TRACTOR PARTS Allis Chalmers Case & David Brown Farmall & International Ferguson Ford & New Holland John Deere Massey Ferguson Massey Harris Minneapolis Moline Oliver & Cockshutt Kubota / Yanmar

TRACTOR MANUALS

Allis Chalmers	Case	Farmall IH	Ford 8N,9N,2N	Ford
Ferguson	John Deere	Massey Ferguson	Minn. Moline	Oliver

Discussion Forum

Chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)???

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register

Author

Johnny

04-27-2003 19:10:33

Report to Moderator

I would like to start off by saying that I do not intend or want to open up a can of worms on different brand names and have a "brand bashing." I just want some help and facts. After all, isn't that the prupose of this forum? I would, however, like to hear of your experiences with the different brands, good and bad. In the end I don't want anybody to be offended or this discussion removed from the board. I think the qustion that I am posing is valid and something that individuals are interested in and need to hear.

The above statement is based on some dicussions that I have observed over the past week on this forum.

Now, with that being said, here is my question. I am looking into purchasing my first chainsaw to use on our property of planted pines and hardwood trees(general woodlands). The saw will primarily be used to cut firewood and clean things up a bit. I would like to have your opinion on what type of saw that would be best suited for me. I have a fair amount of experience with using one and feel comfortable doing so. I have not made a visit to the local lawn and garden dealers yet. However, I have done some research on the internet. I am open to any brand but am looking for high quality, user friendliness, easy maintenance characteristics, and good customer support. Gasoline operation and a 16" to 18" bar are what seems to fit my needs. Although I have not decided on a specific brand, all of my other yard powertools(trimmer, edger, blower, hedge clippers, etc.) are STIHL. Some companies may be better or worse at making one thing than another and I hope that through everyones' advice that I can make an educated decision on my next outdoor powertool purchase.

I would like to take this oppurtunity to apologize for the length of this question and thank you for your time and valuable responses. Have a nice week!!!

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Bernhard

05-03-2003 12:57:18

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

The Craftsman Saws look like the german Solo, not bad Saws, even better than Dolmar and bit cheaper than Stihl. Solo made the smaller Husqvarnas Years ago, don�t know, if they still do.

Bernhard, Derichsweiler, Germany

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

will

05-03-2003 08:06:21

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

I am going to throw in a vote for a sthil #25. We cut hardwoods for a living. The 25 stays on the skidder at all times in case we have to cut the skidder out, or cut a small tree, or trim a limb that the topper didnt get. The 25 has had enless years of good service. We do run big sthils also 38,44,46,66 etc. We have had other brands. We had a big huskey that the dealer said was the same as the 46. The huskeys lack the down to the last breath lugging that the stihls have. A husky has to have full RPMs all of the time, as opposed to a sthil that will bog quite will. We had one jonsered that came in a trade with a good sthil. It only lasted for about a month. One of the crank bearings locked up. The jonsered is similar to the huskey, but is a cheaper version of the huskey. If you are wanting a huskey dont buy a jonsered because the dealer says they are the same. They are cheaper, and with good reason. Like I said my vote for a small saw is a #25 Sthil. I dont think you will be disappointed

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Bernhard

05-02-2003 13:27:19

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

I would stay away from the Dolmar. We had one at our Firetruck, greatest Junk I�ve ever worked with! I prefer Stihl. We have a 018, 028, 044 and 046.At our Farm in Poland we use a MS 290. Also we have vintage Saws, like BLK, 041 and 045. Buying Stihl for me is also a Question of the Dealer. If my Dealer would sell Husqvarna or Jonsereds, maybe I would buy them.
The 028 is no more built, don�t know why. It is really a great Saw. I bought it in 1985 and had only Repair for appr. 60$ on it. Sure exepted Chains, Sparkplugs, Filters and so on.
Poulan is Part of Electrolux, Manufacturer of Husqvarna and Partner.

Bernhard, Derichsweiler, Germany

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Clay Thomas

09-26-2003 16:01:07

Report to Moderator

Re: Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length in reply to Bernhard, 05-02-2003 13:27:19

looking for a stihl 045 AV chain saw

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

jls

05-01-2003 19:54:17

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

I'm not even going to read the thread but I'm going to kick over a bucket of worms. unless you are felling more than an occasional tree larger than20" there is no reason for a saw bar bigger than16". around the farm I carry a saw with a 12" bar and cut fence rows, trim posts, knock down a couple of wagons of firewood a year and keep the chains very sharp and replace 2 or 3 a year. Worked for a tree service and rapidly found out that a heavy saw gets real heavy after 6 hours in a tree. 18" and up were called ground saws and often left in the truck!( have used a 24" in a tree tho)

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Brian jenuwine

05-01-2003 17:43:25

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

I love my husqvarna 55 rancher. I have used both huskys and stihls for 25 years and do prefer the huskys. But it scares me to think that all the specialty shops are not selling huskys like they used to, but instead are being sold at home improvement stores such as "Lowes". It makes me wonder if the Quality will still be there. Whatever you chose, good luck.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

ray

04-29-2003 19:10:17

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

I like the Husqvarna 346xp. a nice saw in the 10 lb range (powerhead) and good power. You can buy it on the net
Link
Or you might look at the 357xp.

