Chainsaw advice please - Page 2

mminter1973 · 11-29-07, 02:52 PM

Stihl 009L best little saw ever!

nspctr1 · 11-29-07, 07:03 PM

I recently ditched my poulan for a new husqvarna. I considered stihl and edge also. I couldn't be any more pleased with this saw. I cut approximately 20 cords of mesquite wood a year clearing some property and it hangs in like new. My buddy has an older model stihl that I've used and they both feel similar. Pricewise the stihl will cost you a little more. I picked my saw up at tractor supply for a little over 200 bux.

D'Animal · 11-30-07, 07:06 AM

Here is an interesting thread about the same topic.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.p...ighlight=stihl

gladly · 12-01-07, 12:34 PM

not sure what saws are worth where you are, but when I was looking I could get a used stihl/husq/jonsered/echo for right around the same price as a new poulan/mccullogh/etc

also cheap saws that look to be an equivalent size are not necesssarily going to have the same power, IIRC there is a poulan with a 20" bar and a 36cc engine, I think that my wee stihl is 42cc with a 14.5"bar

Wile E Coyote · 12-01-07, 07:20 PM

(Nat, sorry for the continued hyjack, bro, I'm hoping my questions were/are enough in line w/ the orginal theme)

ParadiseCruiser · 12-01-07, 10:09 PM

As if there hasn't been a consensus on this LOL, but here's yet another vote for Stihl.

My 24" Stihl is 20 yrs old next year, and has never skipped a beat... and it has seen a considerable bit of work up here in the NE Calif woods over that time. It's the Cruiser of chain saws

Cheers, R -

Otterav · 12-01-07, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nat

Excellent suggestion on the chaps, thanks

If you get a G-string you will be very popular at the local alternative lifestyle crowd gatherings!
BAAAHAAAAA!
eric

Chrishdj80 · 12-07-07, 01:56 PM

You run a Toy that's well built and dependable.

So you should run a Stihl it's well built and dependable.

I'm a Stihl dealer and as mentioned above we're quite "loony" about our power-products.

White Shark · 12-08-07, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavenTai

Stihl has purposely locked out just about any route for machines and their parts to keep from undercutting their dealers,

This is a double edged sword, the dealer adds on a much higher markup (someplaces ridiculous) than many other sources such as online, big box etc, but that mark up keeps the shop open where you will have access to the knowledge, service and parts the shop has.

In the end that is what sent me to husky for this recent saw, I got a good 70cc Husky online at Baileys for less than the price of a good 60cc Stihl at my local dealer who is way high.

a few years ago I had had a Husky and a Stihl dealer nearby right across the street from each other I used to shop at the Husky dealer but he shut down a few years ago I think it has a lot to do with the undercutting elsewhere.

so now I almost have to get my husky parts online, cheaper and wider selection but not instant like walking into a store.

If you like your local shop and they are knowledgeable and reasonable on prices go with Stihl.

If you need service or parts for a Husq, Bailey's or your local United Rentals can hook you up. I can get Husq stuff next day from United.

As far as the saws go, Husq Commercial saws are very good. Their big box stuff is junk.

The Stihls are great too. I own saws from both companies and I'm happy with all of them.

x10 on the advice to buy chaps and a helmet. Wear safety glasses too and keep the chip visor down. I've avoided some nasty cuts from flying chips by staying on top of the safety factors.

..

RavenTai · 12-15-07, 09:28 PM

Interesting wrinkle if you are in the saw market, Husky saws will soon no longer be available online

Good read:

http://new.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=57996

D'Animal · 12-16-07, 07:54 AM

LOL!

But you can buy the at Costco right now. How bad off does a successful company have to be to send pallets of product to COSTCO?

Oh Yeah, The husqvarna servicing dealers are real happy about it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavenTai

Interesting wrinkle if you are in the saw market, Husky saws will soon no longer be available online

RavenTai · 12-16-07, 08:45 AM

I did not know you could get Huskys at Costco, are they Swedish saws or orange poulans?

