Best Chain Saw Under $500?

[i386]

To make a long story short I have a yard full of trees (hardwoods) that were taken down by a tree service. The plan is to cut it all up and split it for firewood. I don't think my 20" Poulan Pro is going to make it through this job. I'm already expending more effort pulling the rope than I am toting wood.

I know I need to spend some money to get a good saw. I have Stihl and Husqvarna dealers close by.

Which models do I need to be looking at?

I want something that will sling wood chips out about 4 feet behind the saw, not sprinkle them into a pile. I want my guy friends with their 16" Poulans to re-evaluate their manhood when they see my saw chewing through a big log.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

Well at that price range I would get a stihl or husky, but I can say, I spent $200 on a troy built easy start 4 years ago, with a 20 in bar and that bugger has been fantastic, every year, starts right up, just keep the chain sharpened and I have been good to go, I was really surprised because I have been through many saws! But this troy built gets a big thumbs up from someone who uses wood as the main heating source in our house, so I end up cutting a bunch of wood up every summer.

 

[Cofe]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

I would personally recommend a Stihl. But a more important topic is to keep the chain oilier full and the chain adjusted and sharp. Here is a recent thread where we get into chain saw sharpening. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=466535

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

TSC sells husky's cheap but I am a sthil fan however the husky has been tempting.

Just as a rule of thumb......... I stay with a 18" bar and that is adequate for all my cutting.

 

[wifisher]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

Husqvarna 346xp would keep it at 500ish. It is a professional series, so it will last you for many years if you do not use it every day.

I like husky better than stihl, but it is kind of a ford/chevy thing. Get what you are comfortable with.

To get something that will make your friends drool, you may need to spend a little more.

I have a 385xp, and it will throw chips hard enough to hurt my leg!!

 

[Corec]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

I like Husqvarna and Skil, but I see used chainsaws at our local pawn shops on a regular basis. You could spend $100 on a decent used saw and pu the rest towards upgrades on the boat.

As an alternative, there are a lot of woodworkers out there that mill and dry their own lumber. Depending on what you mean by "hardwood", you might be able to get someone to haul it off for free or even pay you for the wood. Try posting an ad on craigslist or a woodworking site like http://www.lumberjocks.com.

 

[mommicked]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

Stihl.And use it every day if you want.Might be a little over $500.

 

[royal0014]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

Another vote fer a Stihl. Can't go wrong....


<<)))(((>>

 

[lncoop]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

I use a Stihl MS290 Farm Boss with a 20" bar. Paid $380 for the saw 3-4 years ago. Can't go wrong with a Stihl.

 

[captmello]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

I use a Stihl MS290 Farm Boss with a 20" bar. Paid $380 for the saw 3-4 years ago. Can't go wrong with a Stihl.

I've got the same saw. Nice, mid level saw. It'll cut all the wood you want.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

I don't think my 20" Poulan Pro is going to make it through this job. I'm already expending more effort pulling the rope than I am toting wood.

You just can't beat a Sthil. My first saw was a Poulan,
it was a piece of junk right out of the box. I made the
store give me full credit towards a Sthil. 16 years later
it still runs perfect.

 

[rbh]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

Got stihl and huskey, both are good.

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

I don't keep up on chainsaws but about 15 years ago the Stihl 044 supposedly had the best power to weight ratio. I think they were around $650 then. The more you pay the further the chips will fly.
I have a Jonsered (Husky) chainsaw that I bought used about 10 years ago and that thing fires right up every year no matter how long its stored.
I have a friend that is a tree trimmer and he owns both Stihl and Husky. I don't think he has a preference.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

I'd buy a Stihl or Husky and a pair of chaps. Have fun

 

[lakelover]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

I'll jump on the bandwagon. I have a Stihl, not as big as you want, and have been very pleased with it. Had it for about 8-10 years.

 

[mommicked]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

Asked a buddy who was a pro. treeclimber/cutter for years,he still dabbles.He prefers Huskys clutch and higher reving engines but says Stihls are good also.His favorite toping saw Is a Stihl.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

and a pair of chaps

X2 FOR CHAPS!!!

Stihl 026/260 is an excellent firewood saw. 361 has more guts and will do just about anything you would ask of it. Anything bigger and you would need to find some large wood, regularly, to justify carrying it around.

 

[rbh]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

Best $10 bucks I ever spent at a garage sale!

Stihl 075, 30 inch bar, ever heard of a Alaskan chainsaw mill for cutting cants

 

[mommicked]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

Rbh,I like your mobile gate in the background!

 

[beagleboy]

Re: Best Chain Saw Under $500?

I work for a husq & stihl dealer. Both good brands. Jonsred good as well and made in the same factory as Husq with many interchangeble parts. Cheaper Husq model are made by Poulan for Husq. Poulan, Husq, Frigidaire Appliances are one and the same company. Cheaper Stihl are assembled in the USA from foreign components. So look closely as to where a particular model is made. Husq should from Sweden and Stihl from Germany not from Georgia or North Carolina and if it says Made in China run fast.