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Discussion Forum

Best chain saws?

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Howard

04-11-1999 06:35:11




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I have a heavy duty chainsaw (McCullough Pro Mac
1000) that still works ok after many years, but because parts are getting hard to find I'm looking
for a replacement. The old McCullough is a monster
(about 5.9 CID and 20+ pounds!). I like the power
and it will cut all day (or at least until I can't
hold it any more!) but parts are scarce.
I probably don't need a saw quite that large, but I don't want the typical homeowner variety either. I want a saw that is reliable, has good power for a 20" chain, and doesn't need constant
adjustment or refueling. I've looked at some brochures
and on paper the larger Stihls look good (the 044
and larger models) but haven't looked at them yet.
Would appreciate any brand/model recommendations for a good,
heavy duty or professional saw. Howard

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Stu

09-19-2004 06:23:10




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 Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Howard, 04-11-1999 06:35:11  
I bought a Poulan... it burned up in an hour...
Took it back and exchanged it... the second time I tried to start it, the cord came out and wouldn't go back in... took it back and got my money back.
I figure it will take about 3 Poulans a year to get the firewood I need for the winter, afterwhich I will return them burned up and get my money back.



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Mr. Jackie Burks

11-26-2001 20:14:13




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 Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Howard, 04-11-1999 06:35:11  
Need a part for my Old G-70 McCullough. I have a part number even out of a McCullough parts manual.
Here is the part name and number Sprocket #56442, it is a eight tooth sprocket for a 404 chain. Sure would like to know where I might locate a couple of them..



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junker

11-05-1999 10:46:10




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 Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Howard, 04-11-1999 06:35:11  
contact Ron's Saw Service in Lake Norton, SD about obsolete chainsaw parts. 1-800-433-6304.
They might be able to help you out. MJ



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Rob

04-16-1999 22:16:39




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 Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Howard, 04-11-1999 06:35:11  
After reading all the posts concerning this subject, I would have to agree with the guys that
said Husky. I did a stint of logging with my dad and he had one, forget the model, and it was a fantastic saw. However, when I myself was in need of a saw, I saw that the local hardware store had
some Makita brand saws on sale. Having had good luck with other Makita products, I bought one. I don't have many hours on it yet, but so far so good :)

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Steve Hansen

04-14-1999 20:30:35




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 Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Howard, 04-11-1999 06:35:11  
About 10 years ago I came into a well used Sears Craftsman Powersharp chainsaw (made by Poulan). I used it for seven years to cut firewood and work on both our yard and to clear at our country place. Three years ago it was completely used up so I went to Sears and purchased essentially the same model Poulan in Craftsman grey. Again, I was very pleased. In January we started clearing a wooded building lot. I was on site with my trusty Craftsman/Poulan as my dozer guy was pushing trees . When they were down I was cutting off the stumps and tops. Well, my operater and I crossed signals and he found my chainsaw. Did a real job on it. Ran to Sears and purchased another saw. Newer model Craftsman/Poulan, the one with the priming bulb on the side (also sold at Home Depot in flashy colors). Worked OK for a while. Then the bar stopped oiling. I called Sears. "Bring it in" they said. "We will ship it to Little Rock and it will be back in a week or two". Took it to the local chain saw shop. They refused to take it in because "they don't stay fixed." Took the saw back to Sears and got my money back. Bought a Husky 55. About $350 with an extra chain, case, and oil. Starts easy, runs hard. Dealer is in town and there is a dealer not far from my country place. Wish I had gone Husky three years ago.

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Todd

04-14-1999 09:45:24




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 Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Howard, 04-11-1999 06:35:11  
Ill take my "700" McCullough over any of those, It wont give any trouble because its built stronger. They are direct drive off the crankshaft unlike the others. Buddy had a Stihl and it quit on him, he took it apart and found it had plastic gears in it! They were broken. A 700 McCullough will cost about $425 probably, dont buy a Wal-Mart McCullough though, they wont hold up, Think they are foreign. McCullough 700s dont have all that plastic housing either, they are METAL!

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Jerry W Fee II

12-13-2002 17:41:37




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 Re: Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Todd, 04-14-1999 09:45:24  
I McCullough I need a new pull start pulley and outside cover with screws. Can you plsase tell where I can purches these parts. I live in the gaithersburg MD area



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charlie

05-26-2002 15:26:53




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 Re: Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Todd, 04-14-1999 09:45:24  
can someone please tell me what the fuel ratio is for a mini-mac McCollough is?