D'Animal · 12-16-07, 09:04 AM

The 355 Rancher for $349.95. They are the Orange "Husqvarna" labeled Poulan saws assembled in Shreveport Louisiana using parts from Mexico. Most dealers do not stock that saw since it is just an Orange Poulan.

Husqvarna makes thier "Pro series saws and the sears line in Sweden.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavenTai

I did not know you could get Huskys at Costco, are they Swedish saws or orange poulans?

Adam R · 12-19-07, 08:17 PM

Growing up in Oregon and felling a few hundred trees over the years, here is another vote for Stihl.

If you look at what the loggers are carrying, you'll find a few Husky's, but most of them run a Stihl.

Aside from chains and one bar over 15 years, I've never had a problem with my 036.

I'd be confident buying one of their smaller saws.

After I joined the service, I broke it down for easier storage. 7 years later, when some wildfires where theatening to get close to us in Colorado, I put it back together, filled it up and it ran the same as the day I turned it off. I was impressed.

Adam R

Overlander 80 · 12-22-07, 06:14 PM

I really like my Poulan 22" - it has not let me down once in three years.

This should be obvious; Don't drink and saw.

And be aware of your footing, clear branches often and have an escape route if things don't go according to plan.

debushau · 12-23-07, 09:13 AM

another vote for Stihl. Had a big box Poulan Pro for about 2 weeks before it broke. Reading the manual thoroughly is also a very good idea and eases frustration.

jonb96150 · 12-23-07, 01:33 PM

I vote for Husky pro models. I bought a big one used (over 15 years old when I bought it, and worked hard). While using it to help clear the logjam at the bridge oner the Rubicon river it froze up. I thought I had sucked in water as I was cutting submerged logs. With the 36" bar it was the longest saw on the job.

I get it home and take the head off and found a piece of the muffler on top of the piston, piston and head a little dented up. Put it back together and started first pull! That saw is still running today, has to be at least 20 y.o. and has cut shitloads of wood.

I gave it to a buddy and got a Husky 372xp with 32" bar because of the extra vibration dampening in the newer saws.

The Stihl vs. Husky debate will never end because most of us are pretty loyal to one or the other.

The most important thing is using a saw safely. Never put the tip of the bar of a running saw on wood. It can cause the saw to "kick-back" (probably the cause of the injury to the guy in the photo) and sends the saw right back up at your body. Even small diameter brush can cause kick-back, and personally I think clearing brush is more dangerous than most other chainsaw work for the average guy.

INHO 16" is too small. I think 20" is a lot more versatile, but I heat with wood and cut my own so that affects my preference.

If you plan on owning the saw many years, the extra money on a pro model only costs a few buck more per year vs the frustration of pulling out a cheap saw to cut up that windblown tree across the trail and have it fail. And instead of being the heroe of the day you are the goat!

BooKilla · 12-24-07, 01:28 PM

All this chainsaw talk inspired me to get into the backyard a couple of days and chew up some of the wood I had lying around. It had been two months since I had started it and it fired right up. I love craftsman chainsaws! Can't beat stihl either though...

Chrishdj80 · 12-25-07, 03:20 AM

HO ho ho merry x-mas everyone.

It's cold and frosty weather over here.
So I've been sharpening chains and pulling old plugs these last few days.
Loony Stihl dealer I am, so I'm probably a little biased

Anyhow I see Dolmar, Husky, Johnsered in the shop.
Most problems originate from wrong usage.

Most common problem, working with a dull chain. It should bite, then it's sharp.
Second most common, pouring just about anything into the chain-oil tank or fuel tank and thinking it will do the job

Safety well, I simply don't work without the proper gear. I need all my fingers to fiddle on those saws and Toy's

We heat our house with wood every year and I've used anything from a second hand "Shindaiwa" through an old Stihl 019 AV.
If it fires up I'll use it to get the feel of it.

