It`s mostly for around the house to remove old maple tree limbs. We have alot of old maple tree`s,and almost every bad wind will bring down some old limbs.
What company makes a decent chain saw?
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For that kind of stuff a little Echo would do. In the $200 range I think their saws are best. If you want a "real" saw $400+ and 50cc+ then any of the Stihl or Husqvarna pro models will out live you.
Stihl
Originally Posted By: DieselTech
Stihl
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Stihl
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For around the house clean-up chores, just about anything from Echo or Stihl should be all you'll need.
I have a Craftsman 18" 42CC, 149.99 plus tax, it works fine for me.....
JHZR2
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echo from HD is the minimum Id go. They last a long time, we have one that is 27 years old, and still runs great and does household stuff well.
Stihl makes a good small saw, I have one of them.
Stihl makes a good small saw, I have one of them.
I bought a Homelite from HD 5 years ago. Not the best saw but gets the job done. I have cut down allot of small trees with it over the years. I am going to take out a few more here shortly. One is roughly 18" thick.
I know Poland's are the "Fram" of chain saws here .I just bought a reconditioned one for $89 due to having some quick work to be done and I can't believe how good it runs.Time will tell how it will hold up but I've run it hard for aprox. 5 hours and it still runs strong.Only complaints are it uses a lot of bar oil,and you have to be diligent and keep chain tightened.But for $89 for the 16" I love it.
Originally Posted By: gj
Only complaints are it uses a lot of bar oil,and you have to be diligent and keep chain tightened.But for $89 for the 16" I love it.
My Homelite is the same way. The Poulan and Homelite both seem to kick there chains off allot as well. Goes back to keeping that bar tight.
Wanted to add I have to drain the bar oil out before I store it or it leaks out every where.
Only complaints are it uses a lot of bar oil,and you have to be diligent and keep chain tightened.But for $89 for the 16" I love it.
My Homelite is the same way. The Poulan and Homelite both seem to kick there chains off allot as well. Goes back to keeping that bar tight.
Wanted to add I have to drain the bar oil out before I store it or it leaks out every where.
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For the purposes you've stated, I'd go with an Echo. For the money, they are very difficult to beat. They'll cut as good, run as well and last as long any any other manufacturers small saws for considerably less money.
I've used small Stihl, Husqvarna and Jonsereds saws. Fine saws but not worth the extra money. I presently own two large Jonsereds saws and a recently purchased Echo 346. The big saws are great for bucking 18" wide sticks all day but they get heavy fast when walking in brush trying to limb a tree. That's where the little Echo goes to work. It can cut big sticks too but not as effectively as the big saws.
I've used small Stihl, Husqvarna and Jonsereds saws. Fine saws but not worth the extra money. I presently own two large Jonsereds saws and a recently purchased Echo 346. The big saws are great for bucking 18" wide sticks all day but they get heavy fast when walking in brush trying to limb a tree. That's where the little Echo goes to work. It can cut big sticks too but not as effectively as the big saws.
For once or twice a year use around the yard, you'll be fine with just about any saw. McCulloch, Craftsman, Echo, Poulan, etc. will last for a long, long time with proper maintenance. Top brands like Stihl or Husky are serious overkill for your intended use.
I would suggest saving money and picking up a lightly used saw off craigslist. Lots of people run to Sears or HD and buy a new saw to clear one big branch that comes down in a storm. They use it once and then let it sit in the garage for a few years before realizing they don't need it. I've picked up many pieces of power equipment this way.
I would suggest saving money and picking up a lightly used saw off craigslist. Lots of people run to Sears or HD and buy a new saw to clear one big branch that comes down in a storm. They use it once and then let it sit in the garage for a few years before realizing they don't need it. I've picked up many pieces of power equipment this way.
I bought an Echo last year after reading about chain saws and their problems on the internet.
It's ben a great saw.
They are assembled in USA from imported and USA made parts. Not techinacaly made in USA but at least an American had something to do with it other than unloading the crate off the boat. The engine in mine was made in Japan...........Not China.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA_DJVJBA1g&feature=related
It's ben a great saw.
They are assembled in USA from imported and USA made parts. Not techinacaly made in USA but at least an American had something to do with it other than unloading the crate off the boat. The engine in mine was made in Japan...........Not China.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA_DJVJBA1g&feature=related
Get one from Sears and keep the receipts. Get it on sale. They have an excellent return policy.
Check the drag links on the chain. They are there to help prevent "kickback" but (recently) most are way too tall and substantially reduce cutting ability. Me, I file them down a bit.
I am a Stihl fan and those are what I own, but for occasional-use around the house..... the best saw is the one that starts and has the sharpest chain.
Last caution - use fuel stabilizer.
Check the drag links on the chain. They are there to help prevent "kickback" but (recently) most are way too tall and substantially reduce cutting ability. Me, I file them down a bit.
I am a Stihl fan and those are what I own, but for occasional-use around the house..... the best saw is the one that starts and has the sharpest chain.
Last caution - use fuel stabilizer.
Stihl or Husky. Most important thing is to be sure there is a dealer who can and will service them.
WOW!! Thanx for all of the replies!
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