Chainsaw advice - what to buy?

[Scallops]

Distinguished Colleagues,

We have moved into our new place out in East Ipswich - loving it there but we have an extensive garden.

I need a chainsaw for cutting up branches up to about 6-8 inches diameter and general garden pruning.

I initially looked at Bunnings - they suggested a McCulloch 45cm blade, petrol - $279.00. I checked out a few review threads on these saws on various websites - but the consensus was that McCullochs are not what they used to be and are basically crappy toys.

The general view was for something like a Stihl, amongst others.

The local mower specialist store (which is a Stihl dealer) recommended a Stihl MS 230 Easy2Start Woodboss as a quality unit that will do everything I need - and last. It is $789.00 rrp.

I don't mind spending this much if the cheaper ones are crap. I have never owned a chainsaw before - but know a lot of you guys do, so thought I'd ask - shall I go for the Stihl? Come on - say yes :D - I'm pumped for the Woodboss. :thumbsup:

[DeeJay]

Whatever saw you buy for pruning, if you are cutting small branches down to 1" its best to get the smaller 1/4" ( I think) type chain which is the McCulloch but not sure about the Stihl.
The temptation is to get a bigger saw but they throw chains on the small stuff. A tip for cutting smaller stuff is to use the top of the blade, as using it "normally" can drag the twigs etc into the cowl & jam/ throw the chain.
McCullochs are made in Italy nowadays. I would estimate they are designed for 40- 60 hours use ( if not abused & are serviced)

[BilboBoggles]

We have a large forest area oour property and also use wood for heating in winter. So I use my chainsaws fairly often and quite hard.

I've got a MS290 Stihl, it's a great chainsaw, but is a little plasticky. Parts are readily available etc.

I recently bought a 24" chainsaw from Ebay for $99, it's 60cc, It's actually quite well built, parts are also readily available from the dealer. It's also powerful. It's got a decent metal ignition switch, and the linkages inside are all metal. I only bought it as an experiment - for something to throw around and not worry about. I was quite surprised with the quality, etc. I'd say there would be a fair gamble buying a cheap saw - it might break after one chain or bar has worn out - who knows, but given the entire chainsaw cost $40 less than just the bar and chain for a Stihl....

I like my stihl, and am happy I bought it. But the cheapy was a bargain in my books.

NOTE - I recommend you get all the safety gear. Chainsaws are messy if you have an accident. Also I'd recommend you go on a chainsaw course to learn how to do it properly. A chainsaw in your nuts will make your eyes water.... Pruning is a particularly dangerous activity with a chainsaw, learning how to do it properly is a must.

[Xavie]

I have 2 and I use my cheap one more often. It is from bunnings but it is not a McCulloch..... I'll post the name when I think of it. It was in that cheap range though. It has been going for 12 months now and runs great. 6-8 inchs would be fine. That's right! it's a homelite. It *use* to be a good brand!

It is marketed in heaps of different names and the only difference is price and colour of the saw housing.

But, I think it jsut comes down to what you want to spend. The Homelite has been out bush and taken about 100 x-mas trees or more and done lots of work around my yard but the dearer machine is better.... I'm not sure about 600 bucks better though. AND I still have all my limbs.

[one_iota]

When it comes to tools I buy the best that I can afford. Learned this through having wasted money on what could be described as disposables.

I'd go the Stihl. Cheap chainsaws only increase ones frustration and the likelyhood of this leading to an accident.

Having said that I have a McCulloch Beaver that I was given 10 years ago It hasn't been used in 8 years. I got out of the shed the other day primed it gave it 5 pulls and it went :eek:

[BMKal]

I've got a Stihl 021 which I've had since '91 and it has never given me any problems. It's a relatively small chainsaw, but I still don't think I'd like to do a lot of pruning with it. I'd be more inclined to look at a lightweight electric one if I had any significant amount of pruning to do. They're cheap and easy to handle.

While I'm happy with the Stihl, quite a few of my mates have Husqvarna's. They are all happy with these as well. I think they're much of a muchness. I've heard plenty of people who swear by Husky's, and just as many who will tell you that the Stihl is better - comes down to personal preference.

I recently had a look at the new Makita saws - they don't look too bad. They're another brand originally which Makita bought out. Can't remember which brand, but sombody on here will know.

[29dinosaur]

Stihl or Husky - both excellent.

[mikesolo]

Hi
I have 2 Stihl chain saws, a small to medium size, that I have owned for 25 years and use to cut our fire wood every winter. It has never let us down, Just general maintenance. 2 years ago purchased a large Stihl Farmboss to use around our farm and I can not fault it. 25 years use with one chain saw I would buy a stihl.

