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Child Item

Chain Saw Chat

greysides

Bonnie and Clyde, toast and jam, night and day. Some things just go together and if you're involved in Forestry you've probably an interest in chainsaws.

So whether you are a Stihl, Husqvarna, Jonsered, Efco, Tanaka or other brand owner this thread can be where owners or buyers can discuss and debate anything about saws from oils to chains, down to PPE.

If you have a chainsaw related query that you feel is too small for its own thread or you want to let people know of good deals, hints/advice or places to buy parts then post it here.

(Original concept courtesy of 'Mozart'.)

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have2flushtwice

Steel toe caps are a must for any job.

greysides

http://news.sky.com/story/millions-of-trees-to-be-planted-to-create-north-of-england-forest-11198900

ml100

have2flushtwice wrote: »

Bought a pair old proper oregon gloves, and trousers, and also the proper helmet with muffs and face guard. Didn't buy boots..... Yet.

I wouldnt do too much sawing, but one accident is one too many.
What boots does everyone else wear?

Got a pair if oregon steel toe chainsaw boots (not Wellingtons), very comfy

looksee

Are there any female chainsaw wielders out there? I am nearly afraid to ask this...I don't think I would be using one, my hands are simply not strong enough any more, but would a not-usually-manual-working woman be able to handle one? Not at height or felling, more cutting up felled timber. Assuming all safety equipment and a person with good caution and cop-on

Any advice on courses and suitable saws? Much appreciated, thanks.

Genghis Cant

looksee wrote: »

Are there any female chainsaw wielders out there? I am nearly afraid to ask this...I don't think I would be using one, my hands are simply not strong enough any more, but would a not-usually-manual-working woman be able to handle one? Not at height or felling, more cutting up felled timber. Assuming all safety equipment and a person with good caution and cop-on

Any advice on courses and suitable saws? Much appreciated, thanks.

There's a few saws knocking about here and herself, the woman of the house, has often taken up the small Stihl and attacked a bit of fallen timber when I'd be at it.
No bother to a willing woman. It's the Stihl MS180 that she's used. Tidy light little saw for occasional use.
As far as I know Coillte still run training courses.

savemejebus

I hope it's ok to post this here, if not please feel free to tell me where to post.

Can anyone recommend a cordless (battery) chainsaw that would be suitable for mainly trimming branches, bushes and cutting firewood? Wood is too far away for a wired electric and my use case is too infrequent for a petrol. Branches would probably be less than 10" thick and ash. Bushes would be laurel and leylandi.

Budget is not too healthy and the ones i've been looking at from my own research are these:

McCulloch Li 40CS

Black+Decker 36v

Greenworks 24v

Thanks in advance.

Nekarsulm

Local shop has the Husqvarna agency, and they have a battery saw in the window. I was asking the sales guy, and he saws it will cut for 45 minutes on a fully charged battery. It's nice and light.
I don't know the exact price, but I think it's nearly 500 euro.

Be dead easy for a child to start it, so that would be my biggest concern with them.

[Deleted User]

savemejebus wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a cordless (battery) chainsaw that would be suitable for mainly trimming branches, bushes and cutting firewood? Wood is too far away for a wired electric and my use case is too infrequent for a petrol.

Recommend? Absolutely not. Not at that kind of price-point anyway. Honestly, you'd be better served by a bow saw and/or a pruning saw such as a Silky something or other rather than a cheap battery powered saw.

If you've 600 or so to spend, then I can recommend a couple of models of battery powered saw.

Otherwise, buy a decent brand's budget/casual petrol saw like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Husqvarna-236-14-Chain-Saw/dp/B005X4QIVI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522180221&sr=8-3&keywords=husqvarna+236&dpID=41M5jQGakDL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Then run it on Aspen 2T:

http://www.gardenequipment.ie/products/alkylate-fuel (Note; not a recommendation of supplier, just a google search result for an Aspen stockist!)

It won't bugger up the carb or fuel line. It won't stink to high heaven. The fuel will cost a bit more, but if you're an infrequent user, that won't be something you'd likely worry about anyway.

Problem solved.

Remember to put some money into the right protective equipment also.

ford2600

JayZeus wrote: »

Recommend? Absolutely not. Not at that kind of price-point anyway. Honestly, you'd be better served by a bow saw and/or a pruning saw such as a Silky something or other rather than a cheap battery powered saw.

If you've 600 or so to spend, then I can recommend a couple of models of battery powered saw.

