length would be the determining factor for me.

For what its worth, I wouldn't even consider a Poulan. Keep an eye out on CL and try to get a good used Stihl. I currently have 2 Stihl saws. One is new and the other is over 25 years old and it still runs strong. Parts are available and service to if need be. I don't mean to be bashing on Poulan, but I have heard too many bad reports on them.

Dave

I would think the Poulan Wild thing would be a decent saw for what you are going to ask it to do. I have the same saw only it is badged a craftsman. I have had it quite a few years with no problems. I have never heard of the other brand saw so I have no opinion on how well they work.

agree with Old. landlord has a poulan it has cut alot of wood but has no power and you cant get parts for it (guy where he bought it said they are throw away saws not meant to be repaired) i finally talked him into a stihl this last fall he loves it think he paid 280 for it smaller saw but cuts great. my stihl is over 20 year old still runs great sure it need a repair once and a while but parts are easy to come by. as for the earthquake im pretty sure its an asian import. if you dont cut wood to heat your home like 10 cord a year you might be ok with the poulan most stores have them on the shelves for storm cleanup people buy them to clean up after a storm and the never get used again. for that purpose they would work great. i guess after all this typing and crappy punctuation i would say you get what you pay for if you plan to use it alot spend the money if you only use it a few hours a year get the poulan

I have a Stihl O15 that I bought new in 1977, still runs great and I have an MS290 that I bought in 2010.
Paid $150 for the O15 and $375 for the MS290.

Wow, lots of quick and good advice, thanks guys :beerchug:

The tree that's coming down in my yard is about 2 1/2 foot thick and deader than a doornail. However, and I forgot to mention this, the neighbor and I are going to do 2 of his trees the same weekend we do mine so this chainsaw will need to be able to take a good couple days worth of cutting.

After the initial use, whatever I get won't see much use. I don't want a throwaway unit but at the same time, I don't need a big boy toy. I'll save that money for the Cubs :biggrin2:

I have a Husqvarna 340 chainsaw that has served me well around the house.

Whatever you decide remember, FRESH gas. I think that is the key to these things. My new saw is a Stihl 192T, and when I bought it I got an extended warranty if I bought their fuel stabilizer [ forgot what it called] but it is supposed to stay good for like a year or more. On a side note, Sam is your 015 a top handle? I ask because my dad bought one of those 30+ years ago and it was a great saw! However it finally bit the dust, that's why I got the 192T, I really like a top handle for small jobs instead of wrestling a big saw.

Dave

Yep it's a top handle. Great for trimming work. Ditto on the fresh gas. I never run ethanol gas and when I'm done using them I drain the gas out and then run them dry.

Please be careful when buying a chain saw! I have discovered over the years, that if you buy a cheap chain saw, you will quickly learn a lot about chain saw mechanics.

I don't have vast knowledge of chain saws, but I do know that many brands have several "lines" or "grades" of saws and (if you are like me and don't know) one needs to really do their homework when choosing a saw.

I hope there are people here who cut trees for a living and can point you in the right direction.

I also know that it is possible to get a great saw for a decent price, you just need to do the research.

Also keep in mind that just because a saw has a "Pro" or "Professional" badge that DOES NOT mean it is a professional grade saw.

I would listen to the advice that you get here and probably try to talk to some tree trimmers and small engine mechanics about what would be the better saw to buy. I would also visit my local chain saw dealers and find out what they recommend. There also might be a chain saw forum or two on the net where you can find out more about saws.

I have a Stihl MS 362 with a 20" bar it's a pretty nice saw, a little heavy but it will cut anything that you put in front of it with ease. More importantly, it isn't one of those saws that needs to be worked on, every time you go to use it. For trimming and cutting small stuff I have an Echo CS 3000, with a very small bar (12" or 14") (someone gave it to me several years ago) it always starts and runs well, even after you shut it off and start it again.

Did a bit of Criagslist browsing for Stihl Chainsaws and ran across a guy up in Freeport (about a 45 minute drive) that has a Stihl shop. Ended up calling him and found out he also does trade ins and refurbs them to resell. He's been in the business for over 25 years and was a great guy to talk to, very knowledgable. I'm heading up there tomorrow afternoon and come hell or empty wallet, I'm going to walk out with a Stihl. I figure I'm young, I'll find reasons to use it again. Plus if I ever need a quick buck, Chainsaws seem to hold their value well around my area.

