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ALMOST BEEKEEPING - RELATED TOPICS => FARMING & COUNTRY LIFE => Topic started by: oldenglish on March 28, 2009, 04:56:14 pm

Title: Sears chainsaws
Post by: oldenglish on March 28, 2009, 04:56:14 pm
I hate them,
With as many trees as I have you need a good chainsaw, I thought I was set to buy a really nice one then the wifes family got me a sears 20" for christmas one year, got to say what a piece of junk.
It was always a pain to start, then about two years ago I just gave up on it, this year I decided to give it another chance, did a complete strip down and rebuild. Thought I had it fixed when it ran fine for about a day, then it started acting up again, right now about the best I can get it to do is run for about 3 seconds. I am seriously considering blowing the thing up, but I need a chainsaw.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: johnnybigfish on March 28, 2009, 07:21:08 pm
Ive got a poulan thats just about as good as your sears chainsaw...It wont idle!
Although, I had a craftsman since I moved out here(10 years ago) and It still runs GREAT! but, since paul decided to sharpen it(and grind down the backside of the teeth for whatever reason) It now need the main clutch parts..I can go out there right now and it'll start right up! it just wont cut anything!
your friend,
john
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Brian D. Bray on March 29, 2009, 12:31:17 am
I have a Poulan for lending and an Echo for working around the place.  The Echo is great and always starts for me, even after being stored all winter.  The Poulan is a constant fight, but they only ask to barrow it once. 
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: johnnybigfish on March 29, 2009, 01:11:51 am
Good thinkin' Brian!
your friend,
john
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: TwT on March 29, 2009, 10:45:45 am
I have used all types of chainsaws, Style is a good one but the most powerful chainsaw I ever held was a Jonsered Chainsaw, I mean bad to the bone and starts every time. They cost you but are well worth it!!
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Irwin on March 29, 2009, 12:36:17 pm
I have a Stihl for cutting fire wood and a Husqvarna for falling trees they start up all the time they don't get time off use them about every other day.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: reinbeau on March 29, 2009, 09:01:53 pm
Woodchopper has his Stihl, it starts all the time and has taken care of plenty of trees for firewood around here.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Robo on March 29, 2009, 09:41:50 pm
I have a couple Jonsered 2077 turbos.  Best saws I've ever owned, the things just won't die. 
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: indypartridge on March 29, 2009, 09:51:04 pm
Sorry to hear about your chainsaw. I have a Sears also; it too was a gift, and it has given me several years of dependable service. If yours is beyond hope, get a new one. Avoid the big box stores. Find a local hardware that services what they sell. In the end, it's not so much whether it's a Stihl, Husquvana, Jonsered or whatever, it's the ability to get it serviced locally at someplace that will stand behind their products.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: oldenglish on March 30, 2009, 01:26:32 am
I spent most of today outside clearing salmon berry bushes with my kid. I also had another round with the chainsaw, after several hours yesterday and about another hour today I finally appeared to have it dialled in. However although it cut really well it still lacked power in the cut (not as dialled in as I thought) after the first cut it died several pulls later it was running again another cut and it died, would not start, tried everything and it just would not start, thats kinda when I lost it, grabbed the saw and started slammin it into the tree, cussing loudly as I did so, threw it on the ground in disgust and went and found some weeds to pull, needless to say my kid thought it was just a little strange.
About an hour later I tried again and it started on the second pull, only it was not done with me yet, I only cut 5 logs as it would die between each cut, have a feeling that I need a new filter on it, other than that it could be headed to the "free" list on craigslist.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: MustbeeNuts on March 30, 2009, 09:44:42 am
I have a pulan wild thing, with 18" blade, it runs like a top, never had an issue with it, sat around for a year in an old trailer, cleaned teh plug and away it goes, idles like a champ. only problem i got with it ,, GAS HOG. keeps running out of gas.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: reeegs22 on March 30, 2009, 11:30:01 am
Stihl chainsaws all the way!!! They are very reliable and are not sold at big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes.  Buying a Stihl will help a local dealer and small business stay in business. 
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Keith13 on March 30, 2009, 12:30:26 pm
I have had three types of chainsaws. The first was a mcculluch (sic) then a poulon and finally a Stihl.
The first two were garbage. Each lasted one maybe two trees. The poulon lasted for one 10" oak tree towards the end it would die out after every cut.

