EdnAZ
Member
Stihl. Tell the dealer what you need to cut and he'll set you up. There is some logic behind just renting if you only use it occasionally.
chain saw recommendations
- Thread starter Cpo1944
- Start date
kozmic
Member
I have 3 Stihls; MS 181c-be (16"), MS 251 Wood Boss (18") and a MS 362 (20"). I also have an old Echo 300 series 16" saw. All get regular use.
For 16" I really like the 181. I use it routinely for felling small trees and clean-up. It's noticeably lighter and more nimble than my other saws with very good weight to power. I can run through a few tanks of gas with it and I tap out while the 181 is still going strong!
It's an easy starter (for a Stihl), has quick bar and chain adjustments, tool-less oil and gas fillers. If you're already use to a Stihl, it will be very comfortable to you. I wouldn't try to make a living with it, but for occasional use I highly recommend it and totally love it!
As mentioned Stihl products are now sold at servicing dealers only. My guy is open to "small" discounts and freebees if you buy and extra chain or 2 or a case, etc. FYI, Stihl will double your warranty if you buy a 6 pack of their 2 stroke mix.
Good luck!
For 16" I really like the 181. I use it routinely for felling small trees and clean-up. It's noticeably lighter and more nimble than my other saws with very good weight to power. I can run through a few tanks of gas with it and I tap out while the 181 is still going strong!
It's an easy starter (for a Stihl), has quick bar and chain adjustments, tool-less oil and gas fillers. If you're already use to a Stihl, it will be very comfortable to you. I wouldn't try to make a living with it, but for occasional use I highly recommend it and totally love it!
As mentioned Stihl products are now sold at servicing dealers only. My guy is open to "small" discounts and freebees if you buy and extra chain or 2 or a case, etc. FYI, Stihl will double your warranty if you buy a 6 pack of their 2 stroke mix.
Good luck!
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Have always been a Stihl guy. Burned wood exclusively for heat since 1965. Some exceptions A Poulan micro XXV. Bought new in 72..used till 2008 and an old McCollouch. Was my father in laws. If I were going to buy a saw today it would be an Echo. Homeowner warranty is 5 yrs. Still a good saw too. My last 2 Stihls both crapped out after the warranty expired of course
Cpo1944:
Chief:
Us Navy guys gotta stick together!!!
I bought a Stihl 020T German made limbing saw for light work around camp. That was 25 years ago. It rides in the back of my Jeep everywhere I go (well, if I drive, that is). It has never let me down. I never bought a bigger saw like I planned either, as that little work horse does everything I need it to do. Have cut up 24" oak trees for splitting with the little 14" bar. Just takes a little longer. I keep 5 chains for it, and try to have them all sharp. Keep a roll of military climbing rope and a can of premixed gas in the jeep all the time. Have been stuck in the woods where I live many times, and cut up fallen trees and dragged them out of the way with the jeep and rope. I literally trust my life to it in really bad weather in the backwoods.
This little saw is light enough to take up in a tree, that's what it's made for. Will also hold its own on the ground with bigger saws. I too burn wood for heat. Down at camp, and here at my cabin near my home. Cut it all with my little Stihl. I highly recommend it, but this is the German made one, don't know if you can still get them or not. We have a stocking dealer/repair store here, where I got this saw many years ago.
I can tell I'm getting a little older though, last year I celebrated turning seventy by buying a wood splitter. Been splitting it by hand all my life. Makes it a lot easier and faster!!!
Best Regards, Les
Chief:
Us Navy guys gotta stick together!!!
I bought a Stihl 020T German made limbing saw for light work around camp. That was 25 years ago. It rides in the back of my Jeep everywhere I go (well, if I drive, that is). It has never let me down. I never bought a bigger saw like I planned either, as that little work horse does everything I need it to do. Have cut up 24" oak trees for splitting with the little 14" bar. Just takes a little longer. I keep 5 chains for it, and try to have them all sharp. Keep a roll of military climbing rope and a can of premixed gas in the jeep all the time. Have been stuck in the woods where I live many times, and cut up fallen trees and dragged them out of the way with the jeep and rope. I literally trust my life to it in really bad weather in the backwoods.
