Chainsaw recommedations under $300?

[green-pa]

What are some recommended models of chainsaws that would be used say under 30 hours per year? I mainly do mowing and trimming, mulching and stuff like that but would like a quality saw for under $300 that will be low on vibration and yet powerful to make jobs quick. Also it must be durable and last at least a few years. I've been looking at Husky's. Poulon looks to be made very cheap. What do u guys say?

[DIXIECONTRACTING]

I bought a Stihl 021 when I started my business 17 years ago and still use it to this Day has good power and a 16" bar.

[green-pa]

I bought a Stihl 021 when I started my business 17 years ago and still use it to this Day has good power and a 16" bar.

Wow! THat is hella long time for an item to last like that! Are there any Stihl that are under or around $300?

[mtnzone]

yes there are look around.. I got my 270 new on closeout for 289.00 extremely nice....

[lawnpro724]

Jonsered and Husqvarna have served us very well over the years. Check out www.alamia.com for a good deal on Husqvarna chain saws.

[Paulup]

I've owned Husky and Stihl, both are darn good saws. If its going to be used only a few times a year, either will do well. If you buy a Poulan and only fire it up every couple of months, its going to stop starting for you. Trust me, i've had 5 of them since hurricane Katrina, and i still fire up my 34" Stihl to cut even a small limb because I don't want to fight with the Poulans.

[integrityman]

Go w/ the Stihl. I purchased a 021 about 11 years ago... use A LOT no probs. Still runnng strong. Purchased on sale for about 199$ plus tax....

[topsites]

Go w/ the Stihl. I purchased a 021 about 11 years ago... use A LOT no probs. Still runnng strong. Purchased on sale for about 199$ plus tax....

Yup, this model is being sold as the 210 today.
I have an 021 and a 210 :laugh:

Both still run thou I bought the 210 after dropping the 021 in a creek, it didn't run right for some time and I figured it was shot but I kept it and believe it or not after it sat in a corner for years I cranked it up one day and vrooom...

Great saws, the 021 / 210

[progressivelawncare]

i use a husky 142 for smaller stuff and have a old sthil 028 as well i like husky better.

[TandM]

Husky and stihl are great saws.

[Herrick]

stihl all the way. I used a 20" poulan for years, decent saw.... but my 270 will run circles around it. Got a chance to try an 044 out the other day... WOW! I'll never own anything else again. I paid almost $500 for my 270 back in '01 I think it was... worth every penny.

[green-pa]

Thanks guys!

[KevinACrider]

I just picked up an Echo CS-370 tonight for $269 brand new. Will be using it tomorrow.

[Saltydawg]

I would also recomend either Husky or Stihl. Both companies make great saws.

[Johnson LCO]

I am also looking at a chainsaw for around $300. Have to get one tonight for a job tommorow. I am trying to decide between echo and stihl. The echo looks so small, dont remember the model number but it was $289? The stihl seems to be the better built but I am not using it a lot and people at arboristsite.com seem to swear by the echo in the low $ range. Can anyone tell me anything to make the decision easier?

[jsw2008]

I've owned Husky and Stihl, both are darn good saws. If its going to be used only a few times a year, either will do well. If you buy a Poulan and only fire it up every couple of months, its going to stop starting for you. Trust me, i've had 5 of them since hurricane Katrina, and i still fire up my 34" Stihl to cut even a small limb because I don't want to fight with the Poulans.

You are so right about those Poulans. I don't use a chain saw but every few months and yesterday I needed to cut up an old pine stump. I fought that damned Poulan for 2 hours and finally pulled the starter cord off of it. I almost threw it in the street. I put the cord back on and finally got it running, but I'm going to get a Stihl tomorrow!!! I'll sell the Poulan at a yard sale.

[ALC-GregH]

I bought a Stihl 170 on Monday, did 2 clean-ups and all but paid for it self on the first job. :)

[escient]

Stihl MS270 - don't go with anything 40cc or lower.... they're junk if you're wanting to make "quick work" of a job.