On a side note, I have noticed about myself that I tend to go into some jobs that I plan on only doing for a short period with the attitude "get a tool and get the job done" and end up coming out "if you're going to do something, do it right". Buying a cheapo chainsaw from Menards for a weekends work turned into driving almost an hour to buy a good Stihl. I guess what started with Cubs is branching out into other areas of my life :biggrin2:

I think you have probably made a very wise decision.

Another vote For sthil

Have an 028-038-048 all are ancient and eat wood like a starvin beaver

After playing with various chainsaws over the years, I became friends with a guy who owned a small engine shop. His advice, one of three brands, Stihl, Husqvarna, or Echo. Iv'e since owned an Echo 310 till someone liked it more than I, and my current Echo 4300 with an 18" bar. Both the Echos have been flawless. I don't use a saw commercially but I do use one. I cut my own and supplimental heat with wood.

You won't go wrong with a Stihl...I have had a couple over the years and I must say they just keep on going...you get what you pay for!

Yes, Ryan just did make a very wise decision!:ThumbsUp:

Buying a chainsaw from Menards is like buying a new Cub cadet from the big box stores. It's likely a POS. A throw away model!

On the other note, the efficiency of any chain saw really depends on how well you keep it maintained. Sharpen the chain often and when NEEDED. Keep the bar clean and make sure you are using chain saw oil (refilled every time you add fuel/oil mix). :beerchug:

I'll throw in a vote for Stihl as well, I have a ms290 like Sam Mac and put it through a lot. I've never had to do anything but sharpen the chain. My father has stihl and husky saws, and he uses his husky more but if we're working together my saw clearly outperforms his. They are both good though. His is quieter.

I know you've decided on Stihl but I have to give them my recommendation too. I have a Stihl MS260 with a 16" bar and it is bulletproof. It will take up to a 20" bar but I like it on the short side. Better power.

Also, if this is your first chainsaw then pickup some ear plugs, safety glasses, and wear sensible clothes. Nothing that can get tangled in the chain. I'm not a huge safety fanatic but I don't take any chances when I'm using my saw.

+1 on the Stihl and Echo. I have a MS290 Stihl that served me well but now the engine needs rebuilt so I picked up an Echo from a commercial dealer and it seems pretty good. If the Echo saw is anything like their weed wackers I now I will be happy.

I'm the kinda guy that believes a good set of gloves, ear protection, and safety glasses should be in everyones shop so check, check, and check. Good recommendations, though :beerchug:

Stihl!

MS 192 TC, great one handed saw when you’re up in the tree
026, so much power it’s scary
036 PRO w/ 18” bar the work horse
066 Magnum, made in Germany, w/ 48” bar and skip tooth chain, watch out!

And get one of these;

http://www.amazon.com/Granberg-Bar-M.../dp/B0002ZY1WG

(and read the tutorial at the bottom of the page)

And be safe!

+1 on a used Stihl. Believe mine is an old 024 Farm Boss, the best saw I have ever owned.

For sharpening I bought one of these. If you have a knack for things, it works well. If you need the tool to be foolproof to where a 10yr old can do it, get something different.

http://www.harborfreight.com/electri...8221-8346.html

Nothing like a sharp chain (and you will likely want two - one for when you hit rocks and dirt). Swap them out and keep on going.

Everyone else has spoken..... so I guess I can throw in my :TwoCents:

I've ran bunches of saws. Stihl, Homelite, Shindaiwa, Poulan, McColloch, Echo, Weedeater.... might have picked up a Husky a time or two, I don't remember. Stihl, Shindaiwa and Homelite are my personal favorites. I own a couple old saws... a Homelite 1050 Auto with a 30" bar(might be 36"), a McColloch with an 18", and a new little Poulan 14" that someone gave me for money owed. If anyone reads this and is thinking about buying an old used Homelite, they are good saws. Mine is probably 15-20 years older than I, and at right at 100CC it's a pretty mean ol' saw!

Attachment 63185


I don't cut wood for a living, but I've been around the block. :biggrin2:

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=25317

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=28238

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=28358

I started out with a Homelite Super EZ 16" and a Homelite Super XL 20". Both these saws were of the late 1960's vintage and they were top notch. Back then. I've had two Super XL's and four Super EZ's over the years. Bars the same size as above.

My son bought a new Husquavarna about ten years ago and we were cutting up a large white oak. My Homelite's were making about twice a much noise and cutting about half as fast as his new saw. My saw wasn't dull at all. It just didn't have the rpm of the new saws.

So I sprang for a new Husky 450 with 20" bar and it starts, cuts, runs like a dream. Much better than the old Homelites. I then purchased a Stihl with a 16" bar. It's great too.

