types of chainsaws poll

[hisliptree3]

what saw do you own, like or prefer?

[T Welsh]

STIHL. 30+ years in tree service field. have tried the rest and have stuck to the best.

[Bernhard]

Stihl since 1985 and a Partner with 42 ccm. Never have had any probs with the Stihl, but would not mind to buy another brand, too, if I would find a Dealer like my Stihl guy. Reason for that is, that my Stihl Dealership will close at the end of the year, cause the owner will go into Retirement at the end of the year.

To buy a Saw is always an expensive Decission, but also other Mothers are having good looking daughters.

I will not go with the voting poll above, cause, excepted a small Solo in 1984, I never have tried another brand of Saws and I believe that all the wellknown brands are making good machinery.

Buying equipment is not only  a prive thing, it depends on the dealership and it´s service, too.

Here in Germany it maybe easier to get parts bought within half an hour of riding to the dealer, so I never would go, with buying at the netif it comes to parts. maybe I would make an exception if it comes to bars and chains,.

[mad murdock]

this is a ford vs. chevy vs dodge type situation.  I have run McCullough, Homelite, Stihl, Sachs Dolmar, Jonsereds, Husqvarna, in the woods and cutting firewood.  Outside of running a CSM, the hardest duty a saw gets is cutting firewood, IMO.  They all will work well, if looked after properly, and properly sharpened.  That said, of the surviving brands today, of the top 3 (Stihl, Jonnyred, and Husky), I prefer Husky over the rest.  They have performed the best overall for me, and though Stihl has a solid history, I'll take a swede saw.  A lot depends on a person's attention to preventative maintenance tendencies, and local dealer support.

[ladylake]

 I run a lot of different brands here and most are are good, I'd not buy newer Poulans, Homelites, MACs and the lower end Husky and Stihl saws.   Steve

[sablatnic]

Right now I think that Stihl is the best, but ten years ago I would have voted for Husqvarna. (And Partner 30 years ago). Can't say what it will be in ten years.

[Collima]

I run stihl. I have an 880,  4 460's, 361, 362.  I have ran husq in the past and wouldn't hesitate to buy another.
I wouldn't run anything else besides stihl or husq. Even if a got a echo or something for free I would sell it or give it away.

[weimedog]

One thing I can say is the 272 & 372 Husqvarna saws are about the easiest to work on and build of any series I've experienced. I'm real curious to see how the new xtorq 365-372 Husky's and follow on Jred's are.

[beenthere]

Stihl since my first one in 1975. That saw ran without a single problem (save for the handle I broke) up to 2004 when I bought the MS361. So for 34 years, never missed a beat nor gave any problem. I've had no reason or excuse to look or think of anything other than Stihl. Cannot say if any others are better, which is not the question anyway.

[thecfarm]

A real hard question. I have a friend that has a Jonsered for about 20 years. But he only cuts about 5 cords a year with it and I doubt it has seen over 100 trees cut down in it's whole life. I've gone through a couple Huskys in that saw lifetime. But I was cutting in the woods at one time and doing ALOT of clearing around the farm too. I started out with an 032 way back in the late 70's than for a better dealer support I went to Husky. Some people don't use thier equipment much and never have trouble with it. Start to use it just about everyday of the week and the old wear and tear will creep up on you. Everything I buy get used just about every day. Case in point,I just bought a used tractor, 8 years old with just a little over 800 hours on it. I probably will put that in less than a year.

[zopi]

I love my Stil equipment, but I must say, I am going to take another tank of fuel down a leg from those bloody flippy caps, and I am going to va beach to punch an engineer in the mouth.

[Caloren]

I love my Stil equipment, but I must say, I am going to take another tank of fuel down a leg from those bloody flippy caps, and I am going to va beach to punch an engineer in the mouth.

Gee, I've never had any trouble with the "flippy caps" on the 310, but have had the oil cap [screw on] on the little 170 come off and oil my leg twice.

[T Welsh]

, but have had the oil cap [screw on] on the little 170 come off and oil my leg twice.
[/quote] Caloren, I thought I was the only one that has done that! Tim

[clww]

I love my Stil equipment, but I must say, I am going to take another tank of fuel down a leg from those bloody flippy caps, and I am going to va beach to punch an engineer in the mouth.

Just tell me when, since I'm already 1 mile from the plant, it will save you a trip!

[Collima]

 Agree. The stihl flippy caps are annoying! When I first started using them I would walk away from fueling up. About to fell a tree and find the oil cap open and oil all over my leg. I would prefer the regular screw on cap.

[beenthere]

I don't understand. I might be slow.
Either/or: the flippy cap needs to be closed or the screw on cap needs to be screwed on.
Not doing so for either system will get oil or fuel mix on your leg. 
Both systems require one to remember to close them after filling.
To me the flippy caps are quicker and easy to do. Flip, half twist and they are off. Half twist, flip and they are locked on.
 

