Chainsaw ???

[cole1980]

I just bought a lot and it has a few tree's. I wanted to get into the tree biz as well as cutting and landscaping. So this is my chance to get some knowledge. Anyone have any suggestions on a chainsaw, equipment for climbing and such? I saw a Snapper 16"bar saw at Walmart for $120 I am not looking to spend much.

E.Cole
[8D]

[Scott]

reply

if you're going to do tree removal or trimming commercially don't spend your money on anything but quality equipment. You need a few stihl or husqvarna saws. At least one for branch trimming and one for dropping the tree. Make sure you have proper licensing, insurance, training, and permits before you drop any tree.

[Maddog]

reply

Scott has some good advice. Tree work can get alot more involved than normal pruning. I have some cheaper chainsaws for home use or to cut up some smaller trees in clean up jobs but it sounds like you want to get more involved.

[AAffordable]

reply

Our next door neigbor is the foreman for davie tree service who does all the work for the power company. He says that the Stihl is a higher rpm chainsaw and the husqvarna is more torque. He also said he would take a Stihl over any chainsaw on the market they are just better overall with less problems.You can get a Stihl 14" for $199.Hope this helps!

[Scott]

reply

I think the $199 stihl is for an 18c, good for occasional minor trimming. That was my first chainsaw, still have it and very managable, not recommend for dropping trees because the small micro narrow chain wears out fast. The larger Farm Boss is an excellent entry level saw for commercial, larger chain that throws chunks of wood. Goes for about $350. If you're going into tree dropping, I'd recommend the Farm Boss with a 20" bar and always keep the cutting oil reservoir serviced. http://www.stihlusa.com/chainsaws/MS290.html and if you think you're a man's man, get a magnum.

The only problem I have with husky's are that they cost a whole lot more than stihl when you compare similar sizes. Hey what do I care, they're both ORANGE!!!

[cole1980]

reply

Thanks guys I appreciate the help. I am going to look into the stihl's. Anyone have info on lisc., training, etc.?

[Scaper-S2k]

reply

I too would recommend the Farm Boss that Scott said. But, I would shoot for the 18" bar instead of the 20". I have 3 of them and they are great. 2 have the 18" bars. One actually has a 16" bar. Never had any problems with any of them.

Having said that, Husqvarna makes saws that are equally good and in many cases much better. You can also get them at Lowes if needed. The quality is still there regardless of where you buy it. I've heard people say "quality drops when Lowes or Home Depot sells products". Well, Husqvarna is sold world wide in over 100 countries. The USA is a small market, and Lowes is even smaller.

I love my Stihl 029's, but will definately look at the Husky on my next purchase. Both brands are good.

[AAffordable]

reply

I talked to a couple people today that do tree work for big companies here in the mountains and all of them said they use both Stihl and Husqvarna and much prefer the Stihl for all around performance. The Stihl I was speaking of earlier is the 009L and it comes with a 14" bar for $199 its specs is 2.49 cu. in. 40.8cc 2.0bhp and can handle a bar from 12' to 16'. I was told that this was a great all around saw for home or commercial work with great tourque and high rpm. I think tomorrow I am going to pick one up we do alot of small tree removal and triming trees 15" and smaller we mess with but we will do larger ones if they are not near homes. Hope this helps with your purchase.

[Scaper-S2k]

reply

The reason they say that about Stihl is because Husky is a bit more expensive for their commercial line. If you go to a web site for loggers (like Canada loggers), you will see them argue about Husqvarna and Stihl all year....cause that's the only real equipment they CAN argue about!! Husqvarna is not as popular in America as Stihl, that's why most say "Stihl!!".

There is one gentleman that frequents these boards that is a genius when it comes to engines and brands. I asked about that saw you are talking about.

He told me (as others did), to stay away from that smaller Stihl saw and it was not good. I trust him 100%. Stihl does make a great small saw, but the good one is commercial and 3 times that much. He said if you are going to get one of those smaller saws, ECHO (yep, echo) makes the best one. You can get a smaller Echo at Home Depot for $199, but that is NOT the good one. The good one is about $300 I believe.

I hope he chimes in to help out. He said for the smaller ones, that expensive Echo is first, then Husky, then Stihl (and that was the expensive Stihl).

He knows his stuff.

Marty???? you out there buddy???

[cole1980]

reply

I have heard the same Scaper. I saw a Echo 345 which is 299.99 and it is rated highly for home or entry comm. piece. I think I am getting a stihl or that echo. Both are comprable. The echo is only like 8 pounds. Less fatigue. More I can cut. he he he.

E.Cole

[Scaper-S2k]

reply

The Farm Boss is much heavier, but will really chew through that wood. The Echo is more of a limbing saw. If you have decent size trees, go with the Stihl Farm Boss definately.

The Echo isn't really designed for dropping larger trees. I will be getting one of those Echo commercial units next weekend, maybe sooner but I doubt it. This is the time of year when we start doing alot of tree work. If you can wait until then, I can update you on how nice it is. But if you have a decent number of trees, get the bigger Stihl. The Echo is more for complimenting a large saw.

[cole1980]

reply

Scaper where do I get info on lisence and training info or is training just cut my own tree and learn from that.

E.Cole

[Scott]

reply



sorry Erich, couldn't resist

[Scott]

reply

I got a buddy that used to be a logger and swears by his outdated husqvarna. Loud, heavy and unsafe as all get out, no safety features.

The only problem with buying any equipment at Lowe's or HD is service. If you ever have a problem and your local service center doesn't see their sticker or they know it's wasn't bought there, you'll get second rate service. I've never had a major chainsaw problem but I have with other equipment and I've always gotten a free loaner until my stuff was returned to me, but you never know, you just might get that one lemon out of 30,000. If they don't see their sticker, you'll get no loaner unless you rent it from them.

Ultimately you can't go wrong with either, at this level it might just come down to personal preference and braggin rights. Spend the little extra and get one of these mentioned and you have years of service out of either.

[Marty]

reply

Hello!
My opinion is that in pro-duty mid-size to large saws, Stihl or Husqvarna (Jonsereds, too.....red Huskies)is the way to go. As was mentioned, both have well deserved reputations among commercial users. There is a large drop-off in quality in the Stihl consumer saws from their pro offerings, not as much in the Husky. As far as the Stihl Farm Boss (029 or MS290), I think it is heavy and slow; would spend the extra $$ on a MS260, which is lighter and faster even though slightly less displacement. If buying a consumer mid-size saw, I would buy Husky.

As far as trim saws, I would not even consider the Stihl 009. Low on power, badly balanced, in my opinion. My rankings of top handle trim saws would be:
1. Stihl 020- very expensive, but for everyday use well worth it.
2. Echo CS3400- great balance, good power/weight ratio and terrific price.
3. Husqvarna XP335- a bit heavy, but improving upon early problems; expensive, comparatively.
4. Echo CS3000- smaller engine version of CS3400.
5. Stihl 019- wouldn't buy; servicing nightmare.
6. Stihl 009- wouldn't buy; bad balance and underpowered.

Remember, listed weights are without bar and chain, so take that into consideration.

Cole 1980...if you want to add tree services to your offerings, I would not do it with a discount store chainsaw. Buy right the first time.