We have a Stihl MS270 and MS290 - both are close in price.. You can find the MS270 for $300

Stihl's name was made on chainsaws. You can't go wrong with them.

Echo's saws are under-powered and "over-chained" - meaning low power and too long of a bar to do a good job on anything....

[Johnson LCO]

Just bought a new echo cs-400 for $250. Using it a lot tommorow, Ill post on how it does.

[thezaz]

I spent 3 months working on chainsaws and had several kinds. they were used 12hr out of everyday. The best ones to work on and at a good prices are Stihl and Husqvarna. Any chainsaw you get I would use full synthetic mix for the gas and only do a 1 gal can. you don't want your fuel to get lean or to rich it will mess your day up.

[Merlin300]

I am a Stihl slut when it comes to handhelds and blowers, but when it comes to saws, I only use Husqvarna. Their easy start feature is second to none and adjustable oiler is the cats ass. We ONLY burn wood for heat here, and depend on our saws for more than makin money. They just don't quit. Here is another reason why. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rztm0HM9XzE

[Paradise Yard Service]

You will really like this Husky! Good power and its a rear handle as opposed to a top handle unit. Good for all day use as it has lots of anti-vibe for comfort. Spend the extra few bucks it means everything!

Aloha, P.Y.S.

[crab]

that's cute ,its funny you boys don't freeze to death throwing saw dust at you're saws all day like that,i didn't't't see the SHTIHL stall or lose power ?but i didn't't't't look close ??

[green-pa]

When I went to Lowes to get a wrench I stopped by to look at the saws. I had looked before but wanted to take another peak. The salesperson came by and asked if he could help. I asked him "these husqvarna's are what they call husky's right?". He told me that "huskies" are some other kind of saw. I don't even own a saw YET and I feel like I know more than he does thanks to u guys. :hammerhead:

[green-pa]

Also, when I told the guy at Lowes that I'd only be using the saw about 30-40 hours a year maybe, he suggested I just go with Poulon because it's not worth the extra money since I'd not need the Husqvarna. He told me that both brands would probably vibrate about the same. So should I spend $150 on a cheapo Poulon on invest $300+ for Husky or Sthl? I'm thinking I should go with one of the better brands since the 2 jobs I'm doing should almost pay for it anyway.

[Paradise Yard Service]

The anti-vibe is superior on the Husky.

That being said, as a former Poulan Pro model owner (prolly bout $200.00). I was very satisfied with its performance. I also currently own an older Echo 'limb' saw. Its the small one tree people use to prune, and has a top handle design. Fires up on 2nd pull...I've owned it used since 1997. Its seen lots of service.

In a nutshell, a good all around saw like the Lowes Husky 350 or Stihl 'Farm Boss' will give you the safety and versatility you need. I use the Stihl 'full chisel' chain on my Husky, after the one it came with could not be sharpened anymore. Resale is better with these models too.

JUST be sure to start it up now and then when not using it. Or if storing it over one month BE SURE to empty the gas all out and let it idle out the remaining gas in carb. Then follow the recommendations of manufacturer like putting a few drops of 2 cycle oil down the cylinder. You probably already know this but just a reminder. If you do this, whatever saw you choose will last you and make the $$$$$.

Aloha, P.Y.S.

[Nosmo]

I'd recommend Stihl for everyday or once in a while use. I burn wood (woodstove) and cut my own firewood. I have a MS250C and it does the job for me just fine.

[Merlin300]

The anti-vibe is superior on the Husky.

For Crab and his smart remarks....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO6HDaGn6bI

For conversation.

[MarcSmith]

I have 2 of the stihl m192t at work and an echo at home...with a 16 bar its around 320 bucks...

great little saw for the money...

[mattamus2005]

I have a poluan 14'' woodshark a bought for $109.00 and i use it pretty regular, it works for me.

