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Chainsaws

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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
Ok, my dad has an old OLD school Ruger Chainsaw. Like the type of chainsaw that in order to keep the bar oiled you have to keep pumping this button manually while using it. He has been complaining some about it lately constantly breaking down when he needs it and such And I am thinking about getting him one for Fathers Day (planning ahead). Now, when I use chainsaws at work I have the type of saw that I can rest the tip on the ground and the trigger and engine are up around chest level (I am 6'3"). We don't need something like that at the house but at the same time we need something bigger than a little one hand chainsaw like you see tree toppers use. Any suggestions varying from brand, size, or anything else?
Feb 15 2010 3:03AM
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Inbred_Redneck
Posts: 2776 - Karma: 28
I use my dad's old Stihl. I have no idea on the model though it is older. Never failed me yet and always cuts strong. Look for a 14" to 18" bar for general use stuff.
Feb 15 2010 9:37AM
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Caveman.
Posts: 9067 - Karma: 330
What kind of tasks does your dad use his saw for? Just basic tree trimming around the house or do you guys cut firewood? If its just basic home use I would say 14-18" like the other guy in this thread would be ample. If you are cutting firewood 20" or larger would be nice. I would definitely get a saw with a brake and one that isn't to heavy. I would stay away from Pullan. We have Stihl and Husqvarna saws at work, both with the same bar length and same safety features. The Stihl is considerably lighter and newer than the Husky but the Husky is way easier to start so its a toss up. I will post some pictures of my personal saw from the 50s when I get a chance, things a beast.
Feb 15 2010 8:09PM
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Inbred_Redneck
Posts: 2776 - Karma: 28
Forgot to add, stay away from Craftsman. Their saws are shit and underpowered.
Feb 15 2010 8:30PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
A little of everything. Once in awhile if wind blows a tree down on our property we will hack it up for firewood. I guess mostly that.
Feb 15 2010 8:31PM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
I have a stihl 290 with an 18 inch bar and it has run good so far. Really though I'd suggest a husqvarna.
Feb 17 2010 3:55PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
Forgot to mention that my dad's chainsaw is so old that it also doesn't have that chain stop thing.
Feb 17 2010 3:58PM
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Caveman.
Posts: 9067 - Karma: 330
A brake?
Feb 17 2010 4:05PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
Yes, the chain brake, he does not have one.
Feb 17 2010 4:13PM
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SnowFarmerSC
Posts: 39 - Karma: 10
Ive got a Husqvarna 350 and a 345 that are the best saws for everything . i live on a farm so i us my saws for everything from cutting firewood to cutting fence post and trimming trees and they are the best saws u can buy.
Feb 17 2010 6:41PM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
Husqvarna ftw, I've been gathering all my own firewood for the past three winters. Only this year did I get a stihl. Last 2 years I've been using my friend's huskies, I've never seen one break down and they are always a cinch to start. I got a stihl only because it was a present, otherwise I would have bought a husqvarna.

18 or 20 inch bar is all you really need IMO if your just a homeowner.
Feb 18 2010 7:51AM
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papasteeze
Posts: 12055 - Karma: 913
For the last 15 years I have gone to"Electric Throw aways"  for misc yard work.  I sharpen my own chains to keep them cutting well - which is the key to wearing out chainsaws.  I am on my 2nd one. all I can tell you is that is yellow with an 18" bar..  McCollough?
Feb 22 2010 1:33PM
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