This is the cheaper way to get a good saw, however, if you want to support your local shop expect to pay more. The upside is they will be their to service and support your tool.
-Nathan

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Nolan

04-29-2003 06:13:36

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

Short and very long.

For most of my work I use a very short and petite saw. It has a 10" blade, or maybe an 8". That's enough for almost all the trimming work I do. It's light so it doesn't tire me out, even if I'm up a ladder hanging off to trim some branches on the apple tree. It also is weak enough I can handle it when it kicks, even if I've been working for hours. This is my #1 saw.

The long one is for big jobs like cutting up firewood. The blade is oversized in length to allow it to just about touch the ground when swung down. This allows you to trim branches from a downed log without having to bend over or kneel. It's safer and less tiring this way. That said, I don't run this saw very long as it takes a lot out of me.

No brand names were mentioned in the making of this post. :)

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Hal/WA

04-28-2003 23:52:07

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

It's nice to have two saws, a larger one with a long bar and a smaller one with a short bar. I like haveing a longer bar available when cutting down on the ground or in a low deck, because then I don't have to bend over as much and I don't get tired so fast. On the other hand, a big saw with a long bar gets awfully heavy when limbing above shoulder high for any length of time.

And having a second saw sure can help when you have the first one stuck..... which I wish I could say never happens to me! I have had very good luck with Stihls, but haven't bought one for about 20 years.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

B West

04-28-2003 20:37:26

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

All the comments are very good but I know of only one brand that everyone around me are bragging about and I personaly have had great luck with and that is Stihl. My dad bought an 028 about 15 to 18 years ago, we live on a farm and don't cut wood for heat so it sits around a lot but when it is time to clean up after a storm or along a fence row it starts, period. It has had one spark plug and a few chains. Other than that all I do is clean the air filter and put gas and oil in it. I don't clean out old fuel or winterize in any way. It might set for a year at a time, two pulls on the rope and it runs, wow what a machine!

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Bob

04-28-2003 17:46:06

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

I have had a Stihl 0.028 with a 16" bar for about 20 years. For the first 14 years I used it to cut fire wood for my beach cabin as the sole heat source. Six years ago I bought a farm with 10 acres of filberts and now use it to prune teh trees as well.

To daye, all I have had to replace was the bar which I bent by dropping a rather large limb on it when trying to repair damage during an ice storm. I've replaced many chains.

The best thing is that this saw starts every time - even when I abuse it by not draining the fuel mixture and leaving it sit over the winter. I find it a bit underpowered at times, but with a sharp chain, it cuts just fine.

The other thing I see around here (western Oregon) is that nearly all the orchardists, christmas growers and many loggers use Stihl as well.

I sure can second teh Poulan and Craftsman brands - I went through both before paying the $$ for my Stihl.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

04-28-2003 12:23:25

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

What 'oldsalty' and 'Joel' said.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

oldsalty

04-28-2003 10:17:05

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

I pretty much agree with everything everybody
else posted. And I have found brand names don't
mean squat unless you take good care of your equipment. If youi keep the saw clean & sharp.
Use fresh fuel and a good quality 2 cycle oil.
Use a sticky type of bar and chain lub, Grease
the nose sprocket every tank of gas. Your saw will probably out last you. Good luck!

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

G Taylor

04-28-2003 07:52:36

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

We have three, a small and med sized Jonsered and a big modest rpm Huskavana. All are the middle quality or pro quality saws. Reliable, powerful and handy for thier size of work. Great for getting released if pinched to have an extra saw. Also have spare chains and a mechanical bench top sharpener. Makes the chain "new" every trip through. A cheapy saw with a perfect chain/roller bar beats a pro model with a tinkerer's hand sharpened or dull chain.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Jim

