Chainsaws

[Startiger]

I'm looking for some advice. We had in incident this winter where a tree came down across the road to my neighborhood, blocking it. So I was stuck for about 2 hours while the neighbor cleared it out.

So I figured it's time for me to invest in a chainsaw. So what to get?

A few considerations. I will likely only use it a few times a year. Maybe only 2-3. I'm considering an electric chainsaw so i don't have to worry about mixing gas, gas going bad from non-use, etc.

Since I would like to to be able to take it with me in the event of another tree in the neighborhood, I was thinking about an inverter and extension cord so i can run it off my car.

So what are your thoughts, and recommendations? I want something with a minimum of an 16"-18" blade.

So, if I went gas, what do you recommend for a reasonable saw? Gas or Electric? What brands?

If you say Gas, what should I look for? What ones are easy and reliable but don't cost too much?

If you say Electric? What ones won't burn out on me in a little while? Can you also recommend a good inverter to along with it? Something that will be able to power the saw?

[2dogs+2]

Electric Chain Saws are for trimming the bushes.

Go for a Husqvarna NOT from Lowe's. Look for a local dealer and explain to them your usage.

14"-16" bar is all you need. Wear safety equipment and think before you cut. Ask for a mini class from the dealer, a good dealer won't think twice about it.

[ILL REDLEG]

Just my opinion.

Have had both.

Electric is good for the small jobs around a small property. (your home)
I would not think of an electric in the auto.

If your talking clearing a road, go gas.

Brand? You get what you pay for.
Go with a major name brand.
POULAN, Husqvarna, STIHL, Craftsman.

Go here for more info:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/h...saw-brands.htm

Hope it all works out.

[hunterlord]

mine is 12 and goes like the devil. electric is whimpy and what if its pouring and you need to cut?

[rockhopjohn]

Electric is not right for you. We have a Milwaukee electric we use, and it is great for small stuff within 50 ft of a plug, but there is no way you are gonna run it off an inverter in a car, and on large stuff it just doesn't get the job done. As long as you use Stabil in your fuel, and or run your saw dry before you store it, you will be fine.

Having grown up with a dad in the property maintenance business, I have found that the Stihl and Echo have always risen to the top for us. Sure, Husky makes a great saw, but for the money, if you're not using it every day, an Echo is a **** good value.

We primarily used Echos as small, limbing saws, with 12-14" bars, they don't have the torque to run the larger bars, so we kept the bar small. For midsize stuff we used a Stihl with a 20" bar. It was good for medium to small trees, and limbing, and we probably the best all around saw. For the big stuff we ran a Jonsered which lasted us 20 years and was a beast its entire life.

If I had to own one chainsaw, it was probably we a mid range Stihl, about 50 cc with a 20" bar. Another very important point when you do get your gas saw: USE ONLY ETHANOL FREE FUEL. This is very important for the life of your saw, most small engines are not designed for ethanol, and it wrecks havoc on the various and assorted rubber diaphragms, o-rings, and hoses. It can be hard to find some times, but it is really important.

[Blacky]

I use a chainsaw every day. I run a portable sawmill and we cut our own logs. Last winter I also made 300 cords of firewood.
We use Jonsered saws, two 71cc and a small 50cc for trimming. But that's for commercial use.
For occassional use any small brand name saw is sufficient. You should be able to pick up a Poulan for around $100.00 and it will be perfectly adequate.
Stihl makes some nice little saws which are a little pricier but easier to work with if you plan on cutting for a few hours at a time. Less vibration and better balance than a cheaper saw.

[ETC]

I havn't used one in awhile so go with these guys recommendations. Maybe look for a used one that in good working condition if you want to save a few bucks. I still have a little red one that someone gave me years ago, wasn't working so I took it apart and cleaned everything up and it worked great.

Like anything else that runs on gas or mix and you don't use it that often, drain the gas when your done in to a gas can, shoot a little oil in the cylinder and you don't have to worry about gumming it up.

Learn the proper mix ratio for small quantities of fuel and you won't have a bunch a premix going bad on you. Generally I keep gas around just in case 5 to 10 gallons, If I don't use it in a month or so, I dump it in the car and get new stuff.

[beanmachine]

stihl saw simply the best, ms 230 or 250 perfect for all around use ,plenty of power also has cold weather air door for running in winter,I even climb with mine.

[The_Lizard]

Consider carrying a 30" bow saw, it can hide under the cargo mat. You could cut brances up to 6 - 8 inches, silently.

The only chainsaw I have is a little 8-inch Craftsman pole saw attachment for my Troy-Built powerhead. It's sweet but it's tiny.

[Sir Sawgrass]

I use gas chainsaws a Husqvarna, with a 16 inch bar. I use to have a STIHL with a 16 inch bar, very good saws and so is the Husqvarna.
Started off 35 years ago with a Homelite, it would put my hand to sleep. So, I trade it in on a Stihl worked well for many years.
Had a friend that had a dealership and sold Husqvarna, so I bought one. Had to cut a large tree by the shed and I use two come a-long and two cables to make sure where it fell.
I have over the years cut timber for lumber and roadways and firewood.

I use chaps on my legs, head gear, gloves, ear protecting. Don't work in thick brush, don't cut when you are tired, and don’t get in a hurry.
Study how a tree fall for there is energy in a tree under stress. Before cutting a tree see which side has the largest limbs.
Work with another. Be safe.

I use XP 2-Cycle oil, it has a fuel stabilzer in it. (Husqvarna)

I also carry a bow saw in my Outback.