Opinions Wanted: Ryobi 20 in. 46 cc Gas Chainsaw

I think I will take a look around a Stihl dealership after work today, there is one 7 miles from where I work.

I'm gonna have to disagree on this one. I'm about 6'3" with my boots on and the 4" of extra bar does make a noticeable difference, especially when limbing...not so much bucking. This is just my opinion.

Also consider the total cost of ownership over the life of not only the saw, but of the operator. Consider this:

You drop $200 bucks on a box store saw and it performs dutifully for maybe 5-7 years. After that point it is probably going to wear out and require some major repairs (which you may not be able to find parts for) or an overall replacement. Let's be honest...these saws are not meant to last a lifetime...they just aren't. So, in 5-7 years, you'll be spending another $250 (or more depending on inflation) to replace it to get you to, best case scenario 12-15 years worth of wood cutting service....so $450. All the while using a saw that doesn't have the best anti-vibration, power, and quick repair ability (big Stihl and Husky dealer network versus who knows what for the Ryobi).

Now, if you take that same $450 bucks and buy a new or lightly used Stihl or Husky...that saw will most likely last you 15 years, and probably a lot more...but let's just say it dies at 12-15 years to keep it apples to apples. In the end you are out the same amount of loot, but you get the enjoyment of using a top-end saw that has all the reliability, power, and ergonomics money can buy.

Right after I bought my first house I bought a Ryobi string trimmer. It was OK...a bit heavy...and made my hands go numb from all the vibration if I used it much more than 30 minutes. It did its job for about 5 years and broke and parts were no-where to be found. I think I paid $110 for it. After it broke I bought a Stihl trimmer for about $200. I was out about double the money over the Ryobi, but I have no doubt this will last twice as long, if not longer...and it is a joy to use over the Ryobi (weighs less, starts easier, and vibrates less).

As the saying goes...buy once, cry once. I'm not saying go out and spend more than you can afford, or buy more saw than you'll ever need, but take into account how long you plan on cutting wood into the decision making process. These aren't computers or smartphones...today's chainsaw technology isn't likely to be obsolete in 10 years.

Good luck with your purchase.

So.. I can pick up my used Stihl 250 next Friday.

Had an almost identical experience but in a commercial setting. A golf course I was working for bought whatever HD/Lowes had on sale in April and gave those three units to the summer help to do the "trim work" (does several thousand yards of riverbank count as "trim"? ) which includes more trees than you'd think should be on a golf course plus all the water and bunkers. Those units were done by August if they even made it that far. We had a couple old shindawa units kicking around but they were heavy and vibrated excessively due to bent shafts so they weren't much fun to use either. Frustrated, the superintendent asked me if there was anything affordable (we're a low budget operation, trying to run an 18 hole championship course on a 9 hole par 3 budget. ) that would at least make it through the season. I recommended the Stihl FS55R, with that $200 price tag, and they bought 3 that fall. Those same 3 units just wrapped up season 4 on that course and are still running strong. Not bad at all for a "homeowner" unit. Used to sell the damn things to the prisons to give to the inmates weedwacking roadsides.

You will be very happy with your saw

I am hoping so. Too bad I can't have it sooner, I am going cutting again on Monday.

That depends.

Lmao @ the comic.

I picked up the 250 today. Not sure when I will get a chance to use it. Picked up a new chain for my brother's Poulan Pro and gave it to him when I returned his saw to him.

I think you will be happy with you purchace. I have a newer 250 and 2 old 025's at work. They are a very dependable saw.

Thanks butcher. I'm having a little trouble figuring out if Oregon makes a replacement chain for this. I got the 18" bar, .325" pitch, .063 guage with 68 drive link count. This is Stihl marketing number 26 Rm3 68. Any one know if there is an oregon chain that will fit this, and if so is that a good idea?

Edit: after multiple hours of searching I posted on here and Murphy's law kicked in-- Oregon L68.

You're gonna love the 250. Check this out for chain cross references. http://www.baileysonline.com/saw-chain-cross-reference-chart.asp

Stihl makes really good chain too, so don't forget them, but my local dealer needs to order anything other than green chain.

I mainly wanted to compare prices and quality. Standard fare.

From what most others say on here the stihl chain is much better

Good to know.

It's a piece of sh_t. That's my opinion.

I was out cutting with my BIL today. I was running the 361 with a just out of the box new Stihl full chisel chain (light saber) and he was running his 45cc box store saw. I realize he brought a knife to a gun fight but we were bucking the same elm tree and I was making 5-6 cuts for every one of his. For 45cc and a sharp chain (I just sharpened it for him) I expected a lot more.

In a fair fight, like with the 250, I gotta think it would Stihl put a whoopin on the box store saw.

Then it's a good thing I didn't buy that POS.

Leave it to Redd to boil it down to the syrup for us.