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School Me On Chainsaws

ARAMP1

ARAMP1

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I've been meaning to buy a chainsaw for some time. We had a windstorm a couple weeks ago and it blew over a tree in my backyard that I need to clear out.

I'm not planning on using it every day or even every month for that matter. Just need something standing by in the garage ready for cleanup after storms. Anyway, I'm looking for the best buy in the $300 range. Hopefully that's enough to get me something reliable. Thoughts?
 
1. Craigslist is your friend.

2. Beware the kickback if you've never used one before. Happened to me once and the blade stopped about 2" from cutting my face in half. Make SURE you have a firm grip on that sucker.

3. Don't buy Homelite or Ryobi. I checked the reviews and they all seem to die after a year.

Or, see if your neighbors have one you can borrow. My buddy has three! :eek1:
 
Stihl or Husqvarna for the win.


Nothing more annoying than spending a half hour getting dads homelite running. And then grandpas Husqvarna fires right up, every freekin time.


Dad finally bought a stihl. Also fires right up and runs awesome.
 
If u havent used one much make sure u do some reading. U can get in trouble in a hurry with one.

We use stihl at work. Good stuff, starts easy, parts avail to fix. Most of the tree guys use em too or Husqvarna. Id buy from a place that just sells this kinda stuff and has a service dept there. U can ussualy get one bar up or down in size than whats standard. Depends on that u plan to cut. Actually a small saw is nice if most of what ur doing is small and brush. Lighter, can wield it one handed(ok dont ever do this :whistle: ) and easier to keep the end of the bar and chain outa stuff(like the dirt, pretty much instant way for it to not cut butter is to touch the dirt with it) Bigger is always better when it comes to power tools buuuut......u can cut a big tree by cutting on both sides and if ur chopping up huge trees its prob to big a job for u anyway. Not like u need to drop huge trees right? Dont get caught up in a huge saw is what im saying.
 
Stihl. They demand some more coin, but are the best from what I've seen.

Friends have picked up some pretty decent used ones on Craigslist too.
 
get a stihl or Husky used off craigslist if you can find one cheap enough. Maybe put a new chain on it and run it. Look for a 16" bar or 18" bar model, those are usually a good homeowners saw. Dont get a top handle saw, don't get one without a brake, and make sure the chain is self oiling.
 
I used to cut and sell firewood when I was in high school. I used my dads saws and I spent half my time effing with them trying to get them and keep them running. Probably not going to mess around with Craigslist.
 
I used to cut and sell firewood, still cut for myself, and Ive used both Stihl and Husky. The Stihl are by far my go to saws. My oldest Stihl, still fires up with 3 pulls and I have never done anything repair wise aside from chains and air/fuel filters. Its a beast!
 
Deuling said:
Stihl or Husqvarna for the win.


Nothing more annoying than spending a half hour getting dads homelite running. And then grandpas Husqvarna fires right up, every freekin time.


Dad finally bought a stihl. Also fires right up and runs awesome.
Click to expand...

My husky was $280 new with a 16" bar. had it 8 years and never did anything but start it and use it. I havent even changed the plug yet. runs like a top:waytogo:

My dads stihl is an older one and used when he got it, but its a flawless machine too. He paid more used than I did new though:dunno:
 
Yah my dad got his stihl for a steal from some guy that bought it new and never used it lol.
 
Should have joined in here sooner.

Husqvarna and Stihl are both great saws. But don't count out Jonsered if you have a dealer close by.

Its made by the same company that makes Husqvarna, but they used to be a little less costly and have less plastic.

Since I have a farm with lots of pines, and own a few acres otherwise, I have lots of use for a chainsaw.
I started out with a Poulan, and it did me a great job. But, after about 15 years it was losing compression.

I went to a friend of mine's store. He sells outboards, chain saws, brush trimmers, and is one of the best mechanics on them in the area.

He works on all brands, and will order whatever anyone wants.

Since a large number of people around here make a living cutting timber, there is a huge pool of real world experts around here.

When I went in for a new saw, he sold me a Jonsered. Its all he carries now. I was a little skeptical, but he told me that he had less problems with those than any other.

So far, I have gone through about 15 chains, over about 10 years, and its still going strong.
BTW self oiling is nice, but if you can, get one that has a manual oiler button also. Self oilers are setup for average use and balance wear against oil use. With a manual oiler plus the automatic, you can give it a few extra shots when it needs it.

Plus, due to EPA regs, the auto oilers have been getting turned down lately. Better to wear out chains and bars than pollute with all that nasty oil don't you know......

Also, most of them have sprocket end bars now, but make sure yours does. Some people don't like them because when they wear out, they are done.
The older types will keep going long after you should have replaced them, but the increased wear on the chain, heat buildup, and friction loss are not a good trade-off.

The ones who like the old type are mostly professional cutters, who hate to spend money until they have to.
Even they are mostly coming around since the sprocket type wear chains less.
 
1BEATK5 said:
I have a 12 yr old husky. Great saw for the money. Always has been reliable.
Click to expand...


So I take it you guys are all abreviating Husqvarna into Husky... :dunno:


Cuz thats all that comes up when I google Husky Chainsaws.


Quit bein lazy ya fockers!! Yer confusing me :D
 
yep, husky is husqvarna.
 
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