Decent chainsaw

bloodless_coup

Looking for a decent chainsaw in the 300-400 euro range.

I've bought cheap options in the past and they've not lasted any length as expected.

500+ is out of my range, so i'm looking for a middle ground between cheap ****e and professional.

zetecescort

2nd hand top brand saw?

Who2

Still or oleo Mac. Both featured in the journal a few weeks back. I'd vouch for either

mayota

doylefe wrote: »

Looking for a decent chainsaw in the 300-400 euro range.

I've bought cheap options in the past and they've not lasted any length as expected.

500+ is out of my range, so i'm looking for a middle ground between cheap ****e and professional.

Offers on Stihl currently. Ms170 @ €259 small saw but will handle fair sized timber and are cheap to run.

bloodless_coup

Looking at

Stihl MS211 16"
STIHL MS181 C-BE 16"
HUSQVARNA 435 15"
HUSQVARNA 440 15"
MAKITA EA3601F40B 16"
Efco MT4100S

Would be great if anyone has had first hand experience with any of the above.

kay 9

https://www.donedeal.ie/tools-for-sale/husqvarna-550xp/16945949
That's what I'd be looking at in your budget. Not badly priced at all for the machine you're getting.

kay 9

doylefe wrote: »

Looking at

Stihl MS211 16"
STIHL MS181 C-BE 16"
HUSQVARNA 435 15"
HUSQVARNA 440 15"
MAKITA EA3601F40B 16"
Efco MT4100S

Would be great if anyone has had first hand experience with any of the above.

Those top two on your list are way under powered for 16" bars.

coin

kay 9 wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/tools-for-sale/husqvarna-550xp/16945949
That's what I'd be looking at in your budget. Not badly priced at all for the machine you're getting.

550xp is great saw and that appears well priced, my only concern would be buying a second hand 550 as the auto tune can be iffy. But I’d certainly concur that this is where the value is. If you see a second hand 346xp or 357xp, then that’s a bingo!

coin

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/16907367
HUSQVARNA 346XP PRO FORESTRY CHAINSAW


If you’re looking for approx 50cc then this is the answer I think. Great price too.

ford2600

For a non expert, how hard would it be to make sure your 2nd hand saw isn't about to give trouble?

I would always wonder why a pro user would sell his saw. They could be genuine of course

If the two saw above are right, then they are a brilliant buy.

I've used husky/stihl farmer grade saws for last 15 years, but bought a 560xp over 12 months ago. The difference is night and day; more efficient with your time and a buy joy to use.

kay 9

ford2600 wrote: »

For a non expert, how hard would it be to make sure your 2nd hand saw isn't about to give trouble?

I would always wonder why a pro user would sell his saw. They could be genuine of course

If the two saw above are right, then they are a brilliant buy.

I've used husky/stihl farmer grade saws for last 15 years, but bought a 560xp over 12 months ago. The difference is night and day; more efficient with your time and a buy joy to use.

It's easy enough check a saw over really. Run it, check it on hot starting and compression and general appearance

kay 9

coin wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/16907367
HUSQVARNA 346XP PRO FORESTRY CHAINSAW


If you’re looking for approx 50cc then this is the answer I think. Great price too.

I have to agree, didn't spot that on dd. I'd prefer it on condition. Auto tune is pretty reliable after late 2013 though. Pro is the only way to go, parts availability alone is way ahead. Most of them homeowners are null and void after 5-6 yrs. When carb kits can't be got etc etc

bloodless_coup

Personally I'd prefer to buy new

coin

doylefe wrote: »

Personally I'd prefer to buy new

The saws you listed are all 30-40cc saws and and will be under pressure to run the 16inch bars. They are all home owner grade saws which is fine if that’s what you are looking for, but you need to consider what you’re using the saw for and what it’s cutting (blocking felled trees or beach removal etc), type of timber?

IMO, the listed saws are better off for cutting branches etc with a smaller bar.

I’ve used the 435 and 440 as back up saws before and they are ok, full of plastic but ok. Their pull starts are a pain in the hole though.

I still stand by the recommendation that a good pro second hand saw will be multiples better than any of the saws you listed. It’s your money however.

bloodless_coup

Saw will be used on a farm for production of firewood.

There's no really large diameter trunks around so 14" would be fine. You can always cut larger bits from two sides anyway.

StopWatch

I bought this one from Germany for similar jobs
https://www.passiontec.com/makita-ea4300f38c-kit.html
Came with case and accessories and has done a lot of work since with zero troubles. I've been delighted with it. I'd have no worries recommending it.

5T3PH3N

StopWatch wrote: »

I bought this one from Germany for similar jobs
https://www.passiontec.com/makita-ea4300f38c-kit.html
Came with case and accessories and has done a lot of work since with zero troubles. I've been delighted with it. I'd have no worries recommending it.

Essentially a Dolmar which is a good make, makita and dolmar merged a few years back and share the chainsaws, identical afaik.

zetecescort

StopWatch wrote: »

I bought this one from Germany for similar jobs
https://www.passiontec.com/makita-ea4300f38c-kit.html
Came with case and accessories and has done a lot of work since with zero troubles. I've been delighted with it. I'd have no worries recommending it.

Any issues having a saw imported like that?

MickeyShtyles

doylefe wrote: »

Looking at

Stihl MS211 16"
STIHL MS181 C-BE 16"
HUSQVARNA 435 15"
HUSQVARNA 440 15"
MAKITA EA3601F40B 16"
Efco MT4100S

Would be great if anyone has had first hand experience with any of the above.

Gotta Husqvarna 450 here this time last year. Twas on sale for €580 down from €700.
18” one. Great yoke so far.

Nekarsulm

zetecescort wrote: »

Any issues having a saw imported like that?

Have bought a few saws off German eBay. Never any problem, Hermes courier just delivered, no hassle.
Mind you, they weren't new .

bloodless_coup

StopWatch wrote: »

I bought this one from Germany for similar jobs
https://www.passiontec.com/makita-ea4300f38c-kit.html
Came with case and accessories and has done a lot of work since with zero troubles. I've been delighted with it. I'd have no worries recommending it.

Thanks. I did a lot of research for what I need and my price point and boiled it down to a husqvarna 440 and the above Makita.

Decided on Makita. €345 for the saw alone seems great value from that site, never mind the accessories.

If anyone happens to be passing through Germany it can be got for €309.

BarneyMc

I looked at the HUSQVARNA 435 15" (€300) at the weekend. Just need a saw to cut the odd tree for firewood - nothing major. Can anyone recommend?

croot

BarneyMc wrote: »

I looked at the HUSQVARNA 435 15" (€300) at the weekend. Just need a saw to cut the odd tree for firewood - nothing major. Can anyone recommend?

I can recommend the Makita one above. I bought it from passiontec after xmas for €350 delivered.

Took a few weeks to get here but a brilliant little saw. I have cut loads of whitethorn and ash with it and it powers through it.

Very easy started it you follow the instructions and lovely light saw with no vibration. I had a Husky 345 before this and this one is a bit better I think.