Help with buying first chainsaw

[logsIlike]

Hi all

 

This is my first post on the forum so hello...

 

Its time for me to purchase my first saw.

 

I have been using my fathers chainsaw for some a few years and I feel its high time I bought my own saw. His saw is a Stihl 028.

 

I use the saw to cut down about 10 trees a year and log about 20 cubic meters of wood - as you can see I am not a professional.

 

I have been doing a bit of research and Stihl/Husqvarna seems to be the two brands to go for.

 

Dads saw is about right power wise however it would be nice if it was a little lighter although this is not a necessity

 

You guys all seem to love Stihl 260/261 or Husky 346xp/550xp but for me I can't justify the cost of buying one of these saws new.

 

I think a second hand saw would be the way to go so what would your suggestions be?

 

It seems that the Husky 346 or a stihl 260 would be at the top of the list but I also have been looking at Husky 254s and 353s.

 

I have read on this forum that there is a shop that might be able to supply a second hand (Gliddons in Williton, Somerset) saw so I will be paying them a visit and there is also fleabay although I am wary of buying a duff saw of it.

 

Any suggestions welcome or even better (spud?) any saws that you might have for sale

 

Idealy I don't want to spend more than £250

[redmoosefaction]

I can only vouch for the 260. When the 460 goes down it's amazing what the 260 can do!

 

Always best to buy off a dealer or someone who know what their doing. (Spud :-).

 

I find spares availability is another good reason to buy one brand or the other.

 

Let the battle begin, again!

[normandylumberjack]

Both the 346 xp and ms 260 are great saws, it will be down to personal preference to choose between the 2. Me personally, I would go for a 346xpg on a 13" a fine, well made saw, and once spud has done the biz on it, unstoppable!

[Gus McWilliam]

I like my 261. Its a decently balanced saw with a good amount of power. If you want to try one out I'm only in Bridgwater.

[Marlin.45]

Also chuck a Husky 350 or 355 rancher into the mix. Good old schools saws

[harvey b davison]

And i will chuck Makita into the mix. Nice well made saws. Cheaper to buy and reliable.

[DCS6800i]

And i will chuck Makita into the mix. Nice well made saws. Cheaper to buy and reliable.

 

 

 

+1

 

Love my Makita and Dolmar

 

Could buy one of them new for the price your looking at a 2nd hand Stihl or Husky which is someone elses cast-off.

[Big J]

I've had the MS260 and 346XP and I'm now on a 550XP. All excellent saws.

 

For your needs I'd go for a new Makita - this shop was linked in another thread and I'd say get the full pro Makita for less than £310:

 

Makita DCS5031-45 Chainsaw Petrol 2 Stroke Easy Start

 

Better off with the new saw IMO.

[Rich2484]

Yes if you can buy new then do. Better if it goes wrong.

 

I use an ms260 and cannot fault it at all. I love the thing.

[mammal]

I've had the MS260 and 346XP and I'm now on a 550XP. All excellent saws.

 

For your needs I'd go for a new Makita - this shop was linked in another thread and I'd say get the full pro Makita for less than £310:

 

Makita DCS5031-45 Chainsaw Petrol 2 Stroke Easy Start

 

Better off with the new saw IMO.

 

 

I totally agree, it's an amazing bargain that's too good to miss so I tried to buy one myself this very afternoon. They had no idea what was advertised on their website and the best they could do was a Makita DCS 520 for £378.

If it's too good to be true, it usually is.