Need a new chainsaw

[clovishound]

I thought about posting this in Around the Homestead, but thought it would get better exposure here. If it needs to be moved, that is fine.

The small Poulan I bought after a major hurricane over 30 years ago has died. I need one for a job in the near future, and will have an occasional need for one from time to time in the future. The Poulan was a model 1800 with a 1.8 ci engine and 16" bar. It suited my needs for many years.

First of all, I don't need or want to spend $300 to $500 for a Stihl or Husky that gets used only once every year or so. I've thought about a battery powered, but not sure about the long term survivability of the battery compared to a gas version. Also, without a pricey spare battery, I would have issues completing a task that took more than an hour or so.

I've thought seriously about a Poulan Pro 18". They are made by Husky, and seem to have a good reputation for an inexpensive saw. I can get one for about $170.

There is an 18" Remington from Northern Tool for $141. It looks very good, and I have heard a number of good things about them on the internet. However, at the end of the day, they are a newcomer without a long track record, although they do seem to be gaining in popularity.

Northern Tool has a couple reconditioned Huskys for under $200. I'm a little nervous about a reconditioned. Sometimes they are every bit as good as new, and other times not so much.

What recommendation do you have?

[Grunt67]

Clovis, you kinda get what you pay for in a chainsaw. I have 2, a Husqvara Rancher w/ 20" bar ( probably more than you need ), also a Homelite Little Red w/ 10" bar, that I bought on Ebay, reconditioned. Looked like brand new, runs great, for under $100.
You might want to look thru Ebay & see what 's there.
The new Homelites are not the same quality as years ago. I"d stay away from 'em. Check around the repair shops, they might have something you could use.
Good luck, pard.

[GunnyGene]

Go with gas. I have a 40volt lithium saw (12"), that I bought 3 years ago, and while it's good for cutting branches and other small stuff under 8" or so, battery life depends a lot on what your cutting. Green hardwood will really strain it and will run down the battery in 30 minutes or less of constant cutting. Chain speed is about 1/3 of gas saws, so you get some chatter starting a cut and is much slower pushing thru. Also you have to be careful to not overheat the battery when cutting or recharging - that will kill a lithium battery in no time. The upside is that it's light enough to use one handed.

I have an old MS290 Stihl (20") that's my go to for big stuff.

[Mags]

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My favorite is Stihl. A MS170 with 16" bar is less than $180.

[Ernie]

Tried Homelite and Poulan and they were OK but finally broke down and bought a Stihl. Do not use much however when I need it, it runs and works well. I do not regret spending the money for the quality when I have to use it.

[markiver54]

Been so long ago, can't remember what I paid, but I have a 20" Makita that has never let me down.

[dave77]

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My favorite is Stihl. A MS170 with 16" bar is less than $180.

Also prefer Stihl. I have a MS180c which has the tool-less chain adjuster which is nice.

Whatever you get read this article about the use of Ethanol in 2 cycle engines. I always use pure gas and fuel stabilizer in mine and if it sits too long I'll dump it in my lawn mower and mix up some fresh for the saw.

https://www.stihlusa.com/information/ar ... equipment/

[BigAl52]

Im like Mags. Bought a stihl. Didnt pay close to 300 for it. Might only use it once a year or so but it always runs when I need it. One other word of wisdom. Find a gas station that sells ethanol free gas. That ethanol gas is murder on small engines when the sit for long periods.

[markiver54]

Im like Mags. Bought a stihl. Didnt pay close to 300 for it. Might only use it once a year or so but it always runs when I need it. One other word of wisdom. Find a gas station that sells ethanol free gas. That ethanol gas is murder on small engines when the sit for long periods.

Very, very true!

[Mgderf]

Im like Mags. Bought a stihl. Didnt pay close to 300 for it. Might only use it once a year or so but it always runs when I need it. One other word of wisdom. Find a gas station that sells ethanol free gas. That ethanol gas is murder on small engines when the sit for long periods.

^Ditto

[fortyshooter]

I've had a Cobalt 40v electric one for a couple years and it seems to do well on trees/limbs up to 4 or 5 inch diameter.
Works well clearing out a trail of small stuff.

[Shakey Jake]

I've had a Sear's Craftsman for years. I had it worked on once and it's probably almost 30 yrs old. I just make sure that after I use it I pour the gas out of the tank and run it out of gas. Starts up every time when I put new gas in it. I don't know who made it but guessing Poulan. Keep in mind I don't live on a farm and use it sparingly. I used to use it a lot when I had a deer lease.
Jake

[Mistered]

you kinda get what you pay for in a chainsaw.

Yup - I have a Stihl and a Husky and they get used a lot !

My Stihl died last year but not quite dead. It's not getting gas from the tank to the carb. If I dribble a little in the cylinder it fires up and runs for a couple seconds so I know it's not electrical in nature. I might tear it apart tomorrow as the weather is supposed to be a bit crappy so it might be a shop day!

[Cofisher]

Jake, I had a similar experience. A craftsman, made by Poulan. Great saw, never let me down. It was one of the larger units. I heated a 4 bedroom two story house with a good wood stove. Nebraska winters. I have great respect for Poulan saws. My 2 cents.

[markiver54]

I know a career tree guy, and he swears by Huskys!

[dave77]

There's an auto parts/machine shop here that sells Stihl products and is an authorized Sthil repair shop. One of the older guys there told me that before Ethanol use became widespread they almost never had them come in with burnt piston heads, now it's fairly common. If you do have to use Ethanol be sure to shake the fuel can and the saw if it's set for while, the article also says to dump any older than 2 months because of the water that it attracts, also while you can get away with using E10 do not use E15.

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

I'm a Jonny Red man myself - CS2240.

-Ed-

[Hatchdog]

I have a Stihl MS 170 I bought nearly 30 years ago that finally gave up the ghost. The cost to repair was more than a new one so I replaced it with the MS 171 a few years ago. No comparison, the old saw was a much better saw, the new on seems cheap and flimsy kind of a rattle trap. However, it cuts great. I believe they can be had for under @200.00. The outdoor power equipment store I frequent has dropped the Stilh line in favor of Husky so we’ll see on that one.

After my experience with the 171 I may choose a Husky if I ever need another saw.

[Mags]

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My bigger chain saws are Husky. I like my Stihl better for ease of maintenance and starting.

My favorite is Stihl. A MS170 with 16" bar is less than $180.

I have a Stihl MS 170 I bought nearly 30 years ago that finally gave up the ghost. The cost to repair was more than a new one so I replaced it with the MS 171 a few years ago. No comparison, the old saw was a much better saw, the new on seems cheap and flimsy kind of a rattle trap. However, it cuts great. I believe they can be had for under @200.00. The outdoor power equipment store I frequent has dropped the Stilh line in favor of Husky so we’ll see on that one.
After my experience with the 171 I may choose a Husky if I ever need another saw.

[Mistered]

Yea, my chainsaws get used a little...
This is the top of a 92 footer I dropped last summer!

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