This little saw is light enough to take up in a tree, that's what it's made for. Will also hold its own on the ground with bigger saws. I too burn wood for heat. Down at camp, and here at my cabin near my home. Cut it all with my little Stihl. I highly recommend it, but this is the German made one, don't know if you can still get them or not. We have a stocking dealer/repair store here, where I got this saw many years ago.
I can tell I'm getting a little older though, last year I celebrated turning seventy by buying a wood splitter. Been splitting it by hand all my life. Makes it a lot easier and faster!!!
Best Regards, Les
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Stihl. all I have to say about chain saws.
LMWIS
Member
Wow.
A lot of love for Stihl.
I have one myself, and it took a beating while I learned how to use a chainsaw properly. Still starts and runs without missing a beat.
Added the whipper snipper and the leaf blower to the pack, all Stihl made. If you used premium gas and Stihl oil they extended the warranty. If it's still in effect, it might be worth looking into,
Get a spare chain, and have the dealer sharpen it when you're using the other. A sharp chain is the difference between a saw that cuts quick and clean and one that tries to gum it's way through a log.
A lot of love for Stihl.
I have one myself, and it took a beating while I learned how to use a chainsaw properly. Still starts and runs without missing a beat.
Added the whipper snipper and the leaf blower to the pack, all Stihl made. If you used premium gas and Stihl oil they extended the warranty. If it's still in effect, it might be worth looking into,
Get a spare chain, and have the dealer sharpen it when you're using the other. A sharp chain is the difference between a saw that cuts quick and clean and one that tries to gum it's way through a log.
I bought a Poulin....
I bought a small Poulin one time and felt that I'd been lied to. People said it was a good saw. It spit screws out all over the place, I probably should have Loctited them.
I bought a small Poulin one time and felt that I'd been lied to. People said it was a good saw. It spit screws out all over the place, I probably should have Loctited them.
10-4 on the sharp chain advice. I said that I have at least five chains, and that's the reason why. I learned to sharpen them also, but it's nice to have a bunch ready... Only takes a minute to swap out the chain, and your back in business. Very good advice from Flipmeister and LMWIS and others above. No matter what brand machine you have, get the best quality chains, and for Stihl, that means Stihl!!! Not only takes less power, less gas, and less effort on your part, but your machine will last much longer as well. Also above advice on chain oil. Get the best. It's worth it.
Best Regards, Les
Best Regards, Les
I've had good luck with Stihl mid-range power saws.
Never had a use for a commercial grade bigger saw.
Good value for the money.
Some like Husky saws and they are good too but parts
and dealers for Stihl are readily available if needed.
Chuck
Never had a use for a commercial grade bigger saw.
Good value for the money.
Some like Husky saws and they are good too but parts
and dealers for Stihl are readily available if needed.
Chuck
digiroc
Member
Not surprising that Stihl is loved by people who love S&W products. I make a living with my Stihl saws and I know I have over a dozen. From 125cc 084's to the tiny MS150 tree saw.
A good tree saw will cut most everything the big (MS201) one will handle a 16" bar and with a sharp chain can drop most anything if you know how to use it.
Of course the bigger saws have more power and you match the saw to the cut for best efficiency.
Here is an old video of me using an 084 with 42" chain to drop a monster Oak:
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXOW6DSGAvE"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXOW6DSGAvE[/ame]
Sorry for the poor quality, it was shot by the homeowner with a cheap camera (this was before cell phones could do video).
Here is a video shot this year taking down another giant Oak, this one 3' from a very expensive home:
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT3xjAQ4uvA"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT3xjAQ4uvA[/ame]
And here is what can happen if you are not careful while using a chainsaw:
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WWen2-DgIg"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WWen2-DgIg[/ame]
Buy and wear protective gear while using a chainsaw. Wearing protective chaps are recommended I wouldn't have got cut if I had been wearing mine that day.
Digiroc
A good tree saw will cut most everything the big (MS201) one will handle a 16" bar and with a sharp chain can drop most anything if you know how to use it.
Of course the bigger saws have more power and you match the saw to the cut for best efficiency.
Here is an old video of me using an 084 with 42" chain to drop a monster Oak:
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXOW6DSGAvE"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXOW6DSGAvE[/ame]
Sorry for the poor quality, it was shot by the homeowner with a cheap camera (this was before cell phones could do video).
