Newbie - Need help with choosing a ChainSaw

[aaarneson]

I am looking for something to take camping to cut up fallen trees and such. I don't need anything new. My budget is between 150-250. So Far I have looked into:

Echo 370 and 400
Husqvarna 445 and 435

Please any advise on a good machine would be great.

Thanks

 

[CentaurG2]

Most modern manufactures make a decent chainsaw but you are kinda scraping the bottom of the barrel at your pricing level. For less money and weight, consider a quality axe and a good hand saw. For the axe, I would shoot for a Snow and Nealley Hudson Bay. I never go far afield without one on my hip. For the handsaw, get a good quality bow saw with a replaceable blade. Combo should handle anything you come across for camping. No mix or oil required.

 

[o8f150]

echo 370

 

[VI sawguy]

Husq. 445

 

[aaarneson]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Husqvarna-445-1...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item483a052837

This is what I was looking at.

 

[Kenskip1]

For the price and warranty I would get it. I just purchased this same model saw.This would be a god camping companion but I would loose the 18 bar and replace it with a 16.Great anti vibe,good gas economy, and plenty of testosterone for a smaller cubic inch saw.If you get it I would take it to someone that has a special carburetor adjusting tool to rich en it up. I have reason to suspect this is why it has been reconditioned, Ken

 

[mo239]

I have a Jonsered 2141, think its now the 2240. I have a 16'' bar, plenty of power for most anything. I think I'd want to buy new, not reconditioned for a saw, full warranty is good. In my opinion for a smaller saw like the 445 I'd rather have a 16'' bar, I'm definetly far from an expert compared to most people here, but I believe with smaller saws its better to have a smaller bar, can still cut through stuff bigger than it, but doesn't overwhelm the smaller cc's.

 

[StihlyinEly]

. . . but I believe with smaller saws its better to have a smaller bar, can still cut through stuff bigger than it, but doesn't overwhelm the smaller cc's.

Right on. You can cut a LOT of bigger wood with a smaller saw if you have patience, and a shorter bar.

 

[billmartin]

Right on. You can cut a LOT of bigger wood with a smaller saw if you have patience, and a shorter bar.

:agree2:

 

[keith811]

The Husqvarna 435 and 445 are both very good saws. A good friend of mine has the 435. While not very powerful, it is very light. I have used it several times while helping him clear land for his new barn and think it would be a very good camping saw.

If you are just looking for something to use only for camping I would hit some local yard sales and auctions on the weekends. You could pick up a fairly nice home owner style saw in good running condition for $50 and some times less. If you want to go new though I would say the 435 or 445 would suite your needs just fine.

 

[aaarneson]

Thanks Guys

Anymore advice would be greatly appreciated.

Centaur
I was thinking of getting an Axe as well. Those look like really nice axes....do you have one of them? If so, which one. I was thinking of getting the one sided full size axe....not sure if I should get the 2.5 or 3.5 head though.

 

[warjohn]

I have a husky 353 available in your price range. PM me if you are interested

 

[aaarneson]

Sent Pm.

 

[aaarneson]

What are your guys' opinions on a husky 353?

 

[7sleeper]

What are your guys' opinions on a husky 353?

Great saw! Not the hot rod 346xp but just as reliable.

If the price is right buy it in a second!

7

 

[SawTroll]

What are your guys' opinions on a husky 353?

Very good saw, but not great.

Better than a MS260 Pro, even though it isn't marketed as a pro saw (and isn't - just close).

Used is used though.......

 

[aaarneson]

I have an opportunity for a used Hasqvarna 350 locally....are these good saws? If I go to look at it what should I look for to make sure it is OK.

Thanks

 

[Mastermind]

I have an opportunity for a used Hasqvarna 350 locally....are these good saws? If I go to look at it what should I look for to make sure it is OK.

Thanks

The 350 has some issues IMHO, for me to buy a used 350 it would have to be really cheap, because the very first thing I would do would be to tear it down and reseal the crankcase and change the intake boot clamp.

They are great running saws, just need a bit of tweaking.

A 353, from an Arborist Site member, no way could you go wrong. Just my 2 cents...

 

[aaarneson]

The 350 has some issues IMHO, for me to buy a used 350 it would have to be really cheap, because the very first thing I would do would be to tear it down and reseal the crankcase and change the intake boot clamp.

They are great running saws, just need a bit of tweaking.

A 353, from an Arborist Site member, no way could you go wrong. Just my 2 cents...

The 353 is owned by an Arborist Site member but was never used or worked on. He got it in a bulk sale/trade.

The 350 is going for 140.00.

I just want some thing that is easy and dependable.

 

[aaarneson]

Also what about the stihl 026 that is in the classifieds?