Looking for advise on buying a second chainsaw.

Along this same line...

Greg W. in NC

>I have a similar question - recently a fellow "WC'er" came by my house with his electric chainsaw, and I was, frankly, surprised and impressed by it! I'm considering getting one too. Suggestions on an electric chainsaw? I'm looking at perhaps the McCullough 14", or perhaps the 16"? It was raining outside, but we cut up a log in the shop - that was nice.

Ron, if you're looking for a smaller, 2nd saw, have you considered an electric?

Re: Along this same line...

Bruce McElhaney Spring Lake, MI

>I've owned both Homelite and Poulan brands and couldn't recommend either. I recently bought a Stihl 250 with a 18" bar. It's lightweight, easy to handle and powerful. Was also looking at Stihl's 026 Pro which is about the same weight but more powerful yet, and with compression release. But it was more $$$. If you're a Husky guy, they offer good choices also.

Re: Along this same line...

Guy

>I've got a Husky with an 18 inch bar and so far it has worked well for me. Thinking about an electric. Handy for around the house and it won't bother the neighbors or the wife. Thinking about the Stihl, costs a bunch but you buy a good tool only once... Take it easy, Guy

Re: Looking for advise on buying a second chainsaw

Mike Schwing from Md.

>Might as well join the club. I'm looking to replace my backup saw - a POS Homelite Timberman. I'm torn between a second, slightly less heavy Stihl than my 360Pro and an electric for use in the backyard/shop. I really could use both, I guess its just which one first.

I have been absolutely awed by my Stihl and my buddies' farm boss 290 is the size I'm looking for in a smaller saw.

Saws are like sports teams - guys get passionate about brand loyalty. I guess I'm no different. I'll buy no other saw than a Stihl from now on.

My opinion, for what it's worth

Russ Fairfield

>I have owned and used a lot of chainsaws, and the Stihl 026 Pro with a 20" bar is the best small chainsaw there is, regardless of the color or cost. (My opinion)

This is a "real" chainsaw. It isn't cheap, but it is light weight, maneuverable, not so powerful to get you into trouble, but enough power to pull a 24" bar if you ask it to. It starts easilly, never more than 3 pulls to start cold, and never more than 1 after it has warmed up.

Re: Looking for advise on buying a second chainsaw

MikeinCapeMay

>I have a Stihl 310 with a 20" bar. Recommended bar length for this saw is 16 (which would fit your needs) to 20".

This is my 5th chainsaw. The others were Craftsman, McCullough, Homelite. None could hold a candle to this machine. It's powerful enough for everything I do (logs to 24") and light enough to handle all day. Sells for about $380.00. I'd buy it again.

Re: Looking for advise on buying a second chainsaw

TDaniel

>Ron, I have had good service from Stihl, Husky, and Jonsered. They have all come out with home-use lines (so they could run the competition out of business) but if you tell the dealer that you want a professional grade saw you will be satisfied with any of the three mentioned. The Stihl 026 is a great little saw for trimming and small stuff but any of their even number saws are good. The smaller Huskies are made by Poulan. I have a Jonsered with an 18" bar that is my favorite small saw; only problem is it's red, not orange, but it was a hundred cheaper and it has the compression release (which I never remember to use).

TD

Re: Looking for advise on buying a second chainsaw

Richard Allen

>Hi Ron

I would recommend that you pick a couple of saws from each manufacture in the size you are considering. Then pick them up and see how they feel. While Stihl and Husky both make excellent saws they have different balance points and different grips. Go through the motions with the saws, like sawing overhead and with a reach. Position yourself to start the saw, see how that feels.

If that process doesn't narrow it down then ask those dealer who has the saw you are interested in and plan a visit. You will get a chance to talk to an owner and very likely try the saw out.

I guess you could say "Let the saw pick you. Instead of you picking the saw."

Good luck

Richard

Husky 346XP - 16" Bar.

David Hammond, in Powder Springs GA

>

Re: Looking for advise on buying a second chainsaw

MarkP4583

>If I remember right the US forestry service rates saws.

I had run across there web when I was looking a couple of years ago and ended up with the Husky 350 which has been a very solid saw for me, but then again I dont do lots of cutting year around, I just got tired of dealing with my little Homlite from K-mart and wanted a good one for when I needed it.

Re: Looking for advise on buying a second chainsaw

IdahoTim

>I used to build log houses for folks. What do you intend to do with it. If you are going to rip with it, you need big and powerful. The chain you choose has alot to do with how the saw will cut. A saw sharpening shop can help you with the proper set and hieght of the rakers. I have used Stihl, Huskys, Craftsman, Mc's and others. I will only buy Stihl or Husky now. The last stihl was an o21? I put many many hours on this little saw and it always ran great. The forest service used to carry them in their backpacks for clearing trails. You can cut a 20 plus inch tree with them. Just give them time to do the work. Don't force them. Go to a good chain saw specilty shop, they can teach you alot very quickly. Good Luck, Tim