Chainsaw... which to buy..?

[Ted Stryker]

OK, I'd like to have a good chainsaw for turning falling trees/ storm damage into firewwod or whatever else occasional chore arises... I believe a 16"-20" bar saw would be plenty and I'm choosing which model Stihl to buy... I know I don't need a "professional" grade saw, but was wondering which of the "homeowner" grade or "mid grade" saws to buy... I want one that will last and crank reliably but don't necessarily need alot of power, but just a model with good quality that's not a chore to own or use... Let this not be a debate between Stihl and Husqvarna... I know they both make excellent saws and the correct model of either would serve my needs, but I've got good Stihl dealers nearby and will most likely go that route due to convenience... To narrow it down, the 290 Farm Boss would be the upper end of the scale for Me... Tell me whatcha know... Thanks...

[HStream1]

Stihl Farm Boss with a 20"

[Erine]

Stihl farm boss hands down. Ernie

[mirage243]

You won't be sorry with a Stihl, I've owned several and they all have been great. Look at the 270, it's fairly light but can handle a pretty good load. It's my favorite all around saw. Between my shop, house and hunting cabin, we burn about 15-18 cords a year. A Stihl cuts every single piece of it.

[Ted Stryker]

After more looking I think the 271, or 290 would be plenty and they get good reviews... I'm looking now on how to break one in properly... Thanks for the replies, and I'll read anymore that ya'll have... Thanks...

[HStream1]

There 4 strokes. Crank em and turn it loose.

[mirage243]

There 4 strokes. Crank em and turn it loose.

ut uh, most of them are two strokes, and some of them are two strokes with overhead valves

[petehubbell]

241368This one's good but ya do need to run it on race gas. PH

[HStream1]

ut uh, most of them are two strokes, and some of them are two strokes with overhead valves

I retract. It is my Stihl Weed eater that is a 4 stroke.

[Action Dave]

I'm pretty sure all chainsaws are 2 stroke unless Stihl has come out with a 4mix chainsaw I haven't seen yet.

[Action Dave]

I retract. It is my Stihl Weed eater that is a 4 stroke.

Be sure to have your local dealer check/adjust the valves regularly. I've had to short-block quite a few Stihl engines that have dropped valves into the cylinder.

[Markus]

Our Stihl brush cutter is what they call a 4-mix.

It revs like a 2-stroke, sounds like a 2-stroke and wants oil mixed in the fuel like a 2-stroke.

What is a 4-mix engine?

[RBT]

Got an 025, 026, 0261, 027, 0362 and an 044, I use them all often. All are good. Weight is key if you are going to work it all day.

The 026 is the saw...., the 027 isn't quite as tough.

[HStream1]

I was told when I bought mine it was a 4 stroke that required oil mix.

[Jay Smith]

After "IKE" I'll never own a chain saw other than a Stihl...

Jay

[HStream1]

Our Stihl brush cutter is what they call a 4-mix.

It revs like a 2-stroke, sounds like a 2-stroke and wants oil mixed in the fuel like a 2-stroke.

What is a 4-mix engine?

Right from Stihl.

http://www.stihl.com/isapi/default.asp?contenturl=/knowhow/producttechnics/stihlengines/4mix/default.htm

[XstreamVking]

Anything stihl makes is the "good stuff".........Cost's more, but worth it....

[Markus]

Right from Stihl.

http://www.stihl.com/isapi/default.asp?contenturl=/knowhow/producttechnics/stihlengines/4mix/default.htm

Still don't get it.

Is it a normal 2-stroke style design with ports that does does not get any fuel every second cycle to somehow reduce emissions?

[patchesII]

The 29 is a pretty good saw

[Lost In Space]

Check out Echo, unless they changed there is a lifetime warranty on the ignition module. Which is what failed on my other saws.

www.echo-usa.com (http://www.echo-usa.com)

[Dave Strong]

I live in logging country any of the pro tree fallers run Husky but nothing wrong with Stihl, if you have a dealer close by thats your best bet.