The Stihl is a beast it chews through everything I could throw at it and with the two storms we have had over the last 4 years it probably cut over 50 large oak trees can not say enough good about them

Keith
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Scadsobees on March 30, 2009, 01:57:59 pm
I have a poulan too (identical to the craftsman, same mfg. I think) , and other than me being far too hard on the chain and bar it runs great.

Do you have your oil mix to rich?  My brother-inlaw had the power issue with an old husqie and it was because of too much oil in the gas.

Rick
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Kathyp on March 30, 2009, 06:10:12 pm
i have a nice 'girls' husqvarna.  it's easy to start, not to heavy, and considering the size, i can cut some pretty big stuff.  that's what i have been using to clean up the snow, ice, wind, crap that came down all over.  :-)  i love my power tools!!!!!


i have a sears poll saw and it's crap.  throws the chain and binds.  to bad.  sears stuff used to be top line.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Pond Creek Farm on March 30, 2009, 10:44:34 pm
Poulan Wild thing did the job but beat me to death as it has no vibration control.  It always started.  I now use a Stihl Farm boss 390.  Nothing beats it for reliability.  It is a bit heavy, but no vibration.  It is a great saw. Irwin is the logger; take his advice.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: TimLa on March 31, 2009, 02:35:28 am
I'll give my poulan to anyone who wants it.  You pay shipping...  what a POS.

The Stihl, however, is a monster, never fails, skip tooth chain, cuts like a champ.  All the tree-guys around here use them.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: BjornBee on March 31, 2009, 10:14:59 am
I have an old Stihl 031-AV that is simply a beast. Bought it used 15 years ago, and it only recently broke. I did replace the pull rope assembly years ago. I'll probably be getting another one soon...another stihl!
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: dpence on March 31, 2009, 11:35:08 am
I have a Stihl 034 AV, had it for 24 years, bought new.  Cut a lot of firewood.  They are expensive but the way to go.  Bought my wife a Stihl MS260 Pro last year, nice smaller saw.  Just my .02.

David 
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: BjornBee on March 31, 2009, 01:50:34 pm
What do thos numbers mean anyways... 031, 034 and so on?
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: dpence on March 31, 2009, 02:49:49 pm
I believe its an engine displacement number.  031 = 3.1 cubic inch.  I think.

David 
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Keith13 on March 31, 2009, 03:42:21 pm
I believe Stihl is the better saw due to the fact they still make the saw out of metal, the rest like to use plastic to make the saws lighter and these parts heat up and break down.

My totally unscientific guess ;)

Keith
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Cockatoo on March 31, 2009, 06:19:11 pm
My wife bough me a Stihl Farm Boss.
Best chainsaw I've ever owned.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: johnnybigfish on March 31, 2009, 07:22:02 pm
Oh man!
I just walked in after fightin' that pc of Junk Poulan 18" Wild thing!
 I just got online to do Stihl research, and somebody PM'd me and I got distracted from my being angry off!
 This thread was started just at the right time!!
 Good thing Janelle came home too!
 Awww to heck with it! Maybe tomorrow I'll go get one!(When nobodys around to stop me!)
How much is the Stihl Farm Boss?
 Where should I get one from? Does Home depo or Lowes have them?
your friend,
john
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: dpence on March 31, 2009, 07:27:16 pm
You'll need to look for a dealer. 

http://www.stihlusa.com

David
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: BjornBee on March 31, 2009, 07:41:46 pm
I believe its an engine displacement number.  031 = 3.1 cubic inch.  I think.

David 

Thank you. I had thought maybe the numbers were just a series of numbers they changed with every year or upgrade. But that makes sense.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: johnnybigfish on March 31, 2009, 08:00:00 pm
Thanks David!
I know who sells them in my area now and I have full faith in them....A few years ago I got a 12,000$ Skag Turf Tiger for 5000$...best good deal I have ever come across!..I even mowed a quarter inch chain by accident once and it cut a foot off it and never missed a lick!..Its got a 27HP kawasaki engine, water cooled! I could mow a week straight and only have to fill up with gas every now and then!
your friend,
john
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: oldenglish on March 31, 2009, 09:47:12 pm
MS 270 STIHL WOOD BOSSĀ® Chain Saw $410 for 16", $419 for 18" and $429 for 20"
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Robo on April 01, 2009, 10:15:09 am
Where should I get one from? Does Home depo or Lowes have them?

Don't buy any saw from the big chain stores.   Even though I think at least one of them carry Husky(I think?).  It is a "homeowners" model  (read it as JUNK).

