Lets talk Chainsaws

[realunlucky]

I ran a Stihl saw shop for a while and have always been partial to Stihl.

Pro saws are more $ up front but cheaper to repair.
homeowner saws are less $ up front but more $ to repair.

the ms250 and 391 are the only homeowner saws I can recommend based on repair frequency/longevity and those two models make good power for their class.

the 261 is the pro version of the 271.

the 360/361/362 and 400 are 65+cc pro saws and are excellent "homestead" saws.

The 400 with exhaust or a ported 362 are wicked little firewood saws.

Always, always run non ethanol fuel if you can get it.

It is expensive but the canned mix gas is no joke. it is different than pump gas. I've tested it extensively and saws run better and have fewer issues, especially if the saw sits for months between uses.

What is the best way to store the saw long term? Just run it out of fuel or...

Sent from my SM-S926U using Tapatalk

 

[TedO]

MS261 would be perfect for your situation and it will last your lifetime. It's my favorite do-it-all, and the one I pick up the most. Yes, it's a pro model, but "longrangelead" is right, they're more money upfront, but cheaper to repair, and will ultimately run strong for longer. You can do most repairs yourself.

If you were going to be felling a lot of trees, I'd recommend a 461 full wrap, with a 24-28" bar, but that sounds like overkill for your situation.

 

[cnelk]

Stihl fan here too.
Use mine for firewood cutting and making lumber with my Alaskan jig (best to use a ripping chain for that)

Best tip is do what KSRancher said above and file the rakers down

 

[Tradchef]

The MS 261 C-M rips for its size and is a great saw. The 400 C is a nice one as well. I've heard good things about the Echo CS-590 Timberwolf ( but I think the 261 is a better saw in that category) and the Echo CS - 620P

 

[huntsman22]

 

[jolemons]

I have at least six Stihls. My local saw shop, a Stihl and Echo dealer, is really satisfied with the Echo saw performance. I've got about three of them now also, and for the price, they're great.

Sent from my SM-S936U using Tapatalk

 

[pirogue]

I moved into a house in 1986, that had a need for firewood. Bought a Stihl 028 Wood Boss. Still got it. Later moved and some years it hasn’t seen any use, but fires up when I need it. Always just ran it out of gas, before putting it away.

 

[jdmaxwell]

Recommend MS 261 also for your situation and pair of chaps.

 

[PoniBoy]

I’d go with the 271. Run it with non ethanol fuel and call it good.

 

[dsotm]

CS590 over either of those

 

[longrangelead]

What is the best way to store the saw long term? Just run it out of fuel or...

Sent from my SM-S926U using Tapatalk

based on repairs and personal experience using non-E or canned gas, leave the gas in the carb/lines. The newer diaphragms dry out without gas on them making them stiff.

The worst is running it dry or sitting until the gas evaporates with ethanol in the fuel. The ethanol attracts moisture which causes the green corrosion crud on brass parts as the gas evaporates. The ethanol also attacks the lines/diaphragms.
The new parts are ethanol resistant but not ethanol proof.

Ethanol gas isn't necessarily terrible going through the saw in a scenario of high volume cutting as long as the ethanol is run out of the saw and non-e run in it briefly before long term storage.