Dave

[CUDA]

The 290 is a great small saw,and cheep for a Stihl saw, learning how to sharpen a chain with a file is very important and EASY, I've seen professional 's that don't do it right , with short bars you can get away with doing it wrong, but with long bars you better do it right or you will give up . You need to twist the file up as you push it through the tooth, remember you are sharping the top of the tooth, you can make a real nice looking fishing hook that won't cut anything, if you just push back with out twisting up , by twisting up you open up the tooth so it will be aggressive in it's bite,also less angle the more aggressive the bite. On all our bars over 16in we use skip tooth chain 1/2 the amount of teeth you need to sharpen, also on bigger bars you need to watch for a lip that will develop and prevent you from cutting straight, or at all, use a bastard file to keep the bar square by running the file over the side of the bar to file off the lip. I've owned a tree service over 20 years . PS keep TWO hands on your saw and try not to bind the bar, I've seen many a saw broken by someone pulling the saw out after they bound the bar in a tree that was on the ground, and after a storm the tree's you find on the ground have lots of pressure and when you cut them you will release that pressure and bad things will happen in a second.
BE CAREFUL

[rev.ronnie]

I have a Stihl ms280. I love it, rubber mount etc. Got it from a buddy who now runs Huskys too.

Whatever one has the best support in your area.

[Smoking Joe]

I have first hand experience with both Husky's and Stihl's. I currently run a Husky, not the pro saw but one of the farmer models. It has been a great saw, done plenty of work with it and good enough that I have since sold my large pro saw, just don't need the extra weight and the smaller saw does all I need to do these days. I suggest you find a suitable Stilh saw and an equivalent Husky and then purchase on price. Don't go purchasing a saw based on price, cheap price, cheap saw. Been there done that learned the hard way.:nonod:

[ACAMS]

I paid over $400.00 for a new Stihl and must have gotten a lemon......IT IS JUNK, the only time the automatic chain oiler works is while it is sitting on my shelf. I have to clean the plug every time I try to cold crank it, the chain was dull brand new and now the blade is wore out from 4-5 uses. It is a piece of JUNK, my old saw, a $58 Poulan was better ... at least it would crank every time!

[resqu-u]

I picked up a Sthil MS250 this afternoon. It had good reviews and seems like a good size for what I'll use it for with an 18" bar. I also liked the 4 year warranty with my local John Deere dealer for service... hope I don't need it. I paid 320.00 with a six pack of syn oil and a quart of bar oil.

[Michael J Giesler]

husky good so are stihls i still use my dads early 70's homelite xl with a 2' bar and expantion pipe or my neighbor Mercury 2 man chain saw eats gas but saw threw a 3' oak in about 5 seconds

[JP Love]

A professionnal saw Josered 2171 same is the Husqvarna 372 XP No Stihl MS 440 beat that... Stihl MS 260 a good saw in 50cc class but the Husqvarna 346XP beat the Stihl... I know what I talking about... Stihl, Jonsered or Stihl put more $$$$ and buy a magnesium engine base and you dont regret... JP
http://i54.tinypic.com/2uxz49k.jpg

[JP Love]

This one for racing only on methanol-nitro a 120cc, 3120 XP my fastest.... A monster....
http://i56.tinypic.com/5ydg87.jpg

[mr.clean]

I use a Stihl 20" 441 Magnum every day and it is a Oak felling beast! But like every saw it needs to be taken care of.

[Ted Stryker]

Ya'll are giving lots of good info here to think about... I'll be meticulous about blade sharpening also as I am with many things and be sure TO KEEP IT OUT OF THE DIRT... Most of the discussions I find online seem to hover in the power topics, which is cool but I don't necessarily need alot of power... I'll keep a sharp chain but most of my concern is in the reliable starting, reliable running, dependability, overall build quality area in the "landowner" grade saws of the 50(ish) cc size... I think the Stihl, Husqvarna, Jonsered, Dolmar's, etc. are all good saws and wish I could line'em all up and test cut with them one by one... This is fun...

