Stihl Owners: Help me pick out dad's new Christmas toy.

Grease

Grease

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May 10, 2012
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For years the old man has been jealous of friends and neighbors who owned awesome chainsaws. He just recently moved onto acreage, living in a house with a wood burning stove as the main heat source. I think it's time I got him a real chainsaw, and I know he's a fan of Stihl tools.

I'd love some input on models and sizes of chainsaws.

For a general use tool, what do you guys think he would most appreciate?
 
Side note: He's the type who, in the event of a big wind or ice storm, will grab his tools and go drive around looking for blocked driveways and trapped cars he can rescue. He missed his calling as a fireman. :p
 
I love my Stihl saws. I go through 15 cord of firewood every year, and my o46 has cut the majority of it for the last 14 years. I would shy away from the homeowners models.
As for size that just depends on what he needs to cut. My 046 has a 2' bar and weighs a ton, limbing with it is a real chore. I've spent a lot of time running an 029 and 039 saws and they are great also.
Looks like they've changed their model #'s again. My 046 magnum changed to a 460 magnum, now i don't even see that model anymore.
Husqvarna makes a great saw also. They are definitely lighter than a comparable Stihl, but It's my opinion that there is some power sacrificed for the weight loss.


mark
 
Ive got a Stihl Farm Boss I believe its the 029 with 20" bar. Its been a really good saw. Not quite as expensive as some other models, but it has served me well.
 
MS 210 16" bar.
I love Stihl but please check out the Husqvarna chainsaw. My friend gave me one and I like the Husky a tad more than my Stihl.
rolf
 
I own a husqvarna myself so I can't help you there.... but I will say that whatever you decide to get make sure you can find reasonably priced replacement chains for it. I find it's much faster to change out the chains then to sharpen them on the fly. When I work through my supply of chains I have them professionally sharpened at the local hardware store.
 
We own two(2) Stihl saws - an MS 180 C and an older 034[either Woods Boss or Farm Boss].

Recommend the brand without reservation.

Two(2) things , first find a established dealer for sales and service and next find a source for ethanol-free gasoline. I know, I know lot of stuff designed to run on ethanol.

In my experience all our small engines..chainsaws, weedwhacker, pressure washer, blower and 25 HP Mercury outboard ALL start and run better and longer with ethanol-free gas. No issues with cars/trucks but if were not for premium pricing on ethanol-free would run it in everything.

Your Dad will be pleased with your gift.

Best.
 
I wonder if ethanol and mix oil don't get along? I also suspect that since mixed gas tends to sit a bit, maybe it sucks up more water than straight gas? plus "safe for ethanol" is not the same as designed to run on it, and ethanol has a bit less power in it... anyway not to derail, Can't go wrong with stihl at all. I would go for one on the smaller side, less tiring, and therefor a bit safer. If you find a local dealer where he can get accessories and such from, they can be an invaluable resource, and maybe also able to provide some training. (yeah every time chainsaws get mentioned, I mention safety, but I've known way too many people who should have known better get bit, nevermind those who had no idea) I have no idea right now on what the size to model number is like right now, but for the infrequent user, I think a good, small saw is the way to go, and if he finds he is out-working the saw, there is always the option to upgrade.
 
Ethanol DOES attract and absorb moisture. Not so sure the oil/gas mixture is an issue.

Non-ethanol gas has a LONGER shelf life.

I'm in FL and some boaters experience the dreaded lemonade gas if ethanol gas sits too long..fairly high humidity but here Mickey Mouse and I wear shorts 365.

Best.
 
Have owned a middle of the road Stihl 024 (was about $500 new) since '92 when my commercial Homelite self-destructed from actually having to work. Large sugar maple tree (3 foot trunk) had fallen over a house and my business had the insurance contract to clean it all up. Saw now has about 300 hours on it and still starts and runs like a champ. Brother-in-law bought a small Stihl camp saw way back in 1980 (even says 'made in West Germany' on the spec plate) and his is still going; him and I took down and bucked up a 40 foot dead pine with it a month ago. The oiler passage/jacket has eroded enough to leak now so I'm going to tangle with that over the winter.
Stihl pretty much corners the market on construction and industry gas-powered tools around here, and rental shops don't send out anything else so that has to tell you something.
If this is destined to be a hobby saw (ie not used and abused daily) you don't have to go top of the line, and something lightweight with 16 inch bar and 'easy-start' feature will give your dad many years of service.
As with others offering advice here; use premium or non-ethanol fuel and do not use or keep fuel for more than 6 months. Puregas.org website will steer you to stations that sell non-ethanol gas. Reason being ethanol is less able to atomize in carburetor engines when it is cold outside and it wreaks havoc on seals and gaskets in all vintage 2 strokes.
 
sideways said:
I own a husqvarna myself so I can't help you there.... but I will say that whatever you decide to get make sure you can find reasonably priced replacement chains for it. I find it's much faster to change out the chains then to sharpen them on the fly. When I work through my supply of chains I have them professionally sharpened at the local hardware store.
Click to expand...

For chain, watch for sales at Baileys.
 
Back in the day I'd run saws as heavy as the Homelite "Model: C-72 ... WEIGHT : 18.5 lbs. (8.4 kg) powerhead only." then worked with faster and lighter saws. As Homelite as we used to know it went away, I picked up Stihl and haven't looked back. Now not produced, my go to saw today is the MS361 good power to weight, run with .325 & .375 chain on 20" bar/chain guides. Is lighter than the MS362 and can be modified if desired.


IMHO He might enjoy working with a mid weight pro saw such as a MS362 C-M a saw with the latest engine tech.
"Brains and brawn come together in this well-rounded professional chainsaw. The MS 362 C-M features the same great power, weight and fuel efficiency as the MS 362, but also features our exclusive STIHL M-Tronic™ engine management technology. This innovative microprocessor-controlled engine management system optimizes engine performance and compensates for changes in operating conditions, such as temperature, elevation, fuel quality, and dirty air filters. It makes sure you’re working with optimal cutting power in any cutting condition"
http://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/professional-saws/ms362cm/

Light enough to work all day and the power to do most tasks.
 
I bought my dad a MS250 for Father's day this year.
It has cut down a few pine trees and one giant maple without missing a beat.
If I was going to be using it to heat my house or make a living with it I would step up to at least the MS290.

Ethanol is not any good for the small engines in trimmers and chainsaw and the like.
Truefuel comes premixed with the proper ratio of fuel and oil. http://trufuel50.com/default.aspx
It is available locally at some home improvement store or online. It is expensive but cheaper than rebuilding a motor.
 
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