Chainsaw advice I need a new one

[kgriff]

I can spend up to/about $400- $450 on a new saw. My last one was a husky 51 Ive had it for years bought it new it has always seemed underpowered and I cant seem to get the chain to quit tightening on its own, I am done with it. For a new saw I dont care what brand and I will only use it for cutting firewood.

 

[LarryRFL]

Efco 152

 

[HuskStihl]

Welcome! questions,
1)how much will you be using the saw
2) what size and type of wood will you primarily be cutting
3) how comfortable are you working on/repairing saws?

I can give you some decent recs with that information

 

[kgriff]

Welcome! questions,
1)how much will you be using the saw
2) what size and type of wood will you primarily be cutting
3) how comfortable are you working on/repairing saws?

I can give you some decent recs with that information

1) I probably go through 10 pick up truck loads plus some cutting maintenance on about 15 acres per year.
2) Wood left after logging last summer my guess is 20" diameter and less
3) Not expiernced on chinsaws, other than the husky chain issue I cant resolve. I am mechinically inclined to some extent.

 

[Philip Wheelock]

1) I probably go through 10 pick up truck loads plus some cutting maintenance on about 15 acres per year.
2) Wood left after logging last summer my guess is 20" diameter and less
3) Not expiernced on chinsaws, other than the husky chain issue I cant resolve. I am mechinically inclined to some extent.

If you have a good Dolmar dealer near you, the Dolmar PS-5105 might be worth looking at. More power than comparably-priced new Stihl and Husky saws and reasonably light. I spied a low-hour Stihl MS361 locally on CL for $425; also picked up a low-hour MS440 this week for $400 (got lucky), so if you're willing to consider used, a pro-level 60 or 70cc saw can fall within your budget.

 

[exSW]

You need to be researching local dealers first,then saws.

 

[zogger]

the drive sprocket and/or bar tip sprocket could be worn out. that will goober your adjustment I bet...Also if it doesnt oil correctly it will drag and cause excess friction and make it seem underpowered. then once the chain has been excessively heated, it will never take a good sharpening and last very long, again, making it not cut well and giving the appearance the saw is underpowered.

I bet you have cheaper repairable problems not necessitating a new saw. Although I understand just wanting a new saw.

The only advice I have on purchasing a new one is, Id rather have a used pro grade saw in good shape over a new, but homeowner class, saw, given the same exact money spent.

 

[Philip Wheelock]

...Id rather have a used pro grade saw in good shape over a new, but homeowner class, saw, given the same exact money spent.

:agree2:

 

[rmh3481]

Echo cs-600p. New in box off that friendly auction site for $400 shipped...

 

[lumberjack48]

If you run in to a 034 Super, don't pass it up, they are a very good saw.

About the only think that will cause the chain to tighten on it own is lack of oil, and also make it feel under powered.

 

[HuskStihl]

1) I probably go through 10 pick up truck loads plus some cutting maintenance on about 15 acres per year.
2) Wood left after logging last summer my guess is 20" diameter and less
3) Not expiernced on chinsaws, other than the husky chain issue I cant resolve. I am mechinically inclined to some extent.

Based upon that you'll do we'll with a husky 460 or stihl ms310. Either will be more than enough saw for ur needs and last for at least a decade if given decent gas. If you don't have repair experience, and especially if you don't want to get repair experience don't buy used. I have had my used pro saw apart 4 times in the last 3 years, and have never done anything other than oil and gas during the same timeframe with my homeowner husky. Luckily I love pro saws and enjoy working on them. My 2 cents

 

[sarge3604]

If you run in to a 034 Super, don't pass it up, they are a very good saw.

About the only think that will cause the chain to tighten on it own is lack of oil, and also make it feel under powered.

or a regular 034 got one i can cut anything that a 20 inch bar can reach would be a great saw for you or an 026 and i paid 150 running great and clean for the 034 bar and chain just were not very good

 

[northwoods18]

:agree2:

make that a double!!

 

[northwoods18]

a husky 359 or 357xp can be had well within your price range and are great saws

 

[kgriff]

I am going to buy something new just for the warrentee and the fact I don't know chainsaws well enough to tell if I am getting a deal or buying junk with a used one. The 51 problem could be the oiling but I dont like to admit that it took a flying trip trough the woods the last time out... I dont care to work on it anymore. Unless I find a great deal on a husky I will not be looking at them real hard. I checkd out what I have for dealers in my area and it looks like I have most of them except Dolmar.Stihl has the most dealers. I really seem to lean towards the efco and am considering the stihl and echo. I think the efco and the echo have a 5 year warrentee and stihl has a 1 year. So at this point I need figure what is in my price range (using the suggestions given thanks). I believe TSC is selling jred now if that is another option.

 

[mattaggie]

Not my favorite saw, but for something new in your price range, Farm Boss MS290 for $399. For a few more dollars you can get a MS271. It has better anti-vibration and is lighter. Both are can run 20" bars and are considered "Farm and Ranch" saws, not professional. 290 gets trashed alot on here, but there are many happy customers who think its the greatest saw in the world. If money were not object, Id tell you to get a MS362.

 

[kgriff]

What is the issue with the 290? Spec wise it looks good 3.8 hp 56.5cc.. and $400.. I think the 310 isnt much more. Compairing the Echo the closest price wise is the cs-450 45 cc no hp specs and $379, compairing the Efco 152 51.7 cc 3.4 hp at $400. Next step up in the Efco is the 156 56.5 cc 4.1 hp which sound great but its $500.

 

[kgriff]

And the Jonsered CS2255 is $400 55cc and 3.5 hp so its also on the list of maybe.

 

[Ironworker]

Don't be afraid to go over your budget, in a couple of years you won't even remember what you spent but glad you did, plenty of good pro saws out there under $600.

 

[RiverRocket]

I know it's a little over your budget, But for all the more cutting you do.. Buy a Stihl 362 or Husky 562 with a 20"Bar and you'll have an awesome Firewood saw that will last you the rest of you life as long as you don't through it down through the woods :hmm3grin2orange: