A new chainsaw

[kickstand]

Thanks Zef...and don't forget that I'm in the desert southwest. Around here, 3 trees closer than 100 yards apart is considered a state park. If at least 2 of those 3 trees happen to be over 12" in diameter, well, now it's a forest.

[Zef_66]

I missed this tread before. So for anyone out there, I recommend Stihl. I've got 7 of them right now in various sizes. 3 I'm looking to move on, so I will keep 4. I will be getting rid of my 015L, MS192T, and MS290. I will be keeping my MS170 (12" bar), MS261 (16" bar), MS361 (20" bar), and my old trusty 038 Magnum (24" bar). I cut 8-10 cords a year. And like to have two saws with me when I go in the woods. So this is what I've found works for me. Stihl has always been great for me. I've tried other saws and they are just not as solid and dependable as Stihl. Husky are a close second as they will scream, but usually have more problems than a good proven Stihl model.

The MS180 that you bought, kick, is very similar to the MS170 that I have for limbing and small stuff. It is a great brush saw, but like you mentioned, a bit under powered for taking down any decent sized tree. I like to know when I want to power into a back cut to bring a tree down quickly that it is not going to die out on me. The MS170/180 doesn't give me that feeling. I keep a short bar on it so I don't try to tackle too much. For what you are doing though, it sounds like it will be perfect for you.

[kickstand]

So, hAve you put it to work?

Yes, I have, and so far, am extremely pleased. Now all I have cut so far is firewood that was just a bit too long for my small fireplace, nothing over about 10 inches in diameter. Is the saw just a little under powered? Yeah. Would I have liked the larger, more powerful saw? Yes, but I do have to say that it's nice not having to haul 30 pounds of saw around. It's also really nice not having to drape an extension cord around behind me. So I am very have happy with what it does for what I need it for. I do still have a couple of <12" diameter trees to fell, but that'll be a couple of weeks down the line. I will keep you updated on whether or not I cut off my other leg.

[redman2006]

So, hAve you put it to work?

[kickstand]

Well, the Stihl won out. Let me first say that I have never owned a piece of Sthil equipment. I've always heard good things, but never bought any, and really don't know much about them. I had stopped at the Stihl dealer late last year, and their tech/chainsaw guy acted like the MS250 was about the only one they sold. I would love that saw, but at $359, I held off. Even though I really wanted a Stihl, I came VERY close to buying an Echo from Home Depot, primarily due to price and their 5 year warranty. As I was reading up on them, I found that the Stihl Homeowner model (MS180) was the same price, at $199.95, through July 1. I called the dealer and found out that yes, they did have the MS180. I told them that I would be there in about an hour to pick one up.

I got to the dealer and went to the back of the store, where the chainsaws are kept. Their chainsaw guy, a different one than I had dealt with months ago, came back and asked if I was there for the MS180 that was sitting on the counter, and after my confirmation, he filled it with fuel and chain oil, and set it on the floor to start it. It took probably between 10 and 20 pulls to start it. After getting it started, he goosed the throttle, the engine revved, but the chain didn't move. He then released the chain brake, and gave it full throttle, which started to spin the chain, and a small, orange handled screwdriver shot out of the chain guard and skidded across the floor. You could see the embarrassment on his face. He shut it off and set it on the counter and went to get a sheet of paper so that he could show me that it was slinging oil. It was then the we noticed two things. 1) The chain was way too tight-easily correctable. 2) The chain was on backwards. He asked his helper "Who put these together?" Although easy enough to correct, you could see the frustration starting to kick in, so he went and got a different unit, and again, filled it with fuel and oil. We checked the chain on that one, and although it was facing the correct direction, it too was quite a bit too tight, so we adjusted it. I say "we" because their guy didn't really seem to know how to properly adjust the chain, so I assisted. After about 20 tugs of the cord, my confidence in the Stihl was starting to wain, but a few more pulls got it to fire. Being an auto mechanic, and having these kinds of things happen in that field, I completely understand that it takes a bit for a carb to fill, and that you have to get the air/fuel ration just right, etc in order for an engine to fire off. He then revved this one, showed me that it was indeed slinging oil, and I took it home.
After I got it home, I wanted to see if it was that difficult for me to start. It wasn't. 5, maybe ten pulls, and it was running. I tested it on a number of pieces of wood, and it cut like a warm knife going through butter.
I hope that it lasts longer than my several Craftsman saws. Time will tell.

