Replies

1. 
   JeffHeath | Mar 21, 2006 08:42am | #1

   My Stihl has been an excellent maintenance free choice for 5 years now.  Worth every extra penny I paid for it.  It's the brand that all the tree hacks use around here, which is why I bought it. 

   Jeff

   
   

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   Edited 3/21/2006 1:44 am ET by JeffHeath

2. 
   Pippins | Mar 21, 2006 02:23pm | #2

   forestgirl, forget the Husqie and the Echo and get the Stihl. Once you get one in your hands, you will wonder why you ever used anything else.  

   Steve  

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 21, 2006 04:27pm | #3

   We have a smaller Stihl.  Hubby looked at them first, but the size motor he wants, even with a shorter bar, is over $500.  A bit over the budget.

   Still (so-to-speak), keep the comments coming, even if they include Stihl.  I really want input here!  Big purchase.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

   Edited 3/21/2006 9:28 am by forestgirl

1. 
   arkriver | Mar 21, 2006 07:03pm | #4

   I like Stihl myself but something else to consider is what brand can you get and have serviced locally. You want a place locally that will work on whatever you get, supplies parts and chain, etc.

1. 
   Vikingvood | Mar 21, 2006 07:44pm | #5

   Forestgirl ther is a stihl ms200 on craigslist yesterday(Seattle area) for a very good price. I have one of that model & it is very nice & no problems at all.

2. 
   DoRight | Mar 21, 2006 08:08pm | #7

   Really?  I bought the MS310 for $369.55.  Not the biggest saw on the shelf.  But I droped a 34" dia tree last fall.  A bit of a trick with a 24" bar for a non-pro like myself, but not a problem.

3. 
   MikeHennessy | Mar 21, 2006 08:48pm | #9

   Hey, FG. No fair! Let hubby splurge on a tool once in a while too! <G>

   Seriously, save up for the Stihl & never look back.

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 22, 2006 12:17am | #15

   "Let hubby splurge on a tool once in a while too! <G>"  Believe it or not (!) he set the budget.  I didn't even know he was looking until the other day.  Believe me, the way he abuses power tools, I want him to get the toughest specimen available!  LOL!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

3. 
   DoRight | Mar 21, 2006 08:04pm | #6

   Echo?  Consences in the west is Husk or Sthil (spelling).  With a considerable lead for Sthil among professionals. 

   I had a 20" Husk for 25 years.  Used it until it literally fell apart.  Well actually I still have it, but some of the plastic parts adn rubber fuel line are in tough shape.  Really can't beat that performance.  However, I have also been told that the company is not the same company.  Of course what company has not changed hands in the last thirty years.  Still people place it # 1 or two.

   Last fall I bought the Sthil 24" bar.  Love it so far.  It is pretty quite as well (I do wear protection too).  I think the chain is a bit more fussy to sharpen. 

4. 
   joinerswork | Mar 21, 2006 08:44pm | #8

   FG,

   My son, a forestry technician with Dept of Forestry, has a Stihl for a personal saw, and the state has supplied him with a stihl as well.  All his woodsy friends swear by stihls, with the husky advocates a distant 2d.  I have a Stihl 022 that my dad bought, after 20 yrs, it stihl (;-)) starts on the 2d pull cold, 1st pull warm.

   Regards,

   Ray Pine

5. 
   Napie | Mar 21, 2006 09:59pm | #10

   I've had three Stihls for over 20 years, they are great.  Howerver, a friend who cuts way more firewood than I ever have swears by Jonsered, may be worth a look. 

6. 
   Jumpman | Mar 21, 2006 10:32pm | #11

   I concure with all the Stihl recommendations.  However, I've had a Echo saw that's I've cut countless cords of firewood with for many many years, and it's NEVER given me trouble.  It's old enough to have a magnesium case, which can crack, although mine never has.  I think the Stihl saws with the high tech plastic cases are tougher.  If I had to replace my saw it would be with a Stihl, there's a reason all the local loggers use them, but I can't complain about the performance and use I've gotten with my Echo saw...so if you MUST buy something besides a Stihl, I'd vote for the Echo...

   Jumpman

7. 
   Timberwerks | Mar 21, 2006 10:56pm | #12

   If it was possible to find one new I would say go for a Husky 372, it handels a 24" bar very well, 372's are no longer produced. With that being the case I suggest a Stihl 44m or 46m to handle a 24" bar the 46m being first choice. This would be over your $500.00 range but money well spent. Smaller power heads may handle a 24" bar for limbing but if your felling and bucking logs and have the bar burried you need the power to drive the chain.

    

   Edit- I think the saws I mentioned are now called MS440 & MS460.