[patchesII]

Come to a clearing job. You could test drive 44's and 46 till you're sick of a saw. Lol

[JP Love]

The best file guide from EM, sold at Jonsered and Husqvarna dealer.. Since 1989 I use this..... The blue one is for 3/8 chain 7/32 file , silver .325 chain 3/16 file ,gold .325 chain 5/32 file. The best try it you'l see..
http://i54.tinypic.com/10ghbv4.jpg

[hometown45]

Huskavarna makes a very good saw that is balanced well.

[TUG]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A52p9jc-gOo&ob=av2e Almost 20 years ago already :D

[j_martin]

I've fileed my saws with various versions of this thing for 40 years.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd47/jmunderscore/file-o-plate.jpg

This simple plate sets the depth gauges, varying them in depth as the tooth is filed back to compensate for the fact that the tooth tips back slightly when it's cutting. It also puts a bit of an angle on the depth gauges so they gauge instead of gouge. The compound angle required for chisel chain is supplied by the holder of the file, but the marks and angles on both the file-0-plate and the tooth itself give instant feedback and it's a snap to get it right. If used regularly and properly, the teeth are always at the right angle and depth, and also are gummed properly so the chips clear efficiently.

I find that the fastest my chains cut is just before they start pitching teeth because there isn't enough left to keep them on the chain. I also find that my guide bars last for 8-10 chains, and don't quickly develop the burr that was mentioned by the tree trimmer. It is a guide bar. If you're wearing it down rapidly, you either aren't oiling right, or your chain is dull.

There's no magic to sharpening a chain. The dimensions and angles are well known and published, and there are various tools to maintain them. There's also a lot of snake oil tooling out there that can detune a chain to the point of frustration.

My saws are all Husky's

[Ted Stryker]

Despite wanting to buy them all, I'm still looking at Stihl due to availability... I've also read lots of great reviews and happy customers about the Stihl M-270... It's a mid-range saw like the 290 "farm boss" but the 270 "wood boss" cost about $70+ more than the larger 290 with equal length bars... The 270 comes with a 16" bar, and the 290 comes with a 20"... I'm guessing manufacturing differences despite both being mid range saws, but alot of people like the weight, balance, construction more on the smaller saw... I'm curious...

[CUDA]

Ted I use Husky's for all my large saws because they are a lot cheeper than the same size Stihl's, and they work just as well, all my climbing saw's are Stihl MS200T because NO one makes a climbing saw any where near as good but they are $ 600. for that small but powerfull saw.
I was at the Stihl dealer one day at least three years ago and they had the 290 on sale for $300 something so what the heII I bought one , my guys have used it for over three years , and it is getting tired , but I got my money's worth for sure.

[Markus]

I live in logging country any of the pro tree fallers run Husky

I have a friend whose Dad was a logger in Eastern Washington. He said the same thing.

[INXS]

I've had a Stihl for six yrs, had to change the cord twice, crank, not bad for about 120-160 hrs. What got me madd was that I needed to bring it to the shop, kept stalling. It cost about $100 to fix a plastic fuel line that's inside the gas tank as it deteriorated (sp?). Anyway I told the shop it should be covered by Stilh, they agreed the plastic line shouldn't have failed but said to call Stihl about it. Talking to Stihl they said it's normal and common, I asked them how could that be as it's a plastic hose that it shouldn't be effected by the gas. The guy said that's not true, I said he's full of it, that they put a infearor plastic so that their dealers can get the repairs. He said how do I know about how gas effects plastics, I told him that I've been testing plastics for over 20 yrs, it was my job, at the time. He more or less said "Too Bad" we aren't going to pay. BTW, my neighbor had the same saw, same problem, he also wasn't happy about the poor plastic.

[INXS]

I've had a Stihl for six yrs, had to change the cord twice, crank, not bad for about 120-160 hrs. What got me madd was that I needed to bring it to the shop, kept stalling. It cost about $100 to fix a plastic fuel line that's inside the gas tank as it deteriorated (sp?). Anyway I told the shop it should be covered by Stilh, they agreed the plastic line shouldn't have failed but said to call Stihl about it. Talking to Stihl they said it's normal and common, I asked them how could that be as it's a plastic hose that it shouldn't be effected by the gas. The guy said that's not true, I said he's full of it, that they put a infearor plastic so that their dealers can get the repairs. He said how do I know about how gas effects plastics, I told him that I've been testing plastics for over 20 yrs, it was my job, at the time. He more or less said "Too Bad" we aren't going to pay. BTW, my neighbor had the same saw, same problem, he also wasn't happy about the poor plastic. Oh, I recall the Stilh gave saying something like "Gas eats up plastic". ScumBags!

