What is your favorite Chainsaw Model?

[MuskyLegend]

I'm in the market for a new chainsaw. I cut a lot of Maple and Birch. I hope to cut 40 cords this year to get ahead on curing the wood for future years.

So what chainsaw model do you have and what do you like about it?

ease of maintenance?

power?

length of run time before needing oil, gas, and maintenance?

ease of pull start?

[Pete]

My son has a Husqvarna 266 XP. 18" bar. He bought it about 15 years ago. I can't tell you how many cords of wood it's cut - we heated with nothing but wood for over 10 years and my son sold firewood too.

Other than a new bar or 2 I don't think there's been any maintenance on it.

It is tremendously powerful but for me it is too heavy and it is a bear to pull start.

I had a little 14" Jonsered for my own use. Loved it. Easy to start, enough power for me. It needed way more maintenance than the Husqvarna though.

[SalmonSlayer2010]

I just bought a new 16" 34cc Poulan from Candian Tire for $159.99, $20 off the regular price.
walleye 013..jpg
I think it is easy to get your moneys worth on this chainsaw. They do require a breaking in period as the cutting I do is on thick maple and it is easy to overheat and have it stall out after 15 minutes of non-stop cutting. I am generally hard on equipment... In another hour of run-time I should have no more problems for awhile. They are easy to maintain, and knowledge of maintenance is a must for chainsaws. I had the pull cord jam up on me the first day and had to take the cover off. It was either the pull cord or it was seized up slightly from the abuse I put it through... Take the stupid spark arrest off these saws. They are useless and just clog up. its just one nut to remove, pull the little cover and take off the screen and put the cover and nut back on.
To any one new to using chainsaws, do not let the chain hit dirt whether it is the ground or a rotten log or nails in logs are the worst. Get the file recommended to sharpen chains- they now come with a guide so you can't screw up the angle. You have to take a rag to each link before you sharpen so that the file grips the metal and oil doesn't get on the file. When your chain does dull and for me without hitting dirt it takes only about two hours, quit using it until you sharpen the chain. You will just wear yourself out and have a major safety risk. If the chain is loose stop and adjust the tension. All in all they are a good value. You could almost buy two for the price of one shiny pretty model. I recommend!

[KWdog75]

I have several favorites...

For husky, i have a 394, 372 and a 350. I usually use the 350, it's nice and light

For Stihl, i have an 066, 044, 034 and 026. The 034 is the best in that bunch.

For Echo's, i have a CS510, C4400 and CS3450. i would take the CS4400 if i had to choose.

Out of all of them i use the Husqvarna 350 the most.

[SalmonSlayer2010]

I'm using an echo this fall and it is far superior. My first poulan was used a lot before the gear axle broke, my second poulan quit on me way too early this summer. I now recommend chainsaws that are not sold at big box stores.