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Post by smallchunk on Feb 28, 2017 23:54:12 GMT -6
Hey guys, I'm looking to purchase a new saw and was wondering what everybody had/wish they had. I will be mainly using it for habitat work, but will also be using it to help clear fence lines on the farm and cut wood with my old man to heat their house. I'm not the strongest fellow in the world, what does everyone like to use?
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Post by nhmountains on Mar 1, 2017 2:01:12 GMT -6
SC,
I'd see whether there's a good service/repair dealer in your area and go with them. When it breaks or need service you want it fixed promptly. Most guys like the smaller Stihl models like the MS170 or MS270. I believe they now have the MS271 model.
I've used the Husqvarna 435 with a 16" bar for 3-4 years. It's light and cuts well. I can run it 6-8 hours a day. $279. My brother has the Husqvarna 445 with an 18" bar. It's a pound heavier and more muscle. I have problems using that more than 20 minutes at a time. The weight makes a difference.
Whatever you choose make sure you purchase a good helmet with ear and face protection and a pair of wrap around chaps. I'd get some plastic felling wedges too if you're planning on cutting any trees.
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slugger
New Member
Posts: 31 
Likes: 28
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Post by slugger on Mar 1, 2017 11:11:29 GMT -6
If you plan on keeping it for a long time I would get a saw that the fasteners are threaded into steel inserts or into threaded aluminum. Eventually the saw will have to come apart for a carb cleaning or diaphragms and gaskets and the self threading screws into plastic only last a few times before they strip out.
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Post by Catscratch on Mar 1, 2017 11:17:14 GMT -6
I have a good Stihl repair man/dealer near me, therefore I like Stihl.
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Post by Freeborn on Mar 1, 2017 18:18:01 GMT -6
I have been thinking about picking up a hinge cutting saw and stopped to look at the Stihl 170 and 171. Unfortunately they did not have a 180. Both of the saws I looked at had allot more plastic than my old saw. This saw will not get worked a ton but on occasion will get worked pretty good.
How are these saws holding up for you guys?
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Post by smsmith on Mar 1, 2017 18:54:14 GMT -6
I have two MS 180cs. They've both done plenty of cutting and still run great.
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Post by westbranch on Mar 2, 2017 8:35:28 GMT -6
I bought a MS180c last spring, I liked the feel of it more than the 170 and 171. The third day I was using it, I had been using my dad's big old husqavarna for a little while and then switched to my new saw stihl for some smaller stuff... broke the rope on the first pull  wasn't used to the easy pulling. The repair guy at runnings did not charge to fix it and I used it quite a few times after that and really like it. Cuts everything I need and isn't as heavy as the old saw I was using. Have been debating keeping or selling it this spring when we move. |
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Post by DoubleLiver on Mar 3, 2017 7:57:58 GMT -6
I have two Stihls. They are roughly the same size and I think one is a 270. My dad has the new one right now, so I grabbed the old one which hadn't been used in two years. Gas and oil and fired up on the 10th pull. Worked great.
Couple things. If you do get more than one saw, get them with the same size bar. Then get at least 5 chains so you will usually have a sharp blade.
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Post by Freeborn on Mar 3, 2017 8:49:11 GMT -6
I just ordered an MS 181 from the Stihl dealer by me and will pick it up Saturday morning. I had a good conversation with him about gas. What size gas can are you guys using and how long do you go before you dump it out and start over? I’m a remote owner and the saw will not see a ton of work. Do you add anything to your gas or just keep it fresh every year?
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peeps
New Member
Posts: 46
Likes: 16
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Post by peeps on Mar 3, 2017 9:13:24 GMT -6
I'm a fan of Stihl's. I have a small one for cutting shooting lanes and a Farm Boss for felling trees and chunking them up. They both run like champs and cut good. One recommendation is to ditch the safety chain they come with and get the more aggressive chain as long as you are comfortable using saws.
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Post by smsmith on Mar 3, 2017 9:56:50 GMT -6
I just ordered an MS 181 from the Stihl dealer by me and will pick it up Saturday morning. I had a good conversation with him about gas. What size gas can are you guys using and how long do you go before you dump it out and start over? I’m a remote owner and the saw will not see a ton of work. Do you add anything to your gas or just keep it fresh every year? I use a two gallon can and either Stihl or Husky 1 gallon oil containers (2 of them obviously). I tend to go a bit rich on the oil (usually aim for 1.7 gallons of gas instead of 2). Before I fill the gas can I put in 2 oz. of Stabil..then the oil...then go to town and only put in ethanol free premium. Unless you're going to do quite a bit of saw work, 2 gallons will last you quite awhile. I'm finishing up my 2nd 2 gallon can right now. Last year I went through 3 cans (did more chunking of logs last year) Since doing that, I've had zero issues with keeping gas. If I have most of a can left at the end of the season (like I will this year), then I put another couple ounces of Stabil in the can. I use the same mix for weed whackers so I need some throughout the summer anyway. Never had an issue with bad gas since following this routine faithfully |
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Post by wildfire123 on Mar 3, 2017 10:53:16 GMT -6
Use sea foam instead of stabil, premium fuel, if you think .50 cents per gallon more, look at taking your saw in for bad gas, and paying $75 to $100 for repairs vs. $5 for 10 gallons of premium.
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Post by smsmith on Mar 3, 2017 11:24:23 GMT -6
I just ordered an MS 181 from the Stihl dealer by me and will pick it up Saturday morning. Have fun breaking that baby in tomorrow  |
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Post by Catscratch on Mar 3, 2017 11:25:14 GMT -6
I use a 1 gal can and stihl oil. I keep a bigger can of premium gas at the house so a refill for the saw can is never far away (I take the big can with me if I plan on cutting a lot that day). I don't use fuel stabilizers but I do run the saw dry before storing it. Knock on wood but I never have fuel problems anymore.
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Post by DoubleLiver on Mar 4, 2017 6:47:06 GMT -6
Is agree with the non oxygenated gas. I use alot of mixed gas but only mix up a gallon at a time. Dump out the gas and run the motor dry before lengthy storage.
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wasn't used to the easy pulling. The repair guy at runnings did not charge to fix it and I used it quite a few times after that and really like it. Cuts everything I need and isn't as heavy as the old saw I was using. Have been debating keeping or selling it this spring when we move.
