Time for Upgrade?

So 2yrs ago we moved to a home that backed up to a really nice wooded lot and has a traditional fireplace. Since then I've been hooked on collecting and splitting firewood. Being a novice at the time (and still pretty much am) I bought a lower end Tanaka (Hitachi) 40cc 18" Chainsaw. It's been pretty good to me for the most part. However lately I've had to correct a fuel leak problem and a stuck throttle which was pretty dangerous. But am handy enough and took it apart and cleaned it out and re-corrected the fuel line and throttle issue resolved itself with a cleaning.

LN I was going to town on a stump from a dead tree I felled a few days ago, probably little too big for my saw but I went at it pretty good (see pic). It was only about 15" at the top but at the base is was approx 20". I got about 3/4 of the way and the saw was just smoking literally and was so hot. Wasn't able to restart it. Felt like the starter rope was skipping couldn't grip to turn the engine over. Took apart and looks like it's worn a bit (see pic). So ever since been thinking of an upgrade and going with a Stihl or a Husqvarna. Thinking back the past 2yrs I have used this saw a lot to drop many many trees and ones I had pro's drop I chopped up myself.

Now oddly enough this morning after letting it cool all night when I tried to start it, it still did skip but no where near as bad as LN and I did get it cranked over. So I was looking for recommendations, I am not a pro but use it enough but don't need a monster. Was looking at the farm boss 50cc but that looks like a monster maybe little too heavy too much for my needs. Thanks in advance!!

 

Big difference really between stihl and husky is the clutch style.

Go to a GTG try both pick one you like best

 

If you like the size and weight of the 40cc class you'd probably love a Stihl 241 and for a few more bucks the 261 is an excellent saw for firewood cutting.
Both are professional grade (built to last) and have a great power to weight ratio!

 

I just looked up the price on those and I needed to change my shorts......... You get what you pay for I truly get it! Trying to stick in the $300 - $400 range and that's stretching it my wife is gonna kill me, LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Keep your eye open in the classifieds for used.

 

If you were to buy a fireplace insert and a saw you would save enough money in 1-2 yrs to recoup the money and more.

And! Keep the house warmer!
Most wives can understand the keep-it-warmer part...

 

You have a Dolmar dealer near by?
How about a Makita from HD.
They will occasionally sell off their rentals in good shape

 

Thanks Turbo, your 100% right it would. FP Insert is on agenda for this fall/winter, if I get that.......o hell am breaking the credit card out for a top of the line Stihl I will be able to justify it all day long and twice on Sunday

 

I would look at the Dolmar 5105 if your set on new.

 

Thats a nice looking saw John, light and powerful.....

 

For your budget, and size of saw, Echo CS-490 or Makita EA4300.

 

Look at the Stihl MS 251, great saw for the money, probably perfect for your needs and fits your budget.

Pro saws are great, I would love to have one but they don’t fit my budget either.






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One thing to consider is what happened to your saw. Flush cutting stumps puts the exhaust discharge in the corner of the stump and the dirt, leaving the heat nowhere to go except back into the saws intake and cooling air. The heat from the exhaust starts cooking the saw and can permanently damage it if you’re not carefull.

That sounds like what happened with your saw.

It’s best for the saw to keep a few inches between the ground and the exhaust discharge, giving the heat room to escape

Also, root blooms typically have sand, rocks, and dirt embedded into the wood and bark. This is where semi-chisel shines. Full chisel will dull real fast, adding the additional saw killing ingredient of high rpm’s screaming without cutting ...........

The stump can kill a saw faster than most realize, no matter what saw you choose

 

I would never pay CC interest on a chainsaw. Find something you can pay cash for (new or used). You may have to save a while, that is good. You will have more time to narrow down your needs and wants... DW

 

Then in comes Duane with the voice of reason...

 

They sure do. 64cc saws used in great shape for $300 is a great deal. They rent a smaller size too.

 

How about a Dolmar 5105 says gently used, looks like in pretty good condition for $350? Seeing one in my area on Craigslist!!!! I prefer to go new and like the Stihl MS 251 but hearing some complaints as it's not a true 18" bar and single nut to hold the bar on.

 

Dolmar 5105 for $350 is pretty decent. I'd buy it.

 

No offense to anybody, but I see very little reason to recommend the stihl ms250 over an echo cs490, and I like Stihl saws as much as anyone. One is a pro quality saw the other is a homeowner saw.

Beyond the saw issue you have been having, let's talk about the tree you cut down. It's hard to tell from the pic, but it looks like the face cut on that stump is dodgy.

There are some parts of this video I don't necessarily agree with, but it's a good place for you to start.