Gas chainsaw recommendations?

[rivan]

I borrowed a friend's 14" Craftsman chainsaw and it was stolen while in my possession. Now I need to replace it with something as good or better. It was 10-15 years old, no idea of the model #.

What's something comparable for a light duty homeowner saw? Any brands to totally avoid?

 

[NutBucket]

Problem is old Craftsman is much better than new in the same price range. I have a leaf blower from the same era. I went to buy some replacement parts and they're all branded Husqvarna. I doubt you'll get the same quality now from a cheapie.

 

[cabri]

There are previous threads regarding chainsaw.

Use the search function to get others feedback.

 

[NutBucket]

The consensus is typically "buy a Stihl". But that'll set you back at least $200.

 

[Gardener]

15 years ago there were fairly decent homeowner saws, but if you want to match that quality today you will need a professional saw.

If you need a top handle saw, http://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-14-in-30-1-cc-Gas-Chainsaw-CS-303T-14/204296302, at $370. Its my favorite light saw, starts easy, runs great. I'd avoid all the current consumer grade saws.

If you want to go cheap, you could probably find a lightly used plastic body Homelite XL or Super XL/Super 2 on fleabay that would match your friends saw.

Or offer to let the guy buy another saw and you reimburse.

 

[waffleironhead]

You are best off contacting the guy you borrowed it off of and seeing what they would like in replacement. Seeing as it's a 14" bar it probably wasn't a better grade craftsman. Craftsman is really hit and miss trying to figure out who they are sourced from these days. Some are re skinned poulan(crap).

In the low end of good brands. ~ 200$ mark
Stihl ms170
Husqvarna 240
I've heard good things about efco and jonsered though never used them.

 

[NutBucket]

Or offer to let the guy buy another saw and you reimburse.

I think this is the best idea. Then it if it sucks it's at least partially his fault

 

[Imp]

Whatever Jason uses. That thing's cut through people and metal, and it's still running.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Husqvarna can be had for $150 refurbished. Check Northern Tool if you have one locally. You can get a 16" bar pretty easy for that when they print coupons....or an 18" rancher with more ccs if you need it for $230+.

If you're needing it sooner, this is the $165-170 range:
http://www.vminnovations.com/Browse/Husqvarna.html?manuf=185&gclid=CJnKt-Tq774CFclr7AodAn8ATQ

Stihl is the only other brand I would consider...just would go Husqvarna if not paying more than $250.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Whatever Jason uses. That thing's cut through people and metal, and it's still running.

Can it cut through Titanium Alloy though?

 

[ch33zw1z]

Talk to the guy you borrowed it from. Maybe he'll just take some cash that he can put toward a saw of his choice. I'd toss him $100.

 

[rivan]

You are best off contacting the guy you borrowed it off of and seeing what they would like in replacement. Seeing as it's a 14" bar it probably wasn't a better grade craftsman. Craftsman is really hit and miss trying to figure out who they are sourced from these days. Some are re skinned poulan(crap).

In the low end of good brands. ~ 200$ mark
Stihl ms170
Husqvarna 240
I've heard good things about efco and jonsered though never used them.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I've already spoken to my buddy and he's fine with whatever I want to do. I've got high standards for when I borrow someone else's stuff, though, and insist on avoiding making this his problem in any way.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Ask the person you borrowed it from......

At that price range I would recommend an Echo CS400

Low end Husky = Poulan

Stihl, I simply refuse to buy anything "german engineered". In most cases it is overly complex and expensive for no apparent reason.

 

[slag]

I have a husqvarna that is ok. My neighbor has a dolmar that I drool over. I wouldn't get another husqvarna.

 

[edro]

Get a low end 14" Stihl. It will be better than any Craftsman he had.
I have one that I bought used for $90. It is great and starts easily every time.