chainsaw advice for a novice

[Willard]

Hi everyone, would appreciate some advice; I am going to buy a new chain saw for light domestic use, i.e cutting up logs for firewood and basic tree pruning. I am leaning towards a petrol saw (big garden) and not electric, and I want something solid and reliable that will start easy. Budget up to £200. I don't need a professional grade saw, but want quality (having seen how crappy saws like the Ryobi are!) Dozens out there so hard to decide . What do you think?

[MATTMOSS]

Stihl ms 180. Or stihl ms 181.

Or the little husqvarna saws look alright although i have never used one myself.

[felixthelogchopper]

Husqvarna 135. Don't forget PPE and a bit of training if you are a novice.

[MATTMOSS]

Have a look on the F R Jones website, good range of saws, competativley priced and good explanation of typical use/performance.

 

I have no affiliation with frjones however, if they want to send me free stuff for recommending them, i dont mind.

[Wolfie]

I've used the ms170 & ms180. Good little saws that should last a few years if not abused. Never used the Husqvarna equivalent but probably also sound.

Go see your local dealer who should be able to show you one or the other and hopefully may also do Echo's to give you a third choice.

[MATTMOSS]

Thats a good point Felix, safety first, safety second

[Moony]

Check out the husqvarna 435, great little saw, starts very easy, easy to maintain, low kickback chain, but please don't use a saw without chainsaw protective equipment, and as mentioned above do look into getting some training even if basic. Look at doing an ITA course (no assessment) but very informative. Good luck. Gordon.

[Mark_Skyland]

As already mentioned the husky 135 is a great little saw and should come in around your budget.

 

My advice, don't buy off the internet, call into your local dealer to pick up some advice on using the saw and the correct ppe. It's worth a lot more than saving a few pounds by shopping online.

[Willard]

thank you all, good advice, appreciate it.

[aesmith]

I was in the same boat and went for a second hand Stihl 180, around 10 years old but still runs fine. Parts are cheap and readily available which is a big advantage of going with one of the big names.