Chainsaws - which ones are good or bad?
- Thread starter Loobed
- Start date
- Status
I would spend the extra money for a quality machine like Echo or Stihl. Even if it costs twice as much as a cheaper one, it'll last 10 times as long, so its actually cheaper in the long run. Not only that, but it'll be so much nicer to use. It'll start easier, have more power, have better ergonomics, etc. Worth every penny. I don't bother with cheap machines anymore.
Good thread. I will be in the market next year. Probably go with Echo. Not bc it is even as good as Stihl. But it sounds decent and I already have an Echo trimmer.
JHZR2
Staff member
My father has an echo (kiaritz or whatever the parent company is/was), made in Japan. Quality piece of equipment.
Looking at the Echos in HD, it seems that some are more consumer products, others are more heavy duty. I think the orange body, all metal, Japan-made ones are the best.
I have a small Stihl and it is great. But Id buy a good echo like my father has in an instant.
Looking at the Echos in HD, it seems that some are more consumer products, others are more heavy duty. I think the orange body, all metal, Japan-made ones are the best.
I have a small Stihl and it is great. But Id buy a good echo like my father has in an instant.
Originally Posted By: bigdreama
Stihl.
A former boss of mine who I hold in high regard used to say "the satisfaction of using a quality machine lasts much longer than the satisfaction of saving a few bucks".
Amen to that...
I like Stihl...and live near their HQ. That said, I've owned two Huskies...never wore them out (gave one away to my kid brother, who still uses it)...they continue to deliver great service, reliable, powerful, easy to use...Regardless of the brand, don't skimp on this tool...
Stihl.
A former boss of mine who I hold in high regard used to say "the satisfaction of using a quality machine lasts much longer than the satisfaction of saving a few bucks".
Amen to that...
I like Stihl...and live near their HQ. That said, I've owned two Huskies...never wore them out (gave one away to my kid brother, who still uses it)...they continue to deliver great service, reliable, powerful, easy to use...Regardless of the brand, don't skimp on this tool...
Last edited:
At work they use chainsaws very hard. They usually get Husqvarna or Stihl. Most like the Stihl a little better but some absolutly like the husky. It is almost like Ford v. Chevy.
I have a Stihl 032 I bought in the early eightes and it runs good. I had to redo the fuel lines a while ago. It doesn't get used much anymore. My go to saw around the house is a little Echo; starts, runs, no problems. Guys at work call it a keychain saw.
I think anything you get today will be better than a twenty year old Homelite unless you can still get a old McCullough.
I have a Stihl 032 I bought in the early eightes and it runs good. I had to redo the fuel lines a while ago. It doesn't get used much anymore. My go to saw around the house is a little Echo; starts, runs, no problems. Guys at work call it a keychain saw.
I think anything you get today will be better than a twenty year old Homelite unless you can still get a old McCullough.
Last edited:
Husqvarna, better by half!
Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
Husqvarna is riding on a great reputation from recent years past. but I no longer consider Husqvarna to be a quality brand. They are NOT Stihl tier...maybe not even Echo tier anymore.
Poulan is made by Husqvarna, so scratch that. Don't even think about Homelite or Ryobi. I have literally thrown nearly new ones in the trash before.
As I said above, the 346XP is generally regarded as the top 50cc saw. Not only is it not junk, it's a really high quality saw. Top tier. I don't know where you get your info, but Husky's "Pro" stuff is world class good.
Yes, Husky owns Poulan. However, the Poulan products don't share parts. As such, they are not the same at all. Nor are they built in the same plant.
Husqvarna is riding on a great reputation from recent years past. but I no longer consider Husqvarna to be a quality brand. They are NOT Stihl tier...maybe not even Echo tier anymore.
Poulan is made by Husqvarna, so scratch that. Don't even think about Homelite or Ryobi. I have literally thrown nearly new ones in the trash before.
As I said above, the 346XP is generally regarded as the top 50cc saw. Not only is it not junk, it's a really high quality saw. Top tier. I don't know where you get your info, but Husky's "Pro" stuff is world class good.
Yes, Husky owns Poulan. However, the Poulan products don't share parts. As such, they are not the same at all. Nor are they built in the same plant.
Originally Posted By: Cujet
Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
Husqvarna is riding on a great reputation from recent years past. but I no longer consider Husqvarna to be a quality brand. They are NOT Stihl tier...maybe not even Echo tier anymore.
Poulan is made by Husqvarna, so scratch that. Don't even think about Homelite or Ryobi. I have literally thrown nearly new ones in the trash before.