Somewhere along the line, I bought a Poulan from WalMart. 16" bar. It worked pretty good for awhile but it had a small pitch chain and the gas soon ate up the fuel system rubber parts and when it ran, it was very light but didn't cut all that fast.

If I was a youngster, I'd spend the money for a quality saw like a Stihl or Husky and you'll be better off in the long run. there's other quality brands out there but they aren't sold at Walmart.

One other thing. Most new chain saw now come with anti-kickback chains on them. They are not apt to kick back because it's hard for them to get hold of the wood, if you get my drift.

ONLY if you are familiar with how a chain saw works and the safe way to hang on to one should you ask the dealer to put on a chisel chain. It'll cut 3-4 times faster than the out of the box chain.

Dad's Husqvarna is about 10 years old. My homelite is about 30 Years old. I like both of them. They both work great. I'd also vote for stihl.

I had a good sized branch come down right after we moved to this house. I borrowed a friend's Husky 345 to cut it up. It worked so good I purchased my own the same day I returned his ( I had his saw one day -- I'm not one of "those" people )

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...A.jpg~original

I've had this saw for 8 years now and it always starts within a couple pulls. Use good oil and always add gas stabilizer, I only use Star Tron myself.

Safety talk

Always wear gloves, boots, eye and ear protection and watch what you are doing. Pay attention to your surroundings and keep a lookout for "widowmakers"

I vote Stihl. Unless you like really loud and heavy, then try one of these. The big blue one (Titan) runs a pint of 50W oil to the gallon of gas. Until it gets warmed up things are a tad bit smoky.

i believe this is what your looking for.:biggrin2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u17ll043Ld8

I've had a Stihl MS 290 for about 8 years and it's been great!

I use synthetic oil for the gas/oil mix and it starts up fine after sitting for months even with ethanol gas. I have only changed/sharpened the blade(s).

i have an old 041 farm boss 16" bar that runs like a screemin mimi.:biggrin2:

I'm glad I asked this question here, I got about 10x more responses than I figured I would! Thanks again gentlemen :beerchug:

Well I'm off to Freeport to snag me a good gas beaver, I'll be sure to report what I wind up with :beerchug:

Alright gentleman, without further ado, here is my new to me toy. Ended up spending over an hour with the guy once I got there asking questions and I learned some good stuff. VERY worthwhile trip and great guy to talk to. I looked at several different models and settled on the 029. It's got a 20" brand new bar on it and set me back $250. I almost snagged a much smaller unit as well. At 14" and $100, it would have been great for trimming but it just wasn't in the budget right now. So here you guys are, thanks again for all the advice and help! :beerchug:

http://s26.postimg.org/krikav9mx/IMG...321_142331.jpg

http://s26.postimg.org/da9cvnk3t/IMG...321_142336.jpg

http://s26.postimg.org/ibgqx0rk9/IMG...321_142348.jpg

That will make you a fine saw. I have an old 028 and its been a good saw for me, I think your 029 replaced the 028. You wont regret getting this saw, and if you ever get the notion to get rid of it, it will move fast. Just remember, when you are done using it for a while, do what Sam said and drain the gas then start it and run the carb empty. You may want to look into that Stihl fuel they sell that last a long time. Its pricey, but you only put a little in the tank when done so that is all there is in the carb. Its not supposed to gum up the carb like regular gas. Anyhow, congradulations on your new saw!

Dave

Find alcohol/ethanol free gas here
www.pure-gas.org

The customer service you got is the reason all stihl dealerships must also be service centers. No big-box-buy-it-and-good-luck-getting-it-fixed-deals. Glad you made the choice you did

When safety was discussed, no one mentioned chaps. I always wear mysaw helmet with the screen shield and muffs. Also always put chaps on, it only takes one miss to make your day go south real fast. Chaps keep pants cleaner too. Sharp chain is a lot safer too.
Sorry, great looking saw. Should serve you many years. I have a 031, MS 250 and a makita. The Makita is a good saw, 18" bar, but the brake handle got broken on a job and just haven't got the parts to fix it.

My dad was a logger for fifty years so I have always been around chain saws. The absolute best are Stihl and Husqvarna. The saw you bought is one of the best all around saws made and should serve you for a long time.
In addition to the other safety gear mentioned I would highly recommend a good set of chaps to wear. If you have never seen what a saw does to flesh in a split second take my word you do not want to find out.

My current saw is a Husqvarna 455 Rancher. It is a bit of overkill for my needs but so is seven garden tractors for an acre and a half yard :biggrin2: