Chainsaw Thoughts?

[Mike OMelia]

My old Poulan 18" has seen better days. I could definitely use something with a longer bar. Any body have thoughts on a good consumer/residential chainsaw? (bigger than 18")
Mike

[peter gagliardi]

I have owned 3-4 Husqvarna pro models in years past, but converted to Stihl about 6-8 years ago, and happy I did.

Can't really go wrong with either, but all the tree guys in my area are running Stihl, that told me something.

[Jerome Stanek]

I bought a Blue Max from Home depot 3 years ago and like it I got the combo unit with the 20" and 14" bar and case.

[Mike OMelia]

I have owned 3-4 Husqvarna pro models in years past, but converted to Stihl about 6-8 years ago, and happy I did.

Can't really go wrong with either, but all the tree guys in my area are running Stihl, that told me something.

Lowes sells Husqvarna, and I like buying from them. Something goes wrong, they take care of it. I'm wishing I could buy the model with the 60cc engine and swap out 20" and 24" bars. Is this doable?

[Mike OMelia]

How is he Husqvarna chain tightened? My Poulan has two bolts that are loosened, and a screw that is turned. I have found this to be not terribly effective over time given wear. It slips.

[David Bassett]

I was researching this a while back and two pieces of advice stuck with me:

(1) find out what the shop your local pros use and buy what they stock & service locally. That way you know you can get parts, service, and repairs done.

(2) for use in the shop corded electric chainsaws get a lot of love and are apparently very capable these days. (IIRC- the major chainsaw brands & Makita were the electric saws mentioned.)

Unfortunately, that's as far as I've gotten so I can't offer any first hand recommendations.

[John Lanciani]

Stihl 291. There is a reason that Lowes sells Husky, and it's not because they are the best saw on the market.

[Stan Calow]

All the pros around here use Stihl. I've rented them before and will get one if I need to replace my current Poulan, which I got at a garage sale for $20.

[Mike OMelia]

OK. So there is a lot of support for Stihl. Can I get one with a 20" and 24" bar? I won't need 24" often. And would be happy to go with 20" for now. And I want it to have power a bunch.

Stihl is only available through dealers. How do I know a dealer is trustworthy?

[John Lanciani]

My 291 pulls a 24" bar and chain fine but it's right at the limit because of the way I sharpen and cut. (I keep the rakers lower than normal because it works better with my cutting style) It is perfect with a 20". If I used the big bar more I would probably step up to a 311 to have a little more reserve.

[Mike OMelia]

OK, I hear you. DO you have an idea what the 311/391 price is? Including two bars and chains? I looked at specs and like what I see. (John Lanciani)

[John Lanciani]

Looks like the 311 is $509 and the 391 is $579 right now.

[John K Jordan]

OK. So there is a lot of support for Stihl. Can I get one with a 20" and 24" bar? I won't need 24" often. And would be happy to go with 20" for now. And I want it to have power a bunch.

Stihl is only available through dealers. How do I know a dealer is trustworthy?

I use two Stihl 250s with 16" bars, a larger Stihl (can't remember the model) with a 24" bar, and a Stihl electric. I've had other brands including a Husky but I prefer Stihl. The tree guys around here mostly use Stihl.

I don't use the 24" bar much but it is nice when needed. I once used it to cut up a 48" diameter oak tree that fell in a friend's yard. The smaller saws are MUCH easier to carry and saw for hours and the 16" bar will still cut through a 30" diameter log if needed. I cut 24" diameter logs with them often. Plastic wedges are your friend.

I generally buy from the Farmers Co-ops.

JKJ

[Dave Lehnert]

I'll go against what the vast majority of people will tell you.
I purchased a Stihl and had it back to service shop twice when new. Could not keep it running. They have ported it out so much I now have to keep an extra spark plug in my pocket. Had a Stihl trimmer in the 80's and could not keep it running.
If I was doing over I would get an Echo. I have an Echo trimmer and it is the best one I have ever owned.

But like I said, Stihl is what most will recommend.

[Jerome Stanek]

Stihl is very good but for just occasional use it is expensive