ut_volunteer
ArboristSite Lurker
First, let me apologize for being wordy but have lots of questions.
Trying to make a good decision for first saw purchase.
Had a Poulan hand-me -down when I lived in Florida.
Served me well during my first seven hurricanes.
Just recently purchased 17 acre mini-farm in middle Tn.
Large hill with 10 -12 acres pasture, most of the land is cleared except around the heavily tree'd perimeter.
The saw would be mostly used to cut low hanging branches which don't allow me to bushhog closer to the property edges. Need to clear Ford 3930 tractor canopy.There are a few downed trees/large limbs that need to be cut up before removal but very few. No bigger than 10-12" diameter. Lots of those "mock orange/devil wood" trees.
I have read tons of posts in this forum and consequently learned about importance of good dealer.
I have looked at mostly Stihl, Echo, Red Max and Husqvarna saws/polesaws.
There is a Dolmar dealer but fairly far away, have not visited.
There's dealers for all the others fairly close by.
Have read on various posts about high cost of Stihl parts but good availabilty.
Wondered if Echo 5 year warranty vs Stihl 1 year warranty and lower initial cost should override Stihl purchase.
The problem with chainsaws are:
1. Weight - long days of cutting perimeter branches, thought weight of chainsaw would need to be light.
2. Read where one should not cut above height of shoulders. Maybe drive my old Toyota Tacoma 4x4 as close as possible to edges and stand in bed of truck to cut limbs. Good idea?
The problem with with pole saws:
1. All seem to be fairly heavy, awkward.
2. Would require second saw although could borrow chainsaw for trees/large limbs, just hate to borrow.
Budget: Would like to stay below $500.
Note: Am really surprised at Ebay winning bid prices - seem very high on Stihl saws compared to new.
Appreciate your advice.
Trying to make a good decision for first saw purchase.
Had a Poulan hand-me -down when I lived in Florida.
Served me well during my first seven hurricanes.
Just recently purchased 17 acre mini-farm in middle Tn.
Large hill with 10 -12 acres pasture, most of the land is cleared except around the heavily tree'd perimeter.
The saw would be mostly used to cut low hanging branches which don't allow me to bushhog closer to the property edges. Need to clear Ford 3930 tractor canopy.There are a few downed trees/large limbs that need to be cut up before removal but very few. No bigger than 10-12" diameter. Lots of those "mock orange/devil wood" trees.
I have read tons of posts in this forum and consequently learned about importance of good dealer.
I have looked at mostly Stihl, Echo, Red Max and Husqvarna saws/polesaws.
There is a Dolmar dealer but fairly far away, have not visited.
There's dealers for all the others fairly close by.
Have read on various posts about high cost of Stihl parts but good availabilty.
Wondered if Echo 5 year warranty vs Stihl 1 year warranty and lower initial cost should override Stihl purchase.
The problem with chainsaws are:
1. Weight - long days of cutting perimeter branches, thought weight of chainsaw would need to be light.
2. Read where one should not cut above height of shoulders. Maybe drive my old Toyota Tacoma 4x4 as close as possible to edges and stand in bed of truck to cut limbs. Good idea?
The problem with with pole saws:
1. All seem to be fairly heavy, awkward.
2. Would require second saw although could borrow chainsaw for trees/large limbs, just hate to borrow.
Budget: Would like to stay below $500.
Note: Am really surprised at Ebay winning bid prices - seem very high on Stihl saws compared to new.
Appreciate your advice.
