Chainsaws

someone told me that there was a good stihl and a bad one. and i think he said that the good ones ended the cc/model number with an even digit. ie 038 or 034. and the bad one ended with an odd number. i dont know if he was pulling my leg as i havnt had much experirnce with chainsaws to test his theory.

We've had the Stihl MS 180c for 2 years, so far been great, does the job for us. Only a small saw but it's all we need.

Zodarp,
At the risk of duplicating my response here I go again. My last response disappeared into virtual world.

I have had a Stihl Miniboss with 12" bar for many years and have given it a fair bit of work. It is a really great little saw, being light (can be held in one hand easily (but not when cutting of course!!!), easy to start, cuts really well and "punches above its weight" if used sensibly. The saw is 2 stroke and is not quiet but is a great saw to take on trips due to its weight, size and performance.

One issue with it is that it does not clear the wood chips well when cutting green timber so it can clog up but if you manage that its a terrific little saw.

Toolman

Bought a Stihl MS200T from the cash converters a few mths back , is one of the smallest in size and weight ,only 3.5kg ,12in bar ,is the one most tree loppers use when climbing , , starts 1st pull every time even when has been sitting in shed for weeks at a time , new price somewhere in the stratosphere ,but picked up for $200 ,

Zodarp, for all it's worth, I have used Stihls, Solo, and Husqvarna's for over 25 years and as expected, everyone correctly states that they are a fine quality product.

No fault with the product but because they were constantly being stolen out of my truck (locked up in Council compounds every time) I got sick of spending big dollars to replace them, I decided to buy a Talon from Bunnings and no one will touch it. I was right in one way, they haven't been touched, but what has surprised me big time Zodarp is that 5 years down the track, I have not been able to fault this little chainsaw. Ultra reliable, good air filtration, packs a punch at least equal to other machines of it's size and it's cheap. A lot of the boys in my car club, knowing that I am in the tree clearing industry, would ask me what sort of c/saw to buy and I never hesitated to recommend them for value alone.

Another thing to think about here. Most people won't use their chainsaw for extended periods in one go to the point that the machine will overheat and probably become hard to start. Yes, you will find this even with Stihls etc. However, I have worked the Talon very hard at times but it has always started perfectly from hot.

Just my experiences Zodarp. I'm sure someone out there is saying, my Talon was c@#p but what I found was a cheap saw but not cheap in quality.

Cheers, True Blue.

Gday Zodarp

For what its worth ($160.00 + batteries etc) I have a little ryobi cordless that has been great. Quiet, small, lightweight and pretty good IMO.

has about a 250mm bar, so is limited to about a 400mm log if you can access all around, have a bit of patiants and a couple of batteries. You don.t have to carry fuel, and cuts quite quickly. Probably not much chop (nice pun) for track clearing but great for firewood and also pruning jobs in the garden. You can get a charger for 12 volt, and also get other tools and a good fluro light that takes the same batteries.

For what its worth, in my previous life as a carpentor, I wasn't a big fan of the Ryobi brand, but cheap and so far so good with the few I have now. I will add a photo to the rig pics on wednesday.

Cheers Andrew

Hi Zodarp,

I have a Stihl MS192T that I bought in 2000. It is a neat little unit and was mistreated tree pruning for 2 years before I started another job. Since then I have used it for firewood, track clearing, cutting down a fence and a shed and pruning trees etc and it has never missed a beat.

Whatever you get, keeping th eblade sharp is the key to ease of use and a long life. I have a Stihl electric sharpener kit that is excellent (runs off the 4by battery). A professional sharpening to reset the height guides does not go astray every now and then if you don't want ot learn how to do that yourself and it is only about $20.

Cheers

Pete

Zodarp,
I have had Maculloch, Homelite and Stihl chainsaws in my time. Stihl is by far the best. I have a ~20 yo Stihl 009 which is only small but cuts well. I have a big Stihl as well but often find I push the little one rather than get the big one out.

Key thing is look after them - only cut with a sharp chain, use good chain oil and drain the fuel tank before putting away. Learn to sharpen the chain yourself. I use a file not an electric sharpener. Takes a bit longer but the chains last much longer - I have seen people grind them much too much.

I take the little Stihl with me most places and it has never let me down.

I will not venture an opinion on the Talon but every time I by elcheapo I regret it.

alastair

I run a shindiwia (spelling) and its a 16 in and has been great for about 4 years cost about $460.00

Brian

Hi Zodarp
As a chainsaw instructor with with the firies, we mainly use stihl but the trend is slowly changing to Husqvarna, mainly because of the cost. Both are excellent although we have mainly large sizes.
Privately I have owned or stihl own an 028AV Stihl, A big Dolmar and a Jonsered(Husqvarna). The Jonsered is gone now but a light and agile saw, the Dolmar is bloody heavy but awsome in power and the stihl is in between. From a rebuilding point of view the stihl is the easiest and more user friendly to rebuild.
Hope this helps

Hi Zodarp
i don't think u can go wrong with either the stilh or the husky but just recently learnd that Makita's saws are dolmar engines which are still made in germany i believe, if u talk to any one that owned a dolmar saw they would rate it as highly as the stilh and husky.

Mattie

Hi Zodarp
I have had a MTD 55cc 18" bar its over 5 yrs old now never missed a beat i havent even changed the spark plug only cleaned it,i would say i have done over 2500hrs with it its on its third chain,as you can only sharpen them so much has been great i cut wood for the fire every year with it,I work it hard ut cost me about $525 new an i got a fuel can an chain lube with it great mechine for its price worth lookin at
Cheers patnav