SEMI O.T. .. looking for chainsaw recommendations .. .. ..
 

My trusty old Stilh 031 is about dead and parts are getting hard to
find, so I'm looking for a new saw .. .. ..
Narrowed it down to another Stihl or possibly a HUSQVARNA .. .. ..
anyone have recommendations PRO/CON for either brand ?? ?? ?? Haven't
yet settled into a specific model number in a Stilh, but am looking at
the #359 and the #55 .. .. ..

thanx in advance !!

--
I AM NOT PARANOID .. .. .. but EVERYONE thinks I am !! !! !!

__ Bob __

SEMI O.T. .. looking for chainsaw recommendations .. .. ..
 

Stihl or husqavarna if you can afford them. Those are the ones used by
loggers and pros


"___ Bob ___" wrote in message
...
My trusty old Stilh 031 is about dead and parts are getting hard to
find, so I'm looking for a new saw .. .. ..
Narrowed it down to another Stihl or possibly a HUSQVARNA .. .. ..
anyone have recommendations PRO/CON for either brand ?? ?? ?? Haven't
yet settled into a specific model number in a Stilh, but am looking at
the #359 and the #55 .. .. ..

thanx in advance !!

--
I AM NOT PARANOID .. .. .. but EVERYONE thinks I am !! !! !!

__ Bob __

SEMI O.T. .. looking for chainsaw recommendations .. .. ..
 

What kind of use are you getting it for? The 031 was a very sturdy saw--has to
have been to last 35-odd years. You're looking at a pro model if you want to
get similar life out of the new one. I have an old 032, by the way.

Stihl and Husqvarna are the top two companies, however Dolmar (sold as Makita
in some parts), Solo, Echo, Shindaiwa, and Efco (sold as the new John Deer saws
in some parts) are others of nearly equal quality and lower price. Your choice
should mainly depend on dealer support and personal preference. Huskys can be a
better deal, Stihls usually have more dealer support and the larger ones _may_
be more durable. The smaller companies' saws can usually be higher-tech (more
power, less weight, easier to use) at a lower price but fewer users out there
to vouch for them.

Anyway, a Stihl 026 or Husqvarna 346XP would both be saws of similar size and
quality to your old 031. If you're looking at a good homeowner saw, the Husky
55 is hard to beat. Stihl's 025 and 029 are also homeowner saws but are either
expensive or overweight for what they offer. I can't comment on the other
brands' specific models.

You really should ask this question on a board with a big saw focus. The "tool
shed" board at Gardenweb.com and Arboristsite.com are the top two. Arboristsite
has a greater pro focus.

GTO(John)

My trusty old Stilh 031 is about dead and parts are getting hard to
find, so I'm looking for a new saw .. .. ..
Narrowed it down to another Stihl or possibly a HUSQVARNA .. .. ..
anyone have recommendations PRO/CON for either brand ?? ?? ?? Haven't
yet settled into a specific model number in a Stilh, but am looking at
the #359 and the #55 .. .. ..

thanx in advance !!

--
I AM NOT PARANOID .. .. .. but EVERYONE thinks I am !! !! !!

__ Bob __

SEMI O.T. .. looking for chainsaw recommendations .. .. ..
 

I bought the Stihl MS260C. Stihl just seems a bit more solid than Husky,
maybe less plastic. I know lots of Husky owners and their saws are fine,
but I see many more Stihls in the hands of tree people.

What Husky has going for it is the compression release, but I still went
Stihl. I got the saw and case for $300.

The 55 is quite a bit heavier, I think, which I don't need.
I got the 16" bar, for convenience and to keep from loading the engine
unnecessarily. I do a rance of stuff from firewood to dragging in a few
good sized logs. So far, I'm very pleased. The 260C is light enough to use
for long periods and powerful enough to cut big logs, although I do have to
ease off on the feed in big stuff. Overall, it's a good compromise.

I also have a cheap Timberbear I got at Harbor Freight. It's too heavy to
use long, but has 3.7 CI and a 20 " bar. It does fine on the occasional big
mama or stump.

Wilson
"___ Bob ___" wrote in message
...
My trusty old Stilh 031 is about dead and parts are getting hard to
find, so I'm looking for a new saw .. .. ..
Narrowed it down to another Stihl or possibly a HUSQVARNA .. .. ..
anyone have recommendations PRO/CON for either brand ?? ?? ?? Haven't
yet settled into a specific model number in a Stilh, but am looking at
the #359 and the #55 .. .. ..

thanx in advance !!

