nzjkb5
ArboristSite Lurker
Hello everybody, I see all kinds of threads on here about Husky vs. Stihl vs. the rest (Dolmar, Echo, Johnsered, Shindaiwa, etc.), but almost all of the posts are recommending saws that are out of my price range.
A month ago I started looking at saws, with the idea of getting one that was just one or two steps up from the cheapest thing you could buy. I planned on getting something for less than $150. However, I completely understand that you get what you pay for (my toolbox is full of Snap-On and Mac hand tools), but I am on a budget. Doing some research on the internet and talking to people, I decided that I would be better off spending a little more and getting a saw that I could depend on and that would last.
I am a homeowner with only about one acre of land (1/3 of it is trees), I do not use wood for heat, and the saw will only see occasional use. I am looking for a general, all-around use saw with a 16" bar.
I am considering an Ebay Echo CS-346 (really light and less than $200 w/shipping, but no warranty), an online Husky 345e ($270 with 2 extra chains, but the nearest service center is 20 miles away), or the Stihl MS230 ($305 w/tax at my local dealer, only 3 miles away and open on Saturdays!)
I am not sure what way to go. I want a saw that will be reliable and will last me a long time, but I can't justify spending $600 on a Stihl MS361 which seems to be the favorite here. I really am stuck at a $300 limit, too, I just can't spend more than that (ok, $305 for the Stihl.)
What do you suggest in this price range? Thanks1
-Keith
A month ago I started looking at saws, with the idea of getting one that was just one or two steps up from the cheapest thing you could buy. I planned on getting something for less than $150. However, I completely understand that you get what you pay for (my toolbox is full of Snap-On and Mac hand tools), but I am on a budget. Doing some research on the internet and talking to people, I decided that I would be better off spending a little more and getting a saw that I could depend on and that would last.
I am a homeowner with only about one acre of land (1/3 of it is trees), I do not use wood for heat, and the saw will only see occasional use. I am looking for a general, all-around use saw with a 16" bar.
I am considering an Ebay Echo CS-346 (really light and less than $200 w/shipping, but no warranty), an online Husky 345e ($270 with 2 extra chains, but the nearest service center is 20 miles away), or the Stihl MS230 ($305 w/tax at my local dealer, only 3 miles away and open on Saturdays!)
I am not sure what way to go. I want a saw that will be reliable and will last me a long time, but I can't justify spending $600 on a Stihl MS361 which seems to be the favorite here. I really am stuck at a $300 limit, too, I just can't spend more than that (ok, $305 for the Stihl.)
What do you suggest in this price range? Thanks1
-Keith