Treat it well and it will serve you well.

Ho ho ho merry x-mas Colleman Machines voor Tuin, Park en Bos

D'Animal · 12-25-07, 06:51 AM

Awesome! I work for the Corporate Office here in the USA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrishdj80

Loony Stihl dealer I am, so I'm probably a little biased

(psst! don't tell anybody that if they read and followed their owners manual on maintenance schedules and procedures that most repair facilities would be out of business)

Chrishdj80 · 12-25-07, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D'Animal

Awesome! I work for the Corporate Office here in the USA.

(psst! don't tell anybody that if they read and followed their owners manual on maintenance schedules and procedures that most repair facilities would be out of business)

Well the manual is supplied with every saw, so if it hasn't helped in the last 80 years. My contribution probably won't either

2 Toy's, 2 dudes, 2 Stihl's on 2 continents.

That's just great you working there. The next Stihl convention I can bragg about my intercontinental Stihl connection.
You guys have all the fun stuff I can't get my hands on.

turbocruiser · 12-25-07, 08:38 AM

I've been happy to have my Craftsman 18". I'm not a logger by any means and mostly just do the weekend warrior stuff around the property, chop up cord of firewood each year, loan to friends for cleanups, etc. It is not a Stihl or Husqvarna by any means but one thing that I have learned is to follow the starting instructions exactly as they are written - if you do that it will start "first time every time" but if you skip one of the instructions even when its warm out, you cannot get the thing to start at all! It is definitely economical and so far it is surprisingly effective.

Ohh, forgot, one really annoying thing about the Craftsman is that it constantly leaks chain oil when it is in its case. I hate that!!!

D'Animal · 12-25-07, 08:47 AM

[quote=Chrishdj80;2878932]
2 Toy's, 2 dudes, 2 Stihl's on 2 continents.[/quote]

I used to be the regional service manager and covered 9 states. Now I'm a Field Manager in California and only cover 4 states.

I have 6 or 7 land Cruisers. I'm building the ultimate FJ45 Extended Cab.

I have 96 STIHL chainsaws in my collection. I also have two of the STIHL Go-Kart engines that Andreas had his engineers build for Rudiberg when he was a kid.

[quote=Chrishdj80;2878932]You guys have all the fun stuff I can't get my hands on.[/quote]

That is the same thing we say about you.

nat · 12-25-07, 09:50 PM

I guess when I am ready I should buy one from you Dan.

those go kart engines sound really neat. It reminded me, years ago when I was a boy, I found a McCulloch 48" bar massive chainsaw in my Aunt and Uncle's barn. It had this big handlebar setup. I asked and they said it would be ok to have the motor.

It has been sitting in my Dad's shop ever since, we ran it a few times. I really should make it into something for my son..........but it is one loud beast.

Dave-T · 12-26-07, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbocruiser

Ohh, forgot, one really annoying thing about the Craftsman is that it constantly leaks chain oil when it is in its case. I hate that!!!

That is normal for saws to do that.

bigbrowndog · 12-28-07, 02:03 AM

Stihl for sure.

I have a great old Stihl 015 that runs great and starts mostly on the second pull.

Also a very old Homelite XL12, bit harder to start than the stihl but runs great.

These Homelites were about 15 years ahead of the competition at the time.

Just like the 3 cylinder Johnson/Evinrudes of that era.

Also the great Mustangs,Mopars and Comaro's ,

AAHHH When the Yanks used to build great gear, Sighhh.