[Ted Stryker]

The Dolmar/Makita 5105 also gets very loved reviews and is considered by many to be a Pro level saw with a Magnesium case and overall build quality and performance, but the nearest dealer from me is a 1 hour drive... I've used an and early-mid 1980's Sachs-Dolmar for a couple days and it was old then but still a nice operating saw, and the new 5105 can be bought for about $500 and is argued to be of the same quality as a Husky 346xp or a Stihl Pro 260... Hey Cuda I've read where alot of the non "Pro level" saws from Stihl are nice pieces of equipment but can be difficult to start, do you have any opinions on the matter..? Thanks for all the replies, I'm thoroughly enjoying this topic reading comments from those who know more than I...

[mr_velocity]

I thought about getting a new Stihl a few years ago but could never find consistent positives reviews on them. Ended up sticking with my 1966 Homelite XL12. When I was a kid my father used it, 6 cord every year we cut to heat the house. I've run it since 1991, 4 - 5 cord a year. The only thing I've had to put into the saw was a new plunger for the chain oiler. It's loud and unsafe but it just won't die.

[CUDA]

Most problems are due to old gas and too much oil, or cheap oil we always use syn. As stated above many problems are with fuel lines, pin holes. Because of the EPA standards you can not adjust lots of the newer carbs which has been a problem , you have to give them warm up time because of the lean settings .

[Ted Stryker]

Gotcha Cuda... I did have a few hours of limbing for firewood on a storm fallen oak this weekend... My Brother (Patches) was kind enough to leave me a Stihl 460 Mag for busting limbs and such, and I have surely concluded that I surely don't want one that size for firewood cutting :nonod:... All the sudden those 50cc, 16"-18", sub 12 lbs. saws are seeming to have a real place in the woods :thumbsup:..

[loop]

Make sure you buy a camouflge one.
Seriously,why the hell would anyone buy a camouflage chainsaw??
I ran over a Poulan with the tractor one day and its pretty dang bright green. It still runs btw.
sorry,Had to get that off my chest

[j_martin]

I've had a Stihl for six yrs, had to change the cord twice, crank, not bad for about 120-160 hrs. What got me madd was that I needed to bring it to the shop, kept stalling. It cost about $100 to fix a plastic fuel line that's inside the gas tank as it deteriorated (sp?). Anyway I told the shop it should be covered by Stilh, they agreed the plastic line shouldn't have failed but said to call Stihl about it. Talking to Stihl they said it's normal and common, I asked them how could that be as it's a plastic hose that it shouldn't be effected by the gas. The guy said that's not true, I said he's full of it, that they put a infearor plastic so that their dealers can get the repairs. He said how do I know about how gas effects plastics, I told him that I've been testing plastics for over 20 yrs, it was my job, at the time. He more or less said "Too Bad" we aren't going to pay. BTW, my neighbor had the same saw, same problem, he also wasn't happy about the poor plastic. Oh, I recall the Stilh gave saying something like "Gas eats up plastic". ScumBags!

I haven't seen anything within reason, especially considering how flexible the floppy fuel pickup has to be, that would last more than a few years in today's gas.

Husky has the same problem, but it only takes a few minutes to fish in a fresh line and hook it up. If you don't know what you're doing and disassemble the thing needlessly, then it'll take an hour or more. 'bout every third time the grommet gives out and you have to disassemble.

[j_martin]

Gotcha Cuda... I did have a few hours of limbing for firewood on a storm fallen oak this weekend... My Brother (Patches) was kind enough to leave me a Stihl 460 Mag for busting limbs and such, and I have surely concluded that I surely don't want one that size for firewood cutting :nonod:... All the sudden those 50cc, 16"-18", sub 12 lbs. saws are seeming to have a real place in the woods :thumbsup:..