As I said above, the 346XP is generally regarded as the top 50cc saw. Not only is it not junk, it's a really high quality saw. Top tier. I don't know where you get your info, but Husky's "Pro" stuff is world class good.
Yes, Husky owns Poulan. However, the Poulan products don't share parts. As such, they are not the same at all. Nor are they built in the same plant.
My info comes from working in the repair industry. I handle chainsaws from most of the brands mentioned in this thread on an almost daily basis. I never called the beloved 346XP junk, but I will not buy a new Husqvarna product of any kind. If they work for you, by all means keep buying them. I cannot make the same recommendation personally.
Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
Husqvarna is riding on a great reputation from recent years past. but I no longer consider Husqvarna to be a quality brand. They are NOT Stihl tier...maybe not even Echo tier anymore.
Poulan is made by Husqvarna, so scratch that. Don't even think about Homelite or Ryobi. I have literally thrown nearly new ones in the trash before.
As I said above, the 346XP is generally regarded as the top 50cc saw. Not only is it not junk, it's a really high quality saw. Top tier. I don't know where you get your info, but Husky's "Pro" stuff is world class good.
Yes, Husky owns Poulan. However, the Poulan products don't share parts. As such, they are not the same at all. Nor are they built in the same plant.
My info comes from working in the repair industry. I handle chainsaws from most of the brands mentioned in this thread on an almost daily basis. I never called the beloved 346XP junk, but I will not buy a new Husqvarna product of any kind. If they work for you, by all means keep buying them. I cannot make the same recommendation personally.
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: Loobed
What chain saws are good, and which should I stay away from?
I had a Homelite 20 years ago that I really liked, but it got stolen. I would like to get one that is between 14-18", 2 stroke, and is around $150. I looked at some at the hardware store, but I wasn't impressed. Everything was plastic, and looked like it wouldn't last.I am fairly sure Husqvarna is out of my price range.
What's your intended usage? 3 hrs a year including cutting down the christmas tree? 30 hrs/year for the next 30 years?
If you look at the cheap saws, pay attention to the EPA emmsions sticker, it says how long the saw is certified to stay at its proper emmision level. I think this is a rough indicator of how long the saw will last. Some are 50hrs some are 300hrs. My FIL spit on a 50hr rated husky 141 and it lasted roughly 50hrs before it quit.
I plan on using it 1 or 2 times a year. No more than 10 hours a year. I want to use it for cutting fire wood when I go camping and clearing up some dead fallen trees off trails.
Originally Posted By: Loobed
What chain saws are good, and which should I stay away from?
I had a Homelite 20 years ago that I really liked, but it got stolen. I would like to get one that is between 14-18", 2 stroke, and is around $150. I looked at some at the hardware store, but I wasn't impressed. Everything was plastic, and looked like it wouldn't last.I am fairly sure Husqvarna is out of my price range.
What's your intended usage? 3 hrs a year including cutting down the christmas tree? 30 hrs/year for the next 30 years?
If you look at the cheap saws, pay attention to the EPA emmsions sticker, it says how long the saw is certified to stay at its proper emmision level. I think this is a rough indicator of how long the saw will last. Some are 50hrs some are 300hrs. My FIL spit on a 50hr rated husky 141 and it lasted roughly 50hrs before it quit.
I plan on using it 1 or 2 times a year. No more than 10 hours a year. I want to use it for cutting fire wood when I go camping and clearing up some dead fallen trees off trails.
Originally Posted By: OldCowboy
Stihl, Husqvarna, and Echo will outlast a cheap saw bought at Home Depot/Lowes by a factor of 5 to 1.
You get what you pay for.
Home Depot sells Echo chain saws.
Stihl, Husqvarna, and Echo will outlast a cheap saw bought at Home Depot/Lowes by a factor of 5 to 1.
You get what you pay for.
Home Depot sells Echo chain saws.
Originally Posted By: Loobed
Originally Posted By: OldCowboy
Stihl, Husqvarna, and Echo will outlast a cheap saw bought at Home Depot/Lowes by a factor of 5 to 1.
You get what you pay for.
Home Depot sells Echo chain saws.
True, but they sell the better, more expensive models as well as the cheap ones. I bought an Echo CS-450 from Home Depot a few months ago. Like I said before, I don't mess around with cheap junk anymore. This is a quality saw that should last me forever.
Originally Posted By: OldCowboy
Stihl, Husqvarna, and Echo will outlast a cheap saw bought at Home Depot/Lowes by a factor of 5 to 1.
You get what you pay for.
Home Depot sells Echo chain saws.
