Chain saw recommendations please!

[Eyesofthewoods]

I’m in need of a chainsaw to cut some firewood at my hunting camp and for light work around the home.  
 

id be surprised if I put 16 hours a year on this saw.  That being said I’m not looking to spend an arm and a leg but also want something that will work.  
 

anyone have a preference between gas or electric?  The electric just scares me cause if it doesn’t have the juice to do the job then I’m up the creek!

willing to spend up to about $250. 
 

I want something small, light, simple and appropriate for the small work I’d use it for.  
 

any recommendations are greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[vdep217]

I had the same dilemma. Ended up getting an echo from home depot.  Bought a 14 inch than baught a 16 inch bar fir bigger stuff.  Always starts right up had it for 4 years so far

[Tuck]

Can't go wrong with a Stihl.  Will last forever.

https://www.stihlusa.com/guides-projects/a/chainsaw-buying-guide/

 

Edited September 18, 2023 by Tuck
Additional link

[mike033089]

I had a stihl ms251 I believe. Dad got it for me as a house warming gift.  I use it a lot. Mainly firewood.  I think it’s an 18”. 

[Eyesofthewoods]

19 minutes ago, vdep217 said:

I had the same dilemma. Ended up getting an echo from home depot.  Bought a 14 inch than baught a 16 inch bar fir bigger stuff.  Always starts right up had it for 4 years so far

Funny enough this is the one at the same store that has caught my eye as well.  From what I’ve read for my application (small). It would be a good choice and friendly on the bank account as well.  Thanks for the feedback!

[Jcol6268]

When it comes to saws, there’s nothing more frustrating than being under powered. I always recommend Stihl, even if you’re buying a smaller saw for “smaller” projects. There’s a reason it’s the saw of professionals. 

[ratherbhunting]

Do yourself a favor and no matter what chainsaw you get use ethanol free gas in it, it costs more money but due to the minimal use that you will use your saw it will be worth it.

[bowguide]

I have an old Makita that believe it or not will keep up with the Stihls but its about 16 years old...its a beast. If I had to buy a new one today it would only be a Stihl... If youre not using much just rent one from home depot.... saves you a lot of $$

[JHbowhunter]

If you cut a lot, without question the professional series stihl MS-362 with 18" bar would cover all your needs but they are nearly twice the price of their average Stihl homeowner saw. 

Therefore - I think all you need is a basic lower-priced Stihl with 16" bar.  You can still do a lot with a 16" bar and with shorter bar you get more torque over say the same model with 20" bar.  

I would go with Husqvarna as second brand choice. 

 

 

Edited September 18, 2023 by JHbowhunter

[electric10162]

I use my M18 Milwaukee 16" cordless saw for just about everything other than cutting a whole tree down. Then I use the 20" Stihl Farm Boss or to get more serious, the Stihl MS 362. The Stihls are more than double your 250 budget though. 

[nmc02]

Get a professional model stihl..................will last a lifetime.

[Black Bear Bowhunter]

I have a decent selection of Stihl and they never let me down.

I personally would recommend the 170 with a 18” bar. Advantages are: light, cheap, enough power for the jobs you described and will last a lifetime just make sure to drain the gas and run it empty before storing it for a while.

 

Additionaly the micro chain has minimal kickback and is ideal for homeowners vs a professional saw you really have to be careful.

[hammer4reel]

2 hours ago, Eyesofthewoods said:

I’m in need of a chainsaw to cut some firewood at my hunting camp and for light work around the home.  
 

id be surprised if I put 16 hours a year on this saw.  That being said I’m not looking to spend an arm and a leg but also want something that will work.  
 

anyone have a preference between gas or electric?  The electric just scares me cause if it doesn’t have the juice to do the job then I’m up the creek!

willing to spend up to about $250. 
 

I want something small, light, simple and appropriate for the small work I’d use it for.  
 

any recommendations are greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

16” poulan chainsaw will do what your asking . Can be bought for less than 175 bucks .

.

[tuny]

Look into the new sthil battery operated saws, no need to worry about gas going bad just buy an extra battery for bigger jobs.

[Livesintrees]

I have 4 saws but I cut a lot. Get a stihl farm boss and be done with it. More then you wanna spend but it sits in the middle of homeowner and professional