Here is a video shot this year taking down another giant Oak, this one 3' from a very expensive home:
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT3xjAQ4uvA"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT3xjAQ4uvA[/ame]
And here is what can happen if you are not careful while using a chainsaw:
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WWen2-DgIg"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WWen2-DgIg[/ame]
Buy and wear protective gear while using a chainsaw. Wearing protective chaps are recommended I wouldn't have got cut if I had been wearing mine that day.
Digiroc
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That's some really sobering advice, digiroc. By the way the guys at UPMC Presby fixed my cancer 4 years ago, and I'm still here! Good folks, and some of the best in the doc business. I'm only 90 miles from there, and it was well worth the trip.
Hope that everyone watched those videos. You are obviously someone who uses these tools everyday, and most of us use them occasionally. A lot of info I your post, and thanks for sharing with us!!!
Best Regards, Les
Hope that everyone watched those videos. You are obviously someone who uses these tools everyday, and most of us use them occasionally. A lot of info I your post, and thanks for sharing with us!!!
Best Regards, Les
Grayfox
US Veteran
Back when I was still working for my city as a mechanic, I was the "equipment guy". I worked on everything from weedeaters to earth movers and that included the chain saws.
Stihl beats 'em all. There's nothing better. Period.
Husqvarna makes a pretty good saw, but our issue was getting parts. There's no local dealer here. Generally took 4 to 6 weeks to get whatever we needed.
So consider parts and service before making a final decision.
However, my own personal chain saw is a 20 year old Poulan Woodsman 16". Just a cheap saw from a local hardware store. I don't have a big need for a saw around my place. Sometimes it may only get used once a year. But it still starts right up and handles whatever I need done.
When and if it ever gives up, I'll probably replace it with a Stihl. But as long as that little green machine keeps chuggin', I stick with it.
Stihl beats 'em all. There's nothing better. Period.
Husqvarna makes a pretty good saw, but our issue was getting parts. There's no local dealer here. Generally took 4 to 6 weeks to get whatever we needed.
So consider parts and service before making a final decision.
However, my own personal chain saw is a 20 year old Poulan Woodsman 16". Just a cheap saw from a local hardware store. I don't have a big need for a saw around my place. Sometimes it may only get used once a year. But it still starts right up and handles whatever I need done.
When and if it ever gives up, I'll probably replace it with a Stihl. But as long as that little green machine keeps chuggin', I stick with it.
OLDSTER
Member
Stihl or Husqvarna. The two best by far . I own both and do a lot of cutting. Personally, I like my Husky435 a tad better than the Stihl 'cause it starts easier and is a little lighter. Go with either one for the best price 
A neighbor of mine just got a stihl that has a compression release of some sort....You can start that saw with two fingers on the pull cord.. Don't know much about it yet, but I'm going with one of those, the Husky is just getting to hard to pull at my age and condition....
JIM...................
JIM...................
After reading I wish to add more to this thread.
Logging/cutting firewood is a big industry in the area I live in. We have plenty of places that sell chainsaws and related equipment, that include the big boxes, of course you got to be careful with them as many times they have a clone available of a good brand that is much cheaper(for a good reason) We also have a bunch of places that sell and service higher end equipment. Without a doubt Steihl is the most used by the pros or serious firewood cutters. IMHO it appears Huskie comes next and the others are fighting for 3 or lower place!
Using Steihl oil: that's all I use for all my two stoke toys and tools. That synthetic oil is a bit pricey but I have found things start better run better and I turn over my supply and it normally it's a very fresh mix. It makes my over 35year old Lawn Boy starts like it's brand new. I also ONLY use none E high test gas!
I sharpen my own chains; it's really not that difficult. I do it by eye and a hand held file and of course I realize a holding tool should do a better job, but I'm quite happy with my results. Been doing that for about 40 years. I have 2 bars, 5 chains and I have one chain reserved for "junk jobs" (cutting close to ground, finish cutting a large diameter long that is sitting on the ground. Etc.
One poster mentions the "rakers". That is something most people do not seem to know, a little file work on them now and then can make a big difference! You will find having two or more bars can come in handy at times, as sometimes you goof and the tree imprisons the bar and chain your using
. Simply leave them in the tree and attach another bar and chain to your power head. Be more careful and then salvage your stuck stuff!