11-29-07, 07:03 PM	#32
nspctr1 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: San Antonio TX Posts: 838	I recently ditched my poulan for a new husqvarna. I considered stihl and edge also. I couldn't be any more pleased with this saw. I cut approximately 20 cords of mesquite wood a year clearing some property and it hangs in like new. My buddy has an older model stihl that I've used and they both feel similar. Pricewise the stihl will cost you a little more. I picked my saw up at tractor supply for a little over 200 bux. __________________ '73 FJ40 with 283 sbc, mini discs, 33" BFG's, Family Cage

11-30-07, 07:06 AM	#33
D'Animal Beagles Rule! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central California TLCA# 17104 Posts: 9,563	Here is an interesting thread about the same topic. http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.p...ighlight=stihl __________________ Cruiser Dan at American Toyota Phone is 1-800-432-6668 ext. 8 (I am not cruiser Dan)

12-01-07, 07:20 PM	#35
Wile E Coyote IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lake Havasu and Kingman, AZ Posts: 1,145	(Nat, sorry for the continued hyjack, bro, I'm hoping my questions were/are enough in line w/ the orginal theme) __________________ ="Are you gonna sit there on that friggin computer all day or what?" The desert dwellin, roadrunner chasin, soooper-genius! '90 FJ 62, '08 Scion head unit, chopped quarters and rockers, bedlined exterior, and mostly stock. My soft wheeler and DD. '85 Dodge Ramcharger a little built, and a little beat. My hard wheeler.

12-01-07, 10:09 PM	#36
ParadiseCruiser IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 633	Stihl As if there hasn't been a consensus on this LOL, but here's yet another vote for Stihl. My 24" Stihl is 20 yrs old next year, and has never skipped a beat... and it has seen a considerable bit of work up here in the NE Calif woods over that time. It's the Cruiser of chain saws Cheers, R - __________________ Ron Paradise CA 97 FZJ80 40th 1B2 99K • OEM > lockers, subtank, manual throttle, aux pusher fan, CDL sw • ARB fr, Kaymar rr, Warn 12K, OME 850/863, Hanna sliders, dual batt, ham radio

12-07-07, 01:56 PM	#38
Chrishdj80 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oostende Belgium Posts: 70	You run a Toy that's well built and dependable. So you should run a Stihl it's well built and dependable. I'm a Stihl dealer and as mentioned above we're quite "loony" about our power-products. __________________ Our motorvation is going places. 94 HDJ80 TOY aka "HIDALGO" 86 GD300 merc aka "GRÉTL" 07 Polaris Sportsman 800 2-up "not modded so no name yet" www.rccolleman.net

11-29-07, 02:52 PM	#31
mminter1973 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: alabama Posts: 263	Stihl 009L best little saw ever!

12-15-07, 09:28 PM	#40
RavenTai Ability follows Interest Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Georgia TLCA# 14809 Posts: 5,331	Interesting wrinkle if you are in the saw market, Husky saws will soon no longer be available online Good read: http://new.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=57996 __________________ 1988 FJ62 on 33s 1996 LX450 on 33s

12-16-07, 08:45 AM	#42
RavenTai Ability follows Interest Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Georgia TLCA# 14809 Posts: 5,331	I did not know you could get Huskys at Costco, are they Swedish saws or orange poulans? __________________ 1988 FJ62 on 33s 1996 LX450 on 33s

12-19-07, 08:17 PM	#44
Adam R IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 80	Growing up in Oregon and felling a few hundred trees over the years, here is another vote for Stihl. If you look at what the loggers are carrying, you'll find a few Husky's, but most of them run a Stihl. Aside from chains and one bar over 15 years, I've never had a problem with my 036. I'd be confident buying one of their smaller saws. After I joined the service, I broke it down for easier storage. 7 years later, when some wildfires where theatening to get close to us in Colorado, I put it back together, filled it up and it ran the same as the day I turned it off. I was impressed. Adam R __________________ 1999 LC 100 series, wanting to lift but wife says no. 2001 Jeep TJ 6 inches of lift, locked and up on 35's 1984 Toyota Turbo Diesel, lifted, intercooled and rusting like nobody's business

12-22-07, 06:14 PM	#45
Overlander 80 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: May 2006 Location: Where the glaciers stopped. TLCA# 17132 Posts: 177	I really like my Poulan 22" - it has not let me down once in three years. This should be obvious; Don't drink and saw. And be aware of your footing, clear branches often and have an escape route if things don't go according to plan. __________________ Overlander 80 - No Brush Marks '97/80 ~4" lift - Bull Bar w/Warn 9,500 lb. - 35" MUDS - Sliders - Ext. Diff Breathers - Bulletproof PHH - 20# Co2 w/ built in tool box - Custom Exhaust/Hi-Flow Cats - Flareless - Line X'ed - Rear/Spare/Hilift Unit (7 year W.I.P.)

