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Which chainsaw?

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/05/2010 at 21:13

I agree with GetSome... the Husky is a bit tougher, but the Stihl is more "refined".  Generally, Stihl is easier starting (this is long run we are talking here, in the beginning they will be about even) and requires less upfront maintenance.  The Husky will take more abuse and seems to me to be a bit more responsive... faster low-high RPM.  Either is a great saw.  Haven't used an Echo, but heard good things about them (some say they are a Husky knockoff).  Other brands are hard to get parts and/or service for, don't hold up anymore (newer models).  Can't go wrong with Husky or Stihl...

Both use a lot of bar oil...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote snakeman48 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/05/2010 at 21:16
I have 3 Stihl saws. A 028 Super bought in 1985 with a 16'', and 20'' bar,
A 023 bought in 1999 with a 12'' bar, and a 038 Magnum bought in 2004 with a 24'' and 28'' bar.
Never had any trouble with any of them. The 023 is my work horse saw.

I use only Stihl chains. I run chisel chain, Rapid Super, on the big saws, and  Picco Micro on the 023.
All my chains have yellow paint on the links.

Stay away from the anti kick back chain. Painted green on the links. That chain is for novices.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/05/2010 at 21:30
My dad has an Echo he keeps talking about, but it is loaned to a friend and he can't remember who at the moment.  He wants to track it down so I can use it for a while till I buy a saw.  He loves that saw.  Used it for 10 seasons cutting firewood and never had a problem.  Guess we will see if he can track it down.

I would like to get one of the Stihl or Husqvarnas before they put all that EPA junk on them.  I have heard that they are moving the 260 series to a 261 series by the end of the year with the new engines and cat exhausts.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/05/2010 at 21:31
Forgot to add, I already told both dealers I would not buy the saw there if they don't take off the safety chains.  They said they would swap if for me if I decide to buy.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/06/2010 at 06:36
I have a Stihl 362 with several hundred hours on it and it runs great. It starts on a couple of pulls every time.
I also have an 042 that is over thirty years old. It is rougly the equilvalent of the 441 and is a beast. I used it to cut down a thirty foot boat house many years back. I like Stihl!
Friends that have Husky's like theirs, too.
 
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Edited by tahqua - July/06/2010 at 10:02
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BillyWayne Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/06/2010 at 09:37

The Stihl or Husky question is like the Ford or Chevy question.  Some people get real pissy about it.  I am very surprised we have been cordial about it here.  I have a Husky 272XP and a 353.  I like both.  I also like the Stihl.  I would not shy away from either. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/06/2010 at 09:45
I have a Stihl and glad I do.
Talked to a tree trimmer a couple of years ago that had both Stihl and Husqvarna. He liked them both, but he gave the edge to Stihl.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/06/2010 at 13:48
 "I am very surprised we have been cordial about it here."
 
 HEY,we're VERY cordial kinda guys (and gals) around here!!  Bucky
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SD Dog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/06/2010 at 16:40
Helo, I run a Stihl 290 (farm boss) with a 20" bar.  Works good, but in larger diameter hardwood logs it can have its hands full.  Pine not a problem.  The 290 works well, starts well.  Only Issue I have with it. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/06/2010 at 16:51
I logged for about 6 months a few years back.  We ran both Stihls and Huskys.  We ran 22 inch bars 73cc enigines 2 huskys 2 Stihls, and 1 26 inch bar and a 90cc engine Husky, IIRC. 

I ran them 5 days a week for 12 hours a day.  I thought they were both good brands.  The Huskys would rev a little better which I liked as it cut the logs faster.  My boss said he prefered the Huskys because of that exact reason, he claimed they were easier for him to tune for more revs.  He had been logging for 40 years and used a lot of both he said, but the Huskys won him out.

But both are good saws and for the recreational user I am sure they would both be up to the task.

Obviously they have different levels of saws and the more you spend the better they will be.  IIRC the ones we were running were in the $500+ range. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/06/2010 at 20:53
Apparently the prices have gone up.  Run about a $1000 to get a 90cc saw now.  I used some of the 046 Stihls on the BLM fire crews.  Great saws, but too big for what I want and need.

SD, I haven't had to use any saws on hardwood yet.  Everything I have ever cut here so far is softwood.  I mostly use it on pine.  Some cottonwood.  I have used smaller saws than the 50cc class, and some bigger.  I like bigger, but don't really need it.  I think the 260 or the 346 will do everything I want and need for now.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/06/2010 at 22:10
Originally posted by helo18 helo18 wrote:

Apparently the prices have gone up.  Run about a $1000 to get a 90cc saw now.  I used some of the 046 Stihls on the BLM fire crews.  Great saws, but too big for what I want and need.

SD, I haven't had to use any saws on hardwood yet.  Everything I have ever cut here so far is softwood.  I mostly use it on pine.  Some cottonwood.  I have used smaller saws than the 50cc class, and some bigger.  I like bigger, but don't really need it.  I think the 260 or the 346 will do everything I want and need for now.

we cut a ton of hard wood up here, i can tell you one thing right now, as long as your chain is sharp sqaw brand wont much matter. the nicest saw i have had hands on experience with has to be the 372xp husky, now we just got new stihl 441's for our fire dept (which is the same size as the 372 is) i would really like to use it on something other than a roof.
if you plan to  cut a ton of wood and do decide to buy a stihl, get a professional series saw. my boss bought a ms 390, and our 361 would run circles around it. he sold it last fall so we are back to a 361 and a 2172 jonserud.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/10/2010 at 19:37
Well, I did it.  I pulled the trigger on a chainsaw.  I got the Stihl MS 260 Pro with the 20" bar and NON safety chain (3/8).  They gave me a good deal on it (below what they listed) and threw in a case with it.  I can't wait to try it on some wood!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/10/2010 at 20:26
i think you will be happy with it dru.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/10/2010 at 21:32
  Excellent GOOD pick,Drew!  A light,well balanced saw with PLENTY of power.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ed Connelly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/10/2010 at 21:34
 
 
 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dogger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/11/2010 at 15:09
Excellent saw Drew, enjoy it and be safe.  Do you have cutting pants or chaps?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/11/2010 at 15:13
I do but I loaned them to a friend and he tore them up because he didn't know what he was doing so I need a new pair now.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dogger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/12/2010 at 16:27
Sounds like he owes you.  On a positive note, it sounds like they worked.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/12/2010 at 16:31
 HEY,DOGGER!!!!!!!!!!
 
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