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.