Buying a chainsaw

[Alan Loy]

I need to buy an "occasional use" chain saw in the next week or so.  I'm in Melbourne if that matters.

Are there any good deals around on a decent brand?

If not what's the best of the cheapies?

 

[Black Diamond]

What sort of work will you be doing? Is it just for camping?

[Alan Loy]

I've got to clean up some trees around the place, after that camping.

[scarps]

I picked up a stihl MS180 with a 16" blade for occasional use.
It's not a true cheapie, but sometimes these days you get what you pay for, plus it's an ideal size for the 4WD/Camper while still having a slightly longer blade.
Pays to ring around a few dealers to see what specials they have especially for end of financial year.
I picked mine up 2 yo in June, and they did another $100 off the already special price as it was floor stock and they were reducing stock down.

[Tjupurula]

I need to buy an "occasional use" chain saw in the next week or so.  I'm in Melbourne if that matters.

Are there any good deals around on a decent brand?

If not what's the best of the cheapies?

 

I don't know if it counts Alan, but my son bought me one at a second hand place, where people sell their unwanted stuff.  I think he paid about $150-00 for it but it is a little Husqvarna.
Regards
Tjupurula

[Bird]

Several threads on buying from USA like tyres saving 100's...
not sure how it will go now with the $$, but certainly worth considering.

Stick with Husky or Stihl

www.arbormaster.com.au/? always has plenty to look at.

[oldmate]

I just got a little MS 170 stihl. $299 at stihl dealer

[Black Diamond]

 As others have said a Little Stihl Ms170 is a great little saw and good for occasional use. The boys down at Ace Saws in Braeside (Stihl dealer) are great give them a call 9580 7346.

[Brumbypt]

Firstly you need to tell us what sized branches you have to cut and cleanup at home etc.

I think it would be better to buy a good secondhand medium sized saw, rather than a baby chainsaw..

Sorry i have 2, one of them i call baby saw.. New they retail for 299.. Husky.. And a big 365 with 20 inch bar for firewood ing and 4wd..

I bought baby saw off a friend who needs to keep his saws new and reliable. As he trims trees for work..

So it only cost me $100. I had to fix a few things but now it starts and runs well..

So my suggestion is a really good second hand husky or stihl.  16 or 18 inch bar, as when u are offroad bigger is better if you can find somewhere to pack it.. You can always stow it with the bar off like i did while travelling around aust..

But tell me what sized logs and branches you have..

[Alan Loy]

I don't think that I have anything bigger than 100 mm to cut.  Budget is a real issue so even if something larger is better in the long run the price may be prohibitive

Is the MS 170 likely to last better than 3 cheapies?  I understand that it may give me a lot less trouble.

[D4D]

I just got a little MS 170 stihl. $299 at stihl dealer

Yup this is the deal to go for, keep in mind the PPE will cost you about the same as the saw.

[Alan Loy]

That looks like a great deal but I already have a hand me down case.

Any thoughts on these HUSQVARNA 236 CHAINSAW @ $249

[D4D]

That is a good deal also, these guys are good to deal with http://www.newagearbor.com.au/shop/prod1199.htm

[Kangaron]

Just got back to camp this minute.
Love my Husky 236e


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[Kangaron]

And yes
That is the sun out in the Dunolly state forest

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[Alan Loy]

Is the "e" version of the 236 much different?

[D4D]

E version has the quick chain thingy, I'd prefer the non E

[Black Diamond]

Yup this is the deal to go for, keep in mind the PPE will cost you about the same as the saw.

Isnt the cap all the PPE you need???

[Brumbypt]

That looks like a great deal but I already have a hand me down case.

Any thoughts on these HUSQVARNA 236 CHAINSAW @ $249

Yes thats the one i call baby saw...

Thats a great price..

Keep in mind that i heard a rumour that the smaller husky is made in china, only a rumour so go buy that one and put it into your hand me down case..

Get a deal on face and ear and head protection..

I use one of of the husky helmets, with face ear protection.. Very handy.. Its saved me several times.

Also with the smaller saw u can sharpen the chain free hand with a file, you don't need fancy chain sharpeners nor do u need to take off the chain..learn how at pickup of ya saw.

[dirtpilot]

I have 2 Sthils, a 390 farmboss for big stuff and an old 08s because i like vintage saws. Recently i got one of thse e cheapo Bunnings Ozito's for $90. I am impressed by it. Nice light weight, cuts and runs well. I use it for clearing dirtbike tracks and might throw it in the 4x4 for camping.

[Mace]

The $299 Stihl mini boss is a great buy, $100 under usual retail. Ok, it's a 12 inch bar, but will do a lot of what you want to do.

For $500 you could get a husky 465 with a 20 inch bar from tree stuff, landed within 10 days by FedEx from the states.  A close on $900 saw here.

Have always used Stihl or jonsoreds, which are now a rebranded husky. Great saws, 10 years plus of work with Mace is a big ask.

All that said, brought a Talon with a 12 inch bar at the Glenorchy market last Saturday, and cut a 6by4 trailer load of small firewood up in Deliverance country above New Norfolk on Monday. It will do the job until I bring the Jonsoreds over.

Bar length is the big question. I prefer to use the mini boss as its light and easy to use. If you want a good all round saw go for an 18 inch bar which excludes the mini boss. One you go past 18 inch, they become tiresome to use after 15 minutes work for us old codgers!

[Monkeybucket]

Haha...cap turned backwards is good for stopping saw dust heading down the back of you neck 

I have a stihl with a 12" bar... chopped down a tree in back yard with a close to 30 inch trunk. No problem Usually have to make three cuts anyway. Good and compact for camping trails and home use. 2 stroke.
Cons...
Can't adjust chain oil flow. Plastic felling spike. fiddly choke start with no manual purge for carby.
Overall...
I love it. Great light arbor saw for many applications. Picked it up 2 years ago for $250 but the case would have been nice.  Comes with spare chain and tool kit.

Happy shopping.

[Brumbypt]

I think most of you need to do a chain sawing course..

A chainsaw is the most dangerous tool.

A little bit of safety gear is a must.

Never not use steel caps these days.
Chainsawing helmet is a must when i go help me mate..

But if u guys wanna get hurt, just make sure ya film it and put it on u tube

[Black Diamond]

We are all well educated. There Are a few interesting threads floating around about PPE

[Monkeybucket]

I don't wish to offend anyone but...
Unfortunately these days some seem to think experience doesn't count for much. I'll read how to do it... 
best to learn the easy way and get a pro to show you the first time. 

Extra ramble...
A set of synthetic chapps are the go these days. They break on impact clogging the saw and stopping the rotating parts almost instantly compared to traditional leather gear which still provides some protection.
A Full face shields is also a good start. A helmet can accommodate you with head protection while holding both your hearing protection and face shield all together.   
Don't turn your day out/in into a horror movie. 

Chris