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Rob

04-18-1999 21:04:48




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 Re: Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Todd, 04-14-1999 09:45:24  
I've never seen a direct drive "700" before.
I've fixed a few, and they all had clutches.
That's a neew one on me.



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S. Pant

04-14-1999 20:03:25




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 Re: Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Todd, 04-14-1999 09:45:24  
Don't buy a McCullough. Buy a Husqvarna or a Stihl. You can't even buy metal McCulloughs anymore. If Wal-Mart sells any type of McCullough I don't want one.



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JTO

04-13-1999 19:15:53




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 Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Howard, 04-11-1999 06:35:11  
HUSKY !



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Ken Burstall

04-12-1999 13:07:59




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 Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Howard, 04-11-1999 06:35:11  
Husqy with out any question. I have owned both a Steil and then a Husqy. Cannot beat it for relialiblity and pure power. I have a 365 and use both a normal and skip link chain without and slowing down of the engine. It starts all the time and does not cost much much more than the walmart saws. Considering the punishment I have put it through and helping to clear numerous friends lots (500-600 oak and pine) and my back area (2000) its a charm.

One thing to strees keep the chain sharp and oiled. Nothing will wear a saw, bar, and chain out faster than a unsharp chain.

One other thing to keep in mind is those little saws a walmart are light and easily kick back.

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Donny B

04-11-1999 16:04:28




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 Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Howard, 04-11-1999 06:35:11  
Howard, I have owned a Stihl 034 Super for 8 years and before that a 032 for 2 years. The 032 was 12 years old when I bought it and was used very hard. I used it for cutting firewood at my camp for 2 years. I was so impressed with the power and reliability of this saw I purchased the 034 Super with a 20" bar. I have not had one problem with this saw. I clean it and adjust the blade after every cutting session so its ready to work when I am. I must say Shihls are a bit expensive but I have no regrets and would spend the money again for the same quality. You could buy a pouland from walmart for much less money but it would not compare to the speed or smoothness of the Stihl. My brother owned a Pouland and after 1 season of cutting it was wore out! The thing ran ok but had no power. Also the chain adjusters are junk and need replaced often. Hey, hope this helps.

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L. C. Hinson

06-09-2002 14:35:52




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 Re: Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Donny B, 04-11-1999 16:04:28  
I bought a Poulan chain saw Model 1950, in Aug. 00 after owning a Homelite for 12 years. the Poulan is very difficult to start and the local service shop told me all of the Poulans are that way. If you want to avoid a tendonitis, don't buy this brand.



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charles

04-11-1999 13:52:26




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 Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Howard, 04-11-1999 06:35:11  
Have had this conversation a few times recently and get opposite views from folks. If you need your saw everyday for a living go with the Stihl or Husq. They are tough and will hold up longer before repair. I'm told the loggers buy them because they can get them serviced by their dealers almost round the clock - which the loggers need. BUT - the service costs alot and the parts (at least for a Stihl) are high. Now, you can also get a cheapo Poulan at Wal-Mart that will last you about 3-years (my experience) afterwhich its cheaper to throw it away or part it out than to have anything major fixed. They cost about one third to 1/2.5 that of a Stihl. I've had both. I think over the long run they cost the same. The difference is when the Stihl gets old I'll make lots of (expensive) trips to the shop whereas when the Poulan is old and starts falling apart I just get anonther new one. Disposability.

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Josh

04-11-1999 10:04:10




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 Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Howard, 04-11-1999 06:35:11  
You can't go wrong if you buy a Stihl or a Husqvarna.



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Wayne

04-11-1999 10:28:26




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 Re: Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Josh, 04-11-1999 10:04:10  

I would say Stihl. Not knowledgable on Husqvarna.



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Rick K

04-14-1999 09:50:38




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 Re: Re: Re: Best chain saws? in reply to Wayne, 04-11-1999 10:28:26  
I have a McCullough timber bear. I wish it would die so that I could buy a Husky, but it won't! I have 6 years on it, with about 8 cords a year. Guess it all depends on how much you plan on using it. If I was an 8-10 hr a day logger, I would have a Husky for sure. But I'm not. One other point. I did pick up a used 100cc Husky a couple years ago with a 24 inch bar, for cutting things that were too big for the Mac. The Husky is about 15 years old. Parts are a tad difficult to get for that as well. Just make sure that whatever you buy gets beat to death before you cant get parts any more.

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