Otherwise, buy a decent brand's budget/casual petrol saw like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Husqvarna-236-14-Chain-Saw/dp/B005X4QIVI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522180221&sr=8-3&keywords=husqvarna+236&dpID=41M5jQGakDL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Then run it on Aspen 2T:

http://www.gardenequipment.ie/products/alkylate-fuel (Note; not a recommendation of supplier, just a google search result for an Aspen stockist!)

It won't bugger up the carb or fuel line. It won't stink to high heaven. The fuel will cost a bit more, but if you're an infrequent user, that won't be something you'd likely worry about anyway.

Problem solved.

Remember to put some money into the right protective equipment also.

+1

Also infrequent use of a battery pack will shorten its life also.

The difference between cheap battery stuff and expensive is night and day.

Aspen a nice fresh saw would be best bang for buck

Melodeon

JayZeus wrote: »

Recommend? Absolutely not. Not at that kind of price-point anyway. Honestly, you'd be better served by a bow saw and/or a pruning saw such as a Silky something or other rather than a cheap battery powered saw.

If you've 600 or so to spend, then I can recommend a couple of models of battery powered saw.

Otherwise, buy a decent brand's budget/casual petrol saw like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Husqvarna-236-14-Chain-Saw/dp/B005X4QIVI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522180221&sr=8-3&keywords=husqvarna+236&dpID=41M5jQGakDL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Then run it on Aspen 2T:

http://www.gardenequipment.ie/products/alkylate-fuel (Note; not a recommendation of supplier, just a google search result for an Aspen stockist!)

It won't bugger up the carb or fuel line. It won't stink to high heaven. The fuel will cost a bit more, but if you're an infrequent user, that won't be something you'd likely worry about anyway.

Problem solved.

Remember to put some money into the right protective equipment also.

+2

Good quality battery saws that are built up to a specification (Stihl, Husqvarna, Makita, etc) are an entirely different animal to those built down to a price point, like those suggested by the OP.

I'll second the idea of a mid-level/budget-level petrol saw from one of the well known manufacturers, run on Aspen or similar fuel.

Also, just for information, Aspen is a brand name of a type of alkylate fuel.

There are 3 flavours of alkylate available here in Ireland that I've come across:
Aspen
Stihl MotoMix
Best Fuel

Husqvarna XP Power 2T isn't available here yet, to the best of my knowledge. It will be shortly I'm sure.

wayoutwest

Might have the chance to get hold of an old Husky 154se. Seems to be working and sounds faster reving than me 365 Special that i'm used to. Anyone know anything about this saw and whether it would be worth getting as a back up for the 365.
Comparison to 365?
Genuine parts availability?
Reasonable price to pay? ( cosmetically looks very used).

Grizzly 45

In the 80 120 model range with minimum a 3.5 foot plus blade.
Yes,I do have some trees that require such a brute. Doesn't matter how old it is,so long as it has compression and runs.[More or less]
Anyone got for sale,rent ,hire?Or know of one?
TIA
Grizzly 45

Nekarsulm

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

In the 80 120 model range with minimum a 3.5 foot plus blade.
Yes,I do have some trees that require such a brute. Doesn't matter how old it is,so long as it has compression and runs.[More or less]
Anyone got for sale,rent ,hire?Or know of one?
TIA
Grizzly 45

Chance your arm on flea bay?

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/stihl-chainsaw/263789630636?hash=item3d6b1654ac:g:oAoAAOSwNFFa6v~f

zetecescort

anyone using the stihl 2 in 1 easy file? getting what I think is a reasonable edge from a normal hand file but just wondering is there a noticeable difference with the easy file?

Melodeon

zetecescort wrote: »

anyone using the stihl 2 in 1 easy file? getting what I think is a reasonable edge from a normal hand file but just wondering is there a noticeable difference with the easy file?

It's a glorious piece of kit for keeping a non-butchered chain in tip-top condition.
I'd give the chain a few quick strokes with one at every fuel fill, and it does a superb job for a proper workshop sharpen too. Again, on an unmolested chain.

If a chain has been abused, I'd switch to a Swedish roller or even the electric grinder if needs be.

I'm pretty sure Pferd came up with this gadget originally, and that they actually make them for Stihl.
They certainly do it in 5 sizes, rather than the 3 that Stihl do:
https://www.pferd.com/uk-en/products/files/sharpening-files/chain-saw-sharpeners-chain-sharp/chain-sharp-cs-x-chain-saw-sharpeners/pos-packaging/pos-packaging/cs-x-5-16/?filter=%7B%27q%27%3A%27chain%27%7D

mayota

zetecescort wrote: »

anyone using the stihl 2 in 1 easy file? getting what I think is a reasonable edge from a normal hand file but just wondering is there a noticeable difference with the easy file?

