Chainsaw recommendation please

[RJD]

Morning guys! I’m looking to replace my chainsaw, I bought a 50cm/cc titan in the spring (and all safety gear thanks to advice on here) and it’s huge and super heavy and to be honest, a bit rubbish, it ‘died’ at the weekend to a point whereby I’ve decided to retire it and get something better.

I’d appreciate suggestions for a saw for general shoot tidy up, unlikely to be bringing down anything bigger than 12” wide, and have been looking at Husqvarna 120, 130, 135 etc as some good Black Friday offers in 130 but could consider anything else

Although I like the electric idea they are too expensive, I’m looking to get away with £250 or less

 

[Rake Aboot]

STIHL. Good deals to be had and super reliable machines with great back up

 

[lochty]

#1 for stihl

 

[Utectok]

I’ve a stihl 260 I bought 15yrs ago second hand still going strong

 

[Rasputin]

My cheap Hyundai one is decent but if I were to spend money on a new one be husky or stihl

 

[teyhan1]

As an ex garden machinery shop owner I’d advise something like a Stihl MS210. Light enough for what you want.
I use a Stihl MS260

 

[Border]

Stihl or husqvarna/jonsered.

 

[Howzat]

Tried a few over the years Stihl has been the best

 

[Bavarianbrit]

My neighbour a farmer has some woods on his land, he told me that Stihl have 100% left Germany for Switzerland due to the bureaucracy levels in Germany, I can understand that.
I have a 26 model that I bought around 2004 used so far for about one hour on the course as I do not have any woods to play with it, not for sale yet.

 

[RJD]

As an ex garden machinery shop owner I’d advise something like a Stihl MS210. Light enough for what you want.
I use a Stihl MS260

Thank you! Bit over budget though

 

[Will the chippy]

Stihl 181 with a 14 inch bar should do. Bit under powered but if time is not of the essence, a sharp chain will keep you right. The small huskys are not made by husky but a rebadged poulan, so I've been told, the 435 is the smallest true husqvarna. Dad's got a Makita 3201 and is a fab little saw. Easy to start but there not making any new ones, might get an end of line one.

 

[slider]

Stihl msa 120 rechargeable electric

 

[wytonpjs]

Bought an el cheapo Stihl for doing my C&G/LANTRA felling up to 280 rather than renting the centre's one for the 3 courses I did (my bar was too long on my FarmBoy and they don't allow top-handle saws like my MS200T) - it worked out cheaper! It was a 12" bar MS171 for the princely sum of £174.17 +VAT. There was an even cheaper one but sadly sold out upon delivery - the MS162 which is retailing for £150 inc VAT! 12 months on, the MS171 has seen some use and still works as it did out of the box!

 

[Outback]

A Husqvarna 135 is a very hard worked saw for me , hedging and felling up to it's capability , possible bought as a home owner saw but well up to the task .

 

[gixer1]

Another vote for Husqvarna. I lost any love for Stihl When they shafted customers by stopping them buying spares and parts online - although I think they reversed that decision.

Probably best to see why dealer is closest and go with that brand.

Regards,
Gixer

 

[The Singing Stalker]

It is unusual for a chainsaw, even a cheap one to die so soon. I used a draper one for 3 years before I killed it.
I am not a pro though.
But £100 was a good buy. Never serviced. Just worked it until it dies and slung it as a service was as much as a new chainsaw… nearly.

 

[countrryboy]

Husqvarna are complete junk now, the 1 series were never that good anyway and just had the sticker on.
But even the pro grade saws are rubbish now, unfortunatrly i still have quite a few in my van and f##cking hate them.

If u really really want an orange saw 1 or 2 companies are importing 353s brand new to uk which were a bloody brilliant saw

The small stihls 170s or 180s are really very very good for the money.
Most of the local fencing companies round here use them, while there not worked hard they are completely neglected and abused and just keep on running.

If u go for a cheaper make like efco, mittox, solo i'd only buy from a dealer that services and fixes them.
Thre is some good budget brands out there.
But in honesty there not much cheaper than the wee stihls.

With any off those small cc saws the trick is to learn how to sharpen them and keep them sharp.
U do need to look after ur files as the small dia can snap if ur putting to much pressure on a blunt file.

 

[Cyres]

You could look at Echo. About £250 and when I asked 3 yr warranty. My Husky 136 is 20 yrs young. Great saw for what you want to do.
D

 

[RJD]

Thanks, my closest store (Ernest doe) sell Echo

 

[fellman]

Stihl ms171 less than £200 new I’ve had one about a year now and give it plenty of use never let me down light little saw I also have a old Stihl wood boss big saw 25” bar must be 20year old still runs mint