Best "value" saws. Post opinions here

[GeorgiaVol]

I have read several discussions at different price points, but sometimes it's difficult for someone in the market for a saw to find what is the best value for a saw for xxx dollars. And users have varying differences in experience in maintaining and repairing the equipment. So I would like opinions on what you would consider a great value for a saw at any given price. I would like to offer that the Poulan Pro 5020AV for a new saw at roughly $180 is a rock solid, entry level firewood saw for the non-professional. I had mine for over 4 years and was quite a novice when I got it. And even with my lack of experience, this saw did not let me down. My only issues were dull chains, dirty air filters, and a slight retune after 2 years.

 

[computeruser]

For someone needing to run a 20-24" bar, the Husqvarna 66-266-268-272 family remains a stellar bargain, with ugly-but-runs-great examples available for $200, and really pretty ones available for $300-400. That is a lot of saw for the money, any way you play it.

 

[Khntr85]

The ms250 is a decent model for the average firewood guy..... however I hear there are other brands now for the same amount that are better built...

 

[GeorgiaVol]

Much has been said for the Echo CS590 for being a great saw for $360-400. I hope to get one next year at the Echo sale.

 

[mopar969]

For me, other than the 5020 that you mentioned, I think the key thing to get the most bang for your buck is to buy used, well taken care of saws. You can get great saws that can pull up to 24 inch bars for under $200 if bought this way.

Unless your question means what is the best bang for the buck new saw?

 

[GeorgiaVol]

Used saws are by far the best value for experienced users that know how to maintain and/or repair saws. A novice that has never opened an air filter will probably be better off with a new properly set up saw.

 

[GeorgiaVol]

All my best values cost no more than a carb kit and some fuel line. But you have to be willing to do the repairs.

 

[mopar969]

If I was a new user and never ever touched a saw before. Then I would get a 14 inch refurbished poulan 3314 (which is really 42cc's) from vminovations for $70. The saw is cheap and has decent power for an average homeowner and if you blow it up from trying to learn how to tune it all you need is another $70 and now you have a parts saw for a total of $140 for both.

 

[GeorgiaVol]

I do like those 42cc. Poulans. I had the 260 and 262. With a 16" bar they had a real nice power to weight ratio.

 

[GeorgiaVol]

I don't like the new ones so much. They are more complicated and harder to work on. Feel cheaply made too

 

[redheadwoodshed]

I like the Poulans I pick out of the dump with the rotted fuel lines.

 

[alderman]

I would opt for something with a 18"-20" bar. I've got saws with longer or shorter bars but still do most of my cutting with a 20" bar.
I've gotten smoking deals on running Shindaiwa saws but the lack of dealers may discount this as being good for a new user.


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[cus_deluxe]

Ill throw the husky 55/51 saws out there. A couple very simple issues to check, with plentiful cheap parts available, and very reliable platform, excellent firewood getter with an 18" bar. Ive bought and sold several very nice 55's for $150-175 or so, when clapped out ms290's are listed on craiglist for $350....

 

[cus_deluxe]

Also a very easy saw to muff mod and gain a little power.

 

[mopar969]

Was the 55 husky made by electrolux like all poulans macs etc.... I can't remember now??

 

[cus_deluxe]

Nope.

 

[cus_deluxe]

I think thats a misconception, that electrolux ever made huskys. I think electrolux bought husqvarna in the 70's or something but 51/55's are as much husky as any other, and certainly more than the newer plastic homeowner garbage.

 

[GeorgiaVol]

I am fixing a husky 45 and let me tell you, that saw has to be one of the worst they have made. What were they thinking?

 

[grack]

Used Homelite 2 the 60cc auto with the vague attempt at a muffler i buy everyone i can good power and torque. New echo 490 and 590 they are hard to beat 300.00 each shipped from the bay.

 

[FishNJ]

HD rental Makita 6401/6421 around $200


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