Budget saw for logging

[dan120d]

Hi everyone.

 

I have just got a woodburner and intend to cut my own logs. I'm not in a position to spend a fortune on the worlds best chainsaw but neither do I want to waste money on cheap trash that will break after 2 months. I am looking at a McCullough cs360t as recommended by my local garden machinery shop. Now I have a couple of questions. I understand McCullough are owned by husqavarna and so should be well built. It is about £40 cheaper than the equivalent Stihl (£140 vs £180). Is it money well spent or should I stretch to the Stihl. Also is a 14" saw of the size and power that I'm considering suitable or are they only suited to very occasional garden pruning use?

I look forward to honest views and please bear in mind I cannot afford a super duper Stihl or husqervana. Thanks

[s.varty]

Decent second hand stihl or husky

[felixthelogchopper]

Spend an extra tenner and you could afford a Husqvarna 135.

[div_h]

Husqvarna 135:thumbup: I got one just before Christmas for less than £200. Good luck

[spudulike]

For general log burner use, a 14" bar is fine - just because it has a longer bar, doesn't mean it will work well with it - longer bars on smaller low power saws generally make them bad to use.

 

I would sugest that if you are going to buy a saw, spend the most possible and look at it as an investment as you will be saving on the cost of wood.

 

I would personally avoid most of the cheaper brands and stick to the mainstream Stihl or Husqvarna saws - they will last better, the spares will be more readilly available and have a higher resale value if you are looking to upgrade at a later date.

 

Also factor in head/ear/eye protection, steel toecap boots and a log horse if you are obtaining lengths of timber. You will also need a sharpening kit, two stroke oil and chain oil - stick to decent brands of two stroke oil - Stihl HP is a good choice.

 

I am sure Aspen will be mentioned soon:001_rolleyes:

[Stubby]

For general log burner use, a 14" bar is fine - just because it has a longer bar, doesn't mean it will work well with it - longer bars on smaller low power saws generally make them bad to use.

 

I would sugest that if you are going to buy a saw, spend the most possible and look at it as an investment as you will be saving on the cost of wood.

 

I would personally avoid most of the cheaper brands and stick to the mainstream Stihl or Husqvarna saws - they will last better, the spares will be more readilly available and have a higher resale value if you are looking to upgrade at a later date.

 

Also factor in head/ear/eye protection, steel toecap boots and a log horse if you are obtaining lengths of timber. You will also need a sharpening kit, two stroke oil and chain oil - stick to decent brands of two stroke oil - Stihl HP is a good choice.

 

I am sure Aspen will be mentioned soon:001_rolleyes:

 

You forgot to say put a bit by for a port job!

[H-A]

Husqvarna 135:thumbup: I got one just before Christmas for less than £200. Good luck

 

That is what I would buy.

 

Husqvarna 135 chainsaw (40.9cc) | F R Jones and Son

 

Or a second hand 136 or 142.

 

H-A

[doobin]

Stretch to the Stihl, no question. Two years down the line the Stihl will be worth 50-70% of what you paid. You'd be lucky to see 25% back on the Mac, plus it will break anyway.

[div_h]

That is what I would buy.

 

Husqvarna 135 chainsaw (40.9cc) | F R Jones and Son

 

Or a second hand 136 or 142.

 

H-A

 

Ha I sold my 1998 husky 136 for £110 and bought 1

[H-A]

Ha I sold my 1998 husky 136 for £110 and bought 1

 

I have 2 136 Huskys, I am giving one to my nephew if he buys the appropriate PPE, and does not lend it out.

 

What a nice uncle:biggrin:

 

It will be OK till he cuts himself.

 

H-A