Another thing I ran across in my research while looking for a new saw....Home Depot occasionally sells their Makita rental chainsaws. These are professional quality Dolmar saws, a lesser known name but every bit as good as the bigger names. Some guys actually prefer them over Stihl. If you can get one of these lightly used at a decent price, that might be the way to go. I checked my local HD stores and none had any for sale.
Buying a chainsaw
- Thread starter outoforder
- Start date
- Status
Originally Posted By: KD0AXS
Another thing I ran across in my research while looking for a new saw....Home Depot occasionally sells their Makita rental chainsaws. These are professional quality Dolmar saws, a lesser known name but every bit as good as the bigger names. Some guys actually prefer them over Stihl. If you can get one of these lightly used at a decent price, that might be the way to go. I checked my local HD stores and none had any for sale.
That is a good way to get a cheap big saw. Those saws are 64cc but everything is the same except for the piston and cylinder on the 79cc dollar branded version(there is a 73cc one also). Easy swap making it capable of running bars over 25 inch. There was also a big bore 84cc kit at one time also.
Another thing I ran across in my research while looking for a new saw....Home Depot occasionally sells their Makita rental chainsaws. These are professional quality Dolmar saws, a lesser known name but every bit as good as the bigger names. Some guys actually prefer them over Stihl. If you can get one of these lightly used at a decent price, that might be the way to go. I checked my local HD stores and none had any for sale.
That is a good way to get a cheap big saw. Those saws are 64cc but everything is the same except for the piston and cylinder on the 79cc dollar branded version(there is a 73cc one also). Easy swap making it capable of running bars over 25 inch. There was also a big bore 84cc kit at one time also.
KD0AXS,
That seems to be a good tip about the Craftsman/Poulan 5020. It even passed the scrutiny of Arboristsite.com after wading through all the [censored] there.
A 50cc saw is not bad for the firewood amounts the OP is talking about. The chain and bar could be a bit better, but those can be upgraded after they are worn out. At the $170 you bought it at, that is a good value. I would put that on my list if I was shopping for a value saw that will get limited use.
Learn the details of managing the chain and bar, fuel (especially storage), etc.. and it should last a good long time.
That seems to be a good tip about the Craftsman/Poulan 5020. It even passed the scrutiny of Arboristsite.com after wading through all the [censored] there.
A 50cc saw is not bad for the firewood amounts the OP is talking about. The chain and bar could be a bit better, but those can be upgraded after they are worn out. At the $170 you bought it at, that is a good value. I would put that on my list if I was shopping for a value saw that will get limited use.
Learn the details of managing the chain and bar, fuel (especially storage), etc.. and it should last a good long time.
A chain saw should last a long time if you use quality gas/oil (preferably E0 gas or premix) and keep mice away from chewing on filter or fuel lines.
Dolmar chainsaws are what I favor. The factories for Stihl and Dolmar are near each other as they are both German saws. Dolmar invented the chainsaw. You can buy a makita branded dolmar called dcs6401. It is very popular and there are lots of mods for it.
Stihl, My 028av has given me 25 years of trouble free service, have replaced chain 3 times.
Originally Posted By: gm03
Stihl, My 028av has given me 25 years of trouble free service, have replaced chain 3 times.
My Jonsered gave me 18 years and i used 4 chains / year...
I understand that there are ways so use chains ( stone, steel, etc arent sawable )
but saying a saw is good when it has survived 3 chains
no matter how good you are at sharpening em is foolisly.
I also se that every one whants long bars.
Ok im fine with that but a 13 inch bar cuts a 26 inch tree and you donthave to carry or drive that big 20 inch bar all the time.
A shorter bar is safer when cutting the branches?? of the tree.
Much easier to work with.
- Most important, learn how to keep your chain sharp
Stihl, My 028av has given me 25 years of trouble free service, have replaced chain 3 times.
My Jonsered gave me 18 years and i used 4 chains / year...
I understand that there are ways so use chains ( stone, steel, etc arent sawable )
but saying a saw is good when it has survived 3 chains
no matter how good you are at sharpening em is foolisly.
I also se that every one whants long bars.
Ok im fine with that but a 13 inch bar cuts a 26 inch tree and you donthave to carry or drive that big 20 inch bar all the time.
A shorter bar is safer when cutting the branches?? of the tree.
Much easier to work with.
- Most important, learn how to keep your chain sharp
Last edited:
You don't need to buy a $700 pro saw to cut 2 cords of wood per year. I have a Stihl MS250 for 12 years now to clean up and maintain 1.5 acre of forested property. I cut averaging around 2 cords a season. This is a nice saw when paired with a pro Stihl RS chain. Only thing I have replaced is the chain (can't tell you how many rocks I've hit clearing storm damage and brush... that counts for a few cords of cut wood) ...and air filter. I take good care of it, clean and sharpened, quality synthetic oil. It runs same as new and never given me any problems.
I expect it will continue for many more years.
I used a craftsman many years ago (circa 1991) and an older Poulan. The Stihl is much nicer handling, easier to maintain and adjust and better behaved saw than either of these older battle axes.
I expect it will continue for many more years.
I used a craftsman many years ago (circa 1991) and an older Poulan. The Stihl is much nicer handling, easier to maintain and adjust and better behaved saw than either of these older battle axes.
I just wanted to add, regardless of which saw you buy do NOT put any fuel in it with ethanol. Spend a little extra at a marina or buy the canned premixed fuel at the hardware store.
I've been breaking that rule since forever. Using CA Union 76 Premium, Marine Stabil, and Mobil 2T or Red Line synthetic. I never drain the tank; there is no 'off season' here. Echo SRM 2100 string trimmer for 14+ yrs, Stihl MS250 chainsaw for 12 yrs, and Stihl BG55 blower about 8 yrs all have been running fine on this diet.
- Status
