I'm with you Doug, a software update for my saw?

 

I told him it might not be a good idea to do that

 

 

Before putting a meter inline as Rodney is showing, please ensure you meter is made for it and has high enough current capacity.
Also, Some clamp type meters only measure AC Current.

Have fun.

 

Getting back to chainsaws for a moment, I need to purchase one. I've been looking for about a year but when I research any saw, all of them get poor reviews so it's hard to separate actual issues from user errors. I need a saw for a homeowner to use a few hours a year. General yard clean-up. I've even considered battery saws but question the long term life of the batteries. In my part of the world, Stihl is the most common brand. I'd like a lighter saw as I don't anticipate needing to clear a forest.

Anyone have a suggestion? Happy to listen.

Bruce...

 

How would I know if it is AC only?

For just around the yard I'm thinking of going with a corded electric. For hunting camp it's gas, but it would be nice to have a cordless. The problem with a cordless is that it would get used so infrequently that the batteries would go bad unless the batteries could be used on other equipment.

 

Bruce, if it's only branches and cleanup, I would strongly recommend a top handle trim saw. They are super light and easy to handle with one hand because they are made for professional climbers who are working in the trees. That said, they come with a professional grade price and are generally limited to a 14" bar. I've had a Stihl 019T for 20 years and I so prefer it to my Husky 257 when the job isn't too big. I recently got a Husky T435 top handle for my mom and her beau to keep her property clear. Super easy to start, lightweight, and easy to use. MSRP is $329 but you can usually do 15-20% off that at a fair dealer. It's not a pro grade with the electronic carbs so that keeps the price down. The XP version is $650...

https://www.husqvarna.com/us/product...435/966997232/

 

I bought a Jonsered CS2250 last year at Tractor Supply. I think it was $360. I needed a saw I could throw in one of my mowing trailers to clear the occasional deadfall or blow down the crew encounters. The thing has performed flawlessly. It starts better than my big $$ Husky 562XPG. No electronics, just a standard 2-stroke with a normal carb. Jonsered is owned by Husqvarna and this saw is a clone of one of the homeowner saws, so you could go that route too.

 

Rodney,

This is a great comment and I appreciate your response. I was looking at the Stihl Top handle saws. I learned to use a chainsaw using a top handle and used one for years. Moved to heavier saws and then eventually sold because I didn't use them. Now that I need a saw again, a top handle is a great thought.

Bruce...

 

Just received this email special.........

https://www.homedepot.com/SpecialBuy...t_rid=44088440

 

That's a pretty good discount. I didn't know they had a 20v chainsaw. Hmmm.....

 

It really is 60VDC....... The battery with power 60V and 20V tools...... very versatile battery. Today's battery tools are fantastic !!
I have a Milwaukee 10" sliding miter saw, battery powered. Wow. That thing does Great and the battery lasts a very long time.....Days.

 

Oh, that's interesting. The 60v battery fits in 20v tools. I would imagine that it makes the 20v tool a bit on the heavy side versus using an actual 20v battery.

 

I recently bought a Stihl MS 170 which is their cheapest and lightest saw. Lot's of plastic, but very light. Got it with a 14" bar. (standard is 16) I have been very pleasantly surprised with what a great little saw it is for light limbing and cutting up smaller logs. Super easy to handle and very light. Decent power with the short bar. I use it a lot more than the MS 391 I also have. All depends on what you want to use it for. No telling how long it will last. They get bad reviews for being hard to start. I have never had an issue with it. I blame it on user error, all these Stihl saws start about the same.

 

I have and Echo CS330T top handle limbsaw with a 12" bar. It's a great little saw, but if I only had one saw, I don't think it would be the limbsaw. It does great at what it's meant to do, but if you get into anything over 6" it just really lacks power. I'd look for something a bit bigger that could run maybe up to a 16" bar, and then put a 14" on it. I'd also avoid any of the Stihl models with the tool free chain adjustment. I think it sucks, my neighbor has one and I've never seen a chain fly off so much. Maybe it's him, but I've fooled with it a time or 2 and just don't care for it.

As far as the meter Jim, Rodney and Roy beat me to it on the connections and cautions. I have a DC clamp meter, it does 80-100 amps DC well, but not so much the low amp stuff from what I've seen. You are definately at a questionable spot as most meters are only fused to 10A, and the compressor will probably draw more than that. I don't know if the fuses are replaceable on a lot of meters or not so its something to be cautious of. I know my Fluke 88 has replaceable fuses all too well.