It's time for a new chain saw. Almost everything I cut is for making bows so I hope you guys can give me some advice.
I cut osage. Mostly in the less than 16" dia. range. I have gotten by so far with a 14" Craftsman but I think it has seen its better days.
I have 2 makes and 4 models I am currently considering. You tell me if I need to look at somehing else. $3-400 is my budget.
Stihl MS 250 v. Husqvarna 345
Stihl MS 290 v. Husqvarna 350
I'd love to hear first-hand experience with these or other saws. Thanks!
I have a Stihl Farm Boss, 029 I think. I have had it for 15+ years, countless hours of osage cutting, trail clearing, dead tree removal and never any problem more serious than changing a sprocket bearing(easy to do) and gas cap. It always starts easily and has plenty of power to handle any task I use it on. I also have one of those Stihl 12V chain sharpeners, puts a great edge on the chain quickly.
Thanks Eric. Your feedback is very valuable. I was pretty much set on the Farm Boss but then I held a Husqvarna. It weighs 2.6 pounds less (25%) and has a nifty anti-vibration design. But, I don't want it if it won't last. I know the Stihl will.
I haven't used the Husqvarna but have the Stihl's. They are work horses.
Stihl has a better oiling system than most. I used to use some Husqvarna stuff in my roofing days. The recoil starter was always breaking. Luckily, it was an easy bolt on fix (had to buy a new "starter cartridge"), but it was costly after awhile.
My ol' trusty saw is a Poulan (pre Weed Eater days) 3400 countervibe. Back then, 3400 meant it had a 3.4 c.i. engine. Lot's o' power! I use a 20" bar on mine and it has felled more trees and cut more wood than I care to remember.
Oregon aftermarket bars are good stuff. They now have a chain tensioner built into the bar. No more messing with dang pins that get clogged up on the bar clamp! (they get removed) Just break loose the clamp nuts, twist the rack and pinion adjuster with the screwdriver/wrench (scrench) and tighten the nuts.
I have worn out a couple of chain saws over the past 10 years clearing a 25 acre woodlot. I have used up an older Stihl, and a Husky Rancher (very similar in size to the 350 and with an 18" bar I think). I would say they were pretty equal in service. I bought a Husky 350 2 years ago and it has been as good a chainsaw as I have had. I have a Husqvarna dealer just down the street from me and bought from them for the convenience of having parts and service readily available. Cannot go wrong with either one. I like the light weight of the Husqnarna. The bulk of my tree felling days are behind me and I am not concerned about wearing this one out in my lifetime.
I have a Husqvarna - I think it is the 345. It does a decent job cutting, but it is the coldest starting internal combustion engine I've ever dealt with. I'll bet it takes 15 - 20 pulls even in the summer to fire up. Once warm it is fine on restarts. One pull every time.
I'm also not crazy about the design of the oil and gas caps. If I were in the market for a new one I'd be looking at the Stihls myself.
Stihl catches #$%& around the farm and keeps on going. It'd be an easy decision for me. Good luck !
DR
Used both in a tree trimming/removal business and like both but I tend to lean towards the Husqvarna versus the Stihl. For the average home owner who wont be running the saw more than a few days a year and a few minutes per day I dont think you could possibly go wrong with either one. Price compare and determine who has the closest service center to you and then make your choice either way you will be happy Im sure.
Go for the Stihl, pay the extra few bucks for the 260 professional saw. I've had an 026 for many years, and it just keeps on going!
I have owned both and like the Stihl. Huskeys cut like crazy but can be a little more temperamental starting. I now own two Stihls (big and little) and they start good and cut great. The Farm Boss model does not have anti vibrations or kickback brake - at least the older ones I remember. Both these features are worth the extra money. Happy yellow wood harvesting.
I don't think you'll find better than the Stihl. Years ago, I purchased a Jonserud, another swedish made saw, and it's been a good one, still runs great after 25 years of building log homes, clearing brush, and a timber sale or two. You can look into those, if you can find a dealer, but Stihl dealers are easier to find for sure.