[Yater]

When I went to Lowes to get a wrench I stopped by to look at the saws. I had looked before but wanted to take another peak. The salesperson came by and asked if he could help. I asked him "these husqvarna's are what they call husky's right?". He told me that "huskies" are some other kind of saw. I don't even own a saw YET and I feel like I know more than he does thanks to u guys. :hammerhead:

"Husky" is definitely a different brand from husqvarna. Everyone calls husqvarnas "huskies" but there is a box store brand of mowers and power equipment called "Husky".

About the saw...I have a craftsman 16" I bought back in '02 for the odd-jobs that require a saw. I find myself using it about once or twice/week and it has been flawless. It sat in the garage for at least a year at one point and fired up on the second pull...old gas and all. I'd buy a nicer saw if I could kill this one. I think I paid just over $100 for it. The first job I used it on was a $400 cedar clearing. No problems.

[ALC-GregH]

I'm the guy on the left. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9x8rBKC4BE&NR=1

[green-pa]

The anti-vibe is superior on the Husky.

That being said, as a former Poulan Pro model owner (prolly bout $200.00). I was very satisfied with its performance. I also currently own an older Echo 'limb' saw. Its the small one tree people use to prune, and has a top handle design. Fires up on 2nd pull...I've owned it used since 1997. Its seen lots of service.

In a nutshell, a good all around saw like the Lowes Husky 350 or Stihl 'Farm Boss' will give you the safety and versatility you need. I use the Stihl 'full chisel' chain on my Husky, after the one it came with could not be sharpened anymore. Resale is better with these models too.

JUST be sure to start it up now and then when not using it. Or if storing it over one month BE SURE to empty the gas all out and let it idle out the remaining gas in carb. Then follow the recommendations of manufacturer like putting a few drops of 2 cycle oil down the cylinder. You probably already know this but just a reminder. If you do this, whatever saw you choose will last you and make the $$$$$.

Aloha, P.Y.S.

Thanks! And no I didn't know that. I really don't have that much experience with saws. I rented a Tamak or something like that for $50 a day. It was a $550 saw and it kicked butt. But as far as caring for one and things like that I've a lot to pick up on.

[green-pa]

"Husky" is definitely a different brand from husqvarna. Everyone calls husqvarnas "huskies" but there is a box store brand of mowers and power equipment called "Husky".

About the saw...I have a craftsman 16" I bought back in '02 for the odd-jobs that require a saw. I find myself using it about once or twice/week and it has been flawless. It sat in the garage for at least a year at one point and fired up on the second pull...old gas and all. I'd buy a nicer saw if I could kill this one. I think I paid just over $100 for it. The first job I used it on was a $400 cedar clearing. No problems.

Wow! Anyone else using Craftsman?

[green-pa]

I'm the guy on the left. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9x8rBKC4BE&NR=1

That's really u? Wow, that thing is a monster! Congrats!!! :weightlifter:

[redmax fan]

a friends dad is a retired life time tree trimmer that now works on power equipment to stay busy and he told me HUSQVARNA . and this man just did 45 years 6/7 days a week climbing / trimming trees .

and a friend thats been a tree trimmer 30 years said stihl has a little more power but husqvarna will run forever .

[green-pa]

Looks like I'm going with Husquverna. Running forever is more important to me that the most power and there is a Lowes right down the street anyway. Guess it will be a while more b4 I buy any Sthl stuff that I've been curious about.

[tamadrummer]

Don't buy your saw from Lowes! Buy it from a Husqvarna dealer. It will cost the same but if you need service, you wont be the last in line because you are the Lowes customer and not the dealers customer.

If this is how you make your living, than the homeowner store is not where the pro buys their power equipment.

I even learned that with trimmer line. I got to buy another 3 Lb spool of line after the junk from HD showed its colors. Stihl X-cut should do the trick.

Hope this helps and I will be buying a stihl saw soon enough. I think it was the MS340 and it is like 360 out the door.

[green-pa]

Yeah. I didn't think of it that way. I better go to a dealer then. I hate dealing with places that give shoddy service.

[Paradise Yard Service]

My bad on the 'Husky' typo. Its Husqvarna! Or 'Huskie' for short.

