Author Topic: Chainsaw (Read 16167 times)

mick7504 · « **on:** February 25, 2018, 01:31:57 AM »

What's a good reliable Chainsaw to buy?
Looking at 16" to 18" inch bar.
I bought a Stihl about 30 years ago and that was a good one until the centrifugal clutch burnt out.
It was a bit undersized for what I was doing with it and then it became a bit cranky trying to start.

So then in my wisdom, I bought a Makita electric lad that ended up burning out from overload.
Plus, dragging extension cords around the joint became a real PITA.

After that episode on a Sunday afternoon last year, I went to Bunnings (local hardware mob) and bought a McCulloch for 400 bucks and it's a fcuking poofta to start again when it's hot.
It refuses to fire up.

So it's gonna get the flick because I've done my block with the mongrol.
The other thing that pisses me off is that it had Made in U.S.A . written on the box.
Then when I got it home, in small writing was "Made with Chinese Components so I knew that It'd be a dud.

Anyway, I'm leaning towards a Stihl number one and then a Husquvana number 2.

Yamahawk · « **Reply #1 on:** February 25, 2018, 03:00:27 AM »

Husqvarna Rancher is the top chainsaw, hands down. They have good reviews, and are top of the line.
Stihl is Still a good chainsaw, but not as good as they used to be, as most thing are.
Depends on your bar size also. The Husqvarna 460 Rancher has a 24" bar, and 60cc engine, very powerful. The 450 has a 50cc engine and 18" bar.
The Jonsered CS2255 has great specs and rating too. 55cc engine and 20" bar.
Charlie

754 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 25, 2018, 03:05:43 AM »

I was a Stihl user for a while, paid for my second chopper by packing a Stihl around.
However I have heard they may be rated a little lower now than then, maybe less repairable or something like that.

mick7504 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 25, 2018, 03:34:12 AM »

Thanks Charlie and Frank.
The thing that I'm looking for is one that will take a bit of stick when it's pushed a bit and reliability is at the top of the list.

I bought a Dolmar whipper snipper (weed whacker) back in the 80's and it still fires up on the first or second go but these bloody chainsaws are just about driving a bloke to the bottle.
I'll check the Husky's out this week.

MikeSimon · « **Reply #4 on:** February 25, 2018, 06:31:38 AM »

I am in the market for a new chainsaw too and after a bit of research, talking to repair shops and other owners, I settled on an "Echo".
Seems I will be getting best bang for the buck, although they are not really cheap. Considering performance and longevity, however, they come ahead of most others.

bwaller · « **Reply #5 on:** February 25, 2018, 11:19:15 AM »

We are in the tree biz and cut a bit of wood! Husky's and Stihl are both good saws, right now though I have a number of Echo. Dolmar made a great mid size(115) years ago but we're bought by Makita I believe their quality changed for the worst.

Most brand names are reliable. Husky is trying new induction ideas but have had some problems. All saws are "lean burning" and I always pry off their adjustment restrictors so I can adjust for atmospheric change. Not often necessary. if Husky has success with that effort it will be good without need for change of setting at all.

You can opt for whatever length bar you need if your have power to drive a longer chain.

dave500 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 25, 2018, 12:50:09 PM »

ive got a sach/dolmar 16 inch,its old but its a great machine,new small sthils are disposable plastic rubbish,you have to get the larger professional types,ive got an old sthil av38super and its a beast,i reckon itll out run new saws of the same calibre?heavy though,maybe buy a good used one Mick?

mick7504 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 26, 2018, 02:46:21 AM »

Thanks fellas.

I had a look at the Stihl MS251 and the Husky 445ll which both have similar specs.
My guts is telling me to run with the Husky so I reckon that I'll just bite the bullet and get it.

Either will more than handle the work that that I do around here.
Maybe it's a bit of overkill but better than ending up in tears from going half arsed at it.

Old Moe Toe · « **Reply #8 on:** February 28, 2018, 12:12:02 AM »

Hi Mick
Being from the south of Tassie and knowing blokes that work in the forestry game the advice I got last time I wanted a new saw was that it is a choice between only Stihl and Husqvarna. Forget the other makes. They say that the Husqvarnas' actually last longer with continuous use before they are rooted. However the dealer network for em aint as good as the Stihls, so you might have to travel further for spares,servicing etc.
I ended up going for another Stihl just cause I had owned my last one since I was 19 and was impressed that I'd never killed it.
I'd advise getting a slightly larger saw than you think you need. Wish I'd a bought a bigger new Stihl. Bought a second hand Husky 95cc number as well, it rocks. Got 4 saws now.
It's a bit like being a dentist, you prolly need more than one drill. Some folk have big teeth.

mick7504 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 28, 2018, 12:32:23 AM »

Hi Mo

The service and parts for the Stihl is something that they have going for them and the Husky dealer in Darwin isn't a real big setup so that's something that I'm still chewing over.