Chainsaw? These will never break down and you'll never loose the gas cap!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/bucksawosage13.jpg)
John,
Back in college I did odd jobs for an old doctor in Southwest Missouri. He had land all over around Springfield and Branson (those of you in Southwest Mo might know of him since he donated the land to the state that became Busiek State Forest). I spent many an hour running a chainsaw for him. Most times I was with an old gentleman who also worked for him that we called "Short" because he was. This old gem of a man had spent his younger days in the Northwest in logging camps. He taught me a lot about running a saw. Boy could he ever sharpen a chain!! He said that the Husqvarnas were the best saws ever made. And the way he ran them I believe him. I was always a Stihl guy and still am. From my experience, and Short's, you can't go wrong with any of the saws you mentioned. Pick the one that suits you best, and like Rascal said, find the one with the closest service center to you should you need repair.
Stihl
I have a 16" poulan, Stihl 029 farm boss and a stihl 066. I use the 066 for my LOGOSOL saw mill. I have never had a problem with my Stihls with heavy use. The poulan is fine for light use but not heavy use on a daily basis.
Always used Husky's for falling and bumpin knots. Nice, heavy-duty, light saw. Never had a problem with cold starts(use a little sta-bil in the gas). The oiler is VERY good. The Stihl's always seemed to go thru too much oil to me. In my experience---the Stihl is the best saw----IF you like to tinker with your saw all the time.
I would definately say Husky if your going to do a lot of cutting. And for the guy who wants a good reliable saw for a little firewood and for cutting the occasional stave----I would look at the Echo saws. Of course, I have only been logging most my life.
Oh, and I second the Jonesered daws, too.
I've had good luck with the 345. Went with me on a church trip to New Orleans twice, abused, still faithful. LF
In my link I've tried to add my favorite saw. 1944 Fay & Egan 950 LIghtning. LF
John, I don't know where you're looking to buy your saw but theres a little hardware store in Trafalgar , south of you, that is a Stihl dealer and parts supplier.
I'd go with a Stihl. The 029 farm boss size is probably way more saw than you need. I have an 038 and a newer MS 250C that my dad gave me before he died. The 250 has a lot more plastic on it than the older 038 but it runs like crazy and starts every time. Unless I let the air filter get too grungy.
I'd go with the stihl.Better saw in my opinion. Also Bear's hardware in Nashville ( 812-988-8888)sometimes runs sales on their Stihls.
Hey, if you need chainsawing help in the interim , before you get the new saw, let me know. I can cut some for you for a stave or three.
Chris
I would buy a Sthil if I were you. In my opinion they are the best saw out there. Usually with the Husky you will get a little bit more horsepower for the same weight and displacement saw, but I feel that you give up alot in reliability and maintaince for the that extra power to weight ratio. I was on a Hotshot crew fighting fire for the Forest Service in the summers for six years and we always ran Stihls. Those saws went through hell and always kept running like top. I am now a forester in Northern CA and regularly deal with professional loggers and they almost always run Stihls. Lastly, I would kind of look at like buying a Husky is like shooting a compound and a Stihl is more like a good reliable longbow.
Husqvarna, faster, quieter, lighter and theyve worked all the old bugs out. Go pick a Sthil up then a Husky, big difference in weight for same size saws.Sthil are good saws but they wear you out, all the loggers around here use Husqvarnas..Huskys feel better balanced also. Ive got a 455 Ranch hand 20 in. bar and a 137 w/16 in. bar, for cutting bow wood Id go with the 137, its almost as fast as the 455 and will cut mose Osage youll want to cut..
I have cut a lot of trees and a lot of pipe with all sorts of saws. The Husky's always outperform and outlast the others. Johns' Red being a notable exception---of course they are built in the same factory.
Thanks for all the input. I really was set on the Stihl until I picked up the Husky. It is 25% lighter. The one or two times I used a Stihl for most of a day, I ended up with one arm longer and a killer backache :)
I have a Husky 350 and couldn't be happier.Nice and light,cuts great,starts excellent and plenty of power.It comes with a 16" bar,but has the option of the 18",thats what I got a few years ago and haven't looked back.If I ever get another it will be a Husky again. Ben
John - you might take a peek at the Husky 338xpt (high rpm). I use one for my business (in combination with a 460 bored out Stihl)and love it for stuff you mention - it's lightweight and you can one-arm it easily. You don't need more than a 14" bar for what you are doing either.
I've made money with both Stihl and Husky for many many years and think they are probably equal - had some models in both that I didn't exactly care for.
