What chainsaw should i buy ???????

[sylvie111]

Hello all,

 

Could someone recommend a chainsaw, i would like to buy one for my partner mainly for chopping up wood for the wood burner.

 

Ive had a look and Husqvara and stihl seem to be the ones to go for but which model and where is the best place to buy from online.

 

Any advice would be very helpful.

 

Thanks

[Kev Stephenson]

It all depends on how much use one is going to get and what size wood you will be chopping.

 

Something like a Stihl MS181 or Stihl MS230 would be fine on wood up to about 12" diameter if you are preparing wood for yourself or yourself and a couple of others. If you are looking to go into supply you would be better with a slightly bigger and more robust (and more expensive) saw like a Stihl MS361.

 

You will find you cannot buy Stihl chainsaws online officially as Stihl insist on a face to face handover for health and safety reason. You could buy from ebay but i would not recommend it as you may have little comeback if you have any issues.

 

Let us know where you live and I am sure someone could recommend a local dealer who will guide you further

[Stephen Blair]

i would recommend some training and safety gear before letting anyone loose with a chainsaw, take a look at google images for chainsaw accidents, we all wear protective clothing and use training providers for use on saws, and do refresher courses too.

[Mark Cattell]

I'd reccommed a basic course also will pay back in time and money on saw maint and effective use as well as the obvoius safety issues....

 

If your local dealer is Stihl or Husqvarna go for either... size depends on useage size of timber ammount of work...

 

Good luck

[alex_m]

as swb says, get some training and chainsaw protective helmet, boots, trousers and gloves.

your local stihl dealer will advise you on what to get

(you shouldn't need anything bigger than a stihl ms181)

go to > STIHL & VIKING: Outdoor garden power tools

then on the left click 'where to buy' to find your nearest

[Marlin.45]

Hello all,

 

Could someone recommend a chainsaw, i would like to buy one for my partner mainly for chopping up wood for the wood burner.

 

Ive had a look and Husqvara and stihl seem to be the ones to go for but which model and where is the best place to buy from online.

 

Any advice would be very helpful.

 

Thanks

 

It depends on both the level of experience of your partner, their level of responsiblity and what they intend to cut.

 

Now those above quote training. To be honest I don't support that if the operator is sensible and has a good idea of safety and how dangerous a saw can be. All tools are dangerous and +£1k of training doesn't stop you from being stupid, it just points out when you are. They are not using the saw for formal work or in public areas.

 

I have never had any 'formal' training just used saw's for around 10 years for firewood and minor felling. But, I work in engineering so I have a good feel the mechanical delicacies and work in a predominantly H&S orientated environment.

 

Anyway, outside of that for cutting firewood on a log frame up to say 6" diameter a Husky 346XP, 445 or Stihl MS250 with a 15" bar would do the job admirably and last for years

 

But as mentioned before let us know where you are located so someone can recommend a local specialist. That way you can get some advice and a feel for the saws on offer.

Edited January 5, 2010 by Marlin.45

[detritus21]

I'd go for a makita saw. If you aren't doing masses of chopping then a dcs4301 with 15" bar will do most stuff you want and will only set you back 250 ish pounds as opposed to the stihl or husky versions which will set your back well over 300 pounds if not 400 for a new one.

[sylvie111]

Many thanks for all the advice we have a scats near by and they sell stihl.

[tommer9]

Now those above quote training. To be honest I don't support that if the operator is sensible and has a good idea of safety and how dangerous a saw can be. All tools are dangerous and +£1k of training doesn't stop you from being stupid, it just points out when you are.

 

I have never had any 'formal' training just used saw's for around 10 years for firewood and minor felling.

 

.[/quote

 

Training does not cost over 1k for a bsaic ticket showing you all the safety features of the saw, how to PROPERLY maintain and use the saw to the most efficient and safety conscious level. It will last 2 days and will cost ABOUT £200, and has been said will save MUCH more than that in servicing costs. At the end of 2 days you wil also have a certificate showing that you have been trained in the safe use of a saw. It doesnt show how to fell a tree, but that isnt relevant in this situation.

 

You say you havent had any training yourself, but have been using saws for around 10 years. If you use them in any context for work you are LEGALLY REQUIRED to have undertaken AT LEAST the basic Lantra course.

[skyhuck]

 

You say you havent had any training yourself, but have been using saws for around 10 years. If you use them in any context for work you are LEGALLY REQUIRED to have undertaken AT LEAST the basic Lantra course.

 

Do you have a source for that info??????????????

 

My understanding was that you have to have "training", which I believe can simply be done by an experienced operator and documented.

 

And unless there has been a change, there was an "forestry" exemption, which used to say "IE trees an branches"

Edited January 7, 2010 by skyhuck