What chainsaw for a newbie (girl)

[Syd_B]

Thanks for all the advice. This gives me lots to consider.

I see so far, the 550xp looks to be a top contender. That said, if it outcuts a 261, I suspect it may go missing very quickly...

It looks as if my course will be in March / April, so I'll be looking to decide before then.

Thanks again!

 

I've been looking around for a Pro saw myself for around 6 months, and all my reading(reviews, brochures, talking to guys and using others kit) suggests the 550xp, so thats the route I'm going, Forest and arb have them for about £545 inc vat and heated grips, I just need to get the pennies together now.

[WoodED]

Hi, this is my first post.... My husband and I have some woodland and since owning this i have found myself getting more and more interested in arbculture and chainsaws etc.... To the point I have recently been calling around to book my CS30/31 courses. I think i have made it through the Lantra/NPTC confusion and sort of understand the route

 

What i am looking for is some advice on which pro chainsaw to buy, to be used on the course and then best benefit me further in the future.... I'd rather buy good now and not need to upgrade.... I don't mind adding to

 

My husband uses a 261.... I'd be grateful for any recommendations

 

Thanks in advance

 

go for a 550xp and leave him very jelous of you.

[Rich2484]

550 or ms261. They are both good saws and will handle everything you need to.

 

The ms260 is the most common saw but it has been replaced by the ms261. Bioth the same really.

 

You will probably find that these saws are used for the cs30 and 31 anyway.

 

Anything bigger and you will start to feel the pain after awhile of use. Plus ou don't want the other half nicking it.

 

Go for the husky and get it ported by spud then tell the other he's not allowed to touch it. Then stand back and watch him sulk (obviously this is a joke and I would strongly disagree with a new user having a ported saw before I get any backlash for saying it)

[woody paul]

If the new Stihl ms241 is any thing like my old style ms230 cracking little saw use it all day no problem.

[dexta]

I think the 260 or 261 would suit for work, just remember your only aloud to have a maximum 15" bar on a saw when doing your cs30/31

[Arbocop]

550 or ms261. They are both good saws and will handle everything you need to.

 

The ms260 is the most common saw but it has been replaced by the ms261. Bioth the same really.

 

You will probably find that these saws are used for the cs30 and 31 anyway.

 

Anything bigger and you will start to feel the pain after awhile of use. Plus ou don't want the other half nicking it.

 

Ditto BUT........... both are saws made for the pro, daily use etc, both have their strengths both have their weaknesses, and both at some point will need parts........

So find your LOCAL dealer, go and chat with them see what they have in stock and see what their spare parts are like, and if they are Stilth buy a stilth, if they are huski go that route.............

 

if they sell both follow your heart.... you know it will take you they Huski route, they were called king of saws in the 80s for a reason lol...

 

but seriouse, see what the local dealer has, because on the day something goes pop, youll whant the part them not on an overnight lol

 

cheers

 

kev

[woody paul]

Stilth saws sales by Johnath Ross are they

[razor]

It's all very interesting and thanks for all your input! We did have our debate last night and I may go down the Huski route... (The only thing against it at the minute is that my husband is open to a swap!!!)

 

It is my intention to go for new, rather than second hand, as I like to take care of my kit and plan to own it for a long time!

 

The local dealer has both, Stihl and Huski... Knowing me though, I would like to go for a pro saw (although I am a newbie) - that said, I believe the dealer would be inclined to 'show' me the amateur gear... to start with... Hence this post - I like to do my homework first, understand what the pros recommend and then go and ask for what I'd like! Good point with regards spares though, so I will go and have a chat with them about that. Just to be on the safe side...

 

As we live in Scotland, I don't have the luxury to be a fair weather arb girl... So yes, I will go for the heated handles! Thank you for the advice! I hadn't thought about that until you guys pointed it out!

 

Timber size I am going to cut - I would say 10" max... We have 12 acres, but also have access to lorry load of cord when needed.

 

I am very grateful for your advice! Thanks again!

[Mike Hill]

You really don't need to buy a "pro model" saw for your occasional usage.

 

If you ran a "semi pro" saw eight hours a day for a month a year,I would expect it to last 12 or more years.

 

Having said that,buy what feels right and is up to the job.

 

So perhaps think about it that way.

[G'day Spruce]

Husky 550XPG, don't forget your own lock and key to keep those swaping hands at bay...