Where I live is a ¼ mile off the road and the winds can get nasty at times and a large branch goes down or a tree might fall and block my driveway. Having a good dependable saw there and I can cut my way out in a little time. Heck I have even cut up a tree that blocked my (back road) highway to civilization after a viscous wind storm. Good thing I did as our highway department was very busy and the road would have been blocked for about 2 hours based on when they showed up and finished the job. Course I was first on scene as many other people up here would have done the same thing!
Logging/cutting firewood is a big industry in the area I live in. We have plenty of places that sell chainsaws and related equipment, that include the big boxes, of course you got to be careful with them as many times they have a clone available of a good brand that is much cheaper(for a good reason) We also have a bunch of places that sell and service higher end equipment. Without a doubt Steihl is the most used by the pros or serious firewood cutters. IMHO it appears Huskie comes next and the others are fighting for 3 or lower place!
Using Steihl oil: that's all I use for all my two stoke toys and tools. That synthetic oil is a bit pricey but I have found things start better run better and I turn over my supply and it normally it's a very fresh mix. It makes my over 35year old Lawn Boy starts like it's brand new. I also ONLY use none E high test gas!
I sharpen my own chains; it's really not that difficult. I do it by eye and a hand held file and of course I realize a holding tool should do a better job, but I'm quite happy with my results. Been doing that for about 40 years. I have 2 bars, 5 chains and I have one chain reserved for "junk jobs" (cutting close to ground, finish cutting a large diameter long that is sitting on the ground. Etc.
One poster mentions the "rakers". That is something most people do not seem to know, a little file work on them now and then can make a big difference! You will find having two or more bars can come in handy at times, as sometimes you goof and the tree imprisons the bar and chain your using
. Simply leave them in the tree and attach another bar and chain to your power head. Be more careful and then salvage your stuck stuff!Where I live is a ¼ mile off the road and the winds can get nasty at times and a large branch goes down or a tree might fall and block my driveway. Having a good dependable saw there and I can cut my way out in a little time. Heck I have even cut up a tree that blocked my (back road) highway to civilization after a viscous wind storm. Good thing I did as our highway department was very busy and the road would have been blocked for about 2 hours based on when they showed up and finished the job. Course I was first on scene as many other people up here would have done the same thing!
gregintenn
Member
I told my wife I wanted a chainsaw for my birthday. The local Stihl dealer used to be her neighbor and they know each other well. I just assumed she'd go there and pick one up. Instead, she went to TSC and bought the biggest friggin Poulan they had.
Next time, I'll specify Stihl.
Next time, I'll specify Stihl.
I heard it different....
"This thing is working me to death"
"Well, let me have a look at it." (pulls cord)
VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!
(Jumping back) "WHAT'S THAT NOISE???????"
That reminded me of the old, worn out Polish chainsaw joke...
The Polish guy is sweating his buns off cutting a small log with a chainsaw.... His buddy stops by and the Polish guy tells him these chainsaws are ****.. "I'm pulling the cord as fast as I can and it hardly cuts".....
That could be a no start rental saw..... just say'in
"This thing is working me to death"
"Well, let me have a look at it." (pulls cord)
VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!
(Jumping back) "WHAT'S THAT NOISE???????"
I have a Dolmar, one of , if not the original chain saw manufactures. Powerful, well made, easy to use and very dependable. Not too many dealers carry them and they are a bit expensive but worth the money in my book.
Reminds me of a story I once heard up Maine-
Old timer goes into the local Western Auto store and tells the guy behind the counter that he needs a new saw to cut some trees on his farm. The clerk pulls out the latest chain saw and recommends it to the farmer. The farmer takes the chain saw home but returns to the store later that day. He is all black and blue and sweating profusely. He tells the clerk that it is the worst saw he had ever used and that it didn't cut well at all.
The clerk takes the farmer out back and gives it a couple of yanks and it begins to roar like a lion.
Farmer says, "what's that strange noise?" Ba dum bump.....
Old timer goes into the local Western Auto store and tells the guy behind the counter that he needs a new saw to cut some trees on his farm. The clerk pulls out the latest chain saw and recommends it to the farmer. The farmer takes the chain saw home but returns to the store later that day. He is all black and blue and sweating profusely. He tells the clerk that it is the worst saw he had ever used and that it didn't cut well at all.
The clerk takes the farmer out back and gives it a couple of yanks and it begins to roar like a lion.
Farmer says, "what's that strange noise?" Ba dum bump.....