And yes, if at all possible support the Husqvarna dealer. They will set you up and give you tips on chain tension, bar lube, etc. Go to the Husqvarna web site for tips.

The 350 Husqvarna is plenty of saw for ya. And it will never see the dealer if you maintain it.

Aloha, P.Y.S.

[justanotherlawnguy]

for a small top handle the stihl ms192 is the bomb. I got one a couple of years ago and dropped it from a palm tree about 35 feet high the day I got it. I thought it was toast. It cranked right back up....

ms290 for the bigger stuff.

they were both less than $300...Each that is....

[green-pa]

for a small top handle the stihl ms192 is the bomb. I got one a couple of years ago and dropped it from a palm tree about 35 feet high the day I got it. I thought it was toast. It cranked right back up....

ms290 for the bigger stuff.

they were both less than $300...Each that is....

How do I know wether I need a 16, 18, or 20 inch?

[justanotherlawnguy]

depends on what you are using the saw for. if it is a small top handle type saw then 14" or 16" is fine.

My 290 came with an 18" bar and after using it for a while I decided that I would be better served with a 20"..

Just depends on what you need....

[green-pa]

depends on what you are using the saw for. if it is a small top handle type saw then 14" or 16" is fine.

My 290 came with an 18" bar and after using it for a while I decided that I would be better served with a 20"..

Just depends on what you need....

So if I go 18 inches that would probably be a good starting position?
I mainly do cut and trim jobs so I'd only be using it to do maybe 1-2 jobs per month. I would like to cut as much into fire wood size as I can though to save or sell from home.

Is fire wood hard to keep or can u just let the logs sit outside in the rain?
We have a fireplace here that needs cleaned out but I'm looking forward to using it in the winter.

[justanotherlawnguy]

i think 18" is a good all around size, just make sure you have enough cc's to power it.

as far as firewood goes, I am in FL and have zero use for firewood, so I cannot answer any firewood questions.

[green-pa]

i think 18" is a good all around size, just make sure you have enough cc's to power it.

as far as firewood goes, I am in FL and have zero use for firewood, so I cannot answer any firewood questions.

I can see why u wouldn't. I sure hope 2 be able to visit there this winter

[Merlin300]

You can store the firewood outside. You would be better served to stack it though. It dries better, and is more protected from the elements. If you have some old skids to stack it on, that would be better. Keeps the bottom row from rotting as fast. If you use the wood with in a year, you should be o.k. just stacking on the ground.

[Paradise Yard Service]

Stack the wood. Preferably split it first.

In California, if you get your wood in springtime USUALLY its cured enough to burn the next winter. ESP. the softer wood.

Nor Cal summers just suck the water out of the wood (115 degrees!) Once the summer starts we will not see clouds for 6 months.

'Curing' the wood is key here. There is nothing like 2 year old cured oak, almond, manzanita, madrone, eukalyptis. Stuff burns HOT. Can really save money, you just have to put a little sweat, time, and gas into the process.

As far as bars goes thats where your dealer can give best advice. Rule of thumb, the bigger the bar, the bigger the saw needs to be. The bigger the bar the more versatile in what you can cut. When cutting larger diameter logs, they are safer as the tip is extended far enough out of the limb so as to reduce 'kick-back'.

I'm always learning, by no means an authority and most saw people have the same mentality. I have probably made all the dumb dumb mistakes you can make. If at all possible, keep both hands on the saw at all times is best advice I can give (I have broken that rule many times). Stop when you are tired! Keep the chain sharp and tensioned. Have fun!

Aloha, P.Y.S.

[ALC-GregH]

That's really u? Wow, that thing is a monster! Congrats!!! :weightlifter:

No, I'm just joking. I put a smiley up thinking most would consider it a joke. It is a pretty sick saw though.....;)

[green-pa]

No, I'm just joking. I put a smiley up thinking most would consider it a joke. It is a pretty sick saw though.....;)

Yes indeed.

[DiamondLawn]

spend an extra 60 bucks & get a Stihl. My experience is that there is no good under #300 chainsaw. Oh wait Stihl sells a couple.