Go to a local lawn and garden and buy a professional model of any of the 3 major brands mentioned.  You'll be saving money in the long run.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: reeegs22 on April 01, 2009, 12:57:13 pm
If you are looking for a STIHL chainsaw dealer in RI or SE Mass.  look no further then Bulk Lawn and Garden.  It is my family's shop and they will take great care of you.  BUY LOCAL!!
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: oldenglish on April 01, 2009, 01:27:50 pm
I would love to buy a Stihl, however all my overtime got cut but my bills did not, maybe next year.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: johnnybigfish on April 01, 2009, 08:13:48 pm
I went to the STIHL dealer today....And bought an ECHO!
Only difference that made my choice up was the 5 year warranty with the ECHO and a 1 year warranty with the Stihl...The guy who sold me the Skag ZTR told me they were both really good chainsaws but, as he mentioned, he said his wife does all the outside type of work at his house and he hates it when she says "It wont start!"...Sooo...he owns 5 Echos and hasnt owned a Stihl...I told him to set me up with whatever his wife would want!! :)
your friend,
john
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: woodchopper on April 01, 2009, 10:20:46 pm
Nothing wrong with Echo but Stihl sells more chainsaws worldwide than anyone else for a reason. Their warranty might only be for one year but the chance of you ever needing it are pretty slim. When I went to buy my last saw I wasn't looking at Stihl because I was pretty sure a Husky was what I needed. After much comparison I was swayed towards the 044 Stihl which has served me without fail for over 10 years and more firewood than I could imagine. Starts on the second pull every time and has features no other brands of saws have.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: oldenglish on November 01, 2009, 09:43:32 pm
I did it, I went out and got the Husqvarna 455. Its an 18" which was smaller than I was looking for but I was on a budget. I used it today and think I may be in love, starts up first time, with the easy start its easier to start than my lawn mower. It cuts like a dream also, went through the trees I was cutting like a knife through butter. Made my sears model look like a blunt bread knife, even when it worked. No tree on my property is now safe.
I narrowed my choice down to the Husqvarna or a Stihl, finally settled on the Husq as it rated slightly higher for vibration control and thats a must for my carpal tunnel. Echo never made the cut as I started reading about how good they are at claiming just about everything is not covered in the warrenty.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Bee Happy on November 01, 2009, 09:58:05 pm
I guess I've been lucky with chainsaws, I've had a couple different sized poulan. I just idle them till they are out of gas every time.
someone did tell me to buy a good american made chain for it even if its brand new. - I know that doesnt effect the engine operation, but I saw the difference in my brother in laws new saw - factory chain vs. new american chain.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Sparky on November 01, 2009, 10:19:15 pm
Glad things are looking up oldenglish. Did your old sears saw have one of the mufflers that had a screen on it or in it ? The Husqvarna can be a cutting machine. One word of caution, keep an eye on the automatic oilier on your new saw.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: asprince on November 01, 2009, 10:24:14 pm
My brother has Craftsman saws and he loves them. The most powerful saw that I have ever owned was a McCullough Pro Mac 610 bow. I loved it. Someone broke into my shop and stole it. I now have a Stihl and a Homelite. I like the both.

Steve
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Brian D. Bray on November 06, 2009, 09:36:36 pm
I guess I've been lucky with chainsaws, I've had a couple different sized poulan. I just idle them till they are out of gas every time.
someone did tell me to buy a good american made chain for it even if its brand new. - I know that doesnt effect the engine operation, but I saw the difference in my brother in laws new saw - factory chain vs. new american chain.

That's the key, a good Oregon brand bar and chain will cure a lot of chain jumping and snagging and doesn't need to be sharpened after every cut.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Sparky on November 06, 2009, 11:00:04 pm
I guess I've been lucky with chainsaws, I've had a couple different sized poulan. I just idle them till they are out of gas every time.
someone did tell me to buy a good american made chain for it even if its brand new. - I know that doesnt effect the engine operation, but I saw the difference in my brother in laws new saw - factory chain vs. new american chain.
If you are a experienced user and are always careful when using a chainsaw , do yourself a great justice. Do not buy the stuff that the chain stores sell for a bar and chain. Go to a repair shop or dealer or even somone that sharpens cutters and get one of the professional chains and when the bar wears out make sure you get one with the grease holes on both sides, near the tip. The pro chains will cut real chips instead of the sawdust the other do. Caution when using though. They do not have as high anti, kickback plates in them and if they grab they can kick back if you do not have a firm grip on them. But MAN WHAT A DIFFERENCE in the amount of cutting they do.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: megamon on November 20, 2009, 03:11:51 pm
 :-* :'(
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: lakeman on November 20, 2009, 04:36:18 pm
There was a time when poulan was the chainsaw to have, and then the imports (stille, jonsered, and huskvarna) came on the scene, and poulan seems to have went downhill, and anymore are crap. I have three poulans, none are active, and not a one of the three would make a decent boat anchor, they are useless.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Keith13 on November 20, 2009, 06:20:08 pm
poulon went after the homeowner market
to do that cost effective quality suffers. thats why most tools purchased from walmart, or depot, lowes are not near the top of the line. for a decent model you normally have to step to a commercial or contractor level tool

