Need a new chain saw
#1
Forum Topic Moderator
Thread Starter
Need a new chain saw
Looks like I need to buy a new saw. I always thought Stihl made the best saws and I know my old 024 super was the best saw I ever used... but my BiL dropped a tree on it a few yrs back and since they don't sell that saw anymore, I had to get a 025. It's never been half the saw the 024 was
The sparkplug wire was bad and since you can't buy just the wire I spent $120 for a new ign module with plug wire. Now the saw won't start, so I took it to the shop and they said it wasn't repairable because it's wore slap out It spit and sputtered with the cracked plug wire but now it won't fire. It has 90 psi compression and it has low hrs. Still has the original bar but with the 2nd chain.
Anyway, I'm done ranting I need to buy a new saw, looking to spend $200 or so but not over $300. What would be a good saw to buy? For the most part it's just used to supplement my heat with firewood and maintainence on my wooded 16 acres. I want one stout enough so it won't bog down but light enough where it won't kill my bad back.
The sparkplug wire was bad and since you can't buy just the wire I spent $120 for a new ign module with plug wire. Now the saw won't start, so I took it to the shop and they said it wasn't repairable because it's wore slap out It spit and sputtered with the cracked plug wire but now it won't fire. It has 90 psi compression and it has low hrs. Still has the original bar but with the 2nd chain.
Anyway, I'm done ranting I need to buy a new saw, looking to spend $200 or so but not over $300. What would be a good saw to buy? For the most part it's just used to supplement my heat with firewood and maintainence on my wooded 16 acres. I want one stout enough so it won't bog down but light enough where it won't kill my bad back.
#2
That price range your still looking at consumer grade equipment I think, regardless the name on it. The newer stihls I have seen are getting about as bad as the rest. For one thing the choke lever snaps into a molded ear that is part of the case. Seen a couple break now and the only proper fix is to replace the housing/case
I use a Husky 36 that I have had over 14yrs and I cut/split 3 to 6 chords each season. It hasn't failed me once, but, I have not seen any of the newer Huskies and I know they have gone through some changes...so could find the same with them...
Echo usually makes a good product also, but I don't see to many Echo chainsaws...
Those would be the three I would look at and compare.
Hope that helps some
I use a Husky 36 that I have had over 14yrs and I cut/split 3 to 6 chords each season. It hasn't failed me once, but, I have not seen any of the newer Huskies and I know they have gone through some changes...so could find the same with them...
Echo usually makes a good product also, but I don't see to many Echo chainsaws...
Those would be the three I would look at and compare.
Hope that helps some
#3
Dunno how much you would trust magazine editor reviews....but there's this...Chainsaw Reviews - Best Chainsaws - Popular Mechanics and this...Best Chainsaw Review Echo, Husqvarna, Jonsered, Solo Stihl Chain Saw Review - Popular Mechanics
#5
Forum Topic Moderator
Thread Starter
Vic, thanks for the links The 1st one helps but the 2nd one is too pricey for me
Does anyone know what the compression should be on a saw? and wouldn't a saw that's too wore out to fix loose compression? I never disconnected the compression gauge and I noticed earlier that's still holding just shy of 90 lbs. It hasn't leaked down at all
Does anyone know what the compression should be on a saw? and wouldn't a saw that's too wore out to fix loose compression? I never disconnected the compression gauge and I noticed earlier that's still holding just shy of 90 lbs. It hasn't leaked down at all
#6
The cylinder isn't holding the 90 psi, it's the schraeder valve in the compression gauge holding it. I'd say have a look into the exhaust port of the saw and see what the piston and cylinder look like. If they are good, your saw should be ok. A worn out saw should still have spark. From what you say, the saw shouldn't be worn out. 90 psi is borderline, but it also depends on the gauge you're using, how many times you pulled it, etc...
With your budget, I wouldn't buy a new saw. There's nothing worth having in that price range if buying new. I'd look for a good running stihl or husquvarna on ebay or at a local pawn shop. Be aware that most of the "rebuilt/reconditioned" saws on ebay are built with chinese parts. I'd be more inclined to buy one that is just a good used one instead. If you buy a husquvarna, make sure it is one from Sweden. The others aren't so good. Some of the stihls are much better than others too (homeowner versions). For firewood cutting and portability, I like my little old stihl 009 from 1985 that still runs and cuts like new. I use a husquvarna model 61 from around 1991 I think for the bigger stuff. These are examples of commercial quality saws that last and last and can be purchased within your budget.
