Chain-sore

I want to get back into tree work. Ultimately I think I'd prefer to be self employed but for the purposes of a mortgage application will need PAYE employment at some point quite soon. In the meantime however I'm keen to work any odd days/jobs etc. that may be available. I was groundsman for a climber for some time several years ago. Went off and did other things for a bit but realised I really don't like a "normal" work environment and want to be back outside, not having to deal with salespeople.. I'm not as young and fit as I was but have a sensible head on me and am comfortable lowering, using plant, road work etc. I'm in Launceston on the Cornwall/Devon border. I've got my own van, a couple of reliable saws, strimming and hedge cutting equipment and most of the other kit I think I'd need. Available immediately.

Well I didn't get it in the end. It was rougher than the pictures made it look. Although it'd just had a new base gasket fitted and a service by someone I trust I didn't like the Chinese top end it had fitted, thanks for the word on those htb. For £200 I'd want better to be honest. I could see myself getting on with a nice example mind.

Are they lacking as standard or do they just respond really well to it? I assume it would wipe the floor with the MS250 either way? I've got a 365SP so don't need something else with lots of go but.. Gah, I'm getting carried away, haven't even looked at the thing yet! I'll be sure to give it a good look over and bear in mind the top end. I'll take a compression tester, what sort of numbers should I be expecting?

I don't know much about these machines but they seem to have a bit of a cult following, I figure this can only be a good thing. I'm going to have a look at one tomorrow as a possible replacement for an MS250. Is there anything particular to this model to look out for?

There's a big difference between AWD and proper 4WD.

It's been bloody lovely in Devon all week. Heavy mist first thing, then the sun burns through to stay sunny, clear and cold all day.

Happy birthday! I've used an 880 a few times, think I'd rather climb the saw holding a tree than the other way round..

If anyone feels bad about their ink take comfort in the fact I know a bloke who's got a Carlsberg-logo-styled tat bearing the legend "Probably the world's best tyre fitter"

I always thought Hermetite sounded like a treatment for piles.

Well I bought a new tube of Hylomar and used that. White spirit got the old red sealant off easily which was handy as someone had been a bit generous with it. There was a fair bit inside the casing. It's a low hours saw so I convinced myself the bearings and seals were serviceable. It's back together now and runs a beauty. Thanks chaps.

This of kind of why I asked because I'd read that some sort of Dirko was used by Stihl but yeah, Elring's own site says it's not suitable for petrol. I'd almost forgotten about Hylomar. I think I have a tube of it somewhere, probably from the 90's.. Hmm.

I need to take an MS250 apart and was wondering what sealant to use on the crankcase. I keep reading about Dirko but which colour? I can get grey at my local Euro Car Parts tomorrow so it would be ideal if that'll do it. Is there something better for the job? I rather not have to take it apart again too soon. Oh and would it be silly not to replace the crank seals as it's in pieces? The saws running fine at the moment. Cheers

What are the tyres like? Not 'cos I'm being picky you understand. Just wondering if it would tow back to Cornwall okay.

Luckily my one is into the metric system so everything looks bigger..

Carrying one saw in each hand the other day my brother's 562 with a 28" bar on it felt a touch heavier than my 365 with a 20". Hardly scientific but I was still surprised it was that way around.