chainsaw recommendations

[annuvin]

I own a Stihl and would not buy another one. I hardly use it other than for clearing bush and cutting deadfalls up at the deer camp, and the throttle body came apart within warranty. I had that fixed and the pull rope broke when I went to start it this year. I took it down to my father's and his neighbour told me his son-in-law had nothing but problems with his Stihl as well. I know they are a much loved brand, but based on my experience I would not recommend one to anyone. YMMV.

[Lakon]

I own a Stihl and would not buy another one. I hardly use it other than for clearing bush and cutting deadfalls up at the deer camp, and the throttle body came apart within warranty. I had that fixed and the pull rope broke when I went to start it this year. I took it down to my father's and his neighbour told me his son-in-law had nothing but problems with his Stihl as well. I know they are a much loved brand, but based on my experience I would not recommend one to anyone. YMMV.

Just when I thought I was the only one....

Bought a midrange Stihl (MS231) a few years back and it runs like a dream, whenever it feels like it that is... A total biatch to start on most days, frustrating as hell. Older Stihls were stuff of legend, would start up 99% of the time, newer ones not so much. Maybe I just got myself a lemon but my BIL bought a similarly priced Husky at about the same time and is very-very happy with it.

[df0010]

I worked as an arborist for a few years, and during that time I've used a bunch of different saws, Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo, Shindaiwa etc

In my exeperience, unless your saw was a dog right from the dealer (which does happen) the professional series saws are all about the same -barring specific design issues/features etc. In the long run what makes the difference is proper maintenance.



If you do only one thing - use premium gas that has no ethanol, add stabilizer, and make sure your oil mix is spot on.
Regular gas kills chainsaws!

My current saws are a Johnsered 35cc cant remember the model name, but it was a good price, and its a solid saw equivalent to a stihl 026 in terms of size etc. and for bigger stuff I have a husqvarna 575xpt, which is just a monster of a saw.

[delmer]

If you do only one thing - use premium gas that has no ethanol, add stabilizer, and make sure your oil mix is spot on.
Regular gas kills chainsaws!

That is the recipe for all 2 cycle oil mix engines. Anything else is asking for trouble.

[Wahoo]

If you do only one thing - use premium gas that has no ethanol, add stabilizer, and make sure your oil mix is spot on.
Regular gas kills chainsaws!

I've run FRESH regular gas in my chainsaw and weedeater for years and never had an issue (only used Stihl 2 stroke oil too). I will only mix up what I anticipate using and no more, if there is extra, it will go into the generator or lawnmower - they'll burn anything! The one thing I will NOT do is mix up a 4 litre can as it has the potential to sit around longer than planned and end up going 'stale'.

[werner.reiche]

I've run FRESH regular gas in my chainsaw and weedeater for years and never had an issue (only used Stihl 2 stroke oil too). I will only mix up what I anticipate using and no more, if there is extra, it will go into the generator or lawnmower - they'll burn anything! The one thing I will NOT do is mix up a 4 litre can as it has the potential to sit around longer than planned and end up going 'stale'.

Not sure why you'd use gasoline with ethanol in it. The cost saving is not going to amount to much given how little you are using (mixing less than 4 litres). It's known to be a two-stroke engine killer and almost all engine manufacturers recommend NOT using it. I think stihl's benchmark for state gas is 6 weeks now, partly because too many people are cheaping out and using regular fuel.

[Wahoo]

Not sure why you'd use gasoline with ethanol in it. The cost saving is not going to amount to much given how little you are using (mixing less than 4 litres). It's known to be a two-stroke engine killer and almost all engine manufacturers recommend NOT using it. I think stihl's benchmark for state gas is 6 weeks now, partly because too many people are cheaping out and using regular fuel.

How is it a 'killer'? I have run 4 2-stroke machines (weedeater, chainsaw and 2 outboards) for years on regular fuel without any starting or running issues. As a matter of fact I don't know anyone who has had problems when using FRESH regular fuel.

[Mdiddi]

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/03/gas-with-ethanol-can-make-small-engines-fail/index.htm

I try to use gas with no ethanol when I can for small engines. I don't know what difference it will make but so far no problems. I did this on the recommendation of my small engine marina mechanic (I do most on my own on the regular). I like to use a drop of seafoam. I never use stabil.

I have a Stihl 290 that is a bit heavy but an absolute work horse

[Wahoo]

^I tore my Stihl weedeater down last winter because it was running like crap. Had it all apart, no corrosion issues at all. Turns out the problem was the coil.

I have a Merc 5 HP that was also running like crap. Tore it completely apart, last winter, and found a crank bearing was toast. No signs of problems with using regular fuel.

I'd be willing to bet that the folks that are having trouble, have gas sitting in their machines from season to season and don't do ANY maintenance.

[werner.reiche]

How is it a 'killer'? I have run 4 2-stroke machines (weedeater, chainsaw and 2 outboards) for years on regular fuel without any starting or running issues. As a matter of fact I don't know anyone who has had problems when using FRESH regular fuel.

Ethanol breaks down rubber parts it comes in contact with inside the fuel system.
Water can separate from the ethanol.
Worst of all, ethanol causes a break down of the oil in 2 stroke mixes and has an effect similar to using stale gas.

When something has been known for years to cause 2 stroke engine failures, and when the manufactures recommend against it, it is beyond me why someone would consider doing it. And for what - to save 0.10 per litre on fuel for a few litres of fuel???

That level of cheapness is beyond understanding.

From the consumer report link.

The Environmental Protection Agency has approved gasoline with 15 percent ethanol for use in cars year 2001 or newer, yet it prohibits its use in mowers and other power equipment, stating it may cause damage. A Department of Energy study found that E15 caused hotter operating temperatures, erratic running, and engine-part failure. But even gas with the usual 10 percent ethanol (E10) could help destroy small engines.

"Ethanol has inherent properties that can cause corrosion of metal parts, including carburetors, degradation of plastic and rubber components, harder starting, and reduced engine life," says Marv Klowak, global vice president of research and development for Briggs & Stratton, the largest manufacturer of small engines. "The higher the ethanol content, the more acute the effects." Servicing dealers are reporting similar problems, even with E10, according to the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, the industry's trade group.


Oh - and ask the service guy at your dealer too.