   Dale

   
   

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   Edited 3/21/2006 4:02 pm by Timberwerks

8. 
   JsHerbel | Mar 21, 2006 11:53pm | #13

   I bought your big boy 120 cc Husky a couple of years ago and have regreted over and over that I did not get the Stihl which was just a little more. The Husky has been very disappointing. Setting the tension is a a PIA, it eats gears, and overall it just doesn't have the same "fit" of components that the Stihl had.Ordered the Husky w/o looking at one as no one had that size locally and that was a big mistake on my part. If I could go back in time, I would pay loads more for the Stihl.

9. 
   user-75913 | Mar 21, 2006 11:56pm | #14

   Go with stilhl .   Youll always be able to find a pro shop that can fix a stihl. 

10. 
    Telemike | Mar 22, 2006 07:57am | #16

    I've been through echo, husky (never again!!), stihl, poulan, and innumberable cheapies. What do I use now?

    I use a 16" poulan electric and a 2000 watt Honda generator. It's really light and that's really important after my fifth back excursion in 30 years last august. I carry the generator in the tractor bucket.

    My husky was a nightmare. They tried a new choke arrangement that year and abandoned it immediately. The d***ed saw just wouldn't start, even after my arm turned to mush. An isolated problem? Maybe, but it was my experience and is my idea of Husky quality. By the way, they weren't even sligthly interested in exchanging the saw or making things "OK" for me, so ^&*%%$$ them.

    I don't think you can get a really big electric. But the generator and cheap 16" electric saw combo works quite well for even 24" trees. Then, there's always the trusty Stihl if I need more power.

    
    

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    Edited 3/22/2006 12:59 am ET by Telemike

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 22, 2006 09:03am | #17

   I like the idea of a generator and electric saw.  Exactly my style.  Problem is, we don't have a tractor, LOL.

   Well, it looks like it's going to be the Huskie.  A Ranch model(?) [does that make sense?] -- now I know how he feels when I get to talkin' bandsaws.  I couldn't keep track of all the models he was referring to.  The Stihl that he would want would be closer to $600 than to $500 and he's at the $400 price point.  We aren't going to do huge amounts of chainsawing, so hopefully it'll do the job for a long time.  The cedar will be easy cutting.  There are some alders on the list.  Wish us luck!!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   Timberwerks | Mar 22, 2006 03:42pm | #18

   The Rancher is actually a very nice saw, a 24" bar would be to much for it though. I ran my Rancher with a 18" & 20" the 18" ran the best for fast cutting and power. I'm not sure if they still make the Rancher in Sweden. The carb has needle stops so it is hard to get the full potential of the saw unless you lean it out a little. If you want to tune the saw yourself make sure you use a tachometer. You will have to cut the ears of of the needle stop to make your high end adjustment, the low end has plenty of adjustment even with the stop. You can pick up a tach from Madsens.

   Here are some links

   http://www.madsens1.com/sawtune.htm

   http://www.madsens1.com/default.htm

    

   I am more of a Sthil fan now but the Rancher is one of Husky's most relieable saws. The Husky I ran 55 Rancher, 371,372,385 and a 3120 all ran well and never gave me a problem. The 3120 however needed a new ignition after two tanks of fuel, it was covered. Just keep the carb adjusted and run a good 2 cycle mix and you should be good for many years. If you have Amsoil two stroke available run that.

   Dale

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 23, 2006 05:52pm | #23

   Dale, thanks for the detailed info and the links!  Hubby (who works out-of-state, coming home tonight) sent me this note yesterday afternoon.  I had sent him a copy of your comments in the morning:

   You are a little late - have already bought and picked up the saw. However, I bit the bullet and made a reasonable deal with the guy on the H. 359 saw w/ 24" bar. That's the professional grade saw that I told you I was thinking about instead of the Rancher - it comes standard with 24" bar, so shouldn't have the problem that the lower torque Rancher might have. I think we will do just fine with this one and it should be good enough to still be useable by B or others when you and I have no further interest in that kind of involvement [he means when we get old, LOL; "B" is his son] 

    

   To help keep it protected I also bought a carrying case for it. It's pretty and shiny and when we aren't using it for cutting we can mount it over the mantle as a decoration.  The case is hunter orange so we can always use that as a boundary marker or driveway marker if we need to.  [Such a card, LOL]

    

   Thanks for sending the comment, however. Several of the Husky saws he referred to are larger, older models (according to my interpretation of the Husky info) and the 359 incorporates a few features that all the larger heavier duty contemporary saws in their line tend to have that should address some of his concerns. Over all his comments seemed pretty positive about function and longevity but I guess we will see.

    

   He thanks all for the suggestions and info.  Should be a fun weekend!  Here it is (click).forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   Timberwerks | Mar 23, 2006 07:51pm | #24

   The 359 is a very nice saw. Actually any of the pro saws made in Sweden are nice saws, I don't forsee you having any problems, however the 24" bar still may be bit long for the displacement. This will not aftect you for limbing because of the high RPM but if you use the full length of the bar you will be a little underpowered. To help power the 24" bar in deep cuts consider using a skip tooth chain, you can buy these online from Bailey's or Madsen's. You can also get more tuning and setup tips by visting the http://www.arboristsite.com

   or the http://www.forestryforum.com

   both these forums have hardcore Husky fans and Sthil as well.

