I'm in need of a new chainsaw and would like to hear from anyone with experiences (good or bad) as to makes and models and how they hold up etc. Thaks. Bob

-- Bob Johnson (Backwoods_Bob@excite.com), May 12, 2001

Answers

I have a craftmans, 16", 28 years old,, on its third chain, and second bar,, I dont think thats too bad. too bad they stopped making it after 2 years.Took 10 years before the first chain wore out,, and NOONE makes that size chain anymore. Im going to be getting a new one this year,, going for a commercial one,,not HUSKY, dont like them,, you cant tune them yourself

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), May 12, 2001.

You can't go wrong with a Stihl. I have had one for 25 years, and cut firewood with it for many years, up to 13 full cords per year for a while. Almost all of the professionals, such as loggers and tree trimmers around here use Stihl. Parts are easy to access and they are easy to repair yourself, if you are in any way mechanical.

-- Bob Wick (bjwick@hotmail.com), May 12, 2001.

groups yahoo.com group/milling/links is a message board about all types of sawing.these folks seem to know their saws. I tried to bring the link but could not get it to work.

-- ed (edfrhes@aol.com), May 12, 2001.

I've had a Stihl 035 saw for about 10 years... and although it does not get alot of use (I hope this changes in the near future), I must say that it has been a great saw. At one time, the price of a Stihl was very high... I think they may be more reasonably priced now. Whatever you get, make sure that replacement parts and service are readily available in your area.

cheers,

-- Max (Maxel@inwindsor.com), May 12, 2001.

I really like my Husquavarna. Always starts, runs great and never any trouble. I cut about three to four cords of fire wood every year. I bought the saw used five years ago and have had it serviced once.

-- Skip Walton (sundaycreek@gnrac.net), May 12, 2001.

All the pros around here use Husqvarna. I bought a Husky 257 about five years ago. It took me two years to figure out the right way to crank it. Now, it performs flawlessly. Very powerful, but heavy. I cut a couple or three cords a year. No trouble with the saw.

Most important factor when purchasing a saw? Avoid these three words: Made in USA. Sorry about that, but it's your hard earned money. Spend it wisely.

-- Jim (catchthesun@yahoo.com), May 12, 2001.

I've used several brands and models. What is important is to choose a saw that's adequate for the job you want to use it for. Don't go underpowered, and don't get one that's wasted on your application. Beyond that, you get what you pay for! My personal recommendation is a Husqvarna, but get the model that's really made in Sweden - the cheaper models are less durable.

-- David C (fleece@eritter.net), May 12, 2001.

There are several good chainsaws mentioned here, even the craftsman (which is a poulan with the sears name on it). The main thing is proper maintenance on what ever chainsaw you get and it will last many years for you. Always use a fresh mixture of gas and oil. If the gas is more than two weeks old, pour it in your vehicle and make a fresh mixture to use. Never store your chainsaw with a gas mixture in it. Always run it dry before storeing or add some stabilizer in your tank. And if you need a new chain for it and can't find one, take your saw into a repair/dealer. They can make a new one for it. Take it in for a tune up every couple of years for proper adjustments.

-- Russell Hays (rhays@sstelco.com), May 13, 2001.

Bob, I really can't add to the information already provided but only to say I have a Stihl 028 and its a great saw. My good friend has a Husqvuana and also loves it. I live in MN and heat with firewood so I cut a lot of wood. One thing not mentioned but can't proved it without a scale available and the two different saws at hand, I found the Stihl saw a little be lighter in weight. Thats not a bad thing, if you cut a lot of wood like I do, ever ounce counts. Weight really isn't that big of a thing but I thought I would mention it. I have had my Stihl for 12 years. Whatever saw you purchase, keep it well maintained and you should be happy.

-- Bill (sticky@2sides.tape), May 13, 2001.

We have had a Husqvuana is the late 70's. My husband loves it. We have a chipper chain on the saw and it cuts through wood in no time.

-- Cordy (ckaylegian@aol.com), May 14, 2001.

I have had a couple of Jonsered saws over the last 25+ years, and the last time I decided to get a new saw I unhesitatingly bought another one. My second choice would be a Husquavarna, and maybe a Stihl as 3rd choice. The most important thing, I think, is to buy your saw from a shop that does repairs and service right there, as they will know more about saws, and be able to help you with parts and service when you need it. Buying a saw at a discount store may get you a saw for less money up front, but you will be out of luck if you need parts and service.

Jim

-- Jim (jiminwis@yahoo.com), May 14, 2001.

For me it's been the Stihl 026, bought this saw only to do the limbing, but it's so lightwieght that I have ended up using it for everything, and I cut alot of wood per year, about 6 bush cords. someone mentioned that they may have come down in price, but this is not the case, there is a big difference in price between the pro series, and just the comsumer saws. stick to the pro series, they are heavier

-- Arv Ojamae (brookvue@bmts.com), May 19, 2001.

I've had good luck with two Stihl saws and a string trimmer. The local Stihl dealer is friendly - the Husky dealer is not - my sole reason for my choice of brands.

-- Paul (hoyt@egyptian.net), May 21, 2001.

I had a co-worker, in an MBA program at the University of Missouri. Their project was to research and select the best chainsaw on the market. Their results showed Stihl to be the best. Armed with that information, I bought a 028 model five years ago. It has been one of the best tools I ever bought. I cut wood for heat and bar-b-quing. Keep them maintained and you won't have a problem.

-- Rickstir (rpowell@email.ccis.edu), May 23, 2001.

Bob I don't believe you would be disappointed with a Stihl, Husky or a Jonsereds. They are the brands probably most prefered by the pros. I prefer the Husky.

-- Jim H (what_the_hek@yahoo.com), May 23, 2001.

I have had many different brands of saws and used to cut trees for a living and i say jonsered is the way to go. Ihave had a 2095 turbo for the last 8 years and am looking to get a 2nd one soon.

-- brad miller (bradcin@mdvl.net), February 02, 2002.