Buy small trim saw
Stoped by the local hardware store (family owned store not big box store) for some bolts and wandered by the chainsaw display I picked up the 445 and it felt great and well balanced, now for the big BUT, it only has one bar stud and nut
. My 30yo homelite has one nut ant I have never been able to keep the chain tight. I was ready to purchase this saw but thought this was a little cheesy? Do any of you think this would be a problem on this saw or am I worrying about nothing? Or does anyone have any other recomendations in this size saw?
Hi,
I have sold hundreds of small echo saws when I was in the biz. I have used almost exclusively echo saws the past 12 years (tree buiseness). In my opinion, there is no other saw in the 30cc to 35cc size with the top handle (can be used one handed) that will compare when the value of the saw is of importance. A comparable saw in Stihl is $500.
One common thing in limbing and climbing overlooked is the ease of starting the saw. Many times you must get in a position to cut that does not allow you to pull the rope far. Echo is known for its easy starting.
The plastic is superior. I have dropped many echos from many trees. You can break them, but it takes quite a blow.
I purchase new or used echos in the 30cc to 34cc size made before the new design. The new design is good, but now echo is gearing to meet fuel standards and in doing so, the carburetion is way off and you would probably need a "guru" to modify it or set it properly. My favorite is the CS3400. Good power, easy starting, long life (expect 2000hrs plus), relatively easy to work on, bars and chains match poulan, 300 psi oiler, balanced engine (low vibration), and on and on.
Expect to pay about $200 on ebay for a new or good used 3400. The cs3450 is the identical saw, but has a different handle requiring 2 hands to operate safely.
To balance it perfectly for limbing, use the short 12" bar.
Good luck,
echoman