--
I AM NOT PARANOID .. .. .. but EVERYONE thinks I am !! !! !!

__ Bob __

SEMI O.T. .. looking for chainsaw recommendations .. .. ..
 

I lived in Northern Michigan years ago and firewood was our main source of
heat. Now I live in FL, so I only trim the trees on my 1/2 lot. I can
appreciate the huge difference between the two needs, but ya didn't say what
category you learn towards.

As a home owner, I really like the Poulan that I bought at my local Borg.
It starts quick, IDLES when set on the ground, and hasn't required anything
other than sharpening/replacing the chain in the several years I've owned
it.

If I lived up North again (yea right), I'd opt for either of those brands
you mentioned. I think they'd be overkill for my use these days.

The Poulan was cheap, it's reliable, works great, and when it dies someday,
I consider it disposable due to the low initial cost.

"___ Bob ___" wrote in message
...
My trusty old Stilh 031 is about dead and parts are getting hard to
find, so I'm looking for a new saw .. .. ..
Narrowed it down to another Stihl or possibly a HUSQVARNA .. .. ..
anyone have recommendations PRO/CON for either brand ?? ?? ?? Haven't
yet settled into a specific model number in a Stilh, but am looking at
the #359 and the #55 .. .. ..

thanx in advance !!

--
I AM NOT PARANOID .. .. .. but EVERYONE thinks I am !! !! !!

__ Bob __

SEMI O.T. .. looking for chainsaw recommendations .. .. ..
 

I bought a husky in california because it came
with a case and was less expensive than stihl (for
similar models).

Now that I've relocated to Denver CO, I find out
the local shop only carries stihl, no huskies. When
I asked the reason for not carrying husky, the employees
said its because husky-varna just won't give them good service
and support. My saw's been a very good performing tool, and
now I hope I never need service,,,who knows where I'll have
to send it.

mikey.


___ Bob ___ wrote:
My trusty old Stilh 031 is about dead and parts are getting hard to
find, so I'm looking for a new saw .. .. ..
Narrowed it down to another Stihl or possibly a HUSQVARNA .. .. ..
anyone have recommendations PRO/CON for either brand ?? ?? ?? Haven't
yet settled into a specific model number in a Stilh, but am looking at
the #359 and the #55 .. .. ..

thanx in advance !!

--
I AM NOT PARANOID .. .. .. but EVERYONE thinks I am !! !! !!

__ Bob __

SEMI O.T. .. looking for chainsaw recommendations .. .. ..
 

We sell both saws, and for my money, its hard to beat a Stihl.

I went to their factory in Virginia Beach, and I was never so impressed with
a manufacturing facility.

Anyway, I'd look long and hard at an MS360 ($500) if you do LOTS of wood
cutting. The specs can be seen at www.stihlusa.com Keep in mind that the
MS260($400) and MS360 are being replaced in the near future. I'm not sure
when yet.

If you are only an occasional cutter, I'd look at the MS270($300), or
MS280($350) depending on your budget.

Or if you use it seldom or for lighter duties, the MS250 is a great
maintenance saw.

One thing to keep in mind if you are leaning toward Husqvarna. The 55
Rancher is going to be discontinued this fall. I never like buying anything
that I know is going to be discontinued soon.

The Husqvarna specs can be viewed at www.husqvarna.com

Just as big a consideration as choosing the proper saw, is finding a dealer
who can service your saw will offer the assistance that you need.

Good luck. Whatever you decide, Stihl or Husqvarna, know that both products
are the best in their field.

Rick



"___ Bob ___" wrote in message
...
My trusty old Stilh 031 is about dead and parts are getting hard to
find, so I'm looking for a new saw .. .. ..
Narrowed it down to another Stihl or possibly a HUSQVARNA .. .. ..
anyone have recommendations PRO/CON for either brand ?? ?? ?? Haven't
yet settled into a specific model number in a Stilh, but am looking at
the #359 and the #55 .. .. ..

thanx in advance !!

--
I AM NOT PARANOID .. .. .. but EVERYONE thinks I am !! !! !!

__ Bob __

SEMI O.T. .. looking for chainsaw recommendations .. .. ..
 

I've a Husqvarna Rancher 55 and am extremely pleased with it. Best saw
I've ever owned, or used bar none! You'll probably find several reviews
by checking http://www.epinions.com FWIW, I got mine via a low price
guarantee between Sears and Lowes (both carry the Huskys obviously),
paid $286 incl tax for mine.

