Need a new chainsaw and rather not take a second mortgage out...

[Glock 21]

The most important part is taking care if the saw. If your cutting 8+ hours you need a commercial grade otherwise $150 poulan will do you just fine. Find the saw that fits your needs and don't get hung up on brand

 

[GeauxLSU]

Well I was wrong. My old saw is a 16" not 14", made in 1997, and upon closer examination is noticeably heavier duty than the entry gas saws in the big box stores, so I figure it is worth trying to at least figure out if I can find the problem. Took it apart and it was easy enough to find. The little clear tubing from the oil reservoir was split and had come completely out of the tank due to a break. In the process another similar tube on the primer pump broke as well. Prior to disassembly saw started right up and runs like a champ but I've got to get those fixed. Now the search is on I think for small engine repair guy...

 

[dial1911]

I'll do it, thx.

Anyone have any experience with Echo?

I've got a 14" Echo that I bought off my neighbor when he moved into an apartment. I think I gave him $80 for it- eleven or so years ago... it's still doing good so long as I keep the chain sharp. If possible, I'd look for a good condition used saw.

 

[fslc94]

Most people wont spend the $$, but if you ever ran a pro saw or any pro hand tools you would never ever go back they make the job easier.Just like buying a cheap gun it serves a purpose but when its time to work how long will it work for you??

 

[Grdbreaker]

stihl ms 250 is a great all around saw under 300

 

[Springfield 1911]

The $200 Stihls are REALLY lightweight. To get something from them comparable to what I have would be over $300.
I'll be treating the gas with Stabil. I really need to get better about that but I have a currently sick outboard that is a good reminder...

The MS170 is a good saw that retails for 170. The factory bar and chain suck, but upgrades can be bought for both the chain and bar for around 60. So for 230 you have a dang good saw that will do any job you need. I have the same saw myself.

 

[Cartman]

I got a Stihl ms 290 with 20" bar, extra chains and stihl case that I may be willing to trade. Let me know what you got.

 

[batoncolle]

I cut a lot of wood every year (primarily hardwood), and I only use Stihl. My main two I use are the MS290 18" and 018C 14". Huskies and the big box store brands simply do not hold up if you do a lot of cutting. Echo is also good, but I prefer Stihl. If you can't get your saw going check Craigslist or any local power tool stores for refurbs. Although you should be able to get a 14" Stihl new for around $200, and it will be better than a larger Poulan.

Also for gas I only use real gas (no ethanol crap). If you are around any lakes, you should be able to find ethanol free gas stations, are try this Google map to locate some near you.

 

[GeauxLSU]

Well I was wrong. My old saw is a 16" not 14", made in 1997, and upon closer examination is noticeably heavier duty than the entry gas saws in the big box stores, so I figure it is worth trying to at least figure out if I can find the problem. Took it apart and it was easy enough to find. The little clear tubing from the oil reservoir was split and had come completely out of the tank due to a break. In the process another similar tube on the primer pump broke as well. Prior to disassembly saw started right up and runs like a champ but I've got to get those fixed. Now the search is on I think for small engine repair guy...

Took it apart this weekend and for $1.99 in tubing and some time, it runs like a champ! Felt like I just won a mini-lottery!

 

[sparked1]

Sweet! Gotta love it when that happens.