Buy a commercial grade saw. You will be amazed at the difference, and it will last forever. Good brands are Echo, Husqvarna, Stihl, Jonsered, and a couple of others I can't think of right now. Husky makes both consumer and commercial grade saws. I'm not sure about Stihl. All Echo saws are commercial grade, and I believe that is the case for Jonsered.

Easiest to buy are Echo and Husky, since some models are in the big box stores, but you have to make sure you are really getting a commercial saw with the Huskys. In other words, you have to know which model is which. With Echo, you don't have to worry about it. They are all the same grade. As long as they have one in a size you need, you are all set.

Beware, commercial saws aren't cheap, but they are worth what you pay for them.

Avoid Poulan. They are strictly home owner saws.

 

While a commercial grade would probably cut faster, bigger, easier. For my uses a commercial grade would be like buying a Mack with a dump bed for a pickup truck.

Its more than I want to spend right now. I figure over the next few weeks, the big boxes are going to start moving their saws out for summer.

I will keep an eye out for what else is on sale.

 

I'd say that saw was adequate for what you describe, and a good price.
Husky is a good saw, second only to Stihl.
I have two Stihl's and an Echo. The Echo is a toy, comparatively speaking.
You can spend a lot of money for a really nice chainsaw, and should, if you want to be Paul Bunyon.
In my day, I cut enough wood to kill an elephant, but nowadays at almost 56, multiple orthopedic surgeries, cortisone injections, and the poster boy for Alleve....If I needed a saw, and didn't have one, I'd get that one, and if it wasn't enough saw (I think it will be) I'd hire out the work.

 

I have 2 Husky's. a 61 and 261 Both excellent!! a 137 for $179 sounds great! I paid 400 for th 261.

They post 40 cc But it is never a perfect round number mine are are 59. something I think or 60. something.

As for the Bar length, Don't buy a saw on the bar length. Most saws will accommodate longer bars. Mine came with a 16' on one and a 24" on the other both will handle a 30" with no problems longer if you go with skip chain. Remember you can always cut a tree/log double the bar length effectively.

Husky puts pro features in there smaller saws. I wouldn't think twice about purchasing this saw for fall wood cutting or around the place clean up. It should run strong for years.

Check these guys out, this is where I get all of my chain and other saw supplies, call them up they have great tech help on most saws!

http://www.baileysonline.com/search....insaw&catID=43


Hope this helps,

D-C out!

 

I have 2 Husky's. a 61 and 261 Both excellent!! a 137 for $179 sounds great! I paid 400 for th 261.

They post 40 cc But it is never a perfect round number mine are are 59. something I think or 60. something.

As for the Bar length, Don't buy a saw on the bar length. Most saws will accommodate longer bars. Mine came with a 16' on one and a 24" on the other both will handle a 30" with no problems longer if you go with skip chain. Remember you can always cut a tree/log double the bar length effectively.

Husky puts pro features in there smaller saws. I wouldn't think twice about purchasing this saw for fall wood cutting or around the place clean up. It should run strong for years.

Check these guys out, this is where I get all of my chain and other saw supplies, call them up they have great tech help on most saws!

http://www.baileysonline.com/search....insaw&catID=43


Hope this helps,

D-C out!

 

Aaah Crap! Admins?????????????

 

husky makes a great saw, but i wouldn't bother with any saw less than 50 cc, unless you're only using it for limbing. my smallest husky is 53 cc and it would be fine as an all around homeowner saw- imo spend the money once (about $400-$500) and get a saw that will do everything you'll need it for, and you'll never regret it.

 

From your origional post you were looking for a homeowner saw that would cut a small quantity of wood each year. I think that you were talking about 1/2 cord of wood each season.

The HUSKY 137 will do the job - unless you are looking at a 24" log to get your wood from. If you are looking at 12" logs the 137 and a 16 inch bar will work.

Learn how to sharpen your chain well. As has been said, a dull chain will make you work harder. And it is just more dangerous dull. This book by HUSKY will give you some tips: http://www.usa.husqvarna.com/loggers...echniques.aspx

The link to Bailys is a good place for all things saw related. http://www.baileysonline.com/

Don't sweat it. Once you get a small saw and see what it can do, you will want a larger one for MORE POWER. When you reach that point look at the STIHL 880, STIHL 090, HUSKY 3120, MAC 125, or the Homelite 1050. All of these are well over 115ccs and are each a monster.


Hal

 

You say that like it is a bad thing

For what you describe though, get the Husky.

I went Stihl, but cut more than you do. The Husky was a nice saw, but too much plastic to get thrown into the toolbox of the truck like I do.

 

I will go take a look at it.

It looks like about 50/50 on whether or not the saw will do what I need.

 

Go with the biggest you'll be able to afford, not what's convenient. You'll thank yourself later. Too small a saw will make work out of a chore. If that one is what you can afford, it'll probably do what you need just fine, but like they said, I would stay at 46cc and up. The longer bar slows your chain speed down, with the mid range size you can go to an 18" bar for comfort and still get a good cutting speed. The pro series is a bit more but could be an heirloom. Shop on line first. There are deals out there that offer extras, chain, case, etc. and ship free or cheap.

 

I have also looked at the big boxes, they have Poulan's a bit cheaper for the same engine size.
Lowe's has a Husky 142 for $199.

 

No poulin... No chainbrake, bar oil doesn't stay in it, lightweight bar and chain. Briggs engine in it was ok I guess, but I quit useing it with the other problems, so it was barely broke in. By online, I'm thinking southwest fastener, madsen's, etc. A local shop may even throw an extra chain or rduce price on accessorie for you. Case, helmet with maskand headphones, gloves etc.

 

In my opinion, get a Stihl MS-210 and never look back. My first Stihl, an 009L, was bought in 1982, and just this year it finally gave up the ghost. The 009L is not made any more, so I went with an MS-210 which is a close equivalent.

By the way, I use mine exactly as you say you are going to use yours and it works great. I might also offer that when done, empty the gas tank and then run the engine till it quits before putting it up. This keeps the fuel from gunking up the carburetor, which means easy starting and clean running everytime you need it.

As already said in this thread, avoid Poulan, McCullough, Homelite, etc like the plague.

Good luck in your decision.

 

Those Polan saws don't last in my experience. Just not a well made saw.

Stihl is the best and most expensive choice. MS210, 230,250, or 270 are all good saws.

I have a MS 310 and a MS 660. As well as a HUSKY 345 and a 455.

Like I said, it becomes a "more power" thing after a while - for some at least.

Hal