True, but they sell the better, more expensive models as well as the cheap ones. I bought an Echo CS-450 from Home Depot a few months ago. Like I said before, I don't mess around with cheap junk anymore. This is a quality saw that should last me forever.
With your needs, I suggest a small Echo.
Originally Posted By: Loobed
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: Loobed
What chain saws are good, and which should I stay away from?
I had a Homelite 20 years ago that I really liked, but it got stolen. I would like to get one that is between 14-18", 2 stroke, and is around $150. I looked at some at the hardware store, but I wasn't impressed. Everything was plastic, and looked like it wouldn't last.I am fairly sure Husqvarna is out of my price range.
What's your intended usage? 3 hrs a year including cutting down the christmas tree? 30 hrs/year for the next 30 years?
If you look at the cheap saws, pay attention to the EPA emmsions sticker, it says how long the saw is certified to stay at its proper emmision level. I think this is a rough indicator of how long the saw will last. Some are 50hrs some are 300hrs. My FIL spit on a 50hr rated husky 141 and it lasted roughly 50hrs before it quit.
I plan on using it 1 or 2 times a year. No more than 10 hours a year. I want to use it for cutting fire wood when I go camping and clearing up some dead fallen trees off trails.
I would echo that an Echo would do well for you then, but its still going to be a little more than $150. If your handy you could still get an older husky or stihl and do a carb kit, fuel line and filter overhaul and have a good running more powerful saw for the money, but an Echo should be a trouble free saw too.
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: Loobed
What chain saws are good, and which should I stay away from?
I had a Homelite 20 years ago that I really liked, but it got stolen. I would like to get one that is between 14-18", 2 stroke, and is around $150. I looked at some at the hardware store, but I wasn't impressed. Everything was plastic, and looked like it wouldn't last.I am fairly sure Husqvarna is out of my price range.
What's your intended usage? 3 hrs a year including cutting down the christmas tree? 30 hrs/year for the next 30 years?
If you look at the cheap saws, pay attention to the EPA emmsions sticker, it says how long the saw is certified to stay at its proper emmision level. I think this is a rough indicator of how long the saw will last. Some are 50hrs some are 300hrs. My FIL spit on a 50hr rated husky 141 and it lasted roughly 50hrs before it quit.
I plan on using it 1 or 2 times a year. No more than 10 hours a year. I want to use it for cutting fire wood when I go camping and clearing up some dead fallen trees off trails.
I would echo that an Echo would do well for you then, but its still going to be a little more than $150. If your handy you could still get an older husky or stihl and do a carb kit, fuel line and filter overhaul and have a good running more powerful saw for the money, but an Echo should be a trouble free saw too.
I just got 2 HOMELITE XL4 chainsaws and 5 chains that are very sharp from my grandfathers place(he passed away a while back). I heat with firewood, and I cut a whole tri axle load of hard maple, oak(red and white) and birch, ash and cherry up easily. All my HOMELITE saws are old and run wonderful, no problems at all EVER.
Originally Posted By: Loobed
I plan on using it 1 or 2 times a year. No more than 10 hours a year. I want to use it for cutting fire wood when I go camping and clearing up some dead fallen trees off trails.
That's Echo all the way. It will definitely meet your needs and Echo makes great products, especially for the price.
Originally Posted By: civic09
I just got 2 HOMELITE XL4 chainsaws and 5 chains that are very sharp from my grandfathers place(he passed away a while back). I heat with firewood, and I cut a whole tri axle load of hard maple, oak(red and white) and birch, ash and cherry up easily. All my HOMELITE saws are old and run wonderful, no problems at all EVER.
A Homelite XL is completely unrelated to any Homelite you would find in a store today. The company changed a lot, and so did its products unfortunately. The saws you have are classics, take good care of them.
That said I have a cheap modern Homelite trimmer that's going on four years without any issues. If it's cranky starting, I just give it a heavy dose of carb cleaner...always runs perfect once it gets warmed up. I melted the original string head in some thick grass and had to replace it, but nothing else got damaged. It doesn't even smoke that much, and the spark plug has never even been cleaned let alone replaced. I paid something like $60 for the stupid thing at Northern Tool and it has more than paid for itself. It has been a no maintenance trimmer aside from having to dump 1.5 year old gas because it wouldn't start...carb cleaner fixed it as usual. Go figure.
I plan on using it 1 or 2 times a year. No more than 10 hours a year. I want to use it for cutting fire wood when I go camping and clearing up some dead fallen trees off trails.
That's Echo all the way. It will definitely meet your needs and Echo makes great products, especially for the price.