   Enjoy the new saw,

   Dale

   Edited 3/23/2006 12:54 pm by Timberwerks

2. 
   forestgirl | Mar 23, 2006 11:37pm | #25

   Dale, is the "skip tooth chain" the "high-speed chain"??  I'm 99% sure that's what Nick got.  He was describing it to me a few days ago.  Glad to hear that will help.

   He's gonna have fun with his new toy. :-)forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

3. 
   Timberwerks | Mar 24, 2006 12:27am | #26

   High speed chain could mean smaller pitch/kerf, increased oil groves, lighter weight and a faster cutting grind on the chain vs the more square grind of a saftey type chain. I could be wrong but I don't think high speed refers to skip tooth. Husgvarna chains are actually made by Oregon http://www.oregonchain.com/index.htm They may have more info. Or contact the pro's at Bailey's or Madsen's and they could help determain the chain you have now. If you order more chain you need to provide them with the numbers on your bar. This tells you pitch,gauge and number of drive links, your's would be .325 or 3/8"

   If you go with a skip tooth chain and use it on smaller branches be carefull because it is a little grabby on the small stuff. The skip tooth does a great job on bucking logs. My experiance with saws and chains comes from being in the firewood buissiness and helping out on the ground crews of some friends in the tree service. For some highly experianced help I recomend the home owners help forum at the http://www.arborsite.com

   These guys sleep,eat and breathe saws and chains. They are a pretty friendly bunch and take their work very seriously and give great advice. The http://www.forestryfourm is also good but they are dedicated more to logging and milling operations. The arborist sites members are mainly tree service owners and workers, some Hot Saw competitors as well.

    

   Enjoy,

   Dale

4. 
   AndyE | Mar 24, 2006 03:17am | #27

   Think of a skip tooth chain like the resaw blade on your bandsaw.Andy"It seemed like a good idea at the time"

5. 
   Timberwerks | Mar 24, 2006 05:32am | #28

   Here is some interesting input on the 359 http://arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=31351

   Dale

6. 
   forestgirl | Mar 24, 2006 04:47pm | #29

   Thanks, Dale, I'll show that to Nick.  He's home, didn't even bring the saw to bed, ROFL.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

2. 
   DoRight | Mar 25, 2006 01:27am | #30

   If you are buying the RAncher (husky) I have no idea what you are looking at wiht a comparible engine in a sthil that runs $500!  Look at teh MS310, bigger than the Husky Rancher and only $36x.xx!

11. 
    alanplanesaw | Mar 22, 2006 06:01pm | #19

    Neither.    Stihl - period.

    Echo for yard work -- weed eaters, etc.  Stihl for chainsaws without question.

    Alan - planesaw

1. 
   Biscardi | Mar 23, 2006 05:28am | #22

   FG,

   Echo is the Black and Decker of chainsaws. I wouldn't use it. I have had both Stihl and Husq. Husq has much faster chain speed. THe last Stihl had a defective clutch. The saw was ruined within 20 hrs of taking it out of the box. They said it was my fault and wouldn't honor the warranty. I wouldn't touch a Stihl again.

    

   Frank

12. 
    AndyE | Mar 22, 2006 06:12pm | #20

    FG,

    FWIW,

    I love my Stihl. I have the 029 with a 20" bar. Cuts great, runs great, starts easy. Only drawback for me is the weight. I am not big and after a good day of cutting I really feel it in my back and shoulders. Only time the saw won't run is when the tank goes dry.

    I think when you said hubby wanted a 24" bar you went from $.oh to $.OY! With either Stihl or Husky you shouldn't have a problem finding somewhere to get it serviced or find parts locally.

    I would buy another Stihl in a heartbeat if I could convince myself I really needed it. Just my $.02.

    Andy

    "It seemed like a good idea at the time"

1. 
   trialnut | Mar 22, 2006 06:34pm | #21

   Go with the Stihl. You will never regret it. Absolutly the best dollar to product buy out there. I have several Stihl products, Three saws, weedeater, leaf blower and use all of them hard without problems. One saw is now over 30 yrs old and has cut 100s of cord of firewood and has only had a carb kit put in it in all that time. Still starts 2nd pull cold and 1st warm. IMNSHO you will spend more in the long run with any other brand. My brother went through several other saws, McCullough, Jonsered and I can't remember what else before he finally changed to Stihl and now owns two of them, a large and a small. Husky will do a good job but will need to be replaced or repaired sooner. I would stay away from any of the cheap saws as they are only designed to run 50 - 100 hrs.The Professional Termite