On 2/23/2014 12:52 PM, Gramps' shop wrote:
I have infrequent need for a chainsaw and have a little McCullough

electric that does OK. There are a couple of trees down in the

back too remote for the electric and I'd like to have a gas saw

to take advantage of found logs or limbs.

Since my use is infrequent, I don't want to invest too much.

CL frequently has Poulans available. Here's an example:

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/4346181306.html

Any thoughts?

Larry


I cut about 12 cords a year. My pardner just bought the Husky 460 with
a 24" bar. I have a Husky 435 with a 16" bar. I will be getting the
identical Husky, or a Stihl, (I think 391) with the 24" bar.

Point is, buy quality and cry only once. Stihl or Husky will do the
work. Both are serviceable, with parts easily available.

Main things are basics: Drain gas when not in use. Keep adjusted.
Learn how to sharpen with simply a file, no fancy devices, and that
includes electric sharpeners. Get a stump clamp, learn how to use it,
and you will be able to keep it sharp quickly.

If you want a saw that will start right up, Stihl or Husky is your
ticket, and take those precautions. Nothing like going out there,
adding a little fresh gas, and getting the job done, and not jacking
with it every time you want to use it. My 345 came in a package deal
for around $250. The $460 will be about $400, but we will be doing
heavier work. We fell trees up to 18" diameter, and may cut four cords
a day.

You get what you pay for. Buy a good one, and take care of it right.

Ignore all the tales of Poulans and Macs that have lasted decades. I'm
sure there are some Pintos and Vegas still on the road, too. But if you
want something reliable that just runs, and you don't spend a lot of
time cussing at, Stihl or Husky.

Get an air gun, and clean it good after a good use so the pitch doesn't
harden in the working parts. Put it away clean, and it's ready to go
next time you need it. Put it away gummy, and the gum will set, or the
gas will turn to varnish, and you will have fun getting it going
properly next time.

Just MHO from ten years of jacking with these things.

You get what you pay for, and anything less than Stihl or Husky is junk.
The cost difference between them is not that great when you are
talking of a quality tool.

Steve