[Jeff]

Being a new Stihl owner, I've just learned of the flippy caps, and within a week of first using it, had the gas drain out on my leg and shoe carrying the saw to the next tree.  It has not happened since and if it happens again, it sure isn't the caps fault. It's mine for not shutting it correctly and making sure it was shut. Just like beenthere said. A cap is a cap. make sure its shut.

 I like em.

[T Welsh]

Stihl has recalled a certain type of these caps, being old school. I did not like them at first and had trouble with them too! I just took 3 saws in for new caps and let me tell you, its a night and day difference. much easier to install, they do have a little arrow on them, but that doesnt help me if I dont have my glasses on. the older caps gaskets swelled with the ethanol gas we get today and they are hard to get on. am thinking of buying all new caps just because of this. I still like the oil or gas on the pant leg stories!!! Tim

[Magicman]

I also have 3 Homelites, but the Stihls are the "go to" saws.  The only time that I have ever had oil down my leg was with a screw cap that was not screwed.

[Caloren]

In our case with the 170 the cap was screwed on and it came off while using it. Happened to my son the first time, and about a year later it happened to me  The cap wasn't cross threaded, or anything like that, the only thing I can think of was some small chips may have got in the threads and caused the cap to vibrate loose. Both times we had stopped to refuel and add oil and we may not have got the threads completely clean.    Maybe we didn't get it tight enough? I don't know, but it only happened twice.
Loren

[miking]

I like the Echo saws and their other equipment as well. My #1 work saw is the 530 and my firewood saws are the 600P and 680. Good stuff! I also have one Stihl, a 192C. As for the poll, I can't say which is best because I haven't run them all.

[maple flats]

After using Macs, Poulans (had maybe 4 in a row) and after wearing out 4 finally deciding to get a real saw. I looked at both Stihl and Husky. I did not like the way that Stihl dealer acted and treated his customers, so I went with Husky I have had 3 and all were good (one Husky I bought at a garage sale and likely it cut 500 full cord before a internal issue arose. When I went to get it fixed the price was going to be about $250, I had bought it for 200 originally but the dealer offered me $200 in trade saying he could use it for a parts saw. I bought another saw, my 365  Currently have 2, both are dependable. My Husky dealer now also carries Stihl. If I weren't happy with the Huskies I'd now try Stihl, because this dealer is good and fair.
If you are looking for a saw, among the top makes, look mostly at the dealer. A good saw from a poor dealer is no good, and neither is a poor saw from a good dealer. Pick the Husky's, Stihls, Dolmar or Jonsonred from a good dealer. Some of those but not all sell thru big box stores. Realize, the models are often not the same as at dealers, and most importantly, a dealer treats you best when you bought the saw from him. That is human nature. Stihl will only sell thru full service dealers and top of the line saws are only available from dealers and not big box stores.

[KevinE]

I own several brands (Makita, Stihl, Husky & Echo), all are pro saws & I would not like to rate any of them as better than any other brand across the entire range. I have favourite models in each brand; who could fault an MS200T, a 440, 460 or a 660? but there are Stihl models of saws both pro & non pro that are boat anchors too! (unfortunately I parted with cash for one!) Same goes for most brands I think? Another variable is that we all have different needs for our saws to fulfil. I make money with mine, mostly pruning & a few take downs here & there. A lot of guys here cut firewood, I never do. Nor do I mill. Some guys drop trees day in day out.

[ladylake]

 I used to be Stihl untill I got a couple of Echo CS510 saws, light, good power, handles great, run forever and reasonable parts which I seldom need.  Nothing wrong with my Stihl 044 either besides the high priced parts. My MS170 is built cheap. Also have Husky, Dolmar, Solo, Efco, Jonesred saws which are all made and run good.    Steve
 
 

[sparky1]

Im just glad im not the only one who had oil run down my leg from the stihl saw!!!!   Im sure it was my fault, but i wasnt happy at the time!

[trapper]

At first I was frustrated with the flippy cap.  Take time and learn how to use them.  Finess not force.  At times the 2 parts become miss alined and the cap dosent want to go on. simple twist of the 2 parts and all is good again.

[sharkey]

From all the saws Ive worked on here is my conclusion;
Huskys are the hottest out of the box.
Dolmar tough to find parts and service in some areas.
Stihl your going to pay for it. 
Echo you get more for your money.

[acco1840]

Currently running Aincient Stihl 070 (with new piston kit and Alaskan mill) and Mcculloch Pro Mac 700. Did have good stihl 041, but got flattenned with dodge truck.... . Have used Husky 394 and 372 and would buy another in a heartbeat, but our local dealer service is MEH!!

[clww]

I've bought more than a dozen Stihl saws, 2 of these new from the dealer. Only 2 of my current ones have the new-style caps and I've never had any issues in the past 3 years. I like both types equally, I guess. The only time I've had a problem was when I put the gas into the bar oil by mistake while I was talking to somebody. DUH!!!

[cgk60]

I've had my partner saws for over 30 years and no problems except normal maintence stuff. I bought a new Sthil about 6 years ago and no problems so far. I just got a used MS-270 that runs good, so time will tell.

