What does everyone think of the 40 to 46cc saws that are NEW and sold at regular stores such as HD and Lowes? I know most here and myself prefer non-over-the counter saws, but if you had to choose between a Poulon Pro, Ryobi, or Homelite, or Powerhorse from northern tool which would you choose AND does anyone have one of these? I say the ryobi the other day for the first time and haven't heard anything. And yes I have been scouting the used saws but they are in horrible condition.....so this would be for someone who wants a new saw for about 200 dollars Thanks.
Best NEW saw for about $200
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zzr7ky
Minister of Fire
- Jun 12, 2006
- 1,053
I thought the same and continued to want... Until I had about $400. Then I put that new saw to work. It didn't take long to pay for itself with teh Emerald Ash Bore going though my area.
The significantly better durbility, ease of use, and SPEED, of better saws keep paying returns year after year. It's not like a cheap car vs. and expensive car. A cheap saw will not get the job done as quickly. They just don't have it in 'em.
I would not spend $200 on a new saw. For a little more I have heard of some respectable Echo saws that are still in action after a few years.
Good luck in the search
The significantly better durbility, ease of use, and SPEED, of better saws keep paying returns year after year. It's not like a cheap car vs. and expensive car. A cheap saw will not get the job done as quickly. They just don't have it in 'em.
I would not spend $200 on a new saw. For a little more I have heard of some respectable Echo saws that are still in action after a few years.
Good luck in the search
HittinSteel
Minister of Fire
I'd get this
http://www.vminnovations.com/produc...45-7cc-Gas-Powered-Chainsaw-Refurbished-.html
I had a $200 budget for a backpack blower and bought a refurbed 150BT from the above place. Nice company to deal with and the blower looks and runs like new.
http://www.vminnovations.com/produc...45-7cc-Gas-Powered-Chainsaw-Refurbished-.html
I had a $200 budget for a backpack blower and bought a refurbed 150BT from the above place. Nice company to deal with and the blower looks and runs like new.
I agree - though my first saw was a Husky 345 display model, new with warranty for under $200. my Husky 55 Rancher was $140 at a pawn shop. I'd take either one over the new Poulan Pro I bought as a backup saw, and returned after one use to Lowes. Once you get the feel of the better saws, it's hard to feel as comfortable with a cheaper one. If you don't use it often, a Poulan or Craftsman will cut wood, but there's truth to the saying that the bitterness of poor quality will linger long after the enjoyment of a low price has faded. It all depends on your expectations but I'd take a used Husky or Stihl over a new box store saw any day.
You could also try saw shops, they take them in used or offer deals on promo saws and display models. Pawn shops, craigslist, and garage sales are options if you're willing and able to check it out yourself or have someone check it over first.
To address your question - the Poulan took a while to start, and felt like a cheap piece of plastic in comparison to the Husqvarna 345 (similar size saws). The chain came off on the first cut (maybe operator error), and while it cut wood fine I didn't feel it would hold up for a few years of cutting. Definitely a buy and replace saw, and I figure if I'd replace it even once I was approaching brand-name saw price for the same number of years of service.
You could also try saw shops, they take them in used or offer deals on promo saws and display models. Pawn shops, craigslist, and garage sales are options if you're willing and able to check it out yourself or have someone check it over first.
To address your question - the Poulan took a while to start, and felt like a cheap piece of plastic in comparison to the Husqvarna 345 (similar size saws). The chain came off on the first cut (maybe operator error), and while it cut wood fine I didn't feel it would hold up for a few years of cutting. Definitely a buy and replace saw, and I figure if I'd replace it even once I was approaching brand-name saw price for the same number of years of service.
TreePointer
Minister of Fire
It really is hit-or-miss with these big box store saws. You can't say that all of a certain brand name are good or bad. There are a few decent to very capable saws in these lines. Here are a couple saws that got a lot of attention before they became hard to find new late last year:
Poulan Pro 330
Ryobi 10532 (Redmax GZ400)
Poulan Pro 330
Ryobi 10532 (Redmax GZ400)
smokinj
Minister of Fire
Was raised on a farm using nothing but Stihl saws. The first new saw I bought was a Poulan was only used here and there was never really worked hard. But when I decided to make a switch from gas heat to wood heat went to the local stihl dealer bought a new Stihl. Poulan just won't cut it if you really are going to be using your saw alot.
Because of the 23 pound weight of my Poulan 405+ I bought two of these when they were called the 142 on a deal from Lowe's a few years ago. Just because of the light weight I have cut wood these things have no business cutting. To avoid picking up Ole Yaller. The suckers are one tough little chainsaw. I have a little Poulan limbing saw and there is a world of difference in the vibration between it and the little Huskys.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_275690-8688...insaw&pl=1¤tURL;=/pl__0__s?Ntt=chainsaw
http://www.lowes.com/pd_275690-8688...insaw&pl=1¤tURL;=/pl__0__s?Ntt=chainsaw
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Stihl MS180, $199. I bought one about a month ago and have used the heck out of it. Works great for anything up to 10 or 12 inch diameter, not really recommended for bigger stuff but it will cut it. And a 2 year warranty if you buy a 6 pack of the Stihl synthetic oil mix with it.
I have the Craftsman version of the Poulan/Homelite 42cc saw. I like it. It's not as good as my Stihl, but it will do the job and is easy to start. That said, you have to keep a real sharp chain or you will be easily frustrated. Plan on taking a file to it at every gas refill. The 18" bar is too long and I really want to replace it with a 14" bar, but I don't want to throw the $40 at it to do it.
Matt
Matt
I have a MS 180 but switched to the .050 width Bar w/ a full chisel chain. Night and day difference. It screams and can bury the 14" bar in anything I use it for. For the bigger stuff I use my 311 w/ a 20" bar. We just bought my Father in Law the same setup for christmas and he loves it next to his 029 Super I think we were out the door for $195.
smokinj
Minister of Fire
Got Wood
Minister of Fire
HittinSteel said:
Thanks for the mention HittinSteel, OP if you do decide to get the Husqvarna 445 saw use the coupon VMSAVE10 to save additional 10% ($178 shipped for free and delivered in 3-4 days).
FYI: I also wrote a review about it here: Husqvarna 445 Review
Cheers,
Lucky
Naandme
New Member
Well I dont know much about the retail store saws I would just look around and find a decent used stihl and buy that over a low end saw. Just check the piston and cylinder for scoring and make sure it works right (oiler, switch, pull cord, plastic, runs well, etc) You can pick up a 028, 029, 025 saws of that size for 200 or under and they are great saws for your money. Those would be mid range and handle up to a 20" bar but run better with a 16" or 18" bar. Thats my 2 cents worth anyway lol
midwestcoast
Minister of Fire
If you do go used to save $, look for Husky's too. In the used market, mid-range husky's (400 series) can be cheaper than comparable Stihls from what I see.joel95ex said:
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