CptMoonlight
ArboristSite Lurker
So, I grew up on 40 acres of land and helped my dad run a chainsaw when I was much, much younger (12-14 years old, I am now 37). We did some basic stuff, but mostly cutting smaller trees and firewood. I cannot even tell you what kind of saw we had, it was that long ago. I haven't had any need for a chainsaw since then.
Fast forward to the present, and I am now in 15 heavily wooded acres of mostly oak and hickory trees. I will need to do some clearing (approx. 2-3 acres) and will be cutting firewood for myself and possibly some neighbors as I've had permission to cut as much wood as I'd like from fallen trees in a nearby orchard. I have no idea how much I'll be cutting.
I've done research over the past couple of years, and have scoured this forum. I doubt I will be cutting anything more than 20-24 inches (the largest being downed trees in the orchard), and most of what I will be cutting will be in the 10-20 inch range on my property.
I really want to be smart about this and not get a saw that is too big for a new user. I am healthy and fit, but I know chainsaws aren't your normal everyday, "I'm a guy, I can handle it" type of tool. I used my neighbor's MS 170 for about two hours the other day, and I know I need more saw than that. I've been looking at used Husky 51's and 55's, a 261, as well as some Stihl 025's and 026's. I want to be as safe as possible, because I'm the sole bread winner and injury while cutting would be extremely damaging to my family.
Thanks for your time.
Fast forward to the present, and I am now in 15 heavily wooded acres of mostly oak and hickory trees. I will need to do some clearing (approx. 2-3 acres) and will be cutting firewood for myself and possibly some neighbors as I've had permission to cut as much wood as I'd like from fallen trees in a nearby orchard. I have no idea how much I'll be cutting.
I've done research over the past couple of years, and have scoured this forum. I doubt I will be cutting anything more than 20-24 inches (the largest being downed trees in the orchard), and most of what I will be cutting will be in the 10-20 inch range on my property.
I really want to be smart about this and not get a saw that is too big for a new user. I am healthy and fit, but I know chainsaws aren't your normal everyday, "I'm a guy, I can handle it" type of tool. I used my neighbor's MS 170 for about two hours the other day, and I know I need more saw than that. I've been looking at used Husky 51's and 55's, a 261, as well as some Stihl 025's and 026's. I want to be as safe as possible, because I'm the sole bread winner and injury while cutting would be extremely damaging to my family.
Thanks for your time.