Chainsaw

[mrpercysnodgrass]

My son is half way through a arboriculture and forest management course at Pershore college and it is his birthday coming up soon. We were thinking of buying him a petrol chainsaw. Can anybody recommend one? We have a budget of £200 - £250. He seems very keen on Husqvarna, are they the best? or is there a better model to look at?
Any advise welcome.

 

[paulm]

Husqvarna and Stihl are the popular makes amongst the professionals, nothing much to choose between them really, pretty much personal preference at the end of the day, although if you have a local dealer for one of them then that probably helps decide as you will need spares and maintenance from time to time.

Your son may well have a preference as to the particular model too, probably not too large as to be too heavy to use all day if necessary, but not too small as to be underpowered and too small a chain configuration to cut aggressively enough.

A good dealer may be able to advise what particular models are popular with the pro's, although they often have several each for different size jobs, but's there probably a few regular "go to" models for general use ?

He will need safety gear too of course if he doesn't already have it.

Cheers, Paul

 

[Steve Jones]

Hi,

The 2 main contenders are Husqvarna and Stihl, I'm qualified to fell/cross cut and of those I also prefer husqvarna but it's a bit like buying Ford or Vauxhall (other makes are available !)

It really depends on what he wants the saw for, whether it be a top handled saw for climbing with or a saw for felling snedding out and cross cutting, so I'd ask a few questions first before making any purchases. Also take into consideration that if buying Stihl that you now have to buy at a dealers rather than mail order as they don't do mail order (Stihl policy on all their machines)

HTH

Steve

 

[Andy RV]

As previously said stihl and husky are the industry leaders. I think your best bet is to talk to your son about what type of saw he will actually need. At that price range they are going to be at the bottom end of each manufacturers range which could be lacking for professional use...

 

[Andy RV]

This is a good forum that's worth a look at;
http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/

 

[blackrodd]

I've just bought one for my son to use, similar situation, but luckily, I know someone whom works on all the models.
Stihl seem to be the best, and I got a ms181, with a 14"bar, this is a very good entry level saw, and later will always useful as a limbing saw, possibly with a 12" bar.
Stihl, as mentioned will not allow dealers to sell a saw without going through the starting process and some safety considerations.
As I understand, the sale of a top handle saw for arborist use is illegal without the sight of a certificate to a dealer in either new, or second hand, 'though I believe some don't care.
The Arborist saw being a top handle is dangerous to use with fewer safeguards.
The best place for a good price and some safety equipment would more than likely be an agricultural dealer's. They generally sell equestrian needs and farmers gates feedstuffs etc.
You may have one near you, Though ebay listings do have new saw's for sale at a good price, and posted, which is tempting They may well buy 10, or 20, saws at a good discount, and sell them on.
Good luck with the saw buying, HTH Regards Rodders

 

[Steve Jones]

Although its a 40 mile round trip from me I now buy all my gear from TFM Superstore at Stableford near Bridgnorth Shropshire

Steve

 

[mrpercysnodgrass]

Thank you for all your replies. Some useful info there, I have had a quick look at arbtalk which looks like it will be a very useful place of information and also looked at the Stihl MS181 suggested by Rodders. It looks to be the sort of general saw I was looking to buy him.

 

[Andy RV]

I've got the 181 which I use for firewood and it's a great little saw, sometimes it can get bogged down but I think that's more down to user error!

I'm sure that I read that the 171 is made in China where as the 181 and above are made in Germany.

Does he already have suitable ppe because he will need some.

 

[blackrodd]

I've got the 181 which I use for firewood and it's a great little saw, sometimes it can get bogged down but I think that's more down to user error!

I'm sure that I read that the 171 is made in China where as the 181 and above are made in Germany.

Does he already have suitable ppe because he will need some.

I think the 017, with a 12" guide bar is the cheaper one just for small work around the garden, fire wood, etc.
Not sure if its made in china, I'll ask and try and find out.
I'm sure the wahlburg carb is and some other parts, but thought the main saw was of German manufacture.
Regards Rodders