looking for a quality chainsaw

[Bob Slater]

I have some pretty hefty trees to clear at my fathers vacation property. I am looking for an easy to handle yet rugged chainsaw that has the power to make small logs out of many big felled trees. These appear to be pretty dense. (They are in the Bahamas..not sure of the name of the tree, but cassaway or something seems familiar) . I am happy buying a used one in good shape, or rebuilding one for a nice winter project. Any brand and model suggestions?
Thanks. (also if there is a good guide book for chainsaw safety procedures)

[John Thompson]

Stihl..... but whatever you get.... get a bar long enough to handle the tree diameters you mentioned.

Sarge..

[Jim Becker]

Stihl or Husqvanra. Avoid the consumer saws at the 'borg...they will not last, costing you more in the long run and they will not start as easily and reliably as a good machine will.

[Joe Chritz]

You got your answers.

When I purchased a new saw this year it was a toss up between Husqvarna and Stihl. I went with the Husky because the 18" bar version had a slightly bigger engine. Stihl's big saws are some of the best out there.

Joe

[Dewayne Reding]

I've got a new Stihl 390 that handles a 25" bar. About a $500 saw as I recall. If you get a project saw, do the research to ensure parts are available. It's not quite as good as it once was, and Stihl is darn proud of their repair parts. They will lighten your wallet up real fast. Not trying to bash Stihl. I do love my saw compared to the borg junk I used to own and fight.

[Jeff Wright]

I've got a new Stihl 390 that handles a 25" bar. About a $500 saw as I recall. If you get a project saw, do the research to ensure parts are available. It's not quite as good as it once was, and Stihl is darn proud of their used parts. They will lighten your wallet up real fast. Not trying to bash Stihl. I do love my saw compared to the borg junk I used to own and fight.

I recently bought the 390. I also got a 20-inch bar in addition to the 25-inch for times when the 25 is overkill. Haven't used it yet, so can't comment on its quality, performance, etc., but I am relying on its great reputation.

[Karl Brogger]

Another vote for Husky or Stihl

[Steve Rozmiarek]

You won't regret Stihl, and parts are easy. There is a radical difference in handling between the different sizes, if you are only going to be using it on 15" or so trees, you will wish you got the smaller size. The big Stihl's balance very well though, just more mass to be lugging around.

[Dewayne Reding]

You won't regret Stihl, and parts are easy. There is a radical difference in handling between the different sizes, if you are only going to be using it on 15" or so trees, you will wish you got the smaller size. The big Stihl's balance very well though, just more mass to be lugging around.

Good point, my 390 is heavy. No way I use it for trimming branches. I use it on my Alaskan chainsaw mill to harvest moderate sized logs for woodworking. It would also knock down big trees of course.

[Kevin Arceneaux]

Another Husky

[Luther Oswalt]

I have had a Stihl for about 10 years and have cut many trees with it. Your bar does not need to be as long as the tree you are cuting as there are techques to cut trees with a short bar. If you plan to cut as a logger i.e., daily, then get a longer bar. The Stihl is a very good saw ....
Leo

[Chip Lindley]

Stihl MS390 is THE SAW! ( unless you are a professional lumberjack) I cut my own firewood every winter and finally wore out my first-ever Sears/Poulan 3800 after almost 20 years. The Stihl 390 is about 2/3 the weight, and has done everything I have asked of it for the past six years. 20" bar is plenty! I have bucked 36" trunks with it. Buy the Stihl and it will be the last saw you will have to purchase!!

[Bob Genovesi]

Stihl MS390 is THE SAW! ( unless you are a professional lumberjack) I cut my own firewood every winter and finally wore out my first-ever Sears/Poulan 3800 after almost 20 years. The Stihl 390 is about 2/3 the weight, and has done everything I have asked of it for the past six years. 20" bar is plenty! I have bucked 36" trunks with it. Buy the Stihl and it will be the last saw you will have to purchase!!

Chip,

I have a Sears / Poulan that I bought back in 1975. This saw has cut more wood than God planted on this earth and I can't kill it! It's been through hell and back, sat under water twice for at least 2 weeks. Both times I tore is all apart, dried it out, and started it....

My Kids bought me a new Husqvarna last year because I wanted a new one. I've got a 345 with an 18" bar. The saw is 3hp and man does it cut but without the vibration I became fond of with my Sears saw....

[Kevin Arceneaux]

To reduce hand fatigue, get a pair of anti-vibration gloves. I got a pair and used them when I was cutting some trees down. It made a huge difference. My hands were not sore.

http://www.labsafety.com/store/Safet...Impact_Gloves/

[Eric Porter]

I'm with Randy when it comes to the Dolmar, the 5100s is the best 50cc saw going in my opinion and many others. Will run about $400 new.

Eric