I need it for a big job so it has to be good.
2007-07-21 11:05:24 · 14 answers · asked by eyegub 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Brand name is easy. Stihl. Reliable as they come and generally a good value. Dealers are independent, but generally a fair amount of training is required of them for both sales and service.
The features you should look for depend upon the job you need to do. Some require a bit more power, but more power means more weight so you don't want to go much bigger than you really need. Length of the bar is a similar story, you need different sizes for different jobs. A good dealer can give you a great deal of guidance.
2007-07-21 11:23:58 · answer #1 · answered by be_a_lert 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hi - I've been through a bunch of them and they all start out good. So the question would be how much use will it get? For only one job, I would borrow one from a friend or rent from a tool rental center/home improvement center. If you are going to do some periodic pruning, then I wouldn't spend too much - maybe a Craftsman or Poulan (sp?). If you are starting a tree trimming business I would go with an Echo or Stihl. I recommend the craftsman (~150 for an 18"). It gets the job done without breaking the bank. And you are still saving $$$ over hiring someone. Some people will say get the best possible (Echo/Stihl), but nothing sucks more than having your $300-$400 chainsaw break - which has happened to me. If my $150 Craftsman breaks, in the garbage it goes and I buy a new one and I still spent less than the more expensive ones.
The features to look for are size: 14, 16, 18 inch. and engine size. The big difference between the expensive and cheap ones is how the weight is distributed. The echo was so well balanced you could hold it with one hand and cut over your head standing on a ladder (not that this was safe). The craftsman takes 2 hand to control standing on the ground.
Good luck
2007-07-21 14:05:47 · answer #2 · answered by sirollerblader 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I know this one thing; you don't want to buy a cheap chainsaw or any tools like that unrealizable. Some of the best ones is "Stihl". Be careful, it is very dangerous.
ADDITIONAL ANSWER FOR YOU
Please listen to us. Most of us tell you about "Stihl" chainsaw. The person next to me had given to you a great details. I think you should own one because it is something you will need off and on in your life. A good one will do the best job and reliable for you when you ever need to use it.
2007-07-21 11:23:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been using my Stihl MS 260 for a couple years now and it has been flawless. I cut 8-10 cords of lodgepole pine a year. Easy to start, reliable, and tons of power. I think it cost me like $450.00. If it's for a real big job with a lot of big rounds, look for a saw with over 70cc of displacement, so you can run a large bar (24"+) if neccesary.
2007-07-25 05:27:06 · answer #4 · answered by Luke B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cut with a Stihl for many years in the woods of Northern Minnesota on the Canadian border. Both for my fuel and for extra money in the mills.
Back then it was a stihl 031 and the bigger 045 but, that's big to handle. I know the numerical sequence has changed but, they would know.
I also used a "roller nose" blade, it saved on the wear of the blades and, an automatic oiler.
2007-07-21 22:40:49 · answer #5 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The best chaisaw you can get is made by Stihl. They run forever and start easy . I have had Poulan (bar broke) a Husquevarna (still going) but the Stihl my Grndfather has is the one that always runs and works everytime.
2007-07-21 13:59:23 · answer #6 · answered by fortyninertu 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the other answers... get a Stihl. As far as bar size, that depends on what you are going to be cutting. Ask the folks at the Stihl store...they're usually knowledgable...
2007-07-21 17:38:52 · answer #7 · answered by BuckarooBanzai 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stihl is the best,hands down,they range anywhere from 200.00 to over 1000.00.The size of the saw you need depends on the size of the trees you will be cutting,your stihl dealer can answer all of these questions for you.
2007-07-21 15:06:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do what I did ! Borrow from the neighbor . I too had a big job
and my neighbor just happened to have a chainsaw .
when we were finished I bought steaks for the two family's.
Notice I said when we were finished . Ha ha
2007-07-21 11:28:03 · answer #9 · answered by bigfred1954 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey cowboydoc. You were a lumber jack in Northern Minnesota for many years? And a chain is called a blade? Cool. That roller nose thing you mentioned is called a bar.
Go to a chainsaw dealer. Tell them what you are going to do and let them advise you as to size. They will set you up. Chainsaws are very dangerous. Don't forget the PPE.
2007-07-22 03:57:25 · answer #10 · answered by John himself 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