Which Chain Saw?

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Which Chain Saw?

kesa32 · Senior Member

I bought a slightly used Partner P340S off a friend for $80 for trimming and lighter firewood duties , it's great little saw made by Husqvarna and is light and easy to use , my main cs is a Stihl 066 Magnum that lve had for years
Think my friend said he paid around $300 originally for the Partner , oh and it's very easy to start too

For around $50 you can buy an bench mount electric chain sharpener and chains can be had for around $15 each bought in lots of 3

Cupie · Guru

kesa32 wrote:
I bought a slightly used Partner P340S off a friend for $80 for trimming and lighter firewood duties , it's great little saw made by Husqvarna and is light and easy to use , my main cs is a Stihl 066 Magnum that lve had for years
Think my friend said he paid around $300 originally for the Partner , oh and it's very easy to start too

For around $50 you can buy an bench mount electric chain sharpener and chains can be had for around $15 each bought in lots of 3

My decision is now virtually made.

Seeing that it will be used 90% of the time as a back yard pruner and perhaps only a few times for firewood gathering, I will go for the Stihl MS170 with its 14" bar.

They have a 50% off special for certain accessories that includes chains so I'll perhaps get a spare one although I may never need it, along with other stuff like chain oil & a file type sharpener. My Son has a top of the range bench sharpener & just loves to sharpen things so I'll delegate that job to him.

Thanks for the input.

ps. The neighbour who has a long history of serious chain saw stuff agrees with my intent. So does SWMBO & that's important. My Son loves Stihl products so he will agree too but would go for a big mother. On second thoughts, as a tradie he has mostly battery powered tools (I think Milwaukee at present), he may favour a battery powered solution.

Leshill · Veteran Member

I have 4 chainsaws my favorite is the sthil. I also just repaired a 50 cc sthil ..boy it's a hi compression bit of gear.
Bottom line is get the $249 petrol saw. Learn how to start it properly
IE. Full choke ..pull it til it fires once. Choke now to half & it will start.
If you leave full choke on too long you will have trouble starting.
Use 91 octain fuel not premium and empty unused fuel out of tank..restart saw to run carby dry.
The additives in the fuel will effect the diaphragms in the carby if left in it.
Go for the little sthil...you will not regret it...( A small 12 V diamond sharpener is available ..and use thinner synthetic bar oil as it is designed for the new type chains )

-- Edited by Leshill on Sunday 2nd of June 2019 12:17:28 AM

Cupie · Guru

Leshill wrote:
I have 4 chainsaws my favorite is the sthil. I also just repaired a 50 cc sthil ..boy it's a hi compression bit of gear.
Bottom line is get the $249 petrol saw. Learn how to start it properly
IE. Full choke ..pull it til it fires once. Choke now to half & it will start.
If you leave full choke on too long you will have trouble starting.
Use 91 octain fuel not premium and empty unused fuel out of tank..restart saw to run carby dry.
The additives in the fuel will effect the diaphragms in the carby if left in it.
Go for the little sthil...you will not regret it...( A small 12 V diamond sharpener is available ..and use thinner synthetic bar oil as it is designed for the new type chains )

-- Edited by Leshill on Sunday 2nd of June 2019 12:17:28 AM

Thanks for the hints. I will print them out & put them in the carry case until it becomes second nature to follow.

I'm going to get the Stihl on Monday along with a carry case & diamond sharpener, can of chain oil.

Cupie · Guru

Just to close out the discussion, from my point of view anyway.

Thank you all for your valuable input. I have used it all in coming to a decision that suits my situation.

I ended up purchasing a Stihl MS180.

It has a little more power & longer bar than my previous first choice, the MS170.

(MS180 - 31.8cc/1.5kW & 16" bar v MS170 - 30.1cc/1.3kW & 14" bar). They both weigh the same 3.9kg.

The MS180 cost an extra $50 @ $299. (That took care of a belated birthday present that I scored at the family BBQ on the weekend ... I impose a $50 limit on presents from my kids).

Off now to read the instruction manuals .. now there's a first. Fancy reading the instruction manuals before firing it up.

ps . I also picked up a can of Stihl bar oil & 2 stroke oil, getting an extra 12m on the warranty for doing so. The Dealer confirmed the advice to use regular unleaded fuel but preferred the standard chain oil & not the synthetic stuff. I ruled out the eco chain oil that is supposedly kinder to any trees being pruned.

It almost started all over again when a sales assistant at the register said 'I'm surprised that you didn't go for a battery model' but seemed satisfied with my explanation.

edit ... Oops forgot to mention that I got a Stihl "2in1 File holder" sharpening tool as well.

-- Edited by Cupie on Monday 3rd of June 2019 04:24:18 PM

sandsmere · Guru

Get the best. Buy a Stihl.

biggles2 · Veteran Member

yeah .. ditto ! .. go the stihl !

Mike Harding · Guru

Just one final point Cupie:

Remember: you'll never have a minor accident with a chainsaw.

Cupie · Guru

Mike Harding wrote:
Just one final point Cupie:
Remember: you'll never have a minor accident with a chainsaw.

Spot on there ..

As I age, I become more risk-adverse. I am no longer the 'bulletproof' youth.

In reading the instruction manual I didn't skip the safety & technique sections. Additionally, I have long ago had training in the safe use of chain saws but I will do an online refresher.

Thanks for the reminder & your input to the selection process.