I use one here and swear by it. Quick and accurate. Takes down the rakers aswell.

blue5000

Melodeon wrote: »

It's a glorious piece of kit for keeping a non-butchered chain in tip-top condition.
I'd give the chain a few quick strokes with one at every fuel fill, and it does a superb job for a proper workshop sharpen too. Again, on an unmolested chain.

If a chain has been abused, I'd switch to a Swedish roller or even the electric grinder if needs be.

I'm pretty sure Pferd came up with this gadget originally, and that they actually make them for Stihl.
They certainly do it in 5 sizes, rather than the 3 that Stihl do:
https://www.pferd.com/uk-en/products/files/sharpening-files/chain-saw-sharpeners-chain-sharp/chain-sharp-cs-x-chain-saw-sharpeners/pos-packaging/pos-packaging/cs-x-5-16/?filter=%7B%27q%27%3A%27chain%27%7D

mayota wrote: »

I use one here and swear by it. Quick and accurate. Takes down the rakers aswell.

I think this is it

ganmo

I was using one of them lidl long handle branch chainsaws last weekend and to put it bluntly I think it’s booked.
The motor isn’t catching the chain, as if the clutch is bolixed.
My question is, is it worth fixing?

TheBody

ganmo wrote: »

I was using one of them lidl long handle branch chainsaws last weekend and to put it bluntly I think it’s booked.
The motor isn’t catching the chain, as if the clutch is bolixed.
My question is, is it worth fixing?

Is it still under guarantee? Have you got the receipt? They are pretty good at replacing stuff.

ganmo

Na it’s a few years old at this stage

ganmo

I was looking at pole saws last night Sthil and Husq are €700+ which i'm not paying(I won't get the use to justify that)
any other brands that are reputable that aren't that mad money?

invicta

ganmo wrote: »

I was looking at pole saws last night Sthil and Husq are €700+ which i'm not paying(I won't get the use to justify that)
any other brands that are reputable that aren't that mad money?

Have a Tanaka here,(30c.c.) is about 10 years old, on its second bar, and God knows how many chains, never a problem.
Just don’t go the Chinese route (or you’ll go again) With occasional use, and a bit of care,any other should last a lifetime

ednwireland

ganmo wrote: »

I was looking at pole saws last night Sthil and Husq are €700+ which i'm not paying(I won't get the use to justify that)
any other brands that are reputable that aren't that mad money?

dont know about a reputable brand but i picked up a hyundai multi tool seems good enough for occasional use.
https://www.justlawnmowers.co.uk/hyundai-hymt5080-petrol-5-in-1-multi-tool.html

im on 3/4 of an acre so just using it to chop hedges and high branches, have chainsaws for bigger stuff

ganmo

Ordered a black and decker battery powered one for about 120 so we’ll see how I get on

ford2600

ganmo wrote: »

Ordered a black and decker battery powered one for about 120 so we’ll see how I get on

For that money and small usage I'd spend it on a silky blade and 2/3 fibre glass extensions.

A chainsaw, especially one driving chain a long way from power source, needs a lot of power.
The battery in a €120 unit won't have that.

There are probably battery options but not at that price level.

invicta

ganmo wrote: »

Ordered a black and decker battery powered one for about 120 so we’ll see how I get on

‘Tis your money.....but ford2000 is right,
A battery pole saw, unless perfectly sharp and cutting light wood ( max 3” diameter) won’t last pi##ing time

Beaubeau

Hi
My stihl s10 has finally died. Looking at a new ms391 sealer also has an older 039.
For farm use fire wood fencing etc . Are these saws value for money

Genghis Cant

https://monaghanhire.com/products/oleo-mac-gsh-560-chainsaw

Any thoughts on this. To me it looks a very decent saw for the money.

Nekarsulm

Genghis Cant wrote: »

https://monaghanhire.com/products/oleo-mac-gsh-560-chainsaw

Any thoughts on this. To me it looks a very decent saw for the money.

They are a good make, I have one if their strimmers nearly 20 years and its been excellent.
Proper magnesium crankcase on that saw, which places it above the "home owner" cathegory.

ford2600

Nekarsulm wrote: »

They are a good make, I have one if their strimmers nearly 20 years and its been excellent.
Proper magnesium crankcase on that saw, which places it above the "home owner" cathegory.

I had a oleomac strimmer bought in 98, 10 years brilliant service until the wrong person had it for 5 minutes... good friend had a chainsaw from that time which was solid to

They used to be made in Italy, now Italian engineering, which is code for made in China I suppose.

Search the bigger uk/USA forestry forums for reviews maybe