Chainsaw advice please

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The bad thing about Stihl is you have to go through a dealer for everything. There may be a way to order parts online but I tried a few years ago and ended up going to the dealer. Living that far away could be problematic Also, if you want a saw that will last steer clear of the consumer saws that are made in the U.S. (Stihl) or the "big box" saws as previously discussed. The good saws seem to come from Europe. IMHO a professional-grade saw is worth the extra money. I have heard good things about the Efco's that Northern Tool is now carrying, but don't have any personal experience with them.
 
I've used, a lot, both Stihl & Husky and felled everything from a 3" dia. sapling to a 4' dia. sugar pine. I'll take Stihl if given a choice. And the advice about safety is spot on. My wife's grandfather was killed when a tree wasn't brought down with proper regard for how it was dropped. Thank God I didn't do that one!
 
hydrogeo said:
The bad thing about Stihl is you have to go through a dealer for everything.
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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.
 
To add to my previous statement...you must always anticipate where the debris from what you are cutting is going to fall...
FunnyPart-com-chainsaw.webp
 
My Stihl 029 "Farm Boss" has been great. I have had it at least 10yrs or so and it is perfect. Granted it does not get that much use, but it is a great machine. "Farm Boss" all the way!

Zack
 
ECHO.....Echo......echo...............surest starting saw I ever owned.

Whatever you do, do not buy a MacCollough unless you need the exercise.
 
Buy a Stihl chain saw (not sold at big box retailers) and be shown how to properly use and maintain it. A local authorized Stihl dealer (Stihl has no auth Ebay dealers for brand new saws) is prolly as passionate about chain saws as we're about Cruisers. No joke. As stated above, eye, ear & toe protection can't be stressed enough. Chaps are a must if you cut often. I have the MS210 with 16" bar and love it.
 
I bought Echo and have been happy .... gets little use and sits a lot but starts fast regardless ... even in real cold weather!

Jonsered are also pretty good saws according to guys that use them everyday professionally - at least last time I asked ... and Stihl..

Get professional advice on the care and use of one of these. Don't use it when you are fatigued!!
 
AJP said:
Jonsered are also pretty good saws according to guys that use them everyday professionally - at least last time I asked
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They are, Jonsered = Husky with red cover, same saws underneath, if you have a Jonsered dealer nearby they are worth looking into,

Another lesser known but good is Dolmar, their 7900 is well loved

Echo has some good mid range stuff,
 
I"ve got a husqvarna 21. They don't make that model any more, but it is the best saw i have ever used. Starts every time even after sitting in the garage for a year it will start within 8-10 pulls. Cuts through big logs like butter.
 
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.
 
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
 
(Nat, sorry for the continued hyjack, bro, I'm hoping my questions were/are enough in line w/ the orginal theme)
 
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 -
 
nat said:
Excellent suggestion on the chaps, thanks :cheers:
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If you get a G-string you will be very popular at the local alternative lifestyle crowd gatherings!
BAAAHAAAAA!
eric
 
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.:grinpimp:
 
RavenTai said:
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.
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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.

..
 
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