just my random experience

Keith
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: JP on November 20, 2009, 07:21:55 pm
I own two Husqvarnas one I use and a larger one for backup. Haven't needed to use the back up. As long as you keep your chain sharp and cut at a medium/medium high with a sharp chain they should get er done. The problem I see most having is their chain is dull and they overwork the engine to compensate thus killing the engine. Trust me, I know from experience.


...JP
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: mdaniels on November 21, 2009, 07:15:40 am
I would like to purchase a chainsaw for my husband for Christmas.  After moving out to our 2 acre home, he's said several times he wished he had a chainsaw--however, I have no idea what I am buying and--although I realize they are all dangerous machines--are there any for the nonprofessional user that might be safer than another?

Seems like Stihl is the way to go?  We have a local hardware dealer that sells Stihl, I may go check them out, but any recommendations would be great.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: JP on November 21, 2009, 11:09:50 am
I would like to purchase a chainsaw for my husband for Christmas.  After moving out to our 2 acre home, he's said several times he wished he had a chainsaw--however, I have no idea what I am buying and--although I realize they are all dangerous machines--are there any for the nonprofessional user that might be safer than another?

Seems like Stihl is the way to go?  We have a local hardware dealer that sells Stihl, I may go check them out, but any recommendations would be great.

Can't go wrong with a Stihl Mrs Daniels. Husqvarnas are good also but unless someone is experienced using chain saws I wouldn't suggest the low end Husqvarna models, they can be overworked if not sharp. For the novice user I suggest the Husqvarna 445 model or larger.

Really, the Stihl is the sure thing and he will be very happy with it.


...JP
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: hankdog1 on November 22, 2009, 03:11:18 am
I would like to purchase a chainsaw for my husband for Christmas.  After moving out to our 2 acre home, he's said several times he wished he had a chainsaw--however, I have no idea what I am buying and--although I realize they are all dangerous machines--are there any for the nonprofessional user that might be safer than another?

Seems like Stihl is the way to go?  We have a local hardware dealer that sells Stihl, I may go check them out, but any recommendations would be great.

None are really safer then the other.  Stihl makes a really good saw I really like my Husqvarna 455 Rancher i got from Lowes.  If safety is a major issue that you are worried about they make resistant clothing he can wear while operating the saw.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Jim134 on November 22, 2009, 07:41:30 am
Eyes,head and hearing

  http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=2806FNAD&catID=928 (http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=2806FNAD&catID=928)

 Gloves

http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=2806FNAD&catID=928 (http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=2806FNAD&catID=928)

Legs

http://www.baileysonline.com/search.asp?skw=chaps&PageNo=1&x=18&y=9 (http://www.baileysonline.com/search.asp?skw=chaps&PageNo=1&x=18&y=9)

Feet steel-toe

http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=53803+7D&catID=573 (http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=53803+7D&catID=573)

  BEE HAPPY Jim 134  :)

Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: mdaniels on November 22, 2009, 07:48:37 am
All very helpful, thank you so much.

I know any power tool is to be respected, much like a firearm and used with appropriate safety measures--but since I don't know what those are, and since I don't fancy coming home to a husband with a buzz saw through is leg, I had to ask! :)  Lol.  He has used lots of power tools, including a chainsaw--I am just a little paranoid.