With your budget, I wouldn't buy a new saw. There's nothing worth having in that price range if buying new. I'd look for a good running stihl or husquvarna on ebay or at a local pawn shop. Be aware that most of the "rebuilt/reconditioned" saws on ebay are built with chinese parts. I'd be more inclined to buy one that is just a good used one instead. If you buy a husquvarna, make sure it is one from Sweden. The others aren't so good. Some of the stihls are much better than others too (homeowner versions). For firewood cutting and portability, I like my little old stihl 009 from 1985 that still runs and cuts like new. I use a husquvarna model 61 from around 1991 I think for the bigger stuff. These are examples of commercial quality saws that last and last and can be purchased within your budget.
#7
Member
I have a MS250 as well and I can tell you from experience that the saw is temperamental starting. Many hate it because it is very easy to flood. If you check the Stihl web site you will see that their professional saws begin with the MS260, a much better saw than the MS250. One other piece of information, the older line equivalent to the MS250 is the Stihl 025, the new MS260 had an older brother - the Stihl 026. Stihl switched from 2 stroke engines to the newer 4mix engines around five years ago. Many claim the older 2 stroke technology had been developed over many years and was durable and proven. The newer, cleaner 4mix engines were forced on the manufactures by the clean air laws. Some of the early 4mix engines had longevity issues that should have been resolved by now. But if your 250 is four or five years old you may be suffering from issues with the new technology engine introduced in that time frame.
The bad news is that a new MS260 Pro will run over $500 - at least around here it goes for that kind of money.
I would check on craigslist.org for an older used Stihl 026 or even an 024 since you were pleased with that model in the past. I just checked and found a used 026 saw in my area listed for $220.
Good Luck.
Steve
The bad news is that a new MS260 Pro will run over $500 - at least around here it goes for that kind of money.
I would check on craigslist.org for an older used Stihl 026 or even an 024 since you were pleased with that model in the past. I just checked and found a used 026 saw in my area listed for $220.
Good Luck.
Steve
#8
Forum Topic Moderator
Thread Starter
Praise the Lord!
Looks like I don't need to buy a chainsaw after all After I finished replacing the wheel cylinders on my wife's car, I realized the saw was still sitting there with the compression gauge hooked up [still at 90 psi] So I put up the gauge and reinstalled the spark plug and muffler. Not sure why but I pulled on the cord and it sputtered, so I pulled a couple more times and it fired right up and seems to be running well
It might be a day or two before I can put the saw to work but I expect it will do fine.
One question though, they didn't put the little screen that is part of the muffler in the bag of parts. Is this screen needed? if it is, will a piece of aluminum window screen work?
It might be a day or two before I can put the saw to work but I expect it will do fine.
One question though, they didn't put the little screen that is part of the muffler in the bag of parts. Is this screen needed? if it is, will a piece of aluminum window screen work?
#9
Just guessing thats the spark arrestor screen? Dunno whether aluminum would be best...guessing the original is SS?
And durn...you missed out on tool shopping!
And durn...you missed out on tool shopping!
#10
Member
Looks like I don't need to buy a chainsaw after all After I finished replacing the wheel cylinders on my wife's car, I realized the saw was still sitting there with the compression gauge hooked up [still at 90 psi] So I put up the gauge and reinstalled the spark plug and muffler. Not sure why but I pulled on the cord and it sputtered, so I pulled a couple more times and it fired right up and seems to be running well
It might be a day or two before I can put the saw to work but I expect it will do fine.
One question though, they didn't put the little screen that is part of the muffler in the bag of parts. Is this screen needed? if it is, will a piece of aluminum window screen work?
It might be a day or two before I can put the saw to work but I expect it will do fine.
One question though, they didn't put the little screen that is part of the muffler in the bag of parts. Is this screen needed? if it is, will a piece of aluminum window screen work?
Glad you got it running.
Steve