Small chain saws - Advice
- Thread starter kes
- Start date
Midgemagnet
Well-Known Member
was always a husky fan from a 61,365,560,562,390,346. all for different jobs ranging from 15 to 30 inch bars on hardwood. all got they're faults. 562 is the go to saw but not for the beginner. sadly no longer make the 346 braw balanced middle range saw. but like countryboy I too bought a still 500i. one of the easiest saws to start but again definitely not for the faint hearted or using all day running on a 25 inch bar its a bit heavy. advice don't buy shite
V envious of the 390
I loved the husky 346 too. It was actually fairly reliable. I bought the Stihl 261 because they stopped making the 346 and it was the most similar saw I could find.
Very interesting thread as I am contemplating treating myself to a new saw. I have an old Husky 40 which was a present from my old Dad around 26yrs ago. It starts and runs fine for ages but if I then stop it it absolutely refuses to start again so I just call it a day! I recently changed the electronic module but am guessing it maybe now needs a new carb?
Anyhow, rather than throw money at an old saw I'm thinking of putting it towards a new Stihl as these seem more popular these days from the previous posts than Husky. My question is am I better to go for one of the C-BE models with the Ergo start and quick chain adjust or are these a bit of a gimick and possibly prone to issues?
Probably looking at an MS231 or MS251 - thanks.
Anyhow, rather than throw money at an old saw I'm thinking of putting it towards a new Stihl as these seem more popular these days from the previous posts than Husky. My question is am I better to go for one of the C-BE models with the Ergo start and quick chain adjust or are these a bit of a gimick and possibly prone to issues?
Probably looking at an MS231 or MS251 - thanks.
WH308
Well-Known Member
Personally I dislike the ergo start, after too many years of pulling proper, gently unwinding the cord doesn’t come naturally. I forget then nearly rip the poor thing apart!
Have you tried Aspen ready mixed fuel? I have an old saw that used to have a similar problem. Since using Aspen it has always started within three pulls.
I agree, my son has the Husky for everyday use and it hasn't failed after using Aspen, where before it had some carburation problems.
Wow, never even heard of that but just googled it and sounds like its well worth a try, especially as it doesnt degrade as quickly as normal petrol. Will pick some up tommorrow and try it and let you know if it cures it.
countrryboy
Well-Known Member
I'm not entirely sure ur right with that, I seriously doubt many modern saws will still be running in 10 or 20 years time.
Helll still heaps off old 2 series huskies and old 0 series stihls that will be many decades old.some must be pushing 40.,
The 1st 357xps must be 20 years old now
I have heard some off the modern saws don't like being sat for long periods between used.
Most of carb problems will be folk with older/cheaper 2 stroke and not running saws dry.
I'd never used Aspen it for hobby use I'd serousily look a running my saws on it.
Or mix very very small quantities of 2 stroke
Rake Aboot
Well-Known Member
I've no idea why you would doubt new saws will last.
Your car runs an ECU and it will last for basically ever as do every new motorbike, lawnmower, tractor, digger etc etc.. Technology doesn't make things worse or less reliable. It does make them more user friendly and efficient.
I've never heard of problems with new saws sat for a while between use.
Your car runs an ECU and it will last for basically ever as do every new motorbike, lawnmower, tractor, digger etc etc.. Technology doesn't make things worse or less reliable. It does make them more user friendly and efficient.
I've never heard of problems with new saws sat for a while between use.
countrryboy
Well-Known Member
We will find out, 1 way or other.
U don't have to speak to that many pro wid cutters to hear a heap of problems with modern saws. And bugger all u can do to fix them up the wood..
And most really aren't a lot better than the old carb saws.
I really don't think my new stihl 462 is really much better than any off the 372s I've had, great saw but so where the others.
And the old 254xp would still give most modern 50cc saws a run for there money.
Still got 1 that runs and it has done a power of work must be 30 years old
U don't have to speak to that many pro wid cutters to hear a heap of problems with modern saws. And bugger all u can do to fix them up the wood..
And most really aren't a lot better than the old carb saws.
I really don't think my new stihl 462 is really much better than any off the 372s I've had, great saw but so where the others.
And the old 254xp would still give most modern 50cc saws a run for there money.
Still got 1 that runs and it has done a power of work must be 30 years old
jimo
Well-Known Member
You can get a Walbro carb kit for about a tenner and there are plenty of videos on YouTube about how to change them. Might be worth a try as you’ve already replaced the module. Did you change the plug at the same time?
A question for those who know their chainsaws. I have been offered one of a number of gifts as a long service award from work, including this chainsaw:
www.mcculloch.com
Is there any good reason, such as it being a rubbish piece of gear that will cost me a lot of time and money in future maintenance, that should stop me getting it and taking one of the other gifts instead? I won't be using it all that much (only to cut the annual wood supply and to clear tracks from windblown timber on the land where I stalk).
Thanks.
McCulloch CS 50S Chainsaw | Petrol Chainsaws | McCulloch UK
Bring out your inner lumberjack with our CS 50S Chainsaw. This macho petrol chainsaw gets the job done and offers a superb power to weight ratio for easy handling. View online today!
www.mcculloch.com
Thanks.
Rake Aboot
Well-Known Member
It’s free and it’s also a big bugger that will do big jobs.
Well worth having.
They can use other brands bars and chains as well ( I think, happy to be corrected) and most places can service them.
Well worth having.
They can use other brands bars and chains as well ( I think, happy to be corrected) and most places can service them.
I'd take it. You can never have too many chainsaws! Its useful to have a spare in case the main saw gets stuck, is out of action for repair or even just sharpening. 50cc is a good size for a variety of bar lengths (say 14" - 20") so you can go for short and powerful or long for felling.
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