12-23-07, 09:13 AM	#46
debushau IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NJ/PA Posts: 76	another vote for Stihl. Had a big box Poulan Pro for about 2 weeks before it broke. Reading the manual thoroughly is also a very good idea and eases frustration. __________________ 1985 FJ60 1987 FJ60 1996 FZJ80

12-23-07, 01:33 PM	#47
jonb96150 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: May 2003 Location: S. Lake Tahoe, CA Posts: 367	I vote for Husky pro models. I bought a big one used (over 15 years old when I bought it, and worked hard). While using it to help clear the logjam at the bridge oner the Rubicon river it froze up. I thought I had sucked in water as I was cutting submerged logs. With the 36" bar it was the longest saw on the job. I get it home and take the head off and found a piece of the muffler on top of the piston, piston and head a little dented up. Put it back together and started first pull! That saw is still running today, has to be at least 20 y.o. and has cut shitloads of wood. I gave it to a buddy and got a Husky 372xp with 32" bar because of the extra vibration dampening in the newer saws. The Stihl vs. Husky debate will never end because most of us are pretty loyal to one or the other. The most important thing is using a saw safely. Never put the tip of the bar of a running saw on wood. It can cause the saw to "kick-back" (probably the cause of the injury to the guy in the photo) and sends the saw right back up at your body. Even small diameter brush can cause kick-back, and personally I think clearing brush is more dangerous than most other chainsaw work for the average guy. INHO 16" is too small. I think 20" is a lot more versatile, but I heat with wood and cut my own so that affects my preference. If you plan on owning the saw many years, the extra money on a pro model only costs a few buck more per year vs the frustration of pulling out a cheap saw to cut up that windblown tree across the trail and have it fail. And instead of being the heroe of the day you are the goat! __________________ JonB ke6gfb 87 bj70, arb'ed, slidered, winched, 4x4llabs bumper. 97 40th fzj80 w/difflocks, cdl switch & pin 7 mod, Hanna sliders, 2.5" ome lift, 1" body lift, rear drawer system on 285/75-16's. 87 sas 4runner- air lockers, dual cases, beadlocked 35" mtr's, waggy & cheby springs, sliders, 8274 winch, etc...

12-24-07, 01:28 PM	#48
BooKilla IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Portland, OR TLCA# 18193 Posts: 471	All this chainsaw talk inspired me to get into the backyard a couple of days and chew up some of the wood I had lying around. It had been two months since I had started it and it fired right up. I love craftsman chainsaws! Can't beat stihl either though... __________________ The Boone '85 4runner (sold) '91 FJ80 (3fe powa) '94 FZJ80 (lockered) '98 4runner (sold) "Buying parts I don't need, with money I don't have, to impress people I don't know." Co-Founder of the Lake Oswego Militia

12-25-07, 03:20 AM	#49
Chrishdj80 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oostende Belgium Posts: 70	HO ho ho merry x-mas everyone. It's cold and frosty weather over here. So I've been sharpening chains and pulling old plugs these last few days. Loony Stihl dealer I am, so I'm probably a little biased Anyhow I see Dolmar, Husky, Johnsered in the shop. Most problems originate from wrong usage. Most common problem, working with a dull chain. It should bite, then it's sharp. Second most common, pouring just about anything into the chain-oil tank or fuel tank and thinking it will do the job Safety well, I simply don't work without the proper gear. I need all my fingers to fiddle on those saws and Toy's We heat our house with wood every year and I've used anything from a second hand "Shindaiwa" through an old Stihl 019 AV. If it fires up I'll use it to get the feel of it. Treat it well and it will serve you well. Ho ho ho merry x-mas Colleman Machines voor Tuin, Park en Bos __________________ Our motorvation is going places. 94 HDJ80 TOY aka "HIDALGO" 86 GD300 merc aka "GRÉTL" 07 Polaris Sportsman 800 2-up "not modded so no name yet" www.rccolleman.net

