best saw around 250$

[finch10101]

Looking to buy a new saw. Went to Depot and Lowes tonight and liked the Echo cs-370 ($269) and the Husky 435 ($269).

I will be using the saw to cut wood to heat the whole house most of the winter here in Maryland.

I was also eyeing the Poulan pro with an 18" bar for 169, but im not sure on the quality....i need this saw to last

Any comments/suggestions appreciated.

 

[mattmc2003]

better off in my opinion to buy a used stihl or husky. maybe a little larger size. husky 55 or stihl 34 or anything like that. you can find a lot better saw that would have more power suited for a full time firewood saw. prob be a better way to spend the money.

 

[Little Abner]

I have had my share of cheap saws. You get what you paid for !!! My dad had an Stihl 024AV he have me when he was too old to cut wood. He used it 3 times a week to cut wood for heating and cooking for over 15 years. I still used it today. Just got done putting a new oil line and pickup on it.

But my next new saw will be a MS290 Farm Boss !!!

Little Abner...ya'all

 

[indiansprings]

Be sure and look at the Cub Cadet on amazon, the 56cc saw, it is made by efco and has pro construction, made in italy, 5 year home owner warranty, mine is the John Deere colored version, go to Baileys and then go to the efco section and look at the 56, it is far superior to a Stihl 310 and the box store huskies IMHO, solid, solid saws. I would myself would rather own a good used saw out of a dealership that had good support than a boxed store saw.

 

[Taxmantoo]

I'd buy a Redmax GZ400 or GZ4000 before I'd pay $270 for a 435.
I think a real saw engine has two magnesium crankcase halves with a cylinder bolted on top, and the bar bolts directly to the crankcase, not to a plastic chassis.

GZ400 under a Ryobi name (refurbished)
http://www.toolsnow.com/ryobi-gas-chainsaw.html

GZ4000 under a Sears name (new, with no Chinese parts, same engine as above)
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07136218000P

If you want a larger, more capable (and heavier) saw:
http://www.amazon.com/Cub-Cadet-CS-5720-Commercial/dp/B002LVVB4A

 

[climber338]

You could go with the 435 but if your going to be heating your house with it then i would go a little bigger. If you only going to be cutting a cord or less a year then a wild thing would be ok but if you are going to be doing more then that then i would look into getting a husky 445 or even a 455 rancher. It depends on how much you are going to be cutting each year. Dont short yourself on the saw.

 

[TreePointer]

Cutting for heat often means cutting more than a couple cords/year and various sizes and types of wood (whatever you can get). Start your search with 50cc displacement saw at a minimum.

 

[dingeryote]

Check out the tradin' post here.

There was a decent 372 going for peanuts and might still be there.

Stay safe!
Dingeryote

 

[Analyst Man]

Echo makes a really nice mid range 45cc for a small jump in price if you can afford it. The Echo CS-450 16" is $345 and has a clutch driven adjustable oiler. Just a thought.

 

[blsnelling]

Dolmar 420.

 

[reccutter]

I would chose none of those saws on your list. They are for limbing and you will play hell trying to keep up with your firewood unless you're planning to cut 2-6" branches(will cut bigger but not fast). There will be alot of firewood you won't get being those saws won't cut that big good or will take all day to cut. I was in your sitiuation 5 years ago and cut wood with a 45cc echo,good(limbing) saw but the time wasted not worth an extra couple dollars. Start your search at 50cc and over,and if you know anybody with chainsaws try some out cutting wood.

 

[Diesel Pro]

If you plan to go to the woods to cut (fell) your wood, plan on 2 saws and a couple/few felling wedges. With a one saw operation if you pinch one you are screwed...

 

[Analyst Man]

I would chose none of those saws on your list. They are for limbing and you will play hell trying to keep up with your firewood unless you're planning to cut 2-6" branches(will cut bigger but not fast). There will be alot of firewood you won't get being those saws won't cut that big good or will take all day to cut. I was in your sitiuation 5 years ago and cut wood with a 45cc echo,good(limbing) saw but the time wasted not worth an extra couple dollars. Start your search at 50cc and over,and if you know anybody with chainsaws try some out cutting wood.

I probably have to agree. For larger stuff I use my old Mac 610 60cc.

 

[reccutter]

Btw, I got my echo cs440 as a lightly used return/reman($149). Just noticed you drug this old post up, Wonder what the OP chose?

 

[olyeller]

Used Makita 6401

Go hunting around Home Depots for a used but clean Makita 6401. Get it without a bar and chain; should run you about $200 or maybe less. Get a good bar and chain from Bailey's and you're in business for years to come. Later, you can upgrade it to 79cc with an OEM piston and cylinder for about $200. Do an AS search on this topic and you'll see why this is a popular idea. I don't need any more saws, but I'm still haunting H-Ds to find that good deal.

Olyeller

 

[angelo c]

For my $250 it would be a Home Depot used Makita 6401 and a new chain/bar for it. no better bargain available for such a trusty piece of machinery.

 

[Diesel Pro]

I posted a link MS290 for $200 on the craigs list thread. I have no idea the value is etc.

 

[BloodOnTheIce]

New your going to have a hard time finding something with enough power to properly do the job for 250$. The cheapest new saw that would work is the MS290 at 370$, or one the Husqvarna Rancher models. Used for 250$ you could get a nice Stihl 034 which would do the job.

 

[jd548esco72]

there is a very nice/ like new looking dolmar 540 for $225 on the tradeing post TODAY. if i wasn't stihl poor i and needed a saw i would get it.

on a new saw the best you can do will be cough up another $49 and get that cub-cadet for $299 from amazon if you can wait a few weeks cause i think their back ordered.

every once in a a while you find some great deals on used pro saws like the home depot makita 6401. i have been trying hard to get one but our HDs don't seem to turn over their saws very often.

i bought a very clean stihl 440 from a dealer last week for a near give away price. after a little tune up she runs like a new one.

there are some good deals around. with a little cash in hand you might find a keeper.:greenchainsaw:

 

[PIGPEN]

I had good luck on craigslist my ms390 bought for $275 runs great and my ms290 for $200. So far i had good luck on craigslist. I just missed a ms290 with blown motor $40. bucks