Most reliable Chainsaw for under £350

[nande2000uk]

Hi,

I have been using a Makita DCS3410 for the past 6 years and have worked it hard (probably logged at least 15 tonne of hardwood with it). It died on me last week and I have a quote from a reputable dealer that it will cost £160 to fix.

 

Im thinking its not up to the job that im asking of it and im better off using the money to buy something better that will last longer next time.

 

I reckon a bar size of 35 or 38 cm is fine for what im using it for (20% felling, 80% logging), but i could do with something with more torque. If I really push my budget i could stretch to £350, can I get something that will last a good 10-20 years for that price ?

 

Am I better off getting a top of the range tethered electric saw instead ?

 

I have 2 very good dealers near me and between them they sell, service and repair Stihl, Husquavarna, Makita, Mitox and Tanaka.

[michaelknapp]

no a saw costing that ammount wont last that long unless you dont use it much i would personaly save a bit more money and go for a stihl 261 there about 490.00 and a very good saw

[Gus McWilliam]

Stihl ms231? Not sure on the husqvarna front

[C.J]

Makita saws are ok and should be quite capable for what your doing.

 

Why did it fail ? Old fuel or incorrect fuel mix ?

[Stephen Blair]

2nd hand 046

[nande2000uk]

Makita saws are ok and should be quite capable for what your doing.

 

Why did it fail ? Old fuel or incorrect fuel mix ?

 

I dont pretend to totally understand what the problem was, but the dealer said there was a pin inside the engine that has come loose and basically scratched the piston. In short the engine needs completely stripping down and some fundamental parts need replacing.

 

It definately wasnt caused by the 2-stroke as I use the same fuel with a kawasaki strimmer and it is working perfectly.

[Stubby]

I dont pretend to totally understand what the problem was, but the dealer said there was a pin inside the engine that has come loose and basically scratched the piston. In short the engine needs completely stripping down and some fundamental parts need replacing.

 

It definately wasnt caused by the 2-stroke as I use the same fuel with a kawasaki strimmer and it is working perfectly.

 

The piston ring/ rings are pinned so they can't rotate round in their groove and become inline with either of the ports . I expect it came out and mullered pot and piston . Have heard of it before but never happened to me .

[Stubby]

I mean the ring gap obviously .

[mendiplogs]

Hi,

I have been using a Makita DCS3410 for the past 6 years and have worked it hard (probably logged at least 15 tonne of hardwood with it). It died on me last week and I have a quote from a reputable dealer that it will cost £160 to fix.

 

Im thinking its not up to the job that im asking of it and im better off using the money to buy something better that will last longer next time.

 

I reckon a bar size of 35 or 38 cm is fine for what im using it for (20% felling, 80% logging), but i could do with something with more torque. If I really push my budget i could stretch to £350, can I get something that will last a good 10-20 years for that price ?

 

Am I better off getting a top of the range tethered electric saw instead ?

 

I have 2 very good dealers near me and between them they sell, service and repair Stihl, Husquavarna, Makita, Mitox and Tanaka.

 

HI MATE we had a good old 048AV good old saw you will get for £250 thanks jon

[nande2000uk]

The piston ring/ rings are pinned so they can't rotate round in their groove and become inline with either of the ports . I expect it came out and mullered pot and piston . Have heard of it before but never happened to me .

 

Yup that sounds about right, there is a wacking great scratch down the side of the piston. The dealer said it just happens sometimes but didnt point to any particular cause...

 

Must admit I do like the look of the Stihl MS231.

 

Tanaka saws have a 5 year warranty, but they look cheap.