Replacement for Craftsman disposable 18"

I've been using a Craftsman 18" chainsaw I got for in-store credits a few years ago. I've cut a few cord with it, but with increasing difficulty, and at this point it's time to toss it and buy something more reliable.
I run a saw 3 or 4 times a year, mostly for taking down and cutting up deadfalls for the woodpile.
I don't imagine I need a pro model but aomething more durable than the Crapsman would be good.
Any recommendations? I see plenty of used saws for sale but there's no way of knowing how well they were kept.

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I bet you’re going to get more response in the chainsaw and power equipment section. I bet someone from Moderating will be along soon to move this for you.

 

Echo CS400 has a good reputation and following. I picked up a beat one cheap at an auction, rethreaded the spark plug hole and haven't had any problems with it.

CS-400 | ECHO-USA.com

Any of the +40cc saws from the major manufacturers will out cut the craftsman, just a matter of which shade of orange you like.

 

The echo cs490 is essentially a pro saw for less than $50 more than the cs400. The 490 is more CC's, magnesium pro cases vs the smaller cc and clamshell homeowner saw design of the cs400. That 490 has a lot more capability and can be upgraded to do even more.

As far as I've seen it, since the cs490 was released, it's kind of the best of both worlds. Pro saw design for homeowner saw price.

 

A few good recommendations so far....
I like my echo saws real well... you won't go wrong with echo.....
As far as lower priced saws go, I'm also pretty fond of my Stihl ms250, and I like my little husky 440 for a nice lightweight quick limbing saw, but it's also probably the least reliable of the lot.
As far as used saws go..... I think the husky 353 and 346xp are excellent machines, and they are easy and relatively cheap to repair/rebuild.
I have a 353 I bought new in 09, I've have cut over 100 cords of wood with it and have done nothing to it other than a new spark plug and air filter one time... I don't baby my saws....they're tools for work, and I use them as such.

 

What are the issues with the Crapsman? Just curious...

 

How many cc is the Craftsman? Bar length of 18" doesn't tell enough of the story.

 

I'll cast another vote for the cs490.

 

The one I was given (as a first saw) had horrific anti-vibe. I still have that sucker, not sure why.

 

X3 on this Rec. it’s also the lightest 50cc saw on the market.

 

The cs490, it shows it comes with a 20-inch bar. I wonder if it will really pull that, that seems doubtful. A 16-inch or 18-inch might be better? I think Echo is a good bang for the buck.

 

The Stihl MS 170 comes on sale every once in a while and cuts very well for its size . The problem that I had with it was that the on /off switch was backwards to to my Husky's and I would flood it when starting.
A more expensive option is a battery operated saw ,no stale gas problems and starts every time . I have a MSA 160, 220 and am waiting for the MSA 300 to show up .

 

Based on what is stated in the OP, I'd also recommend looking into a battery saw. No worries about a motor, ever. Just add bar oil, that's it.

 

The crapsman is just a cheap saw usually has to big of a bar a lot of good suggestions if you are buying new 18 inch bar is 45-50 cc saw there are a lot of saws in that class one that is overlooked is the EFCO MT4410 or MT5200 both are reasonably priced and the MT series has a 5 year warranty I have sold many of these to owners who seldom use saws and I have had very good feedback and I have had very few warranty claims I have been selling them for 23 yrs The stihl 250 is another good option , The ms 170-180 series at least the ones that come in my shop seem to be cheap and I do not recommend them some have good luck with them but I have at least 10 in the junk parts shed. The echo's mentioned are also good . I also sell husqvarna and the 450 rancher is ok better choice is the 455 rancher with a 18 I have had better luck with the 455 than the 450 . For occasional use do not rule out battery saws but you do want to try the different makes but if you already have a brand of battery tools eg : Makita,Milwaukee etc you may want to stay with theirs that way you can interchange batteries All my opinions on saws come from the amount of repairs I see on saws that come in my shop most of the problems are fuel related hope this helps JB

 

craftsman basicly a poulan. ethanol gas is a problem for small engines particularly those that do see much use. residuals of ethanol plug up carbs eat fuelines and turn the diaphrams in carb into mush or hardens them up.

 

I agree but I'll also throw out that the new 4910 is supposed to be a little bit better than the 490. The local home cheapo has them in stock at just $40 more than the 400, but I'd also recommend a dealer over a box store. Fwiw, a 501p is my main saw and I run a 20" with a skip tooth, but full comp is no issue.

 

I can see where it would seem doubtful if you were commenting on a saw you had no real world experience with. My 501/4910 pulls a 20” bar and chain just fine. Has for 4+ years in a commercial tree service environment. It is my primary ground help saw and has been durable enough to stand up to the repeated abuse of less than skilled operators. It’s predecessor the 490 I had before it did just as well. Echo saws are usually know as having more of a low end torque power profile.

 

Yes, 4910 is what I meant, the new version.

 

If you are not comfortable buying used then a new Stihl Ms250/251 with a 16" bar is a high end homeowner saw that should suit your needs. I know a firewood seller that uses one. Maybe a tad pricey at first but reliable which is what you need. The old saying is "cheap saws arent good and good saws arent cheap" really comes into play here.
Ive used Stihls since 1985 and they have served me very well. Husqvarna and Echo also make good saws.
Buy from a reputable and reliable OPE dealer. Cant put a price on that.