Cut tons of firewood with a Husky 55 Rancher with an 18" bar on it. When things get big and hard, like big oak trunks, the 261 comes out.

[laglass69]

Ive used both the Husqvarna and Stihl saws. My current saw is a Stihl MS361, pricey but will handle anything I could possibly ever encounter. I find they are both good brands, but the reason i went with Stihl is because they have actual branded dealers pretty much everywhere. What i didnt like about Husky was at least where i live is they're pretty much only sold at the big chain stores like lowes and home depot. So if bought it from them i would have to find a place to actually service it or send it back to the manufacturer.

[Action Dave]

I haven't seen anything within reason, especially considering how flexible the floppy fuel pickup has to be, that would last more than a few years in today's gas.

Husky has the same problem, but it only takes a few minutes to fish in a fresh line and hook it up. If you don't know what you're doing and disassemble the thing needlessly, then it'll take an hour or more. 'bout every third time the grommet gives out and you have to disassemble.


The Stihl's use a custom fit pickup tube. If it tears or rots from poor fuel, you have to replace it with the Stihl part. They get an arm and a leg for those tubes retail. Also, most shops will charge an hour labor to replace that tube. It's a bit of a pain but not terribly hard. Also, the rubber intake tubes running from the carb to the engine on the smaller MS Stihls fail all the time too. I am not a Stihl dealer but I have replaced many of those tubes this summer.

[JP Love]

I repair saws more than 30 years now.. I have small machine shop and do welding and mechanic too.. Stihl have hoses problems and intake boots and not modified the rubber to last... Often do this kind of job on Stihl...

[JR IN JAX]

I've had a Stihl for six yrs, had to change the cord twice, crank, not bad for about 120-160 hrs. What got me madd was that I needed to bring it to the shop, kept stalling. It cost about $100 to fix a plastic fuel line that's inside the gas tank as it deteriorated (sp?). Anyway I told the shop it should be covered by Stilh, they agreed the plastic line shouldn't have failed but said to call Stihl about it. Talking to Stihl they said it's normal and common, I asked them how could that be as it's a plastic hose that it shouldn't be effected by the gas. The guy said that's not true, I said he's full of it, that they put a infearor plastic so that their dealers can get the repairs. He said how do I know about how gas effects plastics, I told him that I've been testing plastics for over 20 yrs, it was my job, at the time. He more or less said "Too Bad" we aren't going to pay. BTW, my neighbor had the same saw, same problem, he also wasn't happy about the poor plastic.It is the ethanol in the gas that dissolves the in-tank fuel lines. It has cost the lawn service companies millions.....

[MattGreen]

Keep in mind that Stihl has three lines of saws - homeowner, light commercial/landscaper/farmer, and full-on forestry saws. There is overlap in the mid-size saws between all three lines, so you have to decide how much you will actually use it to justify the cost. I'm a homeowner/landlord and wanted a long-lasting saw for yard work and camping. I recently bought a Stihl MS270 (the smallest of the "light commercial" line of saws) and love it. It's pretty light and has lots of balls for the standard 16" bar. It was on sale with an extended 2-year warranty for about $ 375 I beleive. Make sure you save enough dough for a set of chaps, face shield, and boots.

Matt

[Ted Stryker]

Keep in mind that Stihl has three lines of saws - homeowner, light commercial/landscaper/farmer, and full-on forestry saws. There is overlap in the mid-size saws between all three lines, so you have to decide how much you will actually use it to justify the cost. I'm a homeowner/landlord and wanted a long-lasting saw for yard work and camping. I recently bought a Stihl MS270 (the smallest of the "light commercial" line of saws) and love it. It's pretty light and has lots of balls for the standard 16" bar. It was on sale with an extended 2-year warranty for about $ 375 I beleive. Make sure you save enough dough for a set of chaps, face shield, and boots.

