Hi all. Reading the forum and days/weeks worth of Googling, I wanted to get some input specific to my situation. Any feedback is appreciated.
I just bought a new house, in the suburbs in MN that backs up to woods and about 1/4 to 1/2 acre of my lot is pretty heavily wooded. I am going to have to maintain the wooded portion of my lot which has some pretty large trees. I anticipate storm cleanup, general maintenance, wood cutting for my fire pit and fireplaces. I wont be using the saw a ton, but want something that is capable enough to do most of what might need to be done. I am looking for a well rounded saw.
I was looking in the ~50 cc range, thinking around 18" bar; though if you think I'm off base, please let me know.
I have been looking at Husq 450, 450 Rancher (...which the difference between the two I'm a little foggy on) and the 455 Rancher. Reading some other threads and forums, people in a similar position have been discussing the 450 as a lighter similar power to the 455. Reading reviews and feedback though the 450 gets a little hate sometimes and the 450 Rancher even more hate...where as the 455 Rancher seems to be more universally liked, though > 1 lb heavier. In the manufacturer wars, I have been seeing a tendency to side with Husq vs Stihl in the 50cc range though I wouldn't be opposed to a Stihl or any other brand (Echo, Dolmar, etc.) for that matter. I have no allegiance.
What would you recommend in the dreaded "homeowner" category of saws? I have a tendency to over buy my needs to get the better product, but I want to stay in the ~$400 or under range. More bang for the buck is always preferred. I am not very experienced with chainsaws, so keep that in mind as well.
Thanks for any guidance you can give.
I just bought a new house, in the suburbs in MN that backs up to woods and about 1/4 to 1/2 acre of my lot is pretty heavily wooded. I am going to have to maintain the wooded portion of my lot which has some pretty large trees. I anticipate storm cleanup, general maintenance, wood cutting for my fire pit and fireplaces. I wont be using the saw a ton, but want something that is capable enough to do most of what might need to be done. I am looking for a well rounded saw.
I was looking in the ~50 cc range, thinking around 18" bar; though if you think I'm off base, please let me know.
I have been looking at Husq 450, 450 Rancher (...which the difference between the two I'm a little foggy on) and the 455 Rancher. Reading some other threads and forums, people in a similar position have been discussing the 450 as a lighter similar power to the 455. Reading reviews and feedback though the 450 gets a little hate sometimes and the 450 Rancher even more hate...where as the 455 Rancher seems to be more universally liked, though > 1 lb heavier. In the manufacturer wars, I have been seeing a tendency to side with Husq vs Stihl in the 50cc range though I wouldn't be opposed to a Stihl or any other brand (Echo, Dolmar, etc.) for that matter. I have no allegiance.
What would you recommend in the dreaded "homeowner" category of saws? I have a tendency to over buy my needs to get the better product, but I want to stay in the ~$400 or under range. More bang for the buck is always preferred. I am not very experienced with chainsaws, so keep that in mind as well.
Thanks for any guidance you can give.