In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Help on picking first gas chain saw

Discussion in 'The Wood Pile' started by MikeyB, Sep 8, 2017.

  1. MikeyB

    MikeyB

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    Most likely 16"-18" lengths (for fireplace) and various diameters. Would really need a chain saw for cutting pieces that are too long for my fireplace.
     
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  2. MikeyB

    MikeyB

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    Thanks Dennis, there is a LI Power equip shop a few minutes from me and they are a Stihl rep. I'll most likely purchase from them, and I hear from a lot of guys who bring tools there for repair that they have good service.
    Will definitly be looking into the accessories as well as some chaps.
     
  3. NBourque

    NBourque

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    The 026/260/261 models are hard to beat. I have an 021 and an 029 super both which work flawlessly.
     
  4. Komatsu360

    Komatsu360

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    I have a stihl ms210 I use for small stuff. Works great. Doesnt wear you out like the bigger saws. I cant say much for stihl verse husky but my family has had stihls since I can remember and we still have lots of older models that run flawlessly.
     
  5. JCMC

    JCMC

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    Yes go through a dealer talk to them and handle the saws choose the one that feels most comfortable and by all means get the chaps for safety. I have a Husky 357xp as my go to saw but I have heard good things about the Sthil saws. Just be aware that chainsaws are addicting #CAD. Good luck with your choice.
     
  6. Barcroftb

    Barcroftb

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    Sounds like a 50cc saw would fit your useage well. Lots to choose from in that class. The pro class saws from Stihl, Makita, Echo, and Husky would fit the bill. I love my Echo 501p! If you have the budget look to the autotune and Mtronic offerings from Husky and Sthil. Those would be the 550 and 261 respectively. The Makita 5021 is also a quality offering but tips the scales a little more than the other saws I mentioned. All of these saws will run up to a 20" bar and chain and should be more than adequate for what you will be cutting. Good luck with the search and take plenty of :ithappened:when you pull the trigger!

    Edit: spelling
     
    Last edited: Sep 9, 2017
  7. Redfin

    Redfin

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    How likely will this be your only saw purchase? If you are accurate with the size of logs being dropped I would not look at anything smaller than 60cc class.

    The Dolmars is where I would be looking for that.
     
  8. Jon_E

    Jon_E

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    This is my "one-saw" plan - Dolmar PS-6100. And I don't even own one yet.
     
  9. Horkn

    Horkn

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    I'd say that's a great 1 saw plan. I had a 1 saw plan going very well for years with just an 029super. The 6100 should easily do the trick from what I hear.
     
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  10. HDRock

    HDRock

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    My One saw plan turn into a two saw plan, after that  :saw::saw::saw::saw::saw::whistle:
     
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  11. lukem

    lukem

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    If budget isn't a top constraint, get a pro grade 60cc saw and don't look back. 562xp, 362cm, or the dolmar (don't remember the model number) should all be on your short list.

    More chainsaw than you "need" turns wood cutting from work into fun.
     
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  12. yooperdave

    yooperdave

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    It seems that I usually throw this out there once or twice a year...and this is an excellent opportunity.

    Back in 84, I bought a husqrvarna 61 and have been using it ever since! Heck, that saw is almost as old as you!!! Hope I didn't just jinx myself.....

    Like a lot of people have suggested, figure out just what kind of cutting you'll be doing. Big stuff? Probably not. Sounds like more of a hobby type use out of it.

    Because of the service-which you may never need- buy from a dealer. It sounds like you have already decided to do this anyway. Good.
     
  13. MikeyB

    MikeyB

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    Had posted this eariler in the Chainsaw Pic thread but figured I post it here as well.
    Decided on a Stihl MS 250 today, also picked up Stihl BG 86 handheld gas blower. Got some Motomix and ordered a pair of chaps as well. Pretty happy with my purchase today, should fit my needs.
    If I ever feel the need to go bigger on another saw I will be more than happy to make another saw purchase. Lol.
    Thank you everyone for your replies/Imput
     

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  14. Horkn

    Horkn

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    My parents bought an ms211cbe a couple falls ago. I ran this saw with a 16" b&c in red oak and pine. I was very impressed. With this 250 being even bigger displacement, I'm sure you'll be very happy.

    Congrats.
     
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  15. SkidderDone

    SkidderDone

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    Personally I have a Stihl MS291 and an MS310. Its been my experience that while usage is a huge factor, budget is generally the deciding factor with this purchase so what I'm about to mention may not apply. On a tool like this, my view is buy the best quality you can. In this case it's Stihl or Husky IMO. There really is that much of a difference between them and a big box store brand. For most firewood people a saw of Stihl or Husky quality will last decades if properly maintained and not abused. Something that will run an 18" or 20" bar will cover most general needs for firewood. 50cc and up would cover those bar lengths.

    Another factor I think is really important is serviceability and service availability. Try going into Home Depot or Lowes with a saw that doesn't run and ask for service. Actually film it because it'll be funny as hell.:rofl: :lol:
     
  16. SkidderDone

    SkidderDone

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    Congrats! You won't be disappointed. Happy hoarding!
     
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  17. Spencer

    Spencer

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    Congrats man! Let us know how it works for ya!
     
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  18. Ashwatcher

    Ashwatcher

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    The 250 was a good choice-no more than you indicate you cut, the 261 CM would have been overkill, though it is a ripper...You'll be happy with Stihl, it will serve you well and the service is usually top-notch...when you want a pro saw, you'll give them a look if they take good care of you now....Congrats!!! I just got a new Stihl blower for Christmas, I'm pretty pumped!
     
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  19. bde269

    bde269

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    just go big and rock a stihl 880 and get a few diff bars ;-)
     
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  20. tamarack

    tamarack

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    That ms 250 will serve you well until CAD infects your brain! Then you will want/have a 70cc pro model saw or maybe even a 90cc. Its just a natural progression if you really love the forest, firewood and chainsaws. Those ms250's are tough saws a buddy of mine has one and its stood up to alot of abuse from teenagers and wifey.