Originally Posted By: civic09
I just got 2 HOMELITE XL4 chainsaws and 5 chains that are very sharp from my grandfathers place(he passed away a while back). I heat with firewood, and I cut a whole tri axle load of hard maple, oak(red and white) and birch, ash and cherry up easily. All my HOMELITE saws are old and run wonderful, no problems at all EVER.
A Homelite XL is completely unrelated to any Homelite you would find in a store today. The company changed a lot, and so did its products unfortunately. The saws you have are classics, take good care of them.
That said I have a cheap modern Homelite trimmer that's going on four years without any issues. If it's cranky starting, I just give it a heavy dose of carb cleaner...always runs perfect once it gets warmed up. I melted the original string head in some thick grass and had to replace it, but nothing else got damaged. It doesn't even smoke that much, and the spark plug has never even been cleaned let alone replaced. I paid something like $60 for the stupid thing at Northern Tool and it has more than paid for itself. It has been a no maintenance trimmer aside from having to dump 1.5 year old gas because it wouldn't start...carb cleaner fixed it as usual. Go figure.
Originally Posted By: Loobed
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: Loobed
What chain saws are good, and which should I stay away from?
I had a Homelite 20 years ago that I really liked, but it got stolen. I would like to get one that is between 14-18", 2 stroke, and is around $150. I looked at some at the hardware store, but I wasn't impressed. Everything was plastic, and looked like it wouldn't last.I am fairly sure Husqvarna is out of my price range.
What's your intended usage? 3 hrs a year including cutting down the christmas tree? 30 hrs/year for the next 30 years?
If you look at the cheap saws, pay attention to the EPA emmsions sticker, it says how long the saw is certified to stay at its proper emmision level. I think this is a rough indicator of how long the saw will last. Some are 50hrs some are 300hrs. My FIL spit on a 50hr rated husky 141 and it lasted roughly 50hrs before it quit.
I plan on using it 1 or 2 times a year. No more than 10 hours a year. I want to use it for cutting fire wood when I go camping and clearing up some dead fallen trees off trails.
Pick up a chainsaw for your application not something that is too heavy and becomes a bit unbalance. A lighter balanced saw is much easier to handle. Many home owners pick up a saw that is too large for simple stuff not the right saw such in tight areas, accidents can happen.
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: Loobed
What chain saws are good, and which should I stay away from?
I had a Homelite 20 years ago that I really liked, but it got stolen. I would like to get one that is between 14-18", 2 stroke, and is around $150. I looked at some at the hardware store, but I wasn't impressed. Everything was plastic, and looked like it wouldn't last.I am fairly sure Husqvarna is out of my price range.
What's your intended usage? 3 hrs a year including cutting down the christmas tree? 30 hrs/year for the next 30 years?
If you look at the cheap saws, pay attention to the EPA emmsions sticker, it says how long the saw is certified to stay at its proper emmision level. I think this is a rough indicator of how long the saw will last. Some are 50hrs some are 300hrs. My FIL spit on a 50hr rated husky 141 and it lasted roughly 50hrs before it quit.
I plan on using it 1 or 2 times a year. No more than 10 hours a year. I want to use it for cutting fire wood when I go camping and clearing up some dead fallen trees off trails.
Pick up a chainsaw for your application not something that is too heavy and becomes a bit unbalance. A lighter balanced saw is much easier to handle. Many home owners pick up a saw that is too large for simple stuff not the right saw such in tight areas, accidents can happen.
Get a homeowner grade Stihl and you will not regret it. Then again, I might be biased just a little...
The two saws with white handles are an old 028AV Super Wood Boss and a newer MS660. They are pro level saws that will last a lifetime
The orange handle is a 290 Farm Boss is a homeowner saw that will do the job and last quite a while and is not that expensive. The little trim saw on the left is a 019 Mini Boss and will do anything the average homeowner will EVER need to cut. It has a 14" bar and can handle a 20" butt section easily. Even better they run about $200 or so.
And to keep them sharp....
The two saws with white handles are an old 028AV Super Wood Boss and a newer MS660. They are pro level saws that will last a lifetime
The orange handle is a 290 Farm Boss is a homeowner saw that will do the job and last quite a while and is not that expensive. The little trim saw on the left is a 019 Mini Boss and will do anything the average homeowner will EVER need to cut. It has a 14" bar and can handle a 20" butt section easily. Even better they run about $200 or so.
And to keep them sharp....
Last edited:
I saw an 18" Craftsman 42cc chainsaw, and it looked well made. It is made by a company called Oregon. Are they any good.
- Status