Chainsaws
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 678
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From: Central, MA
Chainsaws
I'm looking to replace my old and tired low-rent saw.
Word on the street is that Stihl and Harsq make the better stuff out there.
Has anyone bought one of the saws that have that toolless chain tightening? I have not bought a saw in about 6-years. That saw was a used box-store Poulan. It now seems to have fuel and ignition trouble. I might have it fixed and kept as a second saw.
Just to mention, the Stihl MS250C and the Harsq 445 look like good candidates for what I need to do.
Word on the street is that Stihl and Harsq make the better stuff out there.
Has anyone bought one of the saws that have that toolless chain tightening? I have not bought a saw in about 6-years. That saw was a used box-store Poulan. It now seems to have fuel and ignition trouble. I might have it fixed and kept as a second saw.
Just to mention, the Stihl MS250C and the Harsq 445 look like good candidates for what I need to do.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,047
Likes: 2
From: North west La
We have several Stihl 250s at work. They work good for a small saw. I worked one hard this week & it took everything I threw at it. I cut the full bar length in green oak without a problem. I have not used a Harsq but I hear good things about them.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 599
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From: PA
Check out Jonsered. It is a kin to Husky. Been using them since the seventies. Still have the first one and it still works great. Bought a 2150 Jonsered a few years ago because of the weight and power difference from the old one. Comparing the same class of saws with the Jonsered, Husky and Stihl. I chose the Jonsered because it has more features , it has more power and it is lighter. Best,CB
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 430
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From: more north than south
I received a lot of great advice not to long ago on this very subject on this very forum. Stihl and Husq were the overwhelming picks. I went with a Husq 445 as I am only using it to clear downed trees and branches. I am very happy with it and would again like to thank all that guided me on my choice.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 678
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From: Central, MA
Thanks for all of the input!
So far I like the Husqvarna 445 and the Stihl MS250. I'll take a peek at Jonsered just out of curiosity.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,649
Likes: 2
From: Wallingford, CT
Had an MS210 with tool-less chain tensioner and ended up giving it away. Just wasn't worth having.
MS210 with normal tensioner is a GREAT saw for light use. I've got an MS460 that I like very much.
MS210 with normal tensioner is a GREAT saw for light use. I've got an MS460 that I like very much.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,047
Likes: 2
From: North west La
Our saws have the tool type chain adjustment. The tool less adjustment ones are junk from what I've heard. We beat the heck out of the Sthli saws on my job. They just keep on going. I like the 250s.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Faibanks Ak.
Even with husky/jonsered and stihl you have to watch what you buy, they have home owner saws and pro saw and there is not much comparison. I use husky's and my oldest one is an early 80's with a lot of miles.
My husky dealer will even tell you on their small models just save some bucks and go buy an echo or something as they are just as good.
My husky dealer will even tell you on their small models just save some bucks and go buy an echo or something as they are just as good.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 721
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From: Monmouth County, NJ
If your last saw was from a big box store like you said, and it met your needs, I recommend an Echo. Performance is *mehh* by design, but I'd say they're rather reliable esp. if stored for long periods.
Other wise buy a Stihl. I have an MS290 that I love- light, safe, fast, reliable. Not *too* expensive either.
I have an 026 with a bad top end. It has almost 1K hours though, and it was a beast when it ran (it still does, but not well enough to use). You can pick up rebuildable 0 dash dash saws for a pretty good price if you can get parts.
Basically, you can't go wrong with Stihl, though I have nothing negative to say about Husqvarna or Jonsered. But definitely stick with hex bar nuts, the tool-free bar nut is more trouble than it's worth. Just keep the wrench in your pocket and you're set.
Other wise buy a Stihl. I have an MS290 that I love- light, safe, fast, reliable. Not *too* expensive either.
I have an 026 with a bad top end. It has almost 1K hours though, and it was a beast when it ran (it still does, but not well enough to use). You can pick up rebuildable 0 dash dash saws for a pretty good price if you can get parts.
Basically, you can't go wrong with Stihl, though I have nothing negative to say about Husqvarna or Jonsered. But definitely stick with hex bar nuts, the tool-free bar nut is more trouble than it's worth. Just keep the wrench in your pocket and you're set.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 678
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From: Central, MA
If your last saw was from a big box store like you said, and it met your needs, I recommend an Echo. Performance is *mehh* by design, but I'd say they're rather reliable esp. if stored for long periods.
............But definitely stick with hex bar nuts, the tool-free bar nut is more trouble than it's worth. Just keep the wrench in your pocket and you're set.
............But definitely stick with hex bar nuts, the tool-free bar nut is more trouble than it's worth. Just keep the wrench in your pocket and you're set.
Yeah, Echo saws caught my eye too, but those Stihl and Harqs saws look like a good choice. Anyone could beat this decison to death. It begins to look like a Ford vs Chevy thing!
I don't need a commercial duty saw, but it isn't too much more expensive to upgrade. This puts us into a high quality 45cc saw that should handle what I throw at it.
A store out my way sells both Stihl and Harqs. I might go there and put them side by side to compare.
The Harqs 445 is like $309 and the Stihl 250 is Like $300. Even after adding in the carrying case they are about even money.
I appreciate all of the help and advice you guys have thrown out to me.
I saw this act at a county fair thsi year. They were pretty impressive!
http://lumberjills.com/Lumberjill/Home.html
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 678
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From: Central, MA
Found a dealer out my way that sells both Stihl and Haqs saws. I was able to put them side by side and really compare.
I think the Stihl 250 is the winner. It makes more power, costs the same and has easier access to the spark plug and air filter.
Thanks for all of the help!
I think the Stihl 250 is the winner. It makes more power, costs the same and has easier access to the spark plug and air filter.
Thanks for all of the help!
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: Wyoming
Before you set your mind, check out Dolmar. They are the ORIGINAL chainsaw manufacturer. I bought a 510 with 20" blade and I cut a LOT of wood with it the last 2 years. Fuel economy is getting better and it eats thru the lumber. Slightly less expensive than the 2 "names" out there but as much or more of a workhorse, and that's why you are a Ford fan, not a Lincoln fan, right?
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