___ Bob ___ wrote:

My trusty old Stilh 031 is about dead and parts are getting hard to
find, so I'm looking for a new saw .. .. ..
Narrowed it down to another Stihl or possibly a HUSQVARNA .. .. ..
anyone have recommendations PRO/CON for either brand ?? ?? ?? Haven't
yet settled into a specific model number in a Stilh, but am looking at
the #359 and the #55 .. .. ..

thanx in advance !!

--
I AM NOT PARANOID .. .. .. but EVERYONE thinks I am !! !! !!

__ Bob __

SEMI O.T. .. looking for chainsaw recommendations .. .. ..
 

The 036 is quite a bit larger and heavier than an 031, so I doubt that this
fellow would want one. That is, unless he's not happy with his old saw's size.
I might go with a 372XP once you get up there.

What's up with the 270 and 280, anyway? Every dealer I talk to has a different
story--pro models, homeowner, different areas, etc.

I love chainsaws. Probably have 25 of them now. Ever seen a Jonsereds 111S?

GTO(John)

We sell both saws, and for my money, its hard to beat a Stihl.

I went to their factory in Virginia Beach, and I was never so impressed with
a manufacturing facility.

Anyway, I'd look long and hard at an MS360 ($500) if you do LOTS of wood
cutting. The specs can be seen at www.stihlusa.com Keep in mind that the
MS260($400) and MS360 are being replaced in the near future. I'm not sure
when yet.

If you are only an occasional cutter, I'd look at the MS270($300), or
MS280($350) depending on your budget.

Or if you use it seldom or for lighter duties, the MS250 is a great
maintenance saw.

One thing to keep in mind if you are leaning toward Husqvarna. The 55
Rancher is going to be discontinued this fall. I never like buying anything
that I know is going to be discontinued soon.

The Husqvarna specs can be viewed at www.husqvarna.com

Just as big a consideration as choosing the proper saw, is finding a dealer
who can service your saw will offer the assistance that you need.

Good luck. Whatever you decide, Stihl or Husqvarna, know that both products
are the best in their field.

Rick

SEMI O.T. .. looking for chainsaw recommendations .. .. ..
 

I don't know for sure with the 270 and 280.

When I was at the factory, they were both just launching this time last
year. I asked the question, "So, is it a pro or consumer saw?".

The answer I got was...... "Both". Its for the light commercial guy or the
moderate woodcutter or for the avid woodcutting homeowner. Talk about riding
the fence.

It doesn't have the magnesium housing, its aluminum. But it does have a
"pro" clear fuel tank. The quality of the engine was even less clearly
defined.

So to be blunt, I still don't know. Apparently the engineers at Stihl that I
spoke with don't know either. They were designed in Germany and I don't
speak German, so I'll probably never know.

Rick


"GTO69RA4" wrote in message
...
The 036 is quite a bit larger and heavier than an 031, so I doubt that
this
fellow would want one. That is, unless he's not happy with his old saw's
size.
I might go with a 372XP once you get up there.

What's up with the 270 and 280, anyway? Every dealer I talk to has a
different
story--pro models, homeowner, different areas, etc.

I love chainsaws. Probably have 25 of them now. Ever seen a Jonsereds
111S?

GTO(John)

We sell both saws, and for my money, its hard to beat a Stihl.

I went to their factory in Virginia Beach, and I was never so impressed
with
a manufacturing facility.

Anyway, I'd look long and hard at an MS360 ($500) if you do LOTS of wood
cutting. The specs can be seen at www.stihlusa.com Keep in mind that the
MS260($400) and MS360 are being replaced in the near future. I'm not sure
when yet.

If you are only an occasional cutter, I'd look at the MS270($300), or
MS280($350) depending on your budget.

Or if you use it seldom or for lighter duties, the MS250 is a great
maintenance saw.

One thing to keep in mind if you are leaning toward Husqvarna. The 55
Rancher is going to be discontinued this fall. I never like buying
anything
that I know is going to be discontinued soon.

The Husqvarna specs can be viewed at www.husqvarna.com

Just as big a consideration as choosing the proper saw, is finding a
dealer
who can service your saw will offer the assistance that you need.

Good luck. Whatever you decide, Stihl or Husqvarna, know that both
products
are the best in their field.

Rick