Hobby saw for firewood

[Cuttup]

I have the unenviable task of advising a friend on which saw to buy for occasional firewood.

 

He doesn't want battery. I have suggested a min. budget of c. £200 so maybe Husqvarna 130, Stihl 170 or Makita EA3201S35B.

 

Thoughts based on experience anyone?

[Stere]

Makita EA4300F38C 43cc Petrol Chainsaw (38cm)

WWW.FASTFIX.CO.UK

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The Makita EA4300F38C chainsaw features a 43cc 2-stroke engine that provides 3hp and is ideal for landscapers and...

 

 

£100 over but worth the extra.

[pleasant]

The Stihl MS170/180 is my choice given the budget. Can get parts for it on the moon if needs be and agents are easy to find. Makita mentioned above is an okish machine, but unlike my comments above spares are difficult to source in a hurry- as are an agent.

[spudulike]

As above, pretty light, do the job, relatively simple and good spares coverage....and good residual prices if he needs to sell again. Make sure it has a 1.3mm gauge chain on a 12-14" bar as on a 1.6mm chain or longer bar 16 - 18", it will be gutless.

 

 

[pleasant]

8 minutes ago, spudulike said:

As above, pretty light, do the job, relatively simple and good spares coverage....and good residual prices if he needs to sell again. Make sure it has a 1.3mm gauge chain on a 12-14" bar as on a 1.6mm chain or longer bar 16 - 18", it will be gutless.

 

 

Agree....so if you want the 1.3mm chain, then the ms181 comes fitted with that as standard....cant remember if the ms171 does...i havent got my catalogue in front of me. But your budget will need to increase if you want the 1.3mm chain models

[Stere]

ms180 is very gutless even  with a 13" bar esp is crosscutting any larger logs.

 

If hes only going to be using it for cutting up firewood logs at home with mains nearby a 2kw corded saw would be a better buy.

 

 

 

 

[Stubby]

Someone on here has a used Husqvarna 141 for around £100 . Any good ? Someone called Mark Coborn ? Its not me .....He also has a Stihl 024 for £150 I see ....

Edited September 17, 2022 by Stubby

[Cuttup]

Thanks guys. Have to say the 024 is quite tempting....

[neiln]

I had a ms180 for 6 years and processed about 50m³ with it. Good saw due the price.  I happened to see and absolute bargain on Amazon of all places for the above dolmar/Makita at £270 so I bought that, sold the ms180 , huge step up.  The Makita is a different class.  I worked out the Stihl only cost me about £1.20 for every cube of wood though and I'm sure it works have gone on for many years to come.

 

Husky 135, or small Echo also worth a look.  Buy whichever the local dealer has?

[neiln]

Oh and £300 is still a fantastic deal for the Makita,. RRP is about £370