My Craftsman/Poulan died a slow miserable death last week & it's time for a new stove wood saw. I've been looking at the box stores at Husqvarna's but man they look cheap. The Echo's look better built for the same $. I've not priced a Sthil yet. Also I'm undecided between a top handle or rear handle saw. I need around a 16" bar & 40cc of motor & I'm looking to spend $200-$300. I'm going to call our local saw deader today & see what he carries. What's your suggestions?

Let me add that I cut 4-5 "toyota" loads of wood a year. other than that trim trees, fences, shooting lanes, ect...

For smaller cutting like you need to do I would use a Stihl. I cut some really large stuff at times for people and I've been using a Stihl since the hurricane hit with not problems. Don't compare a Stihl at a lawncare store with others at box stores. Not in the same category.

Stihl or Husky...either one.

I've got a 12 year old Husky with a 16" bar, dang good saw.

I've also got a Husky with a 16 inch bar. Great saw. Bought it from the dealer in Montgomery and they matched the price from Lowe's.

We've got Husqvarna's. One real small one and 2-55's and a dead 266 or some number like that. They are all great saws, except the newest one which died after a year of use. Supposedly the newer Husky's are made by Poulan. If I was buying a new saw, I'd go with a Stihl or Echo.

Say away from any saw that has "Farm" or "Ranch" written on it.

Says the owner of my local Stihl dealer and repair shop..................

Stihl MS-250. $299

I bought a stihl the day the tornadoes hit. I don't remember the model # but it has an 18" bar but its smaller than the farm boss. I have treated that thing like a red-headed step child and it has worked great. I will never buy another type of chainsaw. Someone said don't compare stihls with box stores. Thats 100% percent correct.

Husky. I went through multiple saws when I bought my property. all day use, husky was the last one and has done great. Dont use it much now but it still cranks every time.

My brother has a 2 year old Echo that takes the mid size .325 chain, bout a 16" bar. Finest saw I ever used. Give them a look.

Stihl is in a different category. You will not be disappointed.

Go with a husqvarna or stihl
You won't be sorry

For the money you want to spend, I'll second the Stihl MS250 (known formerly to wood cutters as the 025). It's a $300 saw that will give good, long service for small to medium cutting jobs. It's 45cc. I've had two of them with no major complaints.

The MS270 WoodBoss and MS290 FarmBoss are bigger, stronger saws capable of taking bigger trees, but they cost a good bit more and weigh a good bit more too. The MS250 is pleasantly light.

I bought an Echo after the storm, and it has been a very good saw. Mine is a CS-450 (45cc). There is a world of difference in a cheap saw and a good saw.

I have a Stihl 025 that had belonged to my father. Cranks everytime and does everything I need it to do (which isn't a whole lot).

Don't buy a husky unless you want bar oil all over your shop! Bar oil leaks out.
Next 1 I buy will be stihl or echo.

Buy the right one, the first time. Ive been through this and finally bought a husky. Ive never regreted it and soooo glad i spent a little extra for a good saw. I thought I would never use it much but went ahead with the husky even though it cost a little more. 1 F1, 1 F4, and 1 F5 tornados later and ive used it 10xs more than i thought. Go Husky man!!! My buddy bought a little stihl and it broke the 2nd day of our last t-nado cleanup. My neighbor and friend owns a tree cutting buisness. He uses all husqvarna. Thats my 2cnts.

The all-around best fire wood saw for power & anti-vibration:

Link: http://www.stihlusa.com/chainsaws/MS271.html

I used Poulan for years, broke down and bought a Stihl MS 250 with an 18" bar and have been overly impressed and will by another when and if needed. Also I'm heck on a chain saw and this thing holds up great , so go out and get you one and you won't regret it.

Get a Red one from your local big box. Stay away from the Blue ones, but the Yellow ones seem to be OK... Spend $100 now and in 10-years, throw it away and get another. Three of them will outlast 1 name-brand.



You all do realize that just about every part on every 2-cycle engine is now cast in China, don't you?