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Post by jalvis on Oct 18, 2014 9:45:59 GMT -5
I'm in the market for a new chainsaw. This would be an easy decision if Mafell made a Chainsaw for limbing and tree falling but they don't.  So any recommendations? I have a fair amount of experience with Husqvarna and Stihl. Mainly there professional lawn equipment back in the day. Preferred a husky or Echo over Stihl. Stihl always had problems starting and seemed to flood easily. Staying with the tree major brands in my area. Stihl, Husqvarna, and Echo. Also wanting a Pro grade tool. |
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Post by wrightwoodwork on Oct 18, 2014 9:52:38 GMT -5
I personally don't have any experience with chainsaws. My brothers friend does tree surgeon work. If remember correctly it's husky that they use as more reliable than sthill
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Tim
New Member
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Post by Tim on Oct 18, 2014 15:44:11 GMT -5
In years past I preferred Echo, I really believe they made a better product. But the past few years, maybe 10, IMO their quality has gone down. I believe they cheapened there line in order to get into big box stores.
I have all Stihl equipment now, all pro equipment. At times they do not start well. Or at all. I will be changing brands.
I visit the forestry forum occasionally. From what I read the Mafell of chainsaws is Dolmar. I know one person who has one and loves it.
As a side note I have a Craftsman back pack leaf blower that I purchase in 1995. It is not your normal Craftsman product it's better. Never done any repairs to. I think it is a Tanaka, never seen any for sale locally.
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Post by jalvis on Oct 18, 2014 22:45:39 GMT -5
Thanks for the suggestions. I just hate buying bad gear and don't want to be disappointed. Chainsaws aren't exactly precision tools but I want to be sure it will last and perform long term. My decision is starting to be directed based on the better dealers in my area. Warranties are only as good as the service and I want someone I can trust to direct my decision. Stihl is really the dominant brand in my area.
Will be looking into Dolmar.
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Post by 7 on Oct 19, 2014 1:24:43 GMT -5
I own the Husqvarna 359 with a 20" bar. I have had it for 8-10 years. I have been happy with it...don't use it a lot but it is good to go whenever I do use it. It doesn't look like they have changed it at all in the last decade, mine looks exactly like the one in the link below: www.husqvarna.com/asia/products/chainsaws/359/ |
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Post by toomanytoys on Oct 19, 2014 8:45:03 GMT -5
I've been using chainsaws for over 45 years, mostly on our farm and cutting firewood, a couple of cords a year.
Right now I have both Husky and Stihl. Neither have been problematic in starting or use. The Stihl maintenance parts are more expensive and never found at a discount. There are numerous options in size between those two to find whatever you need, maybe too much. For replacement chains and bars I use Baileys, very good quality and availability and I've found the Woodland Pro chains to be better then the common Oregon. My biggest problems over the last few years has been with fuel, even when emptying for storage.
I'll throw a curve. About three years ago I bought a Husky electric 14" saw. In my home neighborhood I have a neighbor who calls code enforcement anytime they hear a chainsaw. Code and I are on a first name basis even though all I've ever done is trim or recut some of my farm wood. For awhile I would tune up my saws at the house just for the ridiculousness.
However, I've been using the electric more and more at the farm, throwing the saw, Honda generator and extension cord in the tractors bucket. At home, I just use my 12ga 100ft cord. There are two issues I have with the electric Husky, but with weight, power, lack of noise and vibration, it has become more the go to tool then the gas powered Huskys and Stihls. I use a Woodland Pro chain on it and my friend who also processes firewood is impressed how good it is compared to his consumer gas saw.
Later today I'll be taking down a 35ft maple at the farm and it will be with the electric.
Just throwing that out depending on your usage.
I'll add in my issues ...... First the chain brake lever is the hardest flip of any saw I've had in decades. Some reviews state the saw is DOA out of the box. It's not, it's the fact that the brake is so hard to release, but not hard for it to work. I fell for the same thing, sending my first one back. The second is that there is only one stud holding the bar to the power head, not like any of my other saws including Husky. If you switch from normal cutting under the bar to cutting on the bars top if you hit the wood too hard the bar can rotate and allow it to come off the sprocket. I've had to learn to not be as aggressive in production mode when breaking down a tree.
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Post by jalvis on Oct 21, 2014 12:47:52 GMT -5
Good info. I already have a Makita electric saw and its great. Cuts great, quiet, and always works when I need it. Plus theres no exhaust so I can use it indoors(there are times)
Have a cheap Poulan but the thing is horrible. Got 11 acres this year and and 8 acres is covered in trees so I need something portable. Narrowed my choice to a 40 cc with 18" bar and will get a 60 cc with larger bar next year. One step at a time.
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Post by jalvis on Oct 21, 2014 21:27:39 GMT -5
A few photos from about a year ago. Using the electric chainsaw to trim the posts to length on the retaining wall.   |
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Post by garch on Oct 21, 2014 22:12:45 GMT -5
Stihl all the way. I have the MS441 and MS 260. And a bunch of other stihl equipment. I sometimes use the 441 with my alaskan sawmill. No issues thus far .
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Post by 7 on Oct 21, 2014 22:33:50 GMT -5
Just when we all thought we knew about all the tools you own you bust out the "alaskan sawmill"  |
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Post by jalvis on Oct 22, 2014 10:44:59 GMT -5
Stihl is certainly the top choice for America.
Really interested in the Dolmar, but theres only one dealer in me area. Interesting company.
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Post by garch on Oct 22, 2014 10:59:50 GMT -5
Stihl is certainly the top choice for America. Really interested in the Dolmar, but theres only one dealer in me area. Interesting company. Yes I've heard good things about Dolmar also. Please keep us informed in your research. |
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Post by toomanytoys on Oct 22, 2014 11:03:17 GMT -5
Jalvis,
IMO, one of the best forums to do a chainsaw search is over at arboristsite.com.
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Post by jalvis on Oct 22, 2014 11:47:41 GMT -5
I've been lurking on Arboristsite.com the last week. Lots of strong opinions one way or the other. Some serious brand loyalty with some members.
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Post by jalvis on Oct 26, 2014 21:28:49 GMT -5
Got a saw this week. Ended up with a Stihl MS 251 C. 40cc motor with 18" bar. Easy Start Function and tool-less chain tightener. Really like the easy start. You slowly pull the cord and as you're pulling its tightening a spring which at the end of the cord releases to start the motor. Amazing how easy it is to run and only ways 10 lbs.
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