Can you help me find an all-around good chainsaw?

Question

I’m looking for something to take care of light duty (trimming medium branches, breaking them down afterwards) as well as something that can double as a hedge trimmer. Still weighing the pros and cons of battery/electric/gas. Also trying to keep it under $150. 10 points to whoever can help me out. Thanks!

Answer 1

How far are you going to be away from power? How often are you going to use this in a year? More than 50 feet away from a plug in you need a gas chain saw. If you are only using this 2-3 times a year just to cut a couple branches then get a homelite or a saw from sears. if You are usung it 2-3 times a month then get a stihl. The biggest problem with any gas chain saw is that the fuel breaks down. and then they won't run. If you aren't using your saw keep the gas tank empty . I guarantee if you let your saw sit for a few months it won't start with old fuel no matter what brand you buy. Thats the only reason anybody uses an electric saw ( well gas saws polute more too ) If you buy a gas saw use a good quality fuel and oil for it only mix as much fuel as you need. Also get a case for it Plastic cases are a very handy way to store a saw.
Think about what size branch you are going to be cutting. Bigger saws need more power and are heavier. Only buy what you need. If you are removing any really big trees call someone else who has more experience. You may want to rent a saw or a pole trimmer if you are just trimming some branches. Try before you buy as the saying goes

Answer 2

I don't think that I've ever seen a chainsaw that you could use as a hedge trimmer. If you are only going to trim very small branches (less than three inches thick) I would go with just about any electric chainsaw. Poulan, Husquevarna, Stihl are all very good brands. However, if you think that you may get into something a little thicker (less than 6 or 8 inches thick) I would go with one of the smaller, two-cycle, pull start, gas models from the same manufactures mentioned above. Also, both Stihl and Husquevarna make an assortment of attachements that you can mount on one of their "weed wackers" as funny as that sounds. I've seen chainsaw blades and also hedge trimming attachements that you can mount on them. I guess it all boils down to how much you will use it, and what size stuff you are going to cut. If you want to buy a smaller pull start chainsaw check out Ebay or go to a local store. You can certainly get one with a 13" blade for about $150. I would stay away from battery models at all costs. They don't have the power, are unreliable, and replacement batteries are about as expensive as buying a new saw!

Answer 3

I don't think you will be happy with any brand chainsaw for use as a hedge trimmer. Hedge trimming is for very small branches and a chainsaw will do nothing but make them "jump around". Find a gas powered chainsaw and also a trimmer. Most trimmers are electric. Battery powered can be a real pain.

Answer 4

Well I always heard that Stihl was the best too, but then while Ilived in Phx. AZ., My friend and boss, a tree trimmer, swore by, now forgive my spelling here...huskavarna, its pronounced, husk-varna, not sure how its really spelled either.
But he said he killed many a Stihl, and the husk-varna, though I suppose a little more expensive, was the only chainsaw he ever used...He wanted something that would start the first time, everytime...You know Climbing Palm trees, occasionally with Scorpions living in the bark.
hmmm, maybe it wasn't just the heights that kept me on the ground...
So there you go.
and oh yeah...do go with gas.
But then I do not know of any chainsaws you can actually use as a hedge trimmer...Goodluck.
DJ

Answer 5

Get a Stihl. They are the best chainsaws around. I have cut down many a tree with my Stihl chainsaw. Go gas powered...nothing beats it. Electric you have to deal with the cord, battery is worthless. Go out and get a Gas Stihl. If you only need light duty stuff, you can opt to get a small bladed chainsaw. A Stihl will last you pretty much forever if you maintain it right.

Answer 6

I don't know how prices range in the USA,but that won't get you a Stihl in Australia that's worth a damn.My Stihl chainsaw cost around $1,000 ten years ago here.

Answer 7

3 Years ago I bought a " Poulan / Wild Thing " from Home Depot. I still have it . I use it all the time to cut wood. Home depot still has them. I recomend this chainsaw for the type of home yard work you need it for . They are in your price range. Check it out. ( I would suggest a gas one,it won't restrict you with a cord & possible cutting of a dragging cord)
Ed.S.