which chainsaw?

[HorseHauler]

Dad had a Stihl over 30 years old we used to cut many a winter's firewood supply. Had a 30 or 36" bar and would cut circles around most other saws. Some irreplaceable part on it finally gave in, so he went and got the biggest, baddest, consumer model saw they had. Cut one day with it, didn't care for the power, it just didn't go through it quick enough. Went and got one of the pro models and its just great. Makes you hate to use any other saw.

 

[BJS]

I'm with the crowd on Stihl or Husqvarna if I'm buying a new(er) one, that being said I have a little 16" craftsman that my neighbor gave me, that he never could get started due to shoulder problems. Given that the saw is close to 20 years old now and been well used & abused over the years it is still holding up well and light enough for me to use with one hand.

I spent 3 days last week running the saw trimming limbs that overhang my house many cases I was in the position of holding an 8-10" diameter limb so it wouldn't fall on my roof while running the saw with the other hand. it all depends on what you plan to do with the saw.

 

[Tx_Atty]

Thanks everyone. I will find a dealer nearby and see what I can find.

 

[95_stroker]

These guys are all right, stihl and husky are top notch but it comes at a price. You need to ask yourself realistically how much use its going to get and where that price trade off comes in at Peter. Kinda like owning a PSD to tow a pop-up camper, not putting it to its full potential nor practicality. Ive had a cheapazz Poulan 14" for years and years for pretty much the same duty you describe. Firewood and light duty tree maintenance in the yard and it has served me well.

Check with a local saw shop, they may have used stihl's or husky's available and dont discount craigslist in your area for a source either.

 

[BIG JOE]

I'm with the crowd on Stihl or Husqvarna if I'm buying a new(er) one, that being said I have a little 16" craftsman that my neighbor gave me, that he never could get started due to shoulder problems. Given that the saw is close to 20 years old now and been well used & abused over the years it is still holding up well and light enough for me to use with one hand.

X2 Brandon.

I'v proly had 1 of each through the years. Stihl being the best IMO. But I'v gone to a Craftsman 16", 3.5 hp Electric eek.... chainsaw. Lite, user and neighbor friendly, Very capable for any kind of Fire Wood (ours is Delivered these dayz) and 'round the house trimming. I'm like'n the no noise and not having to deal with fuel mix and such.

I recently cut down a 30 foot PIA Palm Tree with it. No problem. Use it to size firewood for our wood stove. More than enough grunt.

But, as we all know.. the Chain is the secret. I use Oregon brand and get real good service life from'm.



Joe

 

[stroked 350]

Husky

 

[no-red 6 0]

stihl 026

only way to go...remember, i worked at a rental shop...we were also a 'gold certified' stihl dealer....................

 

[JLDickmon]

I'm kinda in the same boat..
I'd like another, more powerful saw in addition to the Poulan I have now.

Here's what I've found out..
the saws from Lowe's, Home Depot, etc are "five year" saws. You'll be replacing them again in five years. The saws from the saw dealers are 10 year saws. More powerful engines, larger chain pitches on the same bar length, etc.

The Poulan I have now is a "five year saw" and it's about five years old and it's getting tired. It's a Farm Hand model with a 20" bar, and it was underpowered to begin with.
What I think I'm going to do, is go out and buy a professional grade Stihl or Husqy, and put an 18 or even a 16" bar on the Poulan, and use it for a limb saw.

There's still a 1970's vintage Homelight over at Mom & Dad's that I think I'm gonna snag and put like a 12" on and use it for a brush saw..

 

[Bolt]

You are in Lubbock, right?

Here's one that's been on craigslist for a while now,
16" homelite chainsaw

It needs a new chain and a tune-up, but it would be cheap! I don't know how much you use it though, so it may not work for you.

 

[Fine69]

Stihl all the way, I'm impressed everytime I use my 031 model.