[carpdad]

I'm looking for gas chainsaw. Won't be heavy use, just reliable starting when needed. Toro (new or bought used) has been good to me, but it makes no chainsaw.
So a japanese name got my attention, Tanaka. Wiki says it is now american name under hitachi. Tanaka uses Purefire engine. Anybody know about this engine or the chainsaw?
Stihl is costly for my need. I think it will be Husquava if there is no other candidate. Thanks in advance.

 

[joecaption]

Stihi may be more expencive but it's the best on the market.
Easy to find parts for and get service since there only sold at a dealer.
I've tried several of the cheaper brands and had nothing but trouble.
All my Stihl equipment starts every time.
(pole saw, 2, chain saws, 2, weed wackers, hedge trimmers.

 

[Canarywood1]

Know nothing about Tanaka, but have 5 different Echo machines including a chainsaw that always start easy.

 

[DexterII]

Stihl would be my first choice and Echo my second. I can't imagine it happening, but, if I were ever to consider anything else, it would only be if there were a local and reputable dealer.

 

[gregzoll]

Stihl or Husqevarna. All that you will find on professional tree and lawn crews is Stihl or Husqevarna equipment.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,... A box store chainsaw is like a box store weed wacker,...

Buy it, run it til it pukes, 'n go get another one,...

Most small gas tools die from crap in the gas, or bein' left with ethanol in the tank,...

I try to run 'em Outa gas before I put 'em away,....

 

[Oso954]

Go to a local saw dealer that stocks parts and repairs saws.
Talk to them about what you want.

They may even have a used saw that has been checked out or has been reconditioned. It might let you get a better quality saw.

I haven't tried Husqvarna in the homeowner size, and don't know anyone that has. I can tell you that their pro saws are great.

Buy your saw and accessories at the local dealer. You want him there when you need parts/repair.

If you want a saw that doesn't see heavy use and starts all the time, I would reconsider the choice of gas vs electric. If you don't follow the storage procedures with a gas saw (infrequent use) it will eventually be hard to start.
Sometimes they give you problems, anyway.

 

[Msradell]

I certainly agree with the previous posters and I'll give you a quick summary, either buy an electric chainsaw if you're going to be using it very seldom or buy a Stihl and be done with it. You'll regret any other choice in the long run.

 

[ron45]

I don't think it matters much anymore....
It's like what is better the ford or chevy....
Then they throw GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, etc., in there..
Now days they throw foreign cars in there as well...

Open up your wallet and throw it on the table, whatever one you can afford or want to buy, go for it..
The cheaper ones you can buy an extra warranty for it and it's still cheaper then the others.
If it tears up take it back...

I decided to go with a cheap one, Poulan. I've had it for about 8 years and only start it about every other year, with no problems..

I never winterize it or empty the gas on purpose, with no problems...

In fact I never do that to any of my small motors, and with no problems..

Here's the one I bought. At the time I thought okay I can buy two for the price of one...

http://www.poulan.com/

 

[joecaption]

I've owned two Poulan Pro's (the yellow one) in the past, both ran OK but both had leaking oil pumps within a week.

 

[joed]

Poulans don't have an oil pump. They oil the chain by pressuring the oil tank from the crankcase to put oil on the chain. When you stop cutting the pressure in the take keeps pushing oil out. If you release the pressure by opening the cap when done the oil leak when sitting should be stopped.

 

[carpdad]

Thank you all for the replies. I was going to rent for the initial landscape trimming on this house. Electric sounds better and better. The money saved could be a down payment on a small generator.

 

[oh'mike]

The electric ones are inexpensive and work well for light trimming--

I have one and it is the tool that always starts---
Even if you own a nice gas chainsaw---you will find it handy for most yard work.

 

[jomama45]

Thank you all for the replies. I was going to rent for the initial landscape trimming on this house. Electric sounds better and better. The money saved could be a down payment on a small generator.

I think you have a great idea, renting for the major cutting and electric after for light usage. Home Depot generally has Makita 6401 saws in thier rental chain, which are great saws, just don't fall in love and get the itch to buy a saw that big.........

BTW, Sthil, Husqavarna, Echo, Dolmar, etc... all sell cheap homeowner grade saws that can't be compared to their higher end, professional grade saws. So, when someone posts that "Stihl" is the best, take it with a grain of salt, because every brand builds garbage.......

 

[TimPa]

you are right, an entry level saw is just that. however, the stihl line entry level is considerably better than an entry level ______ off brand.

tanaka is an extremely good engine maker in the weed eater power head class - and sought after. I use one in my Christmas tree pruners and they are lightweight, powerful, and quiet. chain saw??? not so sure about.

 

[47_47]

I think you have a great idea, renting for the major cutting and electric after for light usage. Home Depot generally has Makita 6401 saws in thier rental chain, which are great saws, just don't fall in love and get the itch to buy a saw that big.........

BTW, Sthil, Husqavarna, Echo, Dolmar, etc... all sell cheap homeowner grade saws that can't be compared to their higher end, professional grade saws. So, when someone posts that "Stihl" is the best, take it with a grain of salt, because every brand builds garbage.......

Great advice^^. Remember to keep your chain sharp and any decent saw should outlast you.

 

[carpdad]

Bought Worx electric saw and put $200 in generator envelop.:smile: Mostly likely it will be duel fuel 3000 watt. Winter heating, couple of lights/outlets.