Matt

I've read alot about the 270, and alot of people like it although many have trouble with the starting but it may be an issue of the operator... I was a little confused by the saw in regard that it's listed as a landowner-mid grade level tool, but it also mentions in the literature about it being a low level pro saw with a magnesium case... Seems like a real nice saw for someone like me... Another option that everyone is raving about is the Husqvarna 346xp, that is a listed and testimonally described as a full-on Pro saw with a msrp of about $510 and directly compares to the Stihl ms 260 Pro... I have a route for a little bit of a discount with Husqvarna, and could probably get it for dealer cost... The 270 does seem very nice at any rate, with a strong customer base...

[SPRKY01]

My mothers boyfriend of 20 years owns a logging business and they use only Huskys ! Have you seen swamp loggers ;)

[JP Love]

MS 260 a realy reliable saw from Stihl but since the Husqvarna 346XP is a 50.1 cc @ 3.7 HP, the 346 rev lot more and faster than MS260.. I know the two saws ..... 346XP is the choice... Google 346 XP VS Ms 260..... At cheaper price the 450 X Torq is a good performer too, good engine... A couple Husqvarna I own in 2009 http://i54.tinypic.com/2mpybtf.jpg

[Ted Stryker]

Nice line of saws JP... The Husky 353 seems to get good reviews too as a clean-up/ firewood saw, and seems to be the direct competitor to the Stihl 270... People seem to rate them above a farm saw, but a little below a Pro saw... I think they both are right where the magnesium cases enter the line-up... I've read where alot of everyday users agree that Husky may very well be passing Stihl in quality and performance and I'm sure that argument can go into infinity, but once a saw gets to that level it's redundantly capable and then some to anything that I need - just bragging rights from there on.... Four pages of great advice, guys I appreciate it...

[mirage243]

I said it early in this thread and stick to my story,......................270................full choke till it pops one time, usually 2-3 max pulls, flip up one notch and the next pull it is running like a champ.

[stokernick]

The Dolmar/Makita 5105 also gets very loved reviews and is considered by many to be a Pro level saw with a Magnesium case and overall build quality and performance, but the nearest dealer from me is a 1 hour drive... I've used an and early-mid 1980's Sachs-Dolmar for a couple days and it was old then but still a nice operating saw, and the new 5105 can be bought for about $500 and is argued to be of the same quality as a Husky 346xp or a Stihl Pro 260... Hey Cuda I've read where alot of the non "Pro level" saws from Stihl are nice pieces of equipment but can be difficult to start, do you have any opinions on the matter..? Thanks for all the replies, I'm thoroughly enjoying this topic reading comments from those who know more than I...

I've had a Makita 520 for over 10 years and it's taken care of my woodstove without fail. It gets used,but not abused,I love it!

[Tom Foley]

You won't be sorry with a Stihl, I've owned several and they all have been great. Look at the 270, it's fairly light but can handle a pretty good load. It's my favorite all around saw. Between my shop, house and hunting cabin, we burn about 15-18 cords a year. A Stihl cuts every single piece of it.
Damm Bill , thats a heii of a lot of wood !! My Farm Boss is like a garage queen , hardly ever gets used but it sure is nice .

[Ted Stryker]

I've had a Makita 520 for over 10 years and it's taken care of my woodstove without fail. It gets used,but not abused,I love it!

Absolutely no quesion that Dolmar makes a full-on fantastic saw, most anyone in the know has nothing bad to say about them... I'd probably buy a 50cc-60cc Dolmar if the nearest dealer/ service shop wasn't a full hour's drive from me... I read where the Echo's get strong reviews too but a nicely equipped Stihl, Husky, Dolmar can be bought for the same price...

Mirage, your sure not an island with your choice... Stihl claims the 270 to be built for cutting firewwod and alot of people really like that saw... I went today to try to handle one, but they had none in stock... I've read where the 290 is heavy, they had one there and it didn't seem heavy to me much at all but between those two I'd much prefer the better build quality of the 270 and being a bit lighter than the 290 I'm sure it's not a pain to operate ...

[Lockjaw]

I have a stihl 021 that I have had for 15 years or more. 16 in bar. The only thing I have had to do it it is replace the spark plug, and the rubber line in the fuel tank finally split and dropped the filter this year while I was out doing some tree cutting for a tornado damaged house with my chuch. Still have the original bar on it. I can cut tree's with it I have no business cutting with it, it can sit for a year and when you go to crank it, cranks right up. I have cut all sorts of tree's with it. As long as the chain is sharp, and you keep it out of the dirt, it will cut all day long. Use good oil, it keeps them clean. I love to use BRP's XD100.

