I just got a 10 acre lot with a lot of standing dead and widow makers I need to cut down and CSS. None of the trees look more than about 2 feet diameter. I don't know anything about chainsaws - anyone have any recommendations? I'm thinking about electric, are there any that are decent or should I not even bother.
Just get something that is middle of the road. Like 54 to 60cc range. That way you can cut pretty much anything you want with out any over kill. I would go gas not electric. I think it would suit your needs better especially for those 2 foot diameter trees. Just do your self a favor and do some research on maintenance and long term storage of gas chain saws.
A lotta members here really like what Echo offers. For the price, they are good deals. I like the pro stuff from the major manufacturers (Husqvarna and Stihl), but the initial investment is high. Preference on brand is like Ford vs. Chevy. For what you described, I wouldn’t see any current electric fitting the bill. Be sure to budget for some PPE. A pair of chaps and a helmet are almost essential to keep you safe. Don’t skimp there.
Disclaimer: Falling 24" widow makers is not something to be taken lightly. Make sure you don't get into a situation more dangerous than you know how to handle. A lot of experienced men are in the ground because of trees like this. As for the saw, a 60cc saw with a 20" bar is probably your best bet. Buy the best one you can afford. Stihl and Husqy are top dogs for good reason. If they are out of reach Echo makes a fine saw too.
Electric is out for wood that big. No experience in feeling trees and being dead and of size i might recommend having someone fell them then let you go to town on them. As stated a 55-60cc saw would be an ideal all purpose saw and yes Echo is a great brand as well. Best if luck and let us know how you make out Rothk
Great responses & sound feedback. Rothk - For what it's worth, would it also be helpful to contact the WV Division of Forestry and/or talk with the forester at your local County Extension Office? Perhaps one or both may have additional info about free/low cost 'hands on' workshops for maintaining your wooded property. Just a thought.
Without having much chainsaw experience, I would get used to your new saw first by cutting up stuff on the ground. As you start to learn what you’re comfortable with felling the correct way, cut down some 3” trees without widow makers. And then some 4, 5, and 6” trees. And then some 8” trees. Work your way up to the larger ones so you learn about gauging a tree’s lean. If you screw up on a 3 or 4” tree, it’s pretty easy to push it over by hand. Not so much once you get up to 8”
I second the Timber wolf choice. I also agree with those that posted the dangers with widow-makers. There are many good videos on YouTube and some not so good. Once you are comfortable with the saw and want to attempt a W-M, cut a few 4-inchers first. Jumping into a 20" will put a hurt on you for sure. It would help if you had a second saw as well, doesn't have to be big or expensive. Being inexperienced you will get the saw pinched and stuck in the tree. With 10 acres you are going to need a small saw anyway.
Got one on the way, and some PPE. Figured I’d lock in the price now. Thanks for the recs! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
As a former stihl guy, I have an evho 620 and couldn’t be happier. Very pleased, I was bummer I had went with a ms311 before this saw. As others said, its nice to have variety. I kept two others so I can have 16”, 20” and 24”.
Had some fun breaking her in today. Found a good sized tree on the ground to limb and cut into rounds. I’m still getting used to operating the chain brake proficiently but things went well out there. It’s a great saw - thanks for the recommendation! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If you can't get a second saw, getting a second bar and chain is a cheaper way to get yourself out of a pinch. (pun intended) If you get good and stuck, you can always detach the saw from the stuck bar, put the new bar on, and keep cutting until you can get your original bar out. A bar will wear out eventually, so it's not a waste to buy a second one, you're just dong it a bit early. Not as good as 2 saws, but has helped me out once or twice over the years.
