- Joined
- Jan 20, 2018
- Messages
- 5,657
I have 5 chainsaws (well, 6 with 5 currently running). In ascending order, Stihl 009L 12 in., Homelite electric 12 in., Poulan Pro electric 18 in., Redmax G5300 20 in. and Stihl 044 Magnum 25 in.
I heat exclusively with wood and have for the last 12 years, burning 4-5 cords per year. My go-to is the Redmax (which is a Husqvarna E353 in a red case). I bought it new and it's been a great saw. I had some problems with warm restarts, but finally figured the trick and now I have no problems starting it. I bought the Stihl 009L for limbing trees after felling, but quickly learned that it required too much bending. The Homelite electric lives with my Homelite 5-ton electric splitter for those stringy splits that just won't separate. (LOVE that splitter!) The Stihl 044, which I bought used, is hard to start (requires a shot of fuel into the carb, no ether) and heavy. Restarts fine once warm. It only comes out for stuff over 30 inches, which is rare anymore.
Stihls are great saws, almost all the pros use them and the price reflects that. Husqvarna and Redmax (same company) are next in line (think Nissan as opposed to Honda and Toyota). A great choice for personal use. Echos have a good reputation but are hard to work on. All others are for light, occasional use or for those who like to tinker.
Look for a pro grade saw (metal, clamshell crankcase). Do not put on a bar that is longer than the saw is rated for, it will not get enough oil.
Drain the fuel and run the saw dry before storage. Old fuel and carburetor gumming are the cause of most starting problems. Straight gas is the cause of most engine failures. Be sure to use the recommended grade of 2-cycle oil, not the cheap stuff. It's not all the same.
I heat exclusively with wood and have for the last 12 years, burning 4-5 cords per year. My go-to is the Redmax (which is a Husqvarna E353 in a red case). I bought it new and it's been a great saw. I had some problems with warm restarts, but finally figured the trick and now I have no problems starting it. I bought the Stihl 009L for limbing trees after felling, but quickly learned that it required too much bending. The Homelite electric lives with my Homelite 5-ton electric splitter for those stringy splits that just won't separate. (LOVE that splitter!) The Stihl 044, which I bought used, is hard to start (requires a shot of fuel into the carb, no ether) and heavy. Restarts fine once warm. It only comes out for stuff over 30 inches, which is rare anymore.
Stihls are great saws, almost all the pros use them and the price reflects that. Husqvarna and Redmax (same company) are next in line (think Nissan as opposed to Honda and Toyota). A great choice for personal use. Echos have a good reputation but are hard to work on. All others are for light, occasional use or for those who like to tinker.
Look for a pro grade saw (metal, clamshell crankcase). Do not put on a bar that is longer than the saw is rated for, it will not get enough oil.
Drain the fuel and run the saw dry before storage. Old fuel and carburetor gumming are the cause of most starting problems. Straight gas is the cause of most engine failures. Be sure to use the recommended grade of 2-cycle oil, not the cheap stuff. It's not all the same.