First saw... Stihl 031?

[Crashsector]

Evening,

Working on getting my first saw. Only plan on using it 5-10 times a year, nothing really crazy (no huge trunks).

Before I read this site my first impulse was to get a $300 Echo from Home Depot and call it a day. I've rethought and would like to pick up a used Stihl for about the same money. The eventual plan is to get something new by this time next year.

I assume my $300 will got a much nicer used Stihl than a new cheaper made saw. Am I correct?

Second, I have a lead on a refurbed Stihl 031 with a 20" bar for $200. Is this going to be completely unusable?

Thanks in advance for any help.

--Andy

 

[KarlP]

Echo makes decent saws. So does Stihl, Husqvarna, Dolmar/Makita, Efco/Deere/CubCadet, Tanaka/Hitachi, Solo, Redmax, and some others. Pretty much everyone makes homeowner, prosumer, and pro grade saws. Grade makes more of a difference than brand.

What model were you considering? What kind of cutting will you be doing?

I think the 031 was introduced in the early 70s and discontinued in the late 80s. Lots of parts have been discontinued. I personally would buy something newer with parts available if I were only going to have one saw. Think 10 years old not 30.

 

[MasterMech]

$300 will get you looking at 034's, maybe even a 036. Much better saws for daily use than the 031.

 

[rwhite]

Here's my opinion on Stihls:
If you looking used and want a smaller saw I would go with a 026/260 or 034/036. Both are similiar is size. The 034/036 are great saws but sometimes go at a premium price, but they are screamers. The 026/260 are also great saws and what I run. They will run a 20" bar and I have never had a problem with mine. One thing to remember with the smaller saws is letting the saw do the work. If you try and work the saw you'll be there awhile. Keep a sharp chain and keep the RPMs up, and don't try and push them into a log, let the saw do the work. Looking on e-bay it seems that 026 go for around $200-$250 and 034 go from &300;-$350.
Huskys are also up there on my list. I have never owned one but did run one for a season on a crew. I liked the lighter weight and higher RPMs more than my Stihl.