I rented a Stihl 044 with a 2 foot bar, once. Dealer said it turned something like 13000 rpms. All I can say is it was wicked. When you squeeze it wide open, you better be ready for it to cut. It would cut through a 2 plus foot pecan like it was butter.

All the loggers on Axe Men that I saw were using Stihl.

[Mr. Spack]

It would cut through a 2 plus foot pecan like it was butter.

Would that be Butter Pecan then ? :p

I always grab my smallest lightest saw first and use it the most unless I need the grunt and depth of something bigger. You get tired quick poking a big saw around in broken downed trees or brushy areas.

[Pro300x24LD]

ms 290 with an 18" bar 3/8 chain.

My brother runs a lawncare/landscape/tree service, has 290's as well as a 390, some are over 10 years old in a commercial setting.

I have a 290, I heat with wood in the winter, no complaints. My saw is less than 1 year old.

my father has a 290, father heats with wood in the winter, no complaints. I beleive his saw to be about 8-10 years old now.

[jerry]

Husqvarna HANDS DOWN !!!!

[Plan-b]

Test run a 346xp... you won't put it down.

Or the jonsered 2153 if you like red plastic better...

Or if you like to read http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/

I use the same user name on that site.

[Looper]

Love my Husqvarna 350 18" bar. Run non-E in all my pre-mix and it has never needed anything but oil/gas and chains. Irene kept it busy.

[Ted Stryker]

I've read everything the internet has to offer on all these saws mentioned, and I've gotten more than enough good advice from Ya'll but I keep reading because chainsaws are just fun... I've yet to look at the Husky's other than the 455 and smaller saws from the box stores, and am not impressed at all but I understand their value and place... I've handled the Stihl 270, 280, 290, and other smaller saws and they seem pretty good although I think the 270 would get my pick of those... Another one that seems to be a real good kept secret is the ECHO saws... I've handled a couple and they seem to have the best feel from handling and initial impression of quality in the store than the other saws in the $400-$450 range, although I by no means would expect them to rival the other manufacturers Pro-series saws... Shindaiwa and Echo merged and are reputedly making excellent saws, maybe not as fast on a stopwatch through a log, but no one contests their build quality in it's perspective price range... They are supposedly have all metal crankcases (aluminum or magnesium), all forged internals, and chrome lined bores I think... I'll go tomorrow to an Echo dealer to look at the CS-500 and maybe a CS-550 just to say I did...

[JP Love]

50 cc range for me a performer and handling 18'' bar for me '' 450 X-Torq'' the winner (less than $400)... 50 cc range again professionnal but expensive a great saw beat all 50cc saws is the '' 346 XP '' ($550) she's screaming.... Check the video the MS 260 a pro saw VS 346 XP a pro saw The RPM....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHEiREC5Ja4&feature=related

[Action Dave]

We don't do a lot of firewood cutting here in south Florida just a lot of tree trimming. 90% of the saws I see on a regular basis at my shop are of the smaller variety. Rarely do I get a saw with a bar longer than 18". The best bang for the buck climbing saws are made by Echo. The CS-341 gets the best reviews for any climbing saw from my tree service customers.

[Ted Stryker]

Went by one of our more long standing and popular saw shops today, the shop carries Echo and has carried Stihl also for as long as I can remember... I asked the head mechanic/ owner about the comparison between the Stihl and Echo, specifically the midrange Stihls vs. comparatively priced Echo's... He stated that dollar for dollar in the 45cc-60cc saws that Echo is "at least as good" as the Stihls... I asked him about the Echo cs-500 (successor to the Echo 530) compared to the $439 50cc. 18" Stihl, and he "there isn't anything wrong with Stihl but the Echo don't give an inch to it"... He had the Stihls in stock, and not the Echo but would order them in upon request... He actually told me of another saw shop where I could buy one so i don't think He had an alterior motive for his suggestion...