[OneWithWood]

I have always run Stihls.  From my first 038 Super to my current fleet of 019T, MS440 ( with a big bore kit), MS441 (the go to saw), MS460 and MS660.  The one constant has been the excellent dealer and Stihl service.

[Hi-Vel]

Have 2 Poulans, a Homelite and a Stihl.  All have their places.  One Poulan is an electric pole saw, one a 16" is a middle of the road good for limbing.  The Homelite I've had since whenever back in highschool and keeps on going on...it was $49 for a 10"...going on a camping trip.  That saw has cut a LOT of wood.   
But, the Stihl, that's where it's at if you want to cut a lot of wood without wasting a bunch of time.  I had a Husqvarna, and actually have a job where I sell them, but I did not like how it performed and took it back.  That's when I bought the Stihl, and later a Stihl "weedeater".

[Kansas]

When I was in high school, I cut and delivered firewood. Wore out my dad's John Deere (Remington) and bought a Stihl Farm Boss. He thought I was nuts for paying that kind of money. I never had a piece of equipment take more abuse, yet last as long and just wouldn't quit for so many years. Wish they made that exact same saw.

We run Stihl and an Efco at work. I tried running Echo (the newer ones), but they just seem to shake themselves apart. I do have an old Echo, the biggest they ever made. That was different. I would love to get that thing running again. I need a muffler and a few minor parts, but that was the fastest cutting saw I ever had. Parts just aren't available.

[Cut4fun]

I do have an old Echo, the biggest they ever made. That was different. I would love to get that thing running again. I need a muffler and a few minor parts, but that was the fastest cutting saw I ever had. Parts just aren't available.

Which one? I know people that can get parts or may have them and I am pretty good at getting hard to find stuff myself.

[NCForestry]

I have 3 Stihls that get used most of the time. A 064, 044, & a MS 290. I like them aot and never had an issue with them. However, I have 4 Huskys, a 51, 55, 266XP & a 460 Rancher,that have never give any trouble either. So I guess my vote goes to Husky & Stihl.

[Al_Smith]

I've got every brand listed .Stihls from MS 200t to 084 .Macs from a mini Mac to an SP 125 ,Homelite from XL2 to 2100 S ,one Echo and 4 Poulans .Husqvarna  335 (3) and 1  2100 . Every brand name usually has a good one and every brand has a not so good one .

[Just Me]

 My favorite saws were a a Partner 5000+ and a Partner 7000+. Cut a lot of wood with those for about twenty years, and just liked them. Wore out the 7000 and my dad conned me out of the 5000, had to move on. I never had very good luck with Stihl, but it was not saws, just stuff I used on job sites. Had a cutoff saw that would never start, dealer was no help. A blower that blew up. And a weed wacker at home that would never start and finally met its doom when I smashed it on a tree after trying to start it for 20 minutes. My local dealer was no help.

So.... When I needed to replace my Partners I went with Huskys, but mostly because of dealer support. I have a lot of friends in the wood businesses that love Stihl, but they have time to fix their own stuff. For me it is my spare time that I cut and I don't have much of it. I just want to pull the cord and cut.

Sure loved my Partners......

Larry

[Peter Drouin]

Is the 7500 dolmar saw a good one ?

[tractorfarmer]

I save my expensive saws for larger work.
But my favorite saw was my Husky 141. It cut down hundreds of trees. Everybody who I spoke with about it snickered and said, "You know that's not a Husky, it's a Poulan". Well for $200, it was the best saw I ever had. And I used it hard. Last year it broke and was not worth while fixing. I miss it. Sniff. Sniff.

So as far as I am concerned, the best saw is the smallest one that can get the job done. The parts and chains costs less and they are easier to handle and lighter weight.

[Piston]

what kind of chainsaw is the best?

I won't say it's the best, but I did vote for Stihl.   

I purchased my 361 a couple of years ago.  I don't do too much that would require a 'pro model' saw, but after all the research I did I made up my mind   

I don't like the flippy cap on it and I've certainly lost fuel to leakage more than once, but after a few times I finally learned to check, double check, and triple check the cap.   

I did see there was a recall on some of the caps of certain models. 
My father's 362 seems worse?  I don't know why because I imagine the cap is identical. 

I think of the things that have made my work in the woods easier and more enjoyable, and my 361 is by far on the top of that list,    the other 'best purchase I've ever made' was my grapple for the tractor.  Those are my 2 favorite, and most used, things. 

[Peter Drouin]

Well the dolmar 7900 I bought will cut circles around my two stolen 372 huskys. put on a skiptooth chain and hold on 

[Corley5]

We run a 2171 Jonsered, 346 Husky, 7300 and 7900 Dolmars.  I'll never buy a Dolmar again.  Great cutting and handling saws but you need to stock extra mounts because they do not hold up.  I was running two 7900s but the wrist pin came out of one and it killed it    My first impressions of Dolmars were very positive.  My final impressions are on the negative side.  I'll stick with Jonsereds and Huskys

[Bill]

Stihl - and one 25 or so year old Poulan that's kinda retired but will still fire up and make chips if asked to ( kinda like me