My mate just dropped his Stihl MS880 over if I need to use it.
It's a weapon without bullets.

dave500 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2018, 12:41:49 AM »

up for a chainsaw fight Mick?

dave500 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 28, 2018, 01:05:21 AM »

get a stihl then if husky is slim in darwin but get a pro model,unless your cutting big hard old dry stuff you don't need a big saw,i used to sell and deliver firewood from our old house,old stihls don't stop,keep a sharp chain in fact have a spare or two on hand and don't run it out of chain oil!

mick7504 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 28, 2018, 01:16:42 AM »

Stihl might be the way to go Dave because of the good backup and parts availability.
The Big Mower here in Darwin has been selling Stihl for over 35 years and he's still going strong.

I having a read through the MS880 manual.
This things got more displacement than the Postie Bike.

dave500 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 28, 2018, 01:42:52 AM »

yeah 120cc!big tool,ive also got a ninja throwing chainsaw,zip tie it on full throttle and throw it at someone?its actually a good little saw for found in a skip,starts and runs fine now its been fettled,10 inch bar for tidying #$%*ty wind blown #$%* without firing up the heavier saws,its really responsive for a piece of #$%*,it has whats called a clam shell motor,the motor isn't part of the main body its wrapped in plastic,the motor assembles like a clam shell.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #14 on:** February 28, 2018, 02:33:54 AM »

Well you've pipped me with that 880 Mick, here's a pic of my McCulloch/Dolmar 118cc saw, it's probably done 10 minutes work in it's 40 year life, it came standard with a 3 foot bar, but there was an optional 6 footer. Great for trimming the trees in the back yard............

Terry's wicked tools of plant destruction by terry prendergast, on Flickr

Old Moe Toe · « **Reply #15 on:** February 28, 2018, 02:45:11 AM »

What sort of work are you needing the saw for Mick?.
Can't imagine anyone in Darwin would need firewood for heating and don't even remember seeing any trees there of any size.
Cutting crocodile steaks perhaps?.

ken65 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 28, 2018, 02:54:49 AM »

I must be a wimp. I have a chainsaw ticket and have cut down big trees etc.
But they frighten me cause all I can picture while I'm using it is my head cut in half. Face first.
I think I'm to good looking to risk it.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #17 on:** February 28, 2018, 03:14:30 AM »

A "Chainsaw ticket"? Well Lah-de-dah Ken! Next you'll be poasting that you've got one of them fancy drivers licenses I've heard so much about!

ken65 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 28, 2018, 03:19:07 AM »

Funny you should say that. I lost my chainsaw ticket twice in the past.
Drink sawing. I'm a better chainsaw operator when i'm full.

mick7504 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 28, 2018, 03:54:37 AM »

There's Black Wattles, Woolybutts, African Mahoganys and Fig Trees that would better off in the horizontal position.
The African Mahogany is a fast growing shady tree but they drop a ton of leaves and have bugger all of a tap root system which means that they go arse up quite easily when the wind hooks up.

Years ago, I'd prune the big branches with the Winchester. .458 Mag until the nice policeman told me not to give him a reason to pay another visit.
Point taken officer.

mick7504 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 28, 2018, 03:57:09 AM »

Quote from: Terry in Australia on February 28, 2018, 02:33:54 AM

Well you've pipped me with that 880 Mick, here's a pic of my McCulloch/Dolmar 118cc saw, it's probably done 10 minutes work in it's 40 year life, it came standard with a 3 foot bar, but there was an optional 6 footer. Great for trimming the trees in the back yard............

Terry's wicked tools of plant destruction by terry prendergast, on Flickr

I'm still feeling a bit apprehensive just looking at that 880 mate.

Stev-o · « **Reply #21 on:** February 28, 2018, 07:42:28 AM »

+1 on the Echo, I have both the standard chain saw and their polesaw. Love the pole saw for small jobs!

BTW - I use the premixed fuel purchased at the local big box store as it doesnt contain ethanol [since I dont use them weekly].

dave500 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 28, 2018, 12:45:10 PM »

i had a little echo champ I found in a bin,ran ok but was pretty worn out so sold it when I found that #$%*ty bunnings GMC,also found a trade tools husky copy,sold that as soon as I got it going.

Don R · « **Reply #23 on:** February 28, 2018, 01:12:41 PM »

I had a mini mac for years it was still running when the plastic parts all disintegrated. It only ever needed a new coil. Next, I inherited my ex BIL's Poulan. So far so good. I don't cut much and keep a new chain on hand most of the time. I think I'm buying canned fuel next time so it stores well.

mick7504 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 28, 2018, 01:17:15 PM »

There are a couple of Echo dealers here but they aren't big players in the market.
The Big Mower (Stihl) has just opened another outlet about 5 mins from home and is open on Saturday mornings which makes it handy.
John Deere is another one that gives good backup and support.
I bought a Zero Turn mower from them late last year and it's a ball biter.
V Twin Briggs 726cc.
After using it, I'll never again put my backside into the seat of a mower with a steering wheel bolted to it.

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Author Topic: Chainsaw (Read 16167 times)

ken65

ken65