i need a chain saw ...
#44
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There are several brands but one of the most popular is Sta-Bil. For double protection I mix it in the gas and use it for the last tank of the season and run the engine totally out of fuel so there is no gas in the carb or tank and what few drops linger are treated with the additive.
#45
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Best thing to do (my opinion) is to start the saw and warm it up and the trimmer and dump the gas out and run them till they QUIT and also hit the primmer bulbs a lick or two to empty them out also. You won't have any problems this way.
#46
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The two worst chainsaws I have ever owned were a Craftsman 18" with which I tired to cut dead and down oak and mesquite. Lasted about six months. The other was a Stihl (small model 14" bar). Bought it to cut blue oak limbs based on a stellar review in Consumer Reports. The thing would smoke as it slowly went through the green wood. I tossed it on the recycle pile before it started a forest fire on my ranch and used a 15 year old electric Craftsman chain saw that did the trick with no problems. I'm still looking for a good gas-powered chain saw with an 18" bar.
#47
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Bought a Craftsman, lasted a little over a year & cratered, they wanted $85 to repair this $160 saw so blew it off. I now have a Stihl Farm Boss with an 18" bar, LOVE it. Starts every time, lots of power, everything I could want in a saw....
TexasFire
TexasFire
#49
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What a difference location makes. You are putting yours away for the season and I'm getting ready to give mine a good workout. My saw gets the most use during winter. I try to stay out of the woods until it's good and cold and wearing a set of chain saw chaps is actually comfortable when it's 30f outside.
#50
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What a difference location makes. You are putting yours away for the season and I'm getting ready to give mine a good workout. My saw gets the most use during winter. I try to stay out of the woods until it's good and cold and wearing a set of chain saw chaps is actually comfortable when it's 30f outside.
#51
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OK guys, I have read through a lot of the chain saw posts and am now trying to decide between a Stihl MS 290 farm boss , a Stihl MS 230 or a Husgvarna 46cc 2 cycle 18". My biggest concern is reliability (we live in the middle of 38 acres of woods) next is weight. I am 5'2", 65 years old and really need my own chain saw. 87 year old Hubby's chain saws are ancient and smoke something awful and the chains are always dull. I refuse to try and use them (several different brand names) anymore, my machete cuts faster than they do! I am not the strongest 65 year old woman but I am not a wimp either. I am concerned about the weight of the 290 (17.4 pounds) Need input Please re: Stihl versus Husgvarna. Had an easier time deciding what tractor to buy! Thanks very much for any input
#52
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The Stihl 230 and 290 are in different categories so for long term reliability I'd pick the 290 but it's definitely heavier. I was looking at those two saws last year when looking for a new one and I ended up with a 261 which is the smallest of their professionally rated saws. I really like the feel of the 230 and no tool to remove the bar but the dealer looked at me and said "you'll kill it" and thought I would be better with the 290 but I did not like the extra weight. I made the mistake of picking up the 261 which has about the same power as the 290, is several pounds lighter and boy can it cut and it will sit there happily idling all day long. Just don't ask the price.
I'm not sure which saw Husqvarna you are considering, the 445 maybe? A guy who I use sometimes for tree work uses Husqvarna and likes the 455 Rancher which is almost as heavy as the Stihl 290. Just looking at the numbers the Stihl 230 and Husqvarna are the lowest on power.
So, if I had to pick between the three you mentioned the 445, 230 and 290 I'd go for the Stihl 290 because of it's power and mid level durability. Whichever you choose I'm really sold on the Stihl HP Ultra oil. I use it in all my two strokes regardless of the ratio specified by the manufacturer and I love it. Now I have one can of mixed fuel for all my equipment and the tools that had a rich mix don't smoke as much and seem to run better. The only negatives are that it's a bit more expensive and it stinks. You get used to it but it's an odd smell for 2 stroke exhaust.
I'm not sure which saw Husqvarna you are considering, the 445 maybe? A guy who I use sometimes for tree work uses Husqvarna and likes the 455 Rancher which is almost as heavy as the Stihl 290. Just looking at the numbers the Stihl 230 and Husqvarna are the lowest on power.
So, if I had to pick between the three you mentioned the 445, 230 and 290 I'd go for the Stihl 290 because of it's power and mid level durability. Whichever you choose I'm really sold on the Stihl HP Ultra oil. I use it in all my two strokes regardless of the ratio specified by the manufacturer and I love it. Now I have one can of mixed fuel for all my equipment and the tools that had a rich mix don't smoke as much and seem to run better. The only negatives are that it's a bit more expensive and it stinks. You get used to it but it's an odd smell for 2 stroke exhaust.