I have been around forestry and logging for 20 years. I have used and owned both Stihl and husqvarna saws. You won't go wrong with either saw, I've had great service with both brands. I would see who has the best service in your area. One saw or another may feel or balance better in your hands, so thats something to look at. just about everybody has the antivibe and safety features now. BTW one of the best saws I ever used was a jonsered 290 (it was one of the saws that belonged to the college I attended)...but nobody carries them in my area anymore.
Electrolux LTD is the parent CO. for Husky..Johnny Red and yes Stihl..All internal components are made at one factory and for the most part interchange. 15 years as a dealer I would tell ya get the best price and service. Go with the one that FEELS BEST to you.(Most Comfortable) Their all APPLES :bigsmyl:
I have 2 Huskys that I use for log work. No experiance with Stihl. The 345 and 350 Huskys are home owner caliber. I have the 345 and paid about 250.00 for it. I wouldn't recommend it. For an extra 150.00 I like my Rancher 55. It still is not a professional saw (about 600.00 for a pro saw) but a good saw for 400.00. The Rancher is more reliable and has an extra 10cc which would be nice for osage. The Rancher 55 comes with a 20" bar. Buy a 18" you'll like it better. Chad
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j107/Holm-Made/Cabin2005July-August021.jpg)
I think they are both great saws. Can't really go wrong with either, but two things really sold me on husky.
1. The husky is lighter. At the end of the day your body with thank you.
2. I have a friend who treats his chain saws like crap and I mean it. He totally destroyed two Stihls is about 6 to 7 years. Not bad tools, he just mistreats them and destroyed them. He bought a husky and has had it 5 years now and not treating it any differently than the Stihls that he destroyed. Impressed me.
dino
I've had 2 Stihl saws, an old 028 and now a FarmBoss029. I have used them to cut firewood mostly for the last 30 years. I have cut red and white oaks up to 24" in diameter. I always get the longest blade the saw will handle. If I had to buy another, it would be another Stihl. pat
Either will do an excellent job. If you get a chance would be great to try cutting a log with each. I had the chance to use both and it's Stihl all the way for me. I liked the lightness of the Husky until I started cutting with it. My joints (wrist/ elbow/ shoulder) complained right away. I actually like the extra weight of the Stihl as I believe it absorbs some of the "shock". Also the teeth are spaced differently. I believe the Husky's are bigger and further appart (???) or maybe it just felt that way (=rougher). If you don't get a chance to cut with them both, most stores will let you start them and hold them while running. It could also give you a feeel on the vibration.
The teeth are all about chain---not saw manufacturer. I suggest a good Oregon chain for everyday use-----or we could talk about Sandvik chain.
Are you going to be doing any ripping with your saw?
JBiorn is right: The teeth are all about the chain. I have a local guy make my chains. I can't remember for the life of me what they are but the are far better than the stock husky chains. dino
Warranty is something you might look at also,
Stihl gives 1 year personal use, husky gives 2 years, both give 90 days in the pro.
My wife likes the Stihl.
I have no preference. I just like to watch her cut firewood.
I'm studying forestry here in Germany and talked to a lot of people about their preferences when it comes to chainsaws.
I guess it's like comparing Morrisons with Blacktails :)
It all comes down to personal preference. Technically seen, you can't go wrong with Stihl or Husky.
Funny thing: older guys seem to prefer Stihls...they are made around here and there are a lot of shops that sell them.
I'd probably go with the one that has the closest dealer in case you need service or replacement parts!
Take care, have fun.
phil
I've had a Stihl MS 250C for a few years and like it. I cut a several cords of firewood a year on top of osage. I've also gotten tied up with cutting up two massive 4' diameter oaks in my yard over the last few years. (Weekend upon weekend of work.)
