So I am in San Antonio and returning to Houston this weekend. I have to cut up this tree that is in my back yard and I have no power yet. Any suggestions for a good chain saw? Less that 200 is ideal. What do I look for? What do I avoid?
How big in diameter is the tree? Poulan is commonly avail. Good brand...A step up is Poulan PRO... Husqvarna is very good.
Tree is not huge, maybe 10-12 inches in diameter. it has already fallen down. Is the Husqvarna worth dropping 229 on? They have a 18 inch saw at Sears? I don't cut trees for a living but I don't want it to fail the first 15 minutes I use it.
Consider weight and size: All chain saw are designed to deliver the max amt. of power with the least amount of weight. Some are better than others... Look for a chain saw that has the bar length you need. Cutting capacity of up to 20 inch diameter is for moderate duty.....up to 30 inch diameter is for large jobs.... I don't think you'll need 40 inch diameter capable bars due to weight,....so assuming you want moderate duty to large job duty, then up to 20 inch or 30 inch is your ideal.... A bar length of 14, 16, or 18 is the best manageable for size, weight considerations....34 to 45cc range power....Look for features like air injection, start assist, and tool less chain adjust....also make sure it is a heavy duty forged crankshaft rather than a traditional engine...More money, but sometimes it's worth it... P.S., lean towards the 14 inch bar for your size of tree and price issues,...but if you want that extra capability, also consider the 16 or 18...But 14 inch is capable up to 28 inch diameter cutting capacity...
If you have power, and will only be using it around the house... I'd go with an electric chainsaw. http://www.huttools.com/uc4000.html http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Craftsm...nYm1hBF9TAzk2NjMyOTA3BHNlYwNmZWVkBHNsawNiZ3Qy No mixing oil, no draining the gas tank for when you put it in the garage for 3 years, no cursing and rope pulling and it'll do what you need it to provided you're within reasonable reach of a power outlet and you can get by with a 16"-18" saw.
don't waste your money on something you might only use a few times. although with the current situation, you may have trouble finding one, but..... try craigslist in the 'tools' section, maybe even look in SA and find one before you come back. try a few pawn shops. I bought mine at a pawn shop, $80 brand new, normally $229. worst case scenario, come borrow mine.
Frankly if you are unwilling to do any actul work with it beyond an emergency situation just go buy a 100 or 140 dollar one from sears. Since it is new it will operate the way it is supposed to just fine. IF you are willing to say "you know what, i will take this oportunity to add a chainsaw to my tool shed of death machines" then get a good saw that will last your lifetime and will reduce headaches and make jobs go by in half the time.
I wouldn't buy a used one. Any under 250 dollar saw will not show a sig. advantge over a 140 one and a brand new one will be good running nd easy starting compared to an unknown quality of a used one.
no 99 dollar craftsmen models? I don;t think the 199 Husky is a worthwhile upgrade over the bottom dollar craftsman. The 455 rancher is but that one costs 399. Craftsman owns the budget chainsaw market. Husky is a good brand name and you are paying for the brand so its not worth it to buy a 199 one.
buy some 2 cycle oil and a small gas can while you are there. I am sure you can figure out how to mix the stuff up yourself but I always have a dedicated 2 stroke can so as not to confuse.
Man all the craftsman ones have such crappy reviews . My biggest fear is I get to Houston. It works for 5 minutes and then something which I won't be bale to find a part for breaks.
Why not electric? Do you not have power/outlet 100+ feet from tree? They are dead simple, very powerful, cheap and easy to store.
I told you above, all these cheap chain saws suck. If you want nice one get a nice one. If not then go with the craftsman. It WILL work the way it is supposed to for a while. IF you don;t know how to use a chainsaw then its luck of the draw you don't cut your face off. If you want to be sure get a Stihl MS260. Very nice saw will last a lifetime.
I'll give you everything but very powerful. Even the smallest gas saws will eat through hardwood quicker than an electric. Its just a simple mater of max amps that it can be rated for. Most outlets cannot provide over 20 amps so these things are usually maxed out to 15 or so.
oh yeah I do agree that electric may be the right move though. Although a nice one is just as expensive you are trading off performance for ease of use.
http://www.amazon.com/Poulan-18-Inch-Electric-Chainsaw-400E/dp/B00080OD9Q $99 bucks for a Poulan pro Having used a cheapo black and decker and a cheapo homelite gas saw, side by side, during Rita cleanup, I can tell you a 2 hp electric is more than a match for a 30something cc gas. If your gas saw slows down you get out of the power band and bog the thing down, while stalling an electric is much more difficult to stall. Power cords and all, it was faster and easier. Electrics can't compete with a bigger saw, as you say... they're limited to wall current- but for a couple of 12-18" trees it'll mow right through them. Also, make sure you're power cord is rated for the current/distance you're using.
