Small homeowner saw

[finnyct90]

Hello All,
Just found this site and I was glad to find the "Homeowner Helper".
I am looking for a small light saw for once in a while use. My background, Back in 1980 I came home from the army and could not find a job. I did find a guy who wanted some land cleared. I took my savings (about $2000.00) and bought a 63 F-600 dump and a brand new Jonsered 49sp. I cut, split and delivered a dump truck load 6 days a week for almost a year till I found a steady job. I still have the 49sp and an old blue XL12, as well as an old XL12 brush cutter. I guess what I'm saying is I can handle a saw.
Now at 50 years old, I am looking for a nice light saw for yard work. if I need to cut anything bigger than 8", I'm calling the local tree guy. I found a new Jonsered 2137...what do you think of this saw? I can buy this saw for less than $140.00 new in the box. I can't bring myself to go to sears or the big box store.

 

[md_tree_dood]

Stihl 280, more than you need but it will last forever.

 

[Brian VT]

Apparently that is the only J'red made here in the USA and not in Sweden.
It's rated as a hobby saw. It may do what you're asking it to but I doubt you'll believe that it's much more than a "Sears" type saw when you use it.
I'd almost rather buy that level saw from Sears because I know they'll stand behind it, at least for the duration of the warranty.
J'red makes some really good saws but you still only get what you pay for.
If it feels good to you, the seller will stand behind it, and you don't push it beyond what it's designed for, then buy it.

 

[Stihl here]

I know you said jonsered but Stihl has some nice light weight saws. Ms170,Ms180 might be a good option?

 

[Urbicide]

I love my 346XP NE. See if you can try one in some wood. Another little smoker would be a Dolmar 5100S. The Jimmy Carter years were tough. Interest rates were unbelievable and jobs hard to find. Almost forgot, welcome to AS.

 

[Urbicide]

Here is the Jonsered version of the Husqvarna 346XP NE, the CS-2153C Turbo:

http://tiltonequipment.com/html/chainsaws_91.htm :chainsawguy:

 

[nikocker]

Why Not?

First of all welcome to the site!

That little Jonny is basically the same as a Poulan Pro model available at the Box stores or the Husky 137-142. Having said that, there are those on this site that cringe at the mere mention of those saws. . . HOWEVER - - no saw is any better than the maintenance it receives and you sir, obviously know how to maintain a saw based on your long relationship with your Jonny 49sp.

I'd say for the great price that you can prurchase the 2137 for, and your intended use for that saw, I'd say GO FOR IT and never look back!

Heck if you listen to everyone on this site and depending on how long this thread runs - they'll have you owning a Stihl 660 or Husky 395 to cut small limbs in your back yard LOL!!

Good luck and again welcome to AS.

Al

 

[finnyct90]

Back in the day

Thanks for the replies. I know that there are a lot of real nice small saws out on the market. I did not know that Jonsered had got to re-stickering another manufactures saw but I can understand that they have to have something to compete with the cheap saws. I may look at the little sthil (only because they sell them over at the hardware store) but I don't think I'll find one as cheap (in price). If I have to do more than trim a couple branches, I can always fire up the old 49.
I found this old picture....shoot I wish I was 22 again...work all day..out on Saturday night...no big problems...life was simple...long as the truck started and I didn't get stuck.

 

[chainsaway]

Nikocker:agree2:
cheers alain

 

[Urbicide]

Jonsered is owned by Husqvarna these days. Besides the red & black color scheme verses orange, the primary difference is the angle of the handlebar. The Jonsered handlebar is perpendicular to the saw body and the Husqvarna handle has a slight angle to it. You need to handle both to determine what feels better in your hands.

 

[finnyct90]

how about shindaiwa 285S

Here is another I am looking at, Shindiawa 285S...it is really light. only trouble is it is twice as much $... (I know ya get what you pay for).
Anyone know anything about this saw?

 

[nikocker]

Husky 435!

If you're considering spending more than the $140 you initially were considering - - check out the new Husky 435. It has new X-torq 2.2 hp engine and weighs in at only 9.33 lbs.
They are selling for $249.

Al

 

[gilraine]

why not a used saw???? I saw a 026 in good condition for 150 bucks 2 weeks ago..admittedly its probably a little bigger than your looking for, but I have never bought a new chainsaw, gun or truck.. you money will go much farther, espcially when money is tight.. my 2 cents.

 

[johnha]

If you want a small occasional use saw go look at Echo.

I have a CS-346 that gets used only rarely, yet fires right up every time with no complaint. My other Echo equipment behaves the same way.

 

[minnnt]

I have a Stihl MS180 which i have had from new, about a month or so ago can't fault it, but as mentioned, i would look at used saws, the dealers in america seem to stock good used saws where as in the uk they don't... your money will go further, and if you buy a popular model like the 026 as mentioned in previous posts, then there will be plenty of threads and people to help you out, along with a shed load of spares available. they're about 48cc's and are classed as a pro saw so in theory should last you very well as long as they are maintained properly. HTH.

 

[limelakephoto]

If you want a small occasional use saw go look at Echo.

I have a CS-346 that gets used only rarely, yet fires right up every time with no complaint. My other Echo equipment behaves the same way.

Yep ! They are not a fussy machine at all. Great experience with mine.

 

[sawinredneck]

What are you wanting to do with this saw? What is the average size of wood?
I'm all for light, I get that. But I recomend buying one size bigger than you think you need for "just in case" times.
Really, for another hundred you could get the Stihl 180 with an 16" bar, nice and light, decent power and probably will be around to hand down to someone else.
I like the Husky 350, dropped now, but Jonsered makes a 2050 that is the same thing, around $350 with an 18" bar. Light, plenty of power and very durable. Great "all around saw" IMO.
I know many that have Echo's and LOVE them. I've handled them, I don't like them because of the "toyish" fell they have. I am always afraid of breaking them. Of course I feared that with the 350, so take that with a grain of salt.
I have said, and will again, find a dealer you like, so it's easy to get help and parts, then choose from the saws they sell. Brand means NOTHING without support.

Welcome to AS!

 

[TRI955]

Here is another I am looking at, Shindiawa 285S...it is really light. only trouble is it is twice as much $... (I know ya get what you pay for).
Anyone know anything about this saw?

Shindaiwa makes a great saw. I don't know about a 285s, but I have it's big brother, a 352s. Very nice saw and as you can tell, I like my Shindaiwa's!

 

[Octane]

Any saw in the 35cc range would make a good small, homeowner saw. Im personally partial to Stihl and Echo, but theres lots of good options on the market.
Ive got a Stihl 021 and its been a good little saw. Its great for limbing and bucking because its so light and easy to use. It only has a 16" bar though, so its not much of a felling saw and you cant really buck bigger logs with it.
Thats when the Echo CS-520 comes in handy.
You're probably going to find that a 35cc saw with a 16" bar isnt going to be enough to do everything you need. You're also going to want a saw that is at least 45-50cc for felling and bucking larger logs.

 

[NHCowboy]

Don't forget about the Pawn Shops. They love chainsaws!!

Heck if you listen to everyone on this site and depending on how long this thread runs - they'll have you owning a Stihl 660 or Husky 395 to cut small limbs in your back yard LOL!!

Oh shoot I think I messed up...
___________________
All for my 0.65 Acres of happiness...
Stihl 023
Stihl 660 Magnum <-As of 2 Jan 2009