Chainsaw for Newbie

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04HemiRam2500

04HemiRam2500

Feeling the Heat
Jul 10, 2013
429
SW PA
So, I am new to chainsawing and have been using a craftsman and poulan 42cc 18 bar on both. I now am having issues with both saws and working to fix them.

It got me thinking though, is it worth fixing these saws throughout the years or should I just buy a better brand saw. Of course everyone saws go stihl but don't you have to buy a professional grade stihl saw to get it to last? After all isn't their homeowner saws just the same as poulan craftsman?

On the other hand. If I can get the poulan craftsman saws cheaper and their parts cheaper and keep fixing them isn't this my better route. I know that alot of people do this.

I am just looking for honest opinions as theses saws now need parts and should I spend that money towards them or a better saw?

I cut about 6 cords a year and am trying to get ahead so I have a three year supply but with these saws it is becoming difficult.

Thanks all
 
I've only owned two saws, one of which is a Stihl MS250 (homeowners saw). As long as I kept the chain sharp I can't say I've had a complaint about it. Changed the plug probably 3 times in almost 7 years, changed the filter annually (brushed it off more frequently), and kept treated gas in it. I added an MS362 about a year or so ago but until that time the MS250 probably cut about 6 cord or so a year with no problems.
 
While it's true that some of today's low end Husqvarna saws can also be found with Poulan labels, there are plenty of non-pro saws that are that are quite durable.

If you are cutting 6 cords per year, I'd say that at some point you should reward yourself with a quality saw. The minimum I'd recommend for someone who cuts as much as you is a quality 50cc saw (16" or 18") running .325 pitch chain. If you want to run a 20" bar, look toward 60cc models running 3/8 pitch chain.
 
Look at the Dolmar line up of saws . The 5105 is a very nice 50 cc saw and the 6100 is a 60 cc saw. Very well made and the price for the saw will not break the bank. Around $500.00 for the 5105 and $550.00 for the 6100.
 
6 cords a years is a decent amount of wood to put up. I always recommend a pro grade saw new or used. There are many great brands out there between Stihl, Husqvarna, Dolmar, etc. However having strong dealer support is almost as important as the brand. In my area there are 2 decent Stihl dealerships so when I buy new, I buy Stihl. 50-60cc is defintely the way to go for firewood. You'll want a16"-18" bar @ 50cc and 20" @ 60cc. What is your budget?
 
I am not saying that this is my final budget but I would like to stay under 300. However, if it is worth a little more than I will buy it. I am just curious where all the poulan people are? I know alot of people on another site that use nothing but poulan craftsman etc... I understand that stihl is durable but for a 250 the price is a little high. Anything as durable as stihl with a lower price tag?
 
04HemiRam2500 said:
I am not saying that this is my final budget but I would like to stay under 300. However, if it is worth a little more than I will buy it. I am just curious where all the poulan people are? I know alot of people on another site that use nothing but poulan craftsman etc... I understand that stihl is durable but for a 250 the price is a little high. Anything as durable as stihl with a lower price tag?
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Thats classic, You want the better product for the lesser price. Wouldn't that be nice! Who doesn't want the lexus at the Chevy price?
 
I am not aware of any escort quality saws at hooker prices. Its the old game of "you get what you pay for". Are you comfortable in the "used" market? There can often be some quality firewood saws that are still in good shape in the $300 range. A nice stihl 036 can be had in that range.
 
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04HemiRam2500 said:
I am not saying that this is my final budget but I would like to stay under 300. However, if it is worth a little more than I will buy it. I am just curious where all the poulan people are? I know alot of people on another site that use nothing but poulan craftsman etc... I understand that stihl is durable but for a 250 the price is a little high. Anything as durable as stihl with a lower price tag?
Click to expand...

The older Poulan/Craftsman/ Home lite/McCollough saws were pro grade and well built. But they can be heavy, lack chain brakes (if that matters) and often need tinkering.

