Im gonna admit to how "city" I am...I have never ran a chainsaw in my life. Embarrassing, but true. I have been wanting one though and having more and more needs for one, so its one of the next on my list. It wont get a ton of use, clearing shooting lanes, little firewood (for the cabin, we dont burn a lot there), and clearing roads (again at the cabin, sometimes when going there we come across a down tree that needs to be taken care of). Dont think it will be used more then 10 times a year. So my question, should I just go with a cheaper one like a craftsman from sears, or should I buy a better brand like stihl? Is one easier or harder to learn from and use? Easier to maintain? Any info would help a lot!
I like these : Chainsaws - Chainsaw and accessories, reviews, buying guide and comparison charts | Husqvarna They have more high en torque then the Stihl. If I were you I would go with a smaller bar until you get use to using it. Stay away from the Craftsman they are a crap shoot if you get one that works.
Agreed with 130woodman. I have a bunch of saws, all Stihl's........but my inlaws own the largest Husqvarna dealership in NY and they are great saws. They are lighter as well then comparable Stihls. My Stihls have been good but if I were to do it again it buy a Husqvarna. I wouldn't go cheap. If you buy a decent saw and take care of it, and get something that has a supporting dealer network (both Stihl and Husqvarna do), it's a lifetime purchase. Get something with a 16" bar and the biggest motor that you can afford and I'm sure you will be happy.
What this man said.....!!!!! All it will own...I learned the hard way years ago...lol. These have been the best for me.
Yeah, John, Husqvarna makes an awesome saw. I've had mine for 9 years now and it's never given me any trouble and always starts easy. You can't go wrong with this choice.
We've ran Stihls and Huskies... I prefer Stihls as they literally never have a problem. I also prefer a smaller saw than most (admittedly not cutting large volumes of firewood)... I like to be able to one arm it on ladders for trim work.
There are only two.... Husquavarna and Stihl.... You simply cannot go wrong with either.... I amazing Husky guy myself,...
Saws are definitely comparable... but if he is talking the full gamut of equipment (blowers, trimmers, weedeaters, saws, etc) then I agree 100% with him. From top to bottom, stihl doesn't make a bad piece of equipment... but you will have to pay for it.
Remember the tornado outbreak from 2011? I was responsible for keeping up about a half dozen saws. The Stihls we had were definitely better than the ones sold by Lowes, especially the braking mechanisms and sprockets. The engines were probably a bit stronger on the Huskies.
They said it all...only two choices Huskys and Stihl.....Bought a Farm Boss last year ...forget which model, but its a tank. Really nicely made.
The echo 341 and 3400 series are the best top handle saws hands down........ they are less bulky, lighter and better balanced than the husky or stihl top handle models. When it comes to bigger saws I prefer husky.....
We've only ever run Stihl. They've been great all around saws and a couple ones we have are probably 20+ years old and still start without a problem and run flawlessly as long as you keep up with maintenance on them. I can't say a single bad thing about Stihl all around... we have Stihl weedeaters and a leaf blower too.
My father has had the same stihl chainsaw for 23 years. I remember the day he bought it. We have cut truck loads after truck load with it every year. Not a single problem.
