Chainsaw reviews

Mark,

I have a Black and Decker electric chainsaw on a pole for pruning and it works for 90% of what i do around the house. Its my first choice. Quiet, no fuel and lightweight. I had a first gen battery powered weedeater. Pure junk. I've not invested in new technology. Maybe I should look again when the current gas powered poulan I have dies. Funny how the poulan weedwacker runs great and the chainsaw I had wouldn't run more than 10 minutes at a time.
 
Ed~

Congratulations on your new Stihl - I've been very happy with my Farm Boss. AND, I wear my chainsaw chaps - 2 friends - one of whom is on blood thinners - have "nicked" their legs despite many years of chainsaw experience.

All the best,

SJS
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Safety first. Everyone should practice safety and wear their PPE.
 
Sorry I missed this question Ed. I know my response is going to get some chuckles but for an average homeowner use the best chainsaw I have come across is brand new in the market. A company called Ego has come out with a line of 56V yard care equipment. I have their leaf blower and hedge trimmer and have to say they are both better than the gas counterparts I owner previously. The blower is an amazing gadget and being battery powered I use it all the time and never have to worry about gas and the associated issues of had yard care equipment. "Raked" my whole yard last weekend with it.

They just came out with their chainsaw not too long ago. A buddy who bought the blower after playing with mine got the chainsaw and he uses it quite a bit. He cannot believe how well this electric one works compared against his old gas model. I've tried it a couple of times and it is now on my wish list. I don't use a chainsaw but for a couple of times a year max so for me, it is the perfect choice.

Can't wait till I can take this technology and make an electric weed whack mud motor.

A couple years back I bought a 40V ice auger. Best thing I bought before these Ego items. Battery technology is to the point where it can do as good of a job as a gas counterpoint. To be able to go onto the ice and just push a button and drill 40 holes is amazing. No gas smell in the vehicles anymore, no hard starting days, no gas on the hands that then linger in the ice house and no more gas engine storage issues.

Anyway, chuckle away.

Mark W
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I just looked and they seem pretty inexpensive. I would have to see one in action - we all have different expectations of how stuff works. That would be sweet.
 
I use an Echo for the light duty work. I bought it at Home Depot 6 years ago and have no issues with it starting, running, cutting, and etc. Only issue I due have is a leaky oil chamber that is a pain, but I can work around it. For heavy duty work, I use an 18" Husky. Can't beat their new light-weight models but about 3x the price as an Echo. Just make sure to buy three extra chains. Nothing is more painful than a dull blade right in the middle of a cutting session.
 
Ed, you made a wise decision. You will never need to buy another saw unless you want a larger one.

Andrew, when you mentioned your Stihl 660 being too heavy, I would have to have a front end loader close by just to pick it up. That is one very large saw! It makes my Stihl 361 look like a toy!
Al
 
That brings up a good point. Everyone buying a chainsaw should be taught how to sharpen their chain. A lick or two on each tooth with your file every second gas tank and you will always be making chips. Takes no time at all when you get good at it.
 
Absolutely. I think I paid about $15.00 for my sharpening kit and it is pretty full proof, just make sure you use the right file. I personally like to have extra chains and just swap out and then sharpen after the cutting is done. But either way is adequate.
 
Andrew, the 660 is a nice saw. It is a good balence in weight and power for running larger bars. It is a good yard saw.

Personally, I prefer the Husqvarna and Johnsred, but it is like comparring Ford and Chevy. For normal work I run a couple of 372 husqvarna's, and a 394 for most of the rest, I rarely use my big saw (husqvarna 3120).

Again find a good local saw shop. If it is Stihl great, if it is Husqvarna great (the 240 will be in your range). Buy 3 chains, and files and whatever safety gear you need.
 
Or a large wire fence staple.......
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One of the extremely few manly arts I have left to master is to bring back a trashed chainsaw chain. One day I'll sit down and get it, but until then I can keep a sharp one sharp, but once I mess them up good its over.
 
Mark,

I have a Black and Decker electric chainsaw on a pole for pruning and it works for 90% of what i do around the house. Its my first choice. Quiet, no fuel and lightweight. I had a first gen battery powered weedeater. Pure junk. I've not invested in new technology. Maybe I should look again when the current gas powered poulan I have dies. Funny how the poulan weedwacker runs great and the chainsaw I had wouldn't run more than 10 minutes at a time.
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This 56V Ego chainsaw is nothing like either an electric one with a cord, or a pole saw with a battery or cord. Complete night and day difference. I have a corded chainsaw I have used the past few years and it is a childs toy compared to this Ego model.

On the blower end, I tried every single battery powered unit out there was was disappointed in all. Ego took a different approach with higher power, a brushless motor and new fan technology Sort of like ducted fans used in high end RC Jet airplanes. Ego decided it isn't "wind speed" at the blower nozzle that makes a differnce, it is CFM's of that air that make a difference and they got it right.

Same thinking with technology in the chainsaw. Here's a couple links

http://www.protoolreviews.com/...less-chainsaw/11892/

http://egopowerplus.com/...ic-cordless-chainsaw

Mark W
 
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Ed

We bought my dad a Poulan Super 25 back in the 70s and it has never failed to run and cut. He gave it to me a few years back and I use it all the time to clear duck holes and trim trees in the yard. All metal housing make it a favorite among tree services because it can take a nasty fall and be okay. I have no idea if Poulan still builds to this level quality because this one is still going strong, but if they haven't slashed quality to make their CEOs rich I'd buy from them again. You can find them on craiglist, and their red craftsman badged brother, for sometimes as low as $30 in working condition. Parts are available too.

View attachment PoulanSuperXXV.jpg
 
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