If you don't mind fixing your saws all the time and scrounging for parts, you can fins other brands in the used market that work great.

I bought a Homelite 360 for beer money, but it needed twice as much in parts to make it a runner. Runs well, cheaper than my Stihl, but not the ideal plan for everyone.

I would consider Echo on your list also. Great saws that are well built and reliable.
 
Like Clyde said, dealer support makes a big difference. I live in an area that has a lot of loggers and logging businesses. There are 2 Stihl dealers in the closest town, and a distribution hub. There are also 2 Husqvarna dealers, in the same town, and one of them is a saw repair shop.

I guess the choice of saw depends on what's available where you live. How much saw should you get? Depends on your budget I'd say. I'm very happy with my Husqvarna 450. It was $350 and has done everything I've asked it to do. No, it's not a "pro level" saw, but I haven't needed one. It replaced a very tired Homlite XL and a stubborn Jonsered... The old Jonsered is still a powerful saw, but I needed one that would start with only a couple of pulls and not need constant attention!
 
Have a Craftsman (really a Poulan) 42cc/18"/.325 low profile chain for 20 years. Has worked fine for ~1 cord/year. But now I cut 3-4 cords/year and it's too slow and works too hard with > 16" diameter rounds. Same thing with my 5yo Homelite 42cc/18" that cost $89 shipped.
Recently got 2 x Husqvarna 55 - 20" and 16" bars, 3/8 full chisel chain. MUCH better for 3-4 cords/year and > 16" rounds.
I recently got an old Poulan 2000 16" - I think about 33cc. I did a carb rebuild and it is a fine little machine - runs great, cuts smaller logs great. It has all metal body, no chain brake, heavy but solid. I got it to refurbish and sell but danged if I'm not gonna keep it now.
You can keep old Poulans running with inexpensive, aftermarket parts.
For 6 cords/year - I'd say at least a Farm/Rancher or Pro saw....otherwise, gonna be real slow work.
 
Have you tried your local Craiglist ads? What about the dealers in your area? Do any of them sell used saws? One of the Stihl dealers near me takes used saws on trade and resells them. I was in there last week and he had a nice looking 036 Pro with a brand new 18" bar and chain for $375. Good used saws are available, you just have to be patient. There's always eBay too but IMO not a lot of deals to be had there for chainsaws.
 
04HemiRam2500 said:
On the other hand. If I can get the poulan craftsman saws cheaper and their parts cheaper and keep fixing them isn't this my better route. I know that alot of people do this.
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I'll focus on this statement based on my experience....

My time is very limited (2 young boys, wife and busy job) - when I actually find a day to process wood, the last thing I want to do is tinker with the saw. To me, it was worth the extra $$$ to have a pro saw that should last a very long time with minimal maintenance.

Personally I'd look for a good used 036/361 that can be found in the $300-$400 range. Great one saw plan that is simple to service and maintain...processing 6 cord a year, you'll appreciate the power, speed and comfort that a pro saw offers.
 
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You're going to get a LOT of responses on here telling you to get a pro level saw. And if you spend a lot of time cutting it's worth it, to me. But it's not to some people. My dad does all his cutting with an Stihl 310, which is a Farm/Ranch model and he's never complained. If you aren't looking to upgrade on power, just reliability, the Stihl 250 is a good little saw and while it's not a pro model, it's still a step (or 2) above a Craftsman or Poulan. My BIL gets by with a MS250 just fine to heat his house with.

I'll echo the responses saying buy used. If you're not in a pinch and can wait to find a deal, I 50-60cc pro saw, or even a Farm Boss, will cut much faster than a 42cc saw and they show up all the time in my area on Craigslist in various degrees of use and abuse. They'll more than likely need some love and care, but if you've been the one keeping your current saws running, keeping a higher level saw in great shape should be cake for you.
 
