Looking for some feedback for the best chainsaw in my budget

[rygar]

What are your suggestions?

I am looking to buck through around 5 cords of wood a year. My budget is $300 give or take a $20.

So far this is what i am thinking, any suggestions would be awesome:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_498940-8688...L=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

OR

http://knightsinc.stihldealer.net/products/chain-saws/homeowner-saws/ms251/

 

[Poindexter]

Thankfully you are only looking for five cords annually. If you were cutting more I would say (and will say anyway) you'll have a lot more options if you can squeak your budget up to $450.

But at or near $300 the Dolmar PS32c is supposed to be a really really good saw. Don't personally own one.

http://www.dolmar.com/productcatalog/chain_saws_gasoline/ps-32_c/index.html

Best of luck and don't forget chaps and a helmet and hearing protection...

 

[KenJax Tree]

Dolmar 421 $329 including shipping with a free case. I got one a couple months ago.
http://www.equipatron.com/dolmar-chain-saw-ps-421.html




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[rygar]

will a 16" bar be long enough?

 

[KenJax Tree]

I just saw you were from AK so you can't get free shipping but i would see how much shipping is.

It depends on how big the wood you cut is.


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[Nosmo]

Never have owned either a Husqvarna or Dolmar but I have at one time owned a Stihl MS 250. Good saw for what you want to do. The first Dolmar recommended is only 32 cc the last one is around 45CC.

If you do buy the Stihl I would put a 16" bar on it instead of the 18".

 

[KenJax Tree]

Nevermind me!! The guy above me that posted is from AK.......long day


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[Sawyer Rob]

Shouldn't this be in the chainsaw forum?? That's where the best answers to this question will come from...

SR

 

[stumpy75]

opcorn:

 

[zogger]

If you could go to 4 bills, there's a 371xp rebuilt in the tradin post

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/forums/tradin-post.132/

Or for the same 4 bills, an echo timberwolf 590 brand new at the dealers or home despot

Or you can ask site sponsor terry, tell him what you got to spend, see what he has

http://wickedworksaw.com/stocksaws.htm

 

[flotek]

Probably dollar for dollar your best bet is a ms250 . Not that great but will get job done and it's durable but in that price range it's slim Pickens or only small limb saws with short bars . A box store econo saw is going to be worth 50$ After a season . The stihl is made in America and will hold it's value for next year when you want to trade up for a bigger better unit. . I'd recommend huskys *at that time* but not the box store ones . 5 cords a year is enough wood to be worthy of putting a good investment into a 5-600 dollar saw like a 550xp you'll blaze through faster better and easier with the right equipment

 

[Samcronkite]

We have several Stihl 025/250 that I use at work for ground saws. They have a good power to weight ratio, and they take a beating. Some of the saw that get run every day are 6-8 years old.

 

[Cheesecutter]

Personally if I'm cutting less than 6 in diameter wood I use a 50cc saw, 5-12" I use a 60 cc saw and 12 on up I use 70cc. I would think if you could find a 60cc saw like a husky 359 you would be happy with it.

 

[Joesell]

Why not get a used 260 off the trading post? Seems like 1 or more are always popping up. You could use it for a year or more and sell it for the same price. By then you'll know more about saws and hopefully have a few more dollars to put towards a different saw.

The very last thing I'd do it buy a new saw. It'll take a huge hit on depreciation, and you're just learning anyway. Ask anyone around here. By next year you'll probably have a list of saws you can't live without.

 

[mainewoods]

Whatever you choose it would be in your best interest to buy from a local dealer if you have one close by. He will work on a saw you purchased from him, quicker than one bought from a box store, in most cases. There are many homeowner saws that would be fine, for the small amount of wood you are talking about, in Husqvarna, Stihl and Dolmar. A sharp chain and good 2 cycle oil, mixed correctly, are critical if you want your saw to last, whether homeowner or pro model.

 

[513yj]

I cut a little more than that every year with my Stihl 025 so I'd imagine the 250 should serve you well. The only things done to it is a carb with both adjustments and an 18" bar. I cut almost everything with this thing and it rips through wood with the rsc chain fast and with ease. As some others said look over on the tradin post, there is an 026 there for 200 bucks. I'd like to grab it up myself but my wife might call the people in the white suits if I bring another chainsaw home.

 

[ttyR2]

I've only bought used saws and have had great success. Stihl 026, 036, and an 046. I hate to say it, but since the 046 showed up, it gets used the most even for smallish wood. Just can't let go of that power!

 

[Joesell]

I've only bought used saws and have had great success. Stihl 026, 036, and an 046. I hate to say it, but since the 046 showed up, it gets used the most even for smallish wood. Just can't let go of that power!

Except for my limber, my 460 is my small saw too. It makes bucking rounds fun!

 

[HuskStihl]

I've owned a 445 for 4 years, and it has been surprisingly good. You'd want a 16" with any of these saws if available. Ditching he safety chain that comes with it and putting on a chisel/semi-chisel of u'r choice makes a big difference

 

[flotek]

But The safety chain is good if your just learning especially limbing that's where you'll get kickbacks also make some room in that budget for a pair of chaps . Chaps can be bought for 50$ on eBay or tsc and are a lot cheaper than prosthetic legs