Preferred chainsaw brand(s)

[bayman]

i run a husky 365 special with a 20" bar.....haven't meet a tree here in alberta to scare it yet.....we run stihl chop saws at work and there great too. Don't think you'll go wrong with either

[thump]

Have 2 Huskys, a 20 year old Model #42,16 inch bar, still runs like a top, and was given a 2 year old 350,16 inch bar, about 5 years ago. The 350 was not running, guy I got it from said it was going to cost more to fix than it was worth. I tore the engine down, looked like something hard had caught the edge of the exhaust port and squished the top piston ring. I freed-up the ring put her together, couple pulls of the rope and she came to life Has cut many trees since!

[arff]

Stihl 390
It has been good.
Am using a different different chain its more for rescue cutting.
It costs more money and cuts slower but if you hit a little dirt or a nail it's more forgiving.
You can also grease the roller wheel at the end of the bar.

[H2SNOW]

ya well what ever I cut 12 -15 cord a year with my Husqavarna 266 with a 21 inch .......had Stihl but I am brand specific ..

Husqavarna only used to cut line 3 miles a day on one .......could'nt pay me enough to part with my Husky






the problem i got with Stihl is the fricken balance points ........JMHO

[give_it_all_]

I'm using 16" Stihl right now and has been working great. Starts every time no problem.

[green-horn]

Originally Posted by brew_doo

Go to both dealers and try them out to get a feel for a saw. It really depends on what you are going to be using it for. If you are doing trail clearing and lots of dead fall you will want a longer bar for sure to help reduce bending over. If you are going to be carrying and walking throught he bush with it alot, you may want a little bit smaller, lighter saw. Also be sure you buy at a dealer that you like and trust - it also helps if they happen to be open on at least one day of the weekend as that is when you will most likely use the saw more and need a new chain, oil, etc... unexpectedly. I run a Husqvarna 345 e that is pretty much just used for trail cleaning with the sled club. It's been a good saw but I will get a larger one next time with a 20" bar.

How about for us cheap campers who don't have a million dollars to spend? Did I mention I am cheap and I don't want to spend 500 dollars on a chainsaw.

[CR500R]

Like TT said, this is just like the Ford vs Chevy thing.
My dad has been using Stihl his entire life for everything , back in the day when he was a faller, to cutting firewood and these days for running his mill. He will swear by them. Guess in the end though, it's what you prefer and what fits your budget.

[94fordguy]

Always been a fan of Stihl myself. My dad's had a Stihl 084 longer than I can recall, it might be older than I am for all I know, best saw you could ever hope for. It has a 28" bar on it most of the time but we have several bigger bars all the way up to a 50"

Gotta say I do like the smaller one we picked up about 8-10 years ago, an 026. I think its bar is about 20" or so, nice lightweight compared to the 084. Only problem we have had with it was after we left some old fuel in it for a couple years when we just didn't need it, other than that it has been an awesome saw

[brew_doo]

Originally Posted by green-horn

How about for us cheap campers who don't have a million dollars to spend? Did I mention I am cheap and I don't want to spend 500 dollars on a chainsaw.

You get what you pay for. Brands like Poulan, etc... are JUNK !!!!!!!!!! Buddy got one from crappy tire and it is absolute garbage.

[snochuk]

Husky 61 with a 20" bar that is now 21 years old and on about the 12th chain, I think the third bar and the ORIGINAL PISTON. You get what you pay for.

[WCTHEMI]

Can't go wrong with either Stihl or Husky, partial to Stihl, cause its what we use at work, but I know lots of guys that love their Husky saws too.

[Cabinboy]

Stihl AV 28 Wood Boss. Purchased Aug 5 1987. Replaced 20" bar about 5 years ago. I always have at least 4 chains going at a time. Never want to be without a sharp chain. Been very very happy with that purchase. Think i paid close to $500 back then. It has been worth every penny. About 5 cords a year, plus quadding, camping, and sledding on trails around the cabin. Nuff said

[Summiteer]

Originally Posted by green-horn

How about for us cheap campers who don't have a million dollars to spend? Did I mention I am cheap and I don't want to spend 500 dollars on a chainsaw.

If you are running a tank of gas through it a year then one of the store brands is probably fine (poulin etc) If you are planning to use it a fair bit, spend the extra cash, you should never have to spend again. I had a little poulin lasted 2 seasons of trail cleaning then cratered. Own a husky 450e now.

[blastoff]

How about for us cheap campers who don't have a million dollars to spend? Did I mention I am cheap and I don't want to spend 500 dollars on a chainsaw

You can buy a saw with a case for $250.00 to $300.00 easliy

[LID]

If it's just for a camping trip or two a year, get whatever's cheap. If you are going to use it a lot, get a professional grade Husky or Stihl. I have two Stihl 046's that I cut survey line with 60-100 days a year for 9 years, and only did a carb kit on them about 4 years ago.

[LID]

If you can find a used Husky 66 with a metal brake handle on it, those things last forever.