what chainsaw to get?

[m&p45]

Yea I'm not finding the connection of gas powered chainsaws to batteries

 

[mullins87]

I'd stick with Sthil or Husqvarna based on reliabilty/parts support/safety features- though I have no ownership experience with saws below 50cc - each are good brands, & each brand/moldel feels a little different in your "hand", so it all comes down to personal preference, dealer location/relationship each ...IMO the Husky in small saws fire up far easier & their startup/shutdown controls & maintenance are more intuitive for operators, nothing against Stihl's it just seems small Husky's are just a tad marginally better in these areas (conversely I find in large saws the Stihl fitration system far better, staying cleaner in heavy all day applications)

As general recommendations, if possble buy a slightly bigger than smaller saw, don't be talked into too big a bar (with experience/thought you can cut at least double the bar length less c2inches without drama), make certain the chain oiler is adjustable,, for longevity get a bar with a greasable bar sprocket, dismiss any saw with a "quick twist" chain adjustment, nothing but trouble - stick with the proven screw/2 nut adjustment, run the saw on premium 2 Stroke @ 50:1 non-ethanol fuel/good bar oil/clean filters/& a sharp properly adjusted chain....& it should last at least c.10yrs+.........and if you are going to store for a month or more, empty the fuel from the tank & run the saw till out of fuel (2stroke fuel goes off very quckly & any aged fuel left in the saw will lead to starting woes longer term).

In trimming or any applications don't be tempted to cut from a ladder or above shoulder height, use a chainsaw only with both feet on the ground & if you need to go higher use a pole saw....the smallest chain saw is still capable of of inflicting serious injury just like their bigger brothers, & in some respects trimming with small saws you are more likely to encounter kickback, jamming ...etc...so take your time & use them wisely.

We own/operate many saws on our farms, & with 35yr+ professional rural chainsaw use & logging experience have tried most of the mainstream brands over the years & a few "throw aways" too....a sharp chain & a patient safe operator who plans their cuts will make up for most limitations of saw brands/models/size.

Good luck & let us what you decide on, why & how you find the ownership experience

Good advice, especially on the operator that carefully plans out each cut - and subsequent path of retreat incase something unexpected happens. I now have a Stihl 041 with a 20" bar, but I've used a 16" Poulan to drop 28"-30" trees in the past.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Yea I'm not finding the connection of gas powered chainsaws to batteries

I know! Well it looks like "PRIMO" deleted his account!

 

[Dan_ZTR]

Chainsaws....the most abused power tool to date!

It doesn't matter what brand you have. Keep the chain sharp, and out of the dirt! (Out of your leg for that matter!) A chain should shelf feed. No pushing, rocking, or leaning on it. If it's putting out dust, the chain is dull! A dull chain is tough on the saw! Chain tension is just as important. Too loose is just as bad as too tight!

Second. Don't expect it to run correctly if you leave fuel in it for months on end. After you're done using it, drain the fuel tank, start it up let it idle till it's out of fuel. Pull the choke and start it again.

Most saws are shipped from the factory running very lean! A two stroke running wide open without a load should have a burble sound in the exhaust. Once the chain hits the wood, it should clean up. Lots of YouTube vids on this. If you're running it lean, it's gong to burn up!

OIL. Use a good two stroke oil for air cooled engines. If you're only using the saw once or twice a year, buy the caned two stroke fuel. It will keep.

If you buy a cheep one, and follow the above words, it will last you a long time.

Check out www.arboristsite.com Good chainsaw forum.

 

[jimrs]

I have a Stihl and a Echo and both are great.

 

[m&p45]

Thanks everybody for the replies! but im still not sure what im going to do, so allow me to bump up this thread.

I have narrowed it down to

1. stihl ms 170 16" 30.1cc
2. poulan 20" 50cc

which one would you go with. i know there in different categories, but there close to the same price.
the pros on the poulan are big engine, 20" bar and it comes with a case. The down side on the poulan is its gas/oil mixture is 40:1 is it a big deal to run it on 50:1? im not wanting to have to different cans of mix. oh btw the reason for the big poulan is its the only one that dosent have the tool less chain adjustment. thanks again!

 

[Popeye]

Stihl 170 hands down. I would not run a 50:1 mix in a 40:1 machine. Some say you can get away with it by using Onemix brand premix oil but not me. Shop time and parts are expensive.

 

[Rivets]

Stayed out of this thread until now because I didn't want to muddy the waters. Now that you are down to a Stihl or Poulan, I would say Stihl, but the synthetic oil, double the warranty. The little power you lose in the beginning will be made up in longevity and performance.

 

[Lawnranger]

Thanks everybody for the replies! but im still not sure what im going to do, so allow me to bump up this thread.

I have narrowed it down to

1. stihl ms 170 16" 30.1cc
2. poulan 20" 50cc

which one would you go with. i know there in different categories, but there close to the same price.
the pros on the poulan are big engine, 20" bar and it comes with a case. The down side on the poulan is its gas/oil mixture is 40:1 is it a big deal to run it on 50:1? im not wanting to have to different cans of mix. oh btw the reason for the big poulan is its the only one that dosent have the tool less chain adjustment. thanks again!

If you want a chainsaw that will last you a long, long time get the Stihl. If you like to buy chainsaws again and again, buy the Poulan. I call them Pull-on's when it comes to starting the engine.:laughing:

Another big factor is the weight of the saw. If you will use the saw for a few cuts here and there then weight will not be as great a factor but it you are felling, limbing and bucking, a heavier saw will fatigue you sooner compared to a lighter saw.

YMMV

 

[m&p45]

thats what i thought i would hear, i was starting to get swayed to the poulan for the bigger engine but you guys are right i dont want to buy another new saw unless its just because i want to not because i NEED to :laughing: