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Erins#1Mom
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2011 05:36pm
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I know that this has been the topic of discussion somewhere on the forum but I can't find. My question is as follows: as a middle age female, I need a chainsaw that I can start and safely use. What are my best choices? Should I look at pawn shops first?
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Erins#1Mom
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2011 05:44pm
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found it!
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Rob_O
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2011 06:46pm
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A pawn shop is the absolute worst place to buy anything unless you really know what you're looking at
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fpw
Member
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2011 09:14pm
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Check with a saw shop, they often sell used saws and can help with selection. Stihl makes saws for occasional use, you can check out a few at the following link:
http://www.stihlusa.com/chainsaws/occasional.html
Check out the easy start system, makes starting the saw effortless.
If you plan to use a saw, there are quite a few chainsaw safety classes that would be of use.
One you got used to it, you have no trouble with a 35 cc gas saw. Such as the following:
http://www.stihlusa.com/chainsaws/mid-range.html
If you plan to cut frequently, you would be better off with a mid range saw.
Don't forget chaps, hardhat, and gloves. They also make protective shirts if you are so inclined.
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turkeyhunter
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# Posted: 13 Jul 2011 05:06pm
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i have owned Stihls--best saw ever!!!!....got 2 polans --one someone gave me, one i found in the middle of the road that had fell off someones truck--looks brand new and works great. I am using a ECHO now, at camp-----great saw 20 inch bar--my friend at the pawn shop sold it to me with extra chain --like btand new for 120.00 and he threw in a coleman camp stove to sweeten the deal. At old work we used Husqvarna which Lowes sells a home use model for a little over 200 which is a nice saw for the money---hope this helps....
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Erins#1Mom
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# Posted: 13 Jul 2011 05:27pm
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thanks guys, i am thankful for all the advice.
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Talkbluffprez
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# Posted: 30 Sep 2011 05:24pm
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Stihl Farmboss w/ 20" bar is a good all round saw.
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Anonymous
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# Posted: 4 Oct 2011 04:17pm
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stihl are great -poulan will do the job and they're not expenisive walmart on sale for 129 (can) 16' bar
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Montanan
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# Posted: 4 Oct 2011 05:05pm
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Definitely recommend Stihl! We originally bought a Huskavarna and it was undersized and wore out quickly. Replaced it with a larger Stihl- MUCH better!
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MtnDon
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# Posted: 4 Oct 2011 08:35pm
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Quoting: Montanan it was undersized and wore out
Hey that will happen with any brand. If the replacement was a larger Husqvarna instead of a larger Stihl you'd also be happy.
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Xplorer
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# Posted: 5 Oct 2011 07:39am
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Don't go for a 20" blade...way too large for you. Most I would get is a 14" or maybe even a 12". I have a Stihl MS210c w/a 16" blade. Hasn't started properly since new. Took it back & they toyed with it for 1/2hr & it started good. Now 2yrs later with moderate use, starts when it wants to & refuses other times. Not quite sure what's up with it. New gas/oil & plug & it still won't start at times. I have a Poulan (sp?) that starts everytime but doesn't cust as nice as the Stihl. It has a 14" blade & is quite manageable.
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exsailor
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# Posted: 5 Oct 2011 10:40am
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The good brand names like Stihl have two different quality grades. Thier professional saws cost more, but will deliver more trouble free operation longer. The occasional use saws are not the same quality. I suppose if you don't use it very often it wouldn't matter. My Dad was a trees trimmer and he swore by Stihls for heavy work but preferred the small Homelites for high tree work. I acquired a small Homelite, 18inch bar, and it has not given me any problems. With the alcohol they are putting in gas these days maintenance is going to be an issue, as the stuff eats gas lines and any rubber diaphragms in the carburetor. It also degrades if left in the saw and gums up the small openings in the jets.
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Erins#1Mom
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# Posted: 5 Oct 2011 06:42pm
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Thanks guys.
exsailor, you are right about the alcohol in the gas messing up gas lines. I'm lucky to have several service stations in the area that sale old fashioned gasoline without the alcohol.
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Montanan
Member
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# Posted: 7 Oct 2011 01:25pm
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Mtn Don- true about the saw being undersized- there was also a difference in the design of the teeth on the chain that my husband preferred on the Stihl.
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fthurber
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# Posted: 16 Oct 2011 05:47pm
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Stihl should be the only choice here. The rest of the saw companies have sold their soul (and quality) to the devil (the Big Box stores). Besides when you need to have it repaired there is a local guy who will be happy to do it; the Big Box stores don't want to hear it.
The best saw for you would be the Easy Start model; there is a woods manager gal (very small framed gal) here who loves that model since it is so easy to start.
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Erins#1Mom
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# Posted: 16 Oct 2011 07:19pm
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Thanks. My brother has so far been taking care of any tree work (he has also built my fence and put up three gates for me). He has been using Stihl and loves it.
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Vince P
Member
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# Posted: 17 Oct 2011 06:41pm
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Quoting: Erins#1Mom I know that this has been the topic of discussion somewhere on the forum but I can't find.
Here is where the other thread is:
http://www.small-cabin.com/forum/1_935_0.html
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easyshack
Member
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# Posted: 27 Nov 2011 02:38pm
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Chainsaws that people use to make a livving with are the ones to buy.
Husky is 1st, then stihl.
I like husky best, i did tree service for 17 yrs, and husky is it. Get at least a 50cc displacment engine or larger. very small saws are just walmart china junk. The problem with stihl is the have a chain oil pump for ever size bar. If you have a 16 inch bar still and change to 18" or 20" bar then you have to change bar oil pump to match. Husky saws have a adjustable oil pump, just one easy screw driver adjustment and your done. Also stihl uses off size chain bar grove so you ONLY CAN USE THERE HIGH PRICE CHAIN. Husky uses standard bar grove size so chain saw chain canbe bought at any hardware store or saw shop.
Older husky saws like the 266, and 288 are daddy dogs of saws, One saw will cut more wood than 3 men can pick up. Stay away from homelite, poulan, these are just walmart junk, use one time and there toast.
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easyshack
Member
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# Posted: 27 Nov 2011 02:44pm
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when buying a new chain saw, always buy new spark plug and get NGK or any other 1st class plug. all new saws come with the cheapest china plug that won the bid process. Good 1st class plugs mean easy starts. saw manufactures use cheap plugs to keep cost down, plus if they do not start, you may get in a bind and just buy a new saw.
Champion plugs are junk. these i have had go bad new out of box. proof they are cheap, is evey new lawn mower or chain saw uses these.
Try a better quality plug and see the differance. At 90ft high topping out trees in between the wind gust, you could not rely on 2nd best.
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Aus
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# Posted: 6 Jul 2022 04:10pm - Edited by: Aus
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Thanks for your information.
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