45 - 50 CC Chainsaw
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Junior User
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From: CSRA
45 - 50 CC Chainsaw
Anyone out there know what is the best saw for cutting firewood and cleaning up around the yard. I think one 45 - 50 cc will be big enough. Sears had a craftsman 20" bar and 46 cc on sale a couple of weeks ago for 199 , but it's back up to about 210 now.
Thanks,
Smittyd
Thanks,
Smittyd
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Florida
Do you want the cheapest or are you willing to pay a little more for a much better saw? I wouldn't use the Craftsman/ Poulan saw for a boat anchor, much less for cutting wood. IMO the two best choices in that size range for homeowner use would be the Stihl 250 or the Husqvarna 345.
For professional use I'd recommend the Stihl 260 or the Husqvarna 346XP. But these are $400 chainsaws and the typical homeowner would never see the full potential of these models. None of them cut well with a dull chain and worn out sprocket. Not picking on you personally, just 90% of saw users in general. It takes a few years practice to get good at keeping a chain sharp.
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Rocky J Squirrel- certified arborist, freelance climber.
For professional use I'd recommend the Stihl 260 or the Husqvarna 346XP. But these are $400 chainsaws and the typical homeowner would never see the full potential of these models. None of them cut well with a dull chain and worn out sprocket. Not picking on you personally, just 90% of saw users in general. It takes a few years practice to get good at keeping a chain sharp.
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Rocky J Squirrel- certified arborist, freelance climber.
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From: Florida
What is better about a Husqvarna vs a Craftsman?
Thanks,
Smittyd
Thanks,
Smittyd
If you are going to use the saw 4-5 times in the next year and then park it on a shelf, the Poulan will work just fine. But do not expect it to be anything more than what it is, a throw-away saw.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2001
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I have a 350, it's a pretty good saw for the amount I use it. The 55R is supposed to be a good firewood saw though. Master filing your chains and keep them out of the dirt and either will work fine for you.
BTW, I would buy it from a local dealer instead of a mega-store. If you have any problems you will be glad you did.
BTW, I would buy it from a local dealer instead of a mega-store. If you have any problems you will be glad you did.
Last edited by keith w; Oct 31, 2004 at 03:12 AM.
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From: All over Texas
Smitty, the Husky 350 is a great little saw for >$300. It has a better power to weight ratio than the Rancher. I've heard others talk about the Rancher getting heavy during extended use.
Go to Lowes.com and sign up as a new homeowner or whatever they call it. In return for signing up on their website, they'll send you a 10% off coupon. Use the coupon to get $30 off the saw and while you're at it, get an extra chain, file, oil, etc.
Go to Lowes.com and sign up as a new homeowner or whatever they call it. In return for signing up on their website, they'll send you a 10% off coupon. Use the coupon to get $30 off the saw and while you're at it, get an extra chain, file, oil, etc.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Texas
Well, maybe they don't make them like they used to, but I have had a Poulan 3400CV since 1980 and it is still running fine. Bought it in WY and felled and blocked many cords of pine in 10 years. Now use it around yard on post oaks and in Colorado on vacation. Never fails to start--never in shop--gone thru about 30 chains and many resharpens--air filter clogs easily, tho.
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From: Florida
The saws Poulan produced 25 years ago are not the same saws Poulan produces today. 25 years ago they were decent light-duty saws, much better than McCullough or Homelite. But no longer.
The Husky 350 is supposed to be the replacement model for the Rancher 55. Both are supposed to be good saws. And if you have a Stihl dealer nearby, at least take a look at the MS250. It is a rock solid saw that has proven itself over the last 12 years and is Stihl's best homeowner saw. Stay away from the Stihl MS290-310-390 series though, way too heavy for the power available.
The Husky 350 is supposed to be the replacement model for the Rancher 55. Both are supposed to be good saws. And if you have a Stihl dealer nearby, at least take a look at the MS250. It is a rock solid saw that has proven itself over the last 12 years and is Stihl's best homeowner saw. Stay away from the Stihl MS290-310-390 series though, way too heavy for the power available.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Colorado
I recently purchased a Stihl MS 210C, and love it! It has their "easy start" feature which is great. I have maybe 20 hours on this saw, so I can't say anything about reliabilty, but thus far it is comfortable to use and cuts great. Never had any complaints with Stihl products yet.
Thanks a bunch guys.
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From: Zimmerman, MN
I agree with Keith:
If you have a problem with the saw and bring it back to Lowes for service, it will probably be shipped out to some small shop for service. The problem is backlog and getting your saw back in a timely fashion may not happen.
I've got a Husky 50 at the cabin. Not even sure how old it is now, but still runs great. It's been through some mishaps (on my part, novice learning how to cut a dutchman) and still it keeps on a cuttin.
Once you file the chain a few times you get a feel for it. Always keep at least one backup chain (I'm getting 2 just in case). The cabin is off in the woods and the local shops around there like to take you to the bank.
If you have a problem with the saw and bring it back to Lowes for service, it will probably be shipped out to some small shop for service. The problem is backlog and getting your saw back in a timely fashion may not happen.
I've got a Husky 50 at the cabin. Not even sure how old it is now, but still runs great. It's been through some mishaps (on my part, novice learning how to cut a dutchman) and still it keeps on a cuttin.
Once you file the chain a few times you get a feel for it. Always keep at least one backup chain (I'm getting 2 just in case). The cabin is off in the woods and the local shops around there like to take you to the bank.