Best chainsaw for around $300.00 NEW

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I bought a 455 rancher from vminnovations about 4 months ago. Paid under $300 with free shipping. It was a refurb. When I got it I could not tell that it was not brand new. One little scratch by the chain tension screw. It has ran great for me after cutting about 2 cords with it. I also bought a refurb leaf blower from them, and had good success with it as well. Would recommend.
 
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fabsroman said:
He wants a new saw because he cut a huge score of red oak and it appears as though he borrowed a saw from another member to do so. Doing something like that usually results in new saw lust. Think I pieced this together from a couple of threads, but might be way off here.
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You are way off I used my Stihl 023 to cut this up.. Just thinking a newer saw would be nice to have..

Ray
 
My 250 needs the recoil fixed, otherwise I'd offer to sell it to you. Pretty much fills the same spot as the 028 which I like a little better.
 
Danno77 said:
My 250 needs the recoil fixed, otherwise I'd offer to sell it to you. Pretty much fills the same spot as the 028 which I like a little better.
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Gotta say that Husky 445 for $217.00 is very tempting!
 
raybonz said:
You are way off I used my Stihl 023 to cut this up.. Just thinking a newer saw would be nice to have..

Ray
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A newer saw is always nice to have. Trying to get me a MS362 and MS192c-e because they will be nice to have. A tractor would be nice to have too. Not to mention a heavy duty dump trailer/car hauler and a spectacular new splitter.
 
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I bought a little MS 170 and gotta say I was SHOCKED when I ran it...

It's not a 460 Mag, but that little .043 chain will get some chit done. I can see myself using it more and more.

My 455 Rancher was my all time favourite (Sold) and I see this filling that void (throw away saw).
 
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Husky 435 for about $250 that I am very happy with.
 
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Danno77 said:
My 250 needs the recoil fixed, otherwise I'd offer to sell it to you. Pretty much fills the same spot as the 028 which I like a little better.
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The recoil from his 023 will bolt on.

StihlHead is right on about the MS250 (the most saw $300 will buy IMO) being a marginal upgrade from the 023. Hell, you can still buy an MS230 (almost exactly the same as an 023) brand-new.

I really like these saws (I own one!) but if I were in Raybonz's shoes I'd fix the 023 and set sights on an MS290 or a MS261 if he's willing to get in the pro-saw game.
 
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MasterMech said:
The recoil from his 023 will bolt on.

StihlHead is right on about the MS250 (the most saw $300 will buy IMO) being a marginal upgrade from the 023. Hell, you can still buy an MS230 (almost exactly the same as an 023) brand-new.

I really like these saws (I own one!) but if I were in Raybonz's shoes I'd fix the 023 and set sights on an MS290 or a MS261 if he's willing to get in the pro-saw game.
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Dunno MM the Husky 445 for $217.00 is very tempting.. Seems like a hellava deal.. I do love Stihl but it is hard to ignore that deal..

Ray
 
But still only a 5cc jump over the 023. If that's what you want, then go for it. I think the 445 has an outboard clutch, but that may not matter to you.
 
TreePointer said:
But still only a 5cc jump over the 023. If that's what you want, then go for it. I think the 445 has an outboard clutch, but that may not matter to you.
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What is an outboard clutch and what difference will it make? Is the 023 different?

Ray
 
Inboard clutch is inside body of saw and the drive sprocket is outside (saw -- clutch -- drive sprocket -- bar&chain).

Outboard clutch is outside the saw body (saw -- drive sprocket -- bar&chain -- clutch)

There are many pros and cons for each design, but the primary difference for most folks who care about this seems to be the easier installation/removal of bars & chains from inboard models. Also, if your bar gets pinched, it's likely you won't be able to unbolt and remove the powerhead from the outboard model. Personally, I lean toward inboard models, but I will say that the outboard 346XP is one of my favorites.

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the 023 is inboard and the 445 is outboard. Again, this is not an issue by my tastes. Others have a stronger preference.
 
Decided to order a new bar, sprocket and another chain all genuine Stihl parts from Ebay.. Still cheaper than a refurb saw and who knows maybe the 023 is a better saw than the Husky 445.. Thanx for all the advice and feedback!

Ray
 
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Dangit, was hoping you were gonna get that saw and report back.
 
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MasterMech said:
The recoil from his 023 will bolt on.

StihlHead is right on about the MS250 (the most saw $300 will buy IMO) being a marginal upgrade from the 023. Hell, you can still buy an MS230 (almost exactly the same as an 023) brand-new.

I really like these saws (I own one!) but if I were in Raybonz's shoes I'd fix the 023 and set sights on an MS290 or a MS261 if he's willing to get in the pro-saw game.
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Took your advice and ordered a new Stihl bar, chain and sprocket.. :)

Ray
 
Danno77 said:
Dangit, was hoping you were gonna get that saw and report back.
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Me too! ;lol Say does anyone have the answer as to whether the Husky 445 has an inboard vs outboard clutch? Seems like I would prefer inboard (easier access to bar).
 
Danno77 said:
Dangit, was hoping you were gonna get that saw and report back.
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Danno77,

I have a Husky 455 and my father in-law has the 445. Husky saws are up there with the Stihls. Both our saws are the refurbished saws off of ebay. Both had warranties.
They both came in looking like a brand new saws. I heard with all the Lowes stores in the USA and Lowes has that 100% money back satisfaction Guarantee , all these refurbs come from the fact people buy the saw to do one tree they need to get done then returns the saw to the store for a refund. So your basically getting a new saw for $100 off.

If your a firewood cutter there is no better deal , if your looking for the top performance saw out there buy a professional saw.
 
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