Thank you--I will go to our little small town hardware store this afternoon while he is watching football to scope out the Stihls...
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Sparky on November 22, 2009, 11:11:12 am
mdaniels. Also check out the Echo brand. For the money they make a pretty good saw for the occasional user it will do a good job and not break the bank. They have alot of the same features as the expensive saws.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: mdaniels on November 22, 2009, 07:15:01 pm
I bought the Stihl Farm Boss today.  I bought this instead of the Echo (although the Echo came highly recommended not just by Sparky, but by a friend of ours who works on small machines) because Stihl is sold and services at our local hardware store, just a few minutes away.  The closest Echo dealer is about 30 minutes south of here.  I thought that it might be better if he needed the sawteeth sharpened or some sort of repair to go directly to the nearby store--besides, the folks who own the place are great and I like supporting them.

I spent just over $400 and got the 18" saw, an extra chain, the case, some other stuff in a small bag (don't ask me what)--and, after Christmas, he can take it in and get it fueled up there and started for the first time, to make sure all is running well and have any of his questions answered.  Seemed like a good deal for what I priced. 

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it, and I will be looking for Jim's safety suggestions next, for clothing, gloves, etc.  Mary Ann
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: lakeman on November 22, 2009, 07:17:54 pm
What do thos numbers mean anyways... 031, 034 and so on?

Engine displacement, larger number, more power.

Correction, my bad, on wrong page :? :shock: :-D
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Sparky on November 22, 2009, 10:54:14 pm
mdaniels You did good and I am sure your hubby will be happy. So much so that when he is done playing with it and puts it away I bet he will want to jump into that honey do list. LOL!!!! ;) The nice thing about the 18" saw is he can always put the smaller bar and chain on it if needed but most will never do it. Bigger is better huh ?
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: mdaniels on November 23, 2009, 06:36:10 am
Lol, bigger seemed better!  Actually, the one at the store had the 18" bar on it, so I just told them to leave it on for the $10 difference.  I now have to hunt for those chaps they wear for protection!  And a helmet!
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Natalie on November 23, 2009, 12:55:00 pm
Glad that you posted this, I am actually buying my husband a chainsaw for Christmas too and I was looking at the Stihl brand saws because they have them at the hardware store a mile from my house.
We can get alot of free wood, it gets dropped off but needs to be cut up so he needs a good saw so we can take advantage of this deal.
Good job mdaniels, I say the way to a man's heart is through power tools.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Sparky on November 23, 2009, 02:11:03 pm
Is he going to do this for a living or a hobby or what? Or is it that he is accident prone? The helmet and the chaps are a bit extreme. Most people that operate a chainsaw realize that it can be a dangerous tool and if it is used with that in mind will do fine without all that extra gear on them to bog them down. If you want to get him something useful, you could get him a good pair of ear muffs for hearing protection, goggles if he don't wear glasses, a pair of good work gloves and some sharpening files that match the pitch of the chain on his saw.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Jim134 on November 24, 2009, 07:03:41 am
 About 75% of all chainsaw accident are by hobbies just my .02



   BEE HAPPY Jim 134  :)
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Scadsobees on November 24, 2009, 09:40:33 am
About 75% of all chainsaw accident are by hobbies just my .02



   BEE HAPPY Jim 134  :)
Is it a hobby if you are trying to heat your house and don't really enjoy it?  :roll:
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: lakeman on November 24, 2009, 10:20:06 am
Is he going to do this for a living or a hobby or what? Or is it that he is accident prone? The helmet and the chaps are a bit extreme. Most people that operate a chainsaw realize that it can be a dangerous tool and if it is used with that in mind will do fine without all that extra gear on them to bog them down. If you want to get him something useful, you could get him a good pair of ear muffs for hearing protection, goggles if he don't wear glasses, a pair of good work gloves and some sharpening files that match the pitch of the chain on his saw.

Some fellows I have known in the past, would be less dangerous with a machine gun than a chain saw.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: mdaniels on November 24, 2009, 08:38:13 pm
Don't worry I was (mostly) joking about the chaps and the helmet, lol.   :-D But I will get him the ear protectors!
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: Bee Happy on November 25, 2009, 12:10:00 pm
a good pair of safety glasses, some good gloves (with good tactile traction left). The manual is law with a chainsaw, there are some very good techniques for staying out of the chain's path should anything go wrong.
Title: Re: Sears chainsaws
Post by: oldenglish on November 25, 2009, 03:36:14 pm
Husq' and Sthil are both very good brands, I went with the Husq' only because they rated slightly higher on vibration control (which I have to say is very good) prices are about the same. I really like the easy start feature, thing is easier than my lawn mower.
I did not even look at the Echo brand as they rated very poorly especially on their warrenty, seems like they blame the owner for incorrect oil mixture for just about everything.