12-25-07, 08:38 AM	#52
turbocruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,962	I've been happy to have my Craftsman 18". I'm not a logger by any means and mostly just do the weekend warrior stuff around the property, chop up cord of firewood each year, loan to friends for cleanups, etc. It is not a Stihl or Husqvarna by any means but one thing that I have learned is to follow the starting instructions exactly as they are written - if you do that it will start "first time every time" but if you skip one of the instructions even when its warm out, you cannot get the thing to start at all! It is definitely economical and so far it is surprisingly effective. Ohh, forgot, one really annoying thing about the Craftsman is that it constantly leaks chain oil when it is in its case. I hate that!!! __________________ 97 FZJ80, Locked & Loaded, Safari Turbo, Safari Intercooler, LandTank MAF, HKS Turbo Timer, 3" Ceramic Coated Exhaust, OME HD 2.5" Suspension, DBA Slotted Rotors, ARB Stuff, 33" Revos, Center Diff Switch, Slee Stuff: Roof Rack, Step Sliders, TC Skid Plate, SS Brake Lines, DC Drive Shafts. HG PM'd, My Rocky Mountain Mojo Mobile!

12-25-07, 08:47 AM	#53
D'Animal Beagles Rule! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central California TLCA# 17104 Posts: 9,563	[quote=Chrishdj80;2878932] 2 Toy's, 2 dudes, 2 Stihl's on 2 continents.[/quote] I used to be the regional service manager and covered 9 states. Now I'm a Field Manager in California and only cover 4 states. I have 6 or 7 land Cruisers. I'm building the ultimate FJ45 Extended Cab. I have 96 STIHL chainsaws in my collection. I also have two of the STIHL Go-Kart engines that Andreas had his engineers build for Rudiberg when he was a kid. [quote=Chrishdj80;2878932]You guys have all the fun stuff I can't get my hands on.[/quote] That is the same thing we say about you. __________________ Cruiser Dan at American Toyota Phone is 1-800-432-6668 ext. 8 (I am not cruiser Dan)

12-25-07, 09:50 PM	#54
nat IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: I'm in like Flynn Posts: 876	I guess when I am ready I should buy one from you Dan. those go kart engines sound really neat. It reminded me, years ago when I was a boy, I found a McCulloch 48" bar massive chainsaw in my Aunt and Uncle's barn. It had this big handlebar setup. I asked and they said it would be ok to have the motor. It has been sitting in my Dad's shop ever since, we ran it a few times. I really should make it into something for my son..........but it is one loud beast. __________________ 1972 FJ55 "Geirdriful" named after one of the Valkyries Check out my build thread: http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pig-preservation-society/165633-build-up-progress-my-piggie.html Some more good pics of the Pig here too: http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pi...-iron-pig.html Maid Marion, "Why, you speak treason!" Robin Hood, "Fluently."

12-28-07, 02:03 AM	#56
bigbrowndog IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: N.Q. australia Posts: 1,273	Stihl for sure. I have a great old Stihl 015 that runs great and starts mostly on the second pull. Also a very old Homelite XL12, bit harder to start than the stihl but runs great. These Homelites were about 15 years ahead of the competition at the time. Just like the 3 cylinder Johnson/Evinrudes of that era. Also the great Mustangs,Mopars and Comaro's , AAHHH When the Yanks used to build great gear, Sighhh.