Surely an excellent choice for a fellow starting a "tree service". Although to be honest I would seriously look in another direction.
You will have to decide what you want beforehand or else you will make many trips to the store which will cost you more than a good plan from the beginning.
1. What saws do you need. Usually there should be 20cc difference between your saws so that the power is spread over a wider area.
a. Tophandle saw 25-35cc
b. Medium size saw 40-50cc
c. Large size saw 60-70cc
2. Do you want new or used?
Many excellent saws are out there. Usually a little older models but the price is usually 1/2 what you pay for a new saw. If you are a little handy everything can be repaired. You can also mix used and new saws. F.e. large saws, if not used in a mill, live usually a nice life. There isn't so much wood out there that they are run 24/7. Medium saws (50cc class) are the main workhorses out there. They get run
alot! so it might be wiser to buy something like that new.
3. Do you want a special brand?
You mentioned Stihl. But the major brands are major for a reason. They have proved themselves over time. The typical recomendation is to get what is local because you need spare parts. Well new saws, of proven design, very seldom break/ have problems. And then usually from the beginning or from accidents. So over the life of a tool besides chains, bars and sprokets very little is ever needed! These parts you can get anywhere.
The major brands would be:
Dolmar=Makita, Echo=Shindaiwa, Emak=Efco=Oleo Mac, Hitachi=Tanka, Husqvarna=Jonsered, Solo=Cub Cadet(the older models), Stihl
Mixing brands is no problem at all!
4. Pro or semi pro/farmer models
The difference in these two classes are typically the following
A.to the disadvantage of the semi pro/farmer class
a. Weight
b. Responsivness (this can usually be easily overcome with what is generally known as muffler mod =MM and a carb retune)
c. Split case or clamshell
d. Prestige! This is a rather sensitive field where groups gang together and attack the others product. If you can take the toll then you don't have to worry that you might have a less prestiges product.
B. to the disadvantage of the pro class
a. Price
b. used replacement parts can usually be found easily on the bay etc.
Many comanies buy the semi pro/farmer class and cut a humongous amount of wood before replacement. They have earned their price a long time ago.
What would I recomend?
1. The new Echo CS 355T is getting fantastic reviews by guys, with obviously long term experience, out there in the field!
2. A medium saw Dolmar 5105, Echo 590(60 cc saw, price wise in the 50cc class!), Efco 156/165, Husqvarna 545/346xp/555, Solo 656, Stihl 261
The efco can be had on the bay for 500;-/550;-!!!! Here is a 3 year follow up!
http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/98760.htm
The 165 should be right behind a 362 nipping at it's heels after break in!
Get whatever model you like they will all make you happy. Top of the line now are the husqvarna 550xp models.
3. A used 70cc model. Dolmar 6400/7900, Stihl 044/440, Husqvarna 372XP are available everywhere out there. Just check it thoroughly to be sure it is sound. You can surely find excellent used models here on this site and chances are, with long time members, that you will get an excellent deal! (ask nmurph, he usually has some larger stuff lying around
)
4. A el cheapo ~40cc saw. Poulan pro/wildthing etc. Actually good quality saw for very little money that can be found used very cheap. Saws can get borrowed, stuck, broke, lost, stolen, etc. This thing will keep you going in such an event.
And if your business prospers you can still buy everything new!
Good luck!
7
. Couple questions....
