What is the safest chainsaw for a beginner?

[alex_m]

the new stihl ms 261 with 15" bar

[Mesterh]

If you have the money buy the pro saw.

 

A light saw with a good power to weight ratio would be 'safer' than a heavy under powered saw imo. ie buy the pro ones.

[minnnt]

the new stihl ms 261 with 15" bar

 

[Xaltu]

I would say as long as you are over 5, this one is the safest

[chainsawdom]

thats what iam now using and very good on the juice.

[chainsawdom]

i mean ms 261 15 inch bar.

[ecolojim]

If the chap wants it for coppicing and hedge laying, along with a bit of felling, id have to recommend the husky 346xp or xpg and keep your hands warm. One of these armed with a 13 inch bar is a force to be reckoned with for rapid coppicing or snedding. CS units specify a maximum of a 15inch bar, so theres no reason why you couldnt do the course with a 13inch bar fitted. Ive refreshed all mine at work with a 13inch 346. on the higher modules it actually makes the choice of trees much wider.

 

The 346 is a better saw full stop than the 260 from experience, lighter than the 261 on paper, and with overall lower vibration, but the real bonus is the way it handles. the front handle makes positioning the saw for felling and snedding a dream, and the little felling direction marks on the casing may well prove to be a bonus for a beginner user. Even the stop start controls make more sense, so Im going to say the 346 would be the 'easiest' saw for you to learn on. I wish id had one instead of that great numb ms290

[tarzan.]

ms260/c.. my lads start with that when thay do ther cs30/31..15inc bar semi micro low chat and vibe chain for bore cuts...

 

stihl.... all the way...,.be a man dont cry like some people about how heavy the saw is..

 

arborists are men not pussys..

 

good luck mate play safe have fun..

[Martyn Amos]

If the chap wants it for coppicing and hedge laying, along with a bit of felling, id have to recommend the husky 346xp or xpg and keep your hands warm. One of these armed with a 13 inch bar is a force to be reckoned with for rapid coppicing or snedding. CS units specify a maximum of a 15inch bar, so theres no reason why you couldnt do the course with a 13inch bar fitted. Ive refreshed all mine at work with a 13inch 346. on the higher modules it actually makes the choice of trees much wider.

 

The 346 is a better saw full stop than the 260 from experience, lighter than the 261 on paper, and with overall lower vibration, but the real bonus is the way it handles. the front handle makes positioning the saw for felling and snedding a dream, and the little felling direction marks on the casing may well prove to be a bonus for a beginner user. Even the stop start controls make more sense, so Im going to say the 346 would be the 'easiest' saw for you to learn on. I wish id had one instead of that great numb ms290

 

your question has been answered! 346xp all the way

its light,powerful[for cs30/31 trees up to 15"] and with the right maintenance should last you years.

i bought a second hand 346xp and it looked like an old dog,that was about 2 year ago and its still makes me money and runs with no probs:top:

[Ty Unnos]

Hi guys.

 

Great advice thanks.

 

So if the saw is dangerous its my fault and if its heavy it because I am a pussy!

 

I think I am going to like it here.

 

Guess its time to stop being a whimp and get the pro saw.

 

So down to business: 346xp or ms261.

 

I like the idea of heated handles and have found a place which will sell me a 346xpg for £440 + vat. It is a about £100 less than the first place I tried so think I have done ok.

 

I am tempted by the ms261 but am wary of the 'new' technology and electronics.

 

Is the 346xp going to be cheaper and easier to repair?

 

I also like the sound of the reduced emissions but it depends if it really makes any difference when using it. Is there going to be much noticeable difference to the operator between the 346 and 261 in terms of fumes and emissions? Or is a face full of petrol fumes just part of the fun!

 

I also like the sound of the 13 inch bar to begin with but what practical differences does the shorter bar make. I guess lighter and more manoeuvrable but what is the down side?