[Boston_Joe]

And while I can understand volume pricing these small servicing dealers get no points for it. They have to meet certain levels. I hope this strategy comes back to bite them all in the ass.

[kickstand]

Sounds a lot like Michelin Tires. It's VERY difficult to compete against El Cheapo Tires due to Michelin's pricing to the small guy.

[Boston_Joe]

I found out yesterday that my local (as in 10 minutes away) Husqvarna dealer has closed his doors. While not the end of the world, it is inconvenient. He was a full service shop. Service, parts and sales. Apparently Husqvarna and most of the other manufacturers have made things increasingly difficult for the smaller shops to continue as authorized dealers. They've upped the minimums for orders of new equipment and taken to mandating that they take certain quantities of dogs as well as top sellers. Same for parts. To really get them these same companies would undercut them to the box box stores who are not required to offer parts and service.

Hard to compete when things are truley stacked against you.

[RD]

Well if you were closer I have an extra one you could have. Seeing your not, stihl i like but I think they cost more than they should, echo also are well running. Nothing made in the last 10 years do I think are worth much. I have two pulans that are over 35 yrs old that are tanks, which I will have to have them gone threw seeing I didn't use them for sentimental and now they need a good gone threw.


RD

[kepp]

This is pretty much what I need it for. I've got three more downed trees that got knocked down behind my barn to break up into firewood, one of which is slightly larger diameter.
I still haven't decided on what to get. It's looking more and more like it's down to the Stihl 250 (per recommendation from Stihl salesman), the Echo CS352 (16") and the Echo CS400 (18"). Although my "money doesn't matter" choice is the Stihl, but an extra $100 is hard to justify, as long as the Echo is a quality product.
Edit: Plus a 5 year warranty of the Echo vs a 1 year warranty of the Stihl.

I did this same research two years ago after moving to a home with a few acres and a wood stove. We cut a lot of wood growing up and my Dad always used a Homelite, I think. It usually worked, but I remember a bit of cussin' and kickin' by him. I asked a few people I trust (including my Dad) and, unequivocally was told Stihl. I went to a local dealer and decided on the Stihl MS 250 with 18 inch bar and its been great. Obviously its only been two years, but I expect it to last a long time. And, yes, as airdrop said, if you buy from an authorized dealer and use the right oil, they'll extend your warrantee by a year.

[airdrop]

This is pretty much what I need it for. I've got three more downed trees that got knocked down behind my barn to break up into firewood, one of which is slightly larger diameter.
I still haven't decided on what to get. It's looking more and more like it's down to the Stihl 250 (per recommendation from Stihl salesman), the Echo CS352 (16") and the Echo CS400 (18"). Although my "money doesn't matter" choice is the Stihl, but an extra $100 is hard to justify, as long as the Echo is a quality product.
Edit: Plus a 5 year warranty of the Echo vs a 1 year warranty of the Stihl.


[ATTACH=CONFIG]8727[/ATTACH]

Kick check , I think if you use Stihl motor oil it extends your warrant a year or more .

[kickstand]

Ya, but I just don't trust anyone or anything on Craigslist. With my luck , I'd end up with a stolen unit that didn't work , and would be hauled off when I took it in for repair.

[redman2006]

Around here, you can get great deals on craigslist for saws that have hardly ever been used. Usually it is after a storm like the last hurricane that was a bust for us. Generators are the same way.

[kickstand]

This is pretty much what I need it for. I've got three more downed trees that got knocked down behind my barn to break up into firewood, one of which is slightly larger diameter.
I still haven't decided on what to get. It's looking more and more like it's down to the Stihl 250 (per recommendation from Stihl salesman), the Echo CS352 (16") and the Echo CS400 (18"). Although my "money doesn't matter" choice is the Stihl, but an extra $100 is hard to justify, as long as the Echo is a quality product.
Edit: Plus a 5 year warranty of the Echo vs a 1 year warranty of the Stihl.


Wood.jpg

[kickstand]

Ya, we used to have a few stations that carried ethanol free fuel, but not any more. My scoot got a lot better mileage without ethanol.

As for the chainsaw , I'm currently leaning towards the Stihl 250 after talking with the local rep. I'd still like to put hsnds on an Echo for comparison . It's ok though, I have time . I have enough wood cut for the rest of this winter, but will be needing it prior to next winter.