04-28-2003 05:32:53

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

Just my two cents worth. I have been in this businesss for 25+ years and have seen a lot of saws. As for a Stihl, if you buy the even number saws, you are getting a pretty decent saw, odd number saws are the cheaper version of Stihl saws.
the only advantage is that Stihl has dealers all over the place,but,they have to know what they are doing to do you any good. RedMax makes a great little saw for about $230.00. 38cc, 16" bar, dealers are not real plentiful, they are like Lexus dealers, few and far between, but have a good product. Echo makes a good saw also. Basically, what I am saying is, there are a lot of saws that are real good, but a chain saw is a very specialized peice of equipment, and you need to buy one from someone that will give you good service, because a saw, no matter how well it is built is not worth 10 cents if the person you buy it from is not qualified or capable to work on it.
Then you Husquvarna, Sachs-Dolmar, Johnsred, Poulan Pro, Shindiawa. Do not buy a green Poulan/Craftsman, most all green Poulans/Craftsman, are not vibro insulated, and after you run one of them, you will regret the fact that you have no iso-mounts. The reason you want something with iso-mounts is to reduce the vibration because most of these saws top out at about 13,000 RPM, so that is a lot of vibration and when you get done it will feel like you have a hand full of bumble bees. So, with this said, I hope you make this decision carefully, if you have any other questions, email me and I can just about tell you the good and bad of any saw made. As for bar size, stick with a 14" or 16" bar, they are small, well balanced, and can cut a 28-32" tree, but are small enough for the 6-8" trees you always run into. 38-45cc is a good size, again, light weight, but powerful enough for most cutting.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

10-29-2003 08:55:58

Report to Moderator

Re: Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length in reply to Jim, 04-28-2003 05:32:53

Hi,
Where can I purchase a RedMax chainsaw model G2500TS?
Thanks
Rj

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Vern-MI

04-28-2003 05:27:49

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

I have a Jonsered "16, Mac "20, and a Homelite "20 / 360. For the heavy stuff I always turn to the Homelite and for general use up to "6 diameter I like the Jonsered "16. The Mac runs OK but I just don't like the feel which is a personal thing. The Jonsered is lite weight and easy to start and use. I believe the Jonsered is now sold under the Huskavarna name. Buy and use all of the safety equipment especially the ear and eye protection.

Be extra careful not to have people standing / watching nearby because of kickback and surprises when the trees fall. Be extremely cautious when working around pine trees because the pine needles will catch and grab the blade.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

John in MA

04-28-2003 22:56:39

Report to Moderator

Re: Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Vern-MI, 04-28-2003 05:27:49

Jonsereds and Husqvarna were two different company until a few years ago. Electrolux (Husky's owner) bought Jonsey. All but two Jonsered saws share a design with Huksy.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Joel

04-28-2003 05:19:07

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

I've always had real good luck with Stihl. If most of your other power tools are stihl, why not stick with them?

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

04-28-2003 04:51:47

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

Some people may turn up their noses, but I have a Craftsman 18" that I have been using for 4 years. I use it to cut firewood (about a cord per year) and a LOT of cutting/cleaning of downed trees and deadfall on my 24 acres. Always starts on the 3rd pull even if I have not started it in weeks. Paid $159 for it and am very satisfied with it. Just could not justify $300 to $400 for some of the other names.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

Wayne

04-27-2003 21:50:49

Report to Moderator

Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Johnny, 04-27-2003 19:10:33

Personally I love my Husky 55 with a 22" bar. I use it for the same type of things your talking about and have had no problems with it at all. A brand I haven't seen anyone mention on this board is a Sachs-Dolmar. Dad purchased one back when Hurrican Hugo came through here, and it's been going strong every since. It has an 18" bar, and we used it to clear for two houses and a shop, cut firewood, helped neighbors clear deadfall with it, etc etc etc for close to 13 years. Except for a pine that decided to come off the stump before I was done cutting and kicked back breaking the tank, it has never given a moments trouble. Good luck in the search.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

John in MA

04-28-2003 22:54:33

Report to Moderator

Re: Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Wayne, 04-27-2003 21:50:49

Dolmar (dropped Sachs) didn't get much exposure, so they started letting Makita sell their saws. If the new Makita chainsaws look familiar, you know why.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

setter

04-28-2003 02:57:41

Report to Moderator

Re: Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to Wayne, 04-27-2003 21:50:49

I have a Stihl 026 that I use to do just what you described. It is big enough to handle some pretty joob size trees but not so big that it gets heavy after cutting for some time. It really revs and has been a reliable was. Check it out. a lot of the utility companies use that saw for cleaning up trees, branches, etc

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

jeff in pa

04-30-2003 16:55:55

Report to Moderator

Re: Re: Re: chainsaw selection(brand, size, bar length, etc.)??? in reply to setter, 04-28-2003 02:57:41

my family has used various sizes of Homelite for 30 years.
a 14" will cut most any normal firewood cutting. and is easy to control.
i bought my first Stihl (a farmboss) 20" to cut large laying tops and it works very well.
My thought was that if you buy the higher cost saw then the local dealer support was more important.
i believe that i found that Homelite pulled product from most dealers to sell saws in home centers now and that John Deere may have bought Homelite and are selling them with green paint.
a backup saw will eventually come in handy for unpinching .
i have seen an evolution in that todays cheap saws are better than the older expensive saws in terms of anti kickback bars and chains, chainbrakes, auto oilers, ease of chain adjustment and anti vibration.
be safe and wear protection.

[Log in to Reply] [No Email]

[Options] [Printer Friendly] [Posting Help] [Return to Forum] [Log in to Reply]

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home | Forums

Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy