Chainsaw suggestions

Stick the the even numbered models if you're buying newer stuff (026, 028, 036).

-J

I've heard that the 260 is also good, and somewhat lighter in weight.

Be sure to set aside $65 to buy a set of chaps.. sweet talk the dealer into making it a part of the deal.

I watched a fellow cut a 6" long slice about 2" deep into his leg one day. If there hadn't been folks around to help he might have bled to death.

Happened so quick.. One little slip.

bb

I'd look at Stihl 026, Husky 346XP, Solo 651, Shindaiwa 488, Makita/Dolma DCS540, or Jonsered 2149. You won't go wrong with any of them but I prefer the proven Stihl 026. (It will be priced right at $400). I would also factor local dealer suppport into your decision. (i.e. If the Husky dealer is better than get the 346XP, etc)

Whatever you do don't buy a consumer Stihl such as 025, 029, or 021. They are underfeatured and overpriced and represent poor value compared to the competition.

I agree fully. I got a Stihl 026P one year ago and I absolutely love it. It is an excellent compromise between light weight and cutting ability. After many years of Macs, it is a pleasure to have an easy starter :o).

I took a while to decide and it was difficult between the Stihl and the equivalent Husky...but the Stihl won.

Rod

For grins, I found which was the complementing Stihl saw for that year and called a parts dealer for a price on a rebuild kit. The price was reasonable and the parts available.

Needless to say, I bought a "Farm Boss" with a 20" bar. NO complaints. It cuts all day and never lets me down. When it will need parts (someday) I expect they will be available for less than having to buy a new saw.

I do wish that I'd bought the 24" bar though. Not that I need to cut anything that big but it would let me stand more upright as I make my cuts. That would save my aching back when I have a lot of cutting to do. A logging buddy of mine shared that trick. All his saws are at least 24" for that reason. The chain will stay sharper longer too.

To make matters worse, there is no price competition for Stihl dealers because they don't sell over the internet or ship out of the area. So my local is my only resource to get the parts. Also I have not been able to find any aftermarket rebuild kit available for my saw either, so I guess it's just a throw away. What a drag.

Any bright ideas?

Note that in both the Husky and Stihl lineups, there are 'Pro' Saws and 'Consumer' models. The pro models are pretty much what they say, built and tuned for everyday use. Cost a few extra $$$.

At any rate, there's lots of choices. Here's a couple of popular ones around here.

Husqvarna 350 sells for $299 with a 20" bar. Very popular saw.

Stihl makes a competing model at the $300 price point. Darn, I can't remember the number off the top of my head...that comes with a 20" bar also. The 026 might be one size too small for serious work. Depends on your wood.

I have a Stihl 028AVE Super (pro saw) that's a 1982 model. Haven't had a lick of trouble with it, also have a Husky 51 (consumer saw) that was the predecessor to the 350. No troubles there either.

I haven't run one for a long time, but Echo was a great saw, really started the revolution in imported chainsaws. Marked the beginning of the end for Homelite and Mac.

For middling to bigger stuff, the Husky 372XP is the most popular saw around here. That's probably more saw (and $$$) than you want.

This site: (www.madsens1.com) has a lot of good info and advice on chainsaws, chain, sharpening, and etc.

I suggest you check out the Forestry Forum as they have a forum dedicated to just saws. Lots of good techical information and tricks of the trade from the pros. I hang out there from time to time for my planted pine efforts. HTH

• The Forestry Forum

• Link

Sure the Poulan is a bigger saw, and when I'm trying to cut down a tree, or saw big logs, it's the one I use.

But the Mac, being lighter and weaker is a saw that doesn't tire me out when I'm slashing limbs off the felled tree. I can also overpower the saw if it binds or attempts to kick. That's real important when I've been cutting for an hour or two.

So no specific brand recommendations, just some general sawing comments.

Best chainsaw tool I purchased? The $5 depth setting guide. Worth its weight in gold, especially as the chain wears down.