Need help choosing chainsaw.

[joed]

I'm going to purchase my first ever chainsaw. It's only for occasional use...about 3-4 times per year. It would only be used to cut down small trees (typical suburan homes) that I sometimes get asked to do for my lawn maintenance clients. I've narrowed my choices down to:

1. Stihl MS180: $330

2. Husqvarna 440: $390

3. Husqvarna 445: $419

4. Stihl MS250: $430

All come with a case, dvd, hat and extra chain.
I have a budget of $500 to spend (including tax). All prices are Canadian.

Any advice as to which one would be best investment.

 

[Hlakegollum]

Why not just rent for those few times a year. It going to be sitting around a lot. I would think run once a month if you do get one.

 

[joed]

Why not just rent for those few times a year. It going to be sitting around a lot. I would think run once a month if you do get one.

Good point. That's what I've done for the past 5 years. This year, I rented 4 times. Cost me $40 each time plus going to and from the rental shop. So, I figured I may as well go with a entry-level homeowner saw and save time and money in the long run.


Any advice or recommendations for the saws I'm looking at?

 

[Hlakegollum]

I would look at an 026, I don't really know about the homeowner saws.

 

[blsnelling]

I would look at an 026.

Not for $500 Canadian!

 

[rms61moparman]

I'm going to purchase my first ever chainsaw. It's only for occasional use...about 3-4 times per year. It would only be used to cut down small trees (typical suburan homes) that I sometimes get asked to do for my lawn maintenance clients. I've narrowed my choices down to:

1. Stihl MS180: $330

2. Husqvarna 440: $390

3. Husqvarna 445: $419

4. Stihl MS250: $430

All come with a case, dvd, hat and extra chain.
I have a budget of $500 to spend (including tax). All prices are Canadian.



Any advice as to which one would be best investment.

Joed,

I know saws are higher upthere but $330.00 for a 180?????

My buddy got his for around $230.00 out the door....

 

[stihlboy]

to be honest if you arent really using this saw much i would get a wildthing because at its price you will get a pretty good saw if you maintain it properly i can get a wildthing for under $120 brand new then you still have $380 dollars to play with. just my opinion

 

[Bowtie]

The 180 isnt a bad little saw for small trees. If its over 12" or so you would probably want a bigger saw. If you only use it a few times a year it should last a long time. The big thing is to make sure you keep the filters clean, and dont store it with gas in it as mix gas goes bad after a few months.

 

[epicklein22]

Might want to look for a Ryobi "redmax". Do a search for Ryobi. Buying a used saw would be your best bet. Try your local paper and Craigslist. Those new prices are high. Check the trading post for saws also.

 

[Zodiac45]

You could get a very nice saw for $500 CND. Dolmar 5100s. Last you a lifetime and no need to upgrade down the road.

 

[joed]

The 180 isn't a bad little saw for small trees. If its over 12" or so you would probably want a bigger saw.

I was looking at this saw. I like it but I thought it would be a bit too small. That's why I'm looking to get something a bit bigger.

I know saws are higher upthere but $330.00 for a 180?????

Yes they are expensive. That price is also a special fall price. Usually they're higher. Welcome to Canada.

I would look at an 026

Would love this saw but it's $599 Canadian + tax. It would end up close to $700. That's too much to spend for a saw that will see such little use.

I'm leaning toward either the husqvarna 440 or 445. Does anyone have any feed back for these saws?

 

[banjobart]

I ran a 025 with 18" bar for years and cut a huge amount of wood with it. If the chain is sharp the saw will cut 16" oak easily.

Then I got a 029 but replaced it with a lighter 026 after I wrecked my back.

I would rather cut with a 025 and a sharp chain than lug around a 029 with a duller chain. I still have a backup 025, the best deal out there for homeowners.

Open up the mufflers a bit. It really makes a difference on my 026.

 

[Jacob J.]

I ran a 025 with 18" bar for years and cut a huge amount of wood with it. If the chain is sharp the saw will cut 16" oak easily.

Then I got a 029 but replaced it with a lighter 026 after I wrecked my back.

I would rather cut with a 025 and a sharp chain than lug around a 029 with a duller chain. I still have a backup 025, the best deal out there for homeowners.

Open up the mufflers a bit. It really makes a difference on my 026.

The 025 is a good little saw, and it has a surprising amount of power for its size/weight/design.

Joe you could also consider finding a lightly used saw in that size class. I'm sure there's a few members here that have sub-50cc saws for a decent price.

 

[trouba]

Get an ECHO!! great value for your money US or Canadian.

 

[Just Mow]

Yeah Get the ECHO
It's a good little HOMEOWNER saw




Don't buy Echo, they really suk

 

[gonecountry]

kijiji

Joed try kijiji in your area for a good used saw, I found my saw on kijiji and it was never used but was way less than a new one. I just searched your area and found this in less than 2 minutes


038 super $400 http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-tools-equipment-stihl-038-super-chainsaw-W0QQAdIdZ90122348 not a homeowner saw by no means but just a good example


http://toronto.kijiji.ca/f-chainsaw-Classifieds-W0QQisSearchFormZtrueQQCatIdZ0QQKeywordZchainsaw

 

[Evanrude]

AS is going to hate me for this...

How about a MS290? Get it fitted with an 18" bar. Dont know how they're priced in CA. Good strong running saw. Sure they're a little heavy, but basically bulletproof. Pretty much any saw will last quite a long time if proper maintenance is taken and keeping fresh gas in it.

 

[Octane]

Id go with the MS250. If you are only going to have 1 saw, its a good all-around saw.
The 180 is a good little saw, but its too small to be a do-everything saw.

 

[gonecountry]

AS is going to hate me for this...

How about a MS290? Get it fitted with an 18" bar. Dont know how they're priced in CA. Good strong running saw. Sure they're a little heavy, but basically bulletproof. Pretty much any saw will last quite a long time if proper maintenance is taken and keeping fresh gas in it.

The 290 is only 20 bucks more before taxes than the 250

 

[1982Husqvarna]

I personaly would stay away from stihl. I have been around some of the older ones and some of the newer ones, there is no comparison. the newer ones are sub par. My advice is to look into a nice Husky. I have found that if you plan on using a saw 5 times a year, you might as well tripple the amount you think you will use it. b/c when friends find out you have a saw you become a better friend, if you know what i mean. i would recomend a Husqvarna 345, 350, or 359, i have had a 359 for about 5 years and use a lot. Nothing done to it other than usual maitnence. Buy a husky you won't regret it.