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Thread: Chainsaw Thoughts?

  1. #1
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    Chainsaw Thoughts?

    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

  2. #2
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    Jan 2013
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    Williamstown,ma
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    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.

  3. #3
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    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.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by peter gagliardi View Post
    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?

  5. #5
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    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.

  6. #6
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    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.

  7. #7
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    Stihl 291. There is a reason that Lowes sells Husky, and it's not because they are the best saw on the market.

  8. #8
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    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.

  9. #9
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    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?

  10. #10
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    Location
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    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.
    "Remember back in the day, when things were made by hand, and people took pride in their work?"
    - Rick Dale

  11. #11
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    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.

  12. #12
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    Stihl is very good but for just occasional use it is expensive

  13. #13
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    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)

  14. #14
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    Looks like the 311 is $509 and the 391 is $579 right now.

  15. #15
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    Stihl. I use the .029 (MS290) Farm Boss with an 18" bar. The next sizes up will handle a longer bar nicely, if you need it, and are still reasonably priced. But don't forget that you can also cut from both sides... There's only been one time that I wished for more than my 18" bar in recent years. I personally wouldn't buy any chainsaw that isn't from Stihl, Husqui', etc., and never from a home center as quite often the units sold there are made to cost, rather than to function. I made that mistake for my first one and in the end, it cost me a lot more than just buying the better machine in the first place. A good, quality chainsaw will last and last and will also start easily each and every time.
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

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