Thanks all, It is not that I am looking for power as much as reliability. This is why I am almost considering the little stihl ms170. I am not in a hurry a want to be a speed cutter but I just want a saw I know will make it through years without any issues except for occasional maintenance like plugs and filters.

What kind of warranty does stihl give you? Also, that little saw is so lite weight, it will be so nice on my back when cutting.

After all, if the ms 170 can support a 16 inch bar then I can really cut up to about a 30 inch diameter tree with it. This is good enough for me and what I do. Then, for my craftsman and poulans, I will use them when I need a larger tree which is not that often.

Let me know what you guys think. Also, as long as I am not using up all of the bar can I use my 18" bar and chain on the 170. Dont, get me wrong this will slow it down. But, I have only 14" bars and chains and 18" bars and chains just how I roll. I think the 14" will do okay but I would like to have the 18" bar on the saw in case I am just short with the 14" bar.
 
Here's a solution. Put a 24" bar on the 170. That should work great, because the bigger the bar the bigger the saw will cut. Right?
 
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No, I am not saying that, I would just like to put 18 in on it and have extra bar then not enough. If you do not use up the bar it should be fine.
 
facepalm.gif I think an 18" bar on a 30cc saw is asking a lot of the little thing, it's only 1.7 HP! Maybe you need to get one of your old saws fixed up for the heavy work, and buy a small, dependable, affordable saw for your light stuff...
 
I definitely think it will slow it down but it is offered in 16" bar so I am thinking I should be okay. But you are right, I am now just looking for a smaller saw that is dependable and I think the ms 1170 is it.
 
I personally would not use an MS170 to cut 6 cord of firewood a year. If I had one I would use it for limbing and small logs 10" or less. Maybe that's all you see with the wood you come upon. It's your choice in the end. You came here asking us for advice and we gave you some great advice but it sounds like you already had your mind made up. Good luck with whatever you decide and let us know your thoughts. We all like pics too...
 
04Hemi, right now you have two low end 42cc saws. Please state what you want to accomplish with your next saw:

Buy a lower powered saw? (In western PA, I have no idea why you would do this.)
Buy a lighter saw?
Cut bigger logs/trees?
Get more reach?
Better antivibration, fuel economy, cut faster, better throttle response, better torque for making stumps, better for noodling, greater power-to-weight, other?

Side note: it's amazing what a fast saw with good antivibration technology can do. They can be much easier to use (and less wear and tear on your body) than a lighter saw with less power and more vibes.

I know you stated that you want more durability/reliability, but you can get that with pretty much any dealer brand (Stihl, Huswvarna/Jonsered, Dolmar/Makita, Echo). In other words, what do your current saws not do or not do well that you wish to improve with this new saw purchase?
 
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My advice--go to you local dealers and put some saws into your hands to get a feel for them. Pay particular attention to 50cc saws. Also look around for dealer serviced used saws (ask if they don't have them on display). You might be surprised at what you find.
 
I would not use a 170 for serious firewood. Too small for me,,but when I cut,,, I want chips to fly, and I am not out there to enjoy myself,,,I want results, and I want lots of results. I take 3 saws with me to cut. When I dull one,, I throw it down and grab another. My "go-to" saw is a 361. I usually pull and cut up about 10-12 trees at a time,,then pull out the splitter. It is not a hobby for me.

I suppose you could do it with a small saw,,right now it seems like a pleasure outing to you,,but later on, when it becomes work,,,you will want a real saw so you can get the job done.

If I was retired, I might cut for pleasure,,but right now, I work 50 hour weeks at the shop, and I have other hobbies too.

Buy the big power saw now,,,buy a smaller one later if you need it. Big ones will do small jobs,,,small ones will not do big jobs.

husky or stihl,,,it doesn't matter. Which one do you think is pretty? I like the stihls, and my dealer is excellent
 
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I known stihl is a name brand saw but you still need to use the right saw for the job, the ms170 would not reliably cut 6 cords a year. It's an entry level occasional use saw.
 
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