I looked at the Huskies and the Stihls. From a layman's standpoint, the plastic choke/kill switches on the Huskies seemed really cheesey. I worried if they used such blatantly flimsy parts there, what did they put inside? That turned me off right away. I consulted a local Stihl dealer about choosing a saw. He steered me towards either the MS250C for the firewood cutting needs I described or a model slightly smaller. He cautioned that the saws (and many gas powered tools) sold in the large home stores are not the same as what dealers carry. Evidently the home store stuff is made with cheaper parts and include a discrete "Service Life = xx hours" label on the sticker, after which the manufacturer considers the saw's engine/parts life over and the saw disposible. (I checked some saws, weed wackers, and other lawn tools in a few of the box stores. Seems true, with 50-100 hour lifespans called out.) Anyway, I bought the MS 250C with an 18" bar. No problems so far beyond a couple times not starting in really cold or really hot temps, and the spark plug wire connection to the rubber boot stinks. (Just a J-hook runs from the spring inside the rubber boot to the wire, so if you pull the boot off too hard to clean the plug, you yank the J-hook right out of the wire. It's tough to get it back in.) I really like the built in twist lock chain tensioner built onto the side of the saw. Super easy to snug the chain up. No hunting or messing with a wrench or boogered nuts. I've used the Stihl many times all day and don't have any trouble with the slightly heavier weight as an old geezer might. ;^)
My father-in-law has a comparable Husky. He likes that it's lighter and made with the soft rubber dampener pads. I honestly dislike the gummy handling of the Husky, as it gives me a sensation that I don't have full command of the saw. It seems akin to ripping around a bend in a Buick with a soft ride instead of an Audi with a stiff suspension. Maintenance wise, his Husky has been pretty much on par with my Stihl.
For sub 16" osage, I think the same MS 250C with an 18" bar would be a great choice.
John,
We have stihl chainsaws at work and they are a piece of crap!!! I wouldn't own one they just don't seem to hold up to hard use. We use them to cut the telephone poles into pieces when we replace a pole. They have a hard time working when you turn them sideways, gum up alot and are hard to start, which is a pain in the butt when your 40 feet in the air standing on a pair of hooks. Check with some of the tree billies also get yourself a good pair of kevlar chaps for cutting.
I personally have a poulan pro, I bought to demo the house. I really like it :goldtooth:
(Ya'll have to take Nighthawks comments with the understanding that he owns a POULAN!)
Nighthawk, ya'll DO need to perform maintenance on saws ya know. Any piece of equipment that isn't maintained properly will seem like its junk . Now Be nice and don't make all us Stihl chainsaw owners come up there and cut down the telephone pole yer attached to!
Chainsaws are for trees, sawzalls are for demo!
Thanks again to everyone for your comments. Here is the status:
I've decided I don't need as big a saw as the Stihl MS290. It is just too big for my needs.
I noticed the flimsy plastic kill/choke switch on the Husky Adam mentioned above. I agree. Why did they do that?
I am leaning towards the Stihl MS250 with a 16" bar. This is mainly because I have 2 service locations within 3 miles of my house with one being in my favorite little Ace Hardware store. I really don't like big box stores and support the littler guys whenever possible. The downside is the guy isn't the most polite of people. The upside is he is a hardware genius. Kind of a grumpy old man type. There are no "certified" Husky service centers within 20 miles of me. The only close dealer is Lowes.
Now, as for the lower end, consumer saws; trust me, I am tempted. There is a Poulan Pro, 18", 42cc saw at Sam's club for $150 right now that I almost impulse purchased. Online reviews are not exactly favorable though. I travel long distances sometimes to cut wood. I really can't afford an undependable saw. That being said, on 2 occasions, my Craftsman has started while Stihl's on the same job have not. Without that $100 saw, those long trips would have been very difficult.
So, I'm going to go talk to my grumpy hardware guy tonight. See how deep the Christmas spirit is running in him :) They had a special with a case included last month on some of the Stihls. He's gonna have to sweeten the pot some.
Peace,
John
hey minuetman,
I likes my poulan and have had great luck with it :) Sawzalls are for "little" demo jobs I had a (big) job
John,
Wright tree service uses echo chainsaws. They say they hold up better than a stilh.
Just a final update:
I ended up with the Stihl MS250 with the easy start and tool less chain tensioner. I cut wood a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it. Plenty of power and starts so easy that it was silly.
Of course one session does not make for a good test but I think I made a good choice. Time will tell. My biggest decision point came on service. The folks that I bought it from have 2 service centers on my side of town. They were very up front and knowledgeable and I believe I can trust them.
Stihl MS 250 easy start. Great saw. Much, much, much better than my old Craftsman.
You can't go wrong with a stihl
I have a Husky 350 and I cut the crap out of Hedge (osage)and it pulls strong all the wat through. I cut more then 5+ cords a year with it and it has never let me down. But if I was going to buy a new saw for what I do, I would get a Dolmar or a Husky Prosaw.
No decision, a Stihl 250 with an 18" bar.