StuartM

Hi All , time to admit that I really need some help… Having read as many threads as I can find over the last 6 months I’m still not sure which saw I should buy and could really use some input from people with experience and knowledge. So far based on the posts on here I’ve worked out that a saw should be orange (or have a close relative that is) and that I probably need several. Spec wise I volunteer with our local woodland management team so I’d like it to cope with felling small trees once I’ve sorted out my tickets and also ringing up large trunks (2 foot+) ready for splitting into firewood. The guys I work with are using Stihl 261s and a 250 but they seem to break the 261s and the 250 is tired. I’d count myself as somewhere between a home user and pro regarding usage levels but do generally buy good tools whenever possible. My local dealer has Stihl and Echo so they seem sensible choices but 550XP looks great too. I have an electric Makita at home for processing smaller stuff and based on its performance I wouldn’t rule out one of theirs (plus I’ve got a good parts dealer for them up the road). So after reading all of that what would you all recommend? My current list is: Echo: CS450, CS550 Husky: 455R, 550XP Makita: DCS5121 Stihl: 261 I generally over spec stuff so I’ve got no objections to lower spec suggestions if I’m aiming a bit high! Secondhard would be ok with me within reason but I don't fancy an ebay gamble. Many thanks Stuart

Bit late on this one but having looked at all the options for an electric saw for home I tried my next door neighbour's Makita and decided that it would work for me. Looked at the Titan one from screwfix but that wasn't as nice and the stihl was miles out of budget! My mate was a bit sniffy about an electric chainsaw until he came and tried it. Much quieter than his 250, less fumes and isn't than much slower even on the big ash trunk we've got at the moment. It isn't perfect and I'm still after a decent petrol one to go with it but I can use it at home without upsetting anyone which is a big plus.