Mike

[Scallops]

Thanks for the info everyone - I'm kind of thinking the Stihl is going to be a good buy in the long run.

Stihl make 2 types of Woodboss Chainsaws - normal recoil start and something they call an "Easy2Start" series. Any experience / opinions on which type to go for or if one or the other would be less problematic? The Easy2Start are slightly more expensive.

[Chenz]

Stick with the stihl. The easy-start is good but just something more to go wrong. For the smaller sized saws it is not really necessary.

I have had a stihl saw since 1995 and it has cut down thousands of Xmas trees on our farm as well as cut up tonnes of firewood and apart from a few bars, chains and a few sparkplugs it still starts and does the job every time.

Buy quality get quality

[gone bush]

Scallops.
I used to do some work for a tree lopper (I think you Eastern sea board types call them tree surgeons) on my days off here in Alice. We used Stihl saws day in and day out 12 months of the year and never once had a problem with them. Get the easy2start - cause thats what they are. Now get down there and get it and start cutting arh arh arh :twobeers: cheers JP

[Vern]

I have 2 sthils, a 017 for small stuff and a 25+ year old 032 farm boss, never had a problem with them, the farmboss takes about 5 pulls to start but after its warm it goes first pull.
One of my best mates dad was until recently a sthil dealer, he said the even number saws were the best i.e 32,36,66,88,etc.. over the odd number ones i.e 17,23,27,etc...

[rick130]

Buy from a nearby specialist dealer that can service the saw and advise you on chains, sharpening, etc. Brand doesn't really matter that much between the real saw manufacturers. ie. Stihl, Husky, Shindaiwa, Dolmar/Makita, Oleo-mac, etc.

[rick130]

<snip>
One of my best mates dad was until recently a sthil dealer, he said the even number saws were the best i.e 32,36,66,88,etc.. over the odd number ones i.e 17,23,27,etc...

Yep, the even numbered series are their Pro saws. The other way to distinguish them is they have grey handles vs the orange handles of the consumer saws.

[Scallops]

Thanks again everyone, much good advice - I'll get the Stihl as recommended by my local saw dealer and many of you. I'm pumped! Always wanted a "rang-rang rang" :D

I'll be careful with it too. :)

[mjm295]

I had a cheap electric one in the UK, 12inch blade, it was great for pruning and even branches up to 8 inches thick, it struggled on anything bigger :(

[big guy]

Stihl is best in world bar none. Most forestry departments in the world use them for a reason.

I had a farm boss but reversed over it by accident and bought a Jonsered.
Not as much power but at the price, it is quieter and starts every time just like my stihl did.
Stihl is now also made with more plastic but thats just evolution I guess.

If you have the cash, buy the best first time.
A poor man pays twice.

Keep some cash for safety gear as mentioned above, good gloves, glasses and ear muffs are a must.

[Basil135]

I only have 3 things to say:

1) Get the Stihl - after many years with the SES using not only their chainsaws, but the Quickcuts as well, in all sorts of situations & conditions, I would trust it over anything else.

2) Do a chainsaw course These things will kill you if not handled properly. Check with your local SES or Fire Service & see if they run courses. People that use these things all the time know the tricks on how to stay safe with them.

3) Safety gear is only worth it if you use it. Different people have different opinions on what is necessary and what isn't. I am not going to tell you, but it is something that you have to make up your own mind on.

4) Do a chainsaw course These things will kill you if not handled properly.


(Insert your agreement here) :D

[Scallops]

Again, thank you all for your considered advice. I will search for a chainsaw safety course ( I understand these are offered from time to time through TAFE) and complete it as I understand these things are extremely dangerous - especially in the hands of a goose like myself.

I've always been one to "buy it once" and get quality - that's why I have a Defender in the carport. :D

I'll fork out for the Stihl - it will get plenty of use here so I'm sure it will be worth it. Thank you all for your help.

[rick130]

Stihl is best in world bar none.

<snip>

When I keep reading this I'm starting to wonder if you blokes drive Land Cruisers too :p








is it time for the chainsaw wars again ??

[engineer]

We used the Stihl 009 for our firewood up Cape york, wonderful saw. The Huskies tend to be tempermental, but great once going.
The best advice i could give would be to wash the saw down once you've used it to cut anything green, acidic tree sap is a killer on the magnesium and that was the only issue we had. Never lend it to anyone, if they injure themselves, you'll be sleepless for weeks.
As much of a drama as it seems, ALWAYS use your safety gear, full face sheild, muffs and covers. Trust me on this, as i learned the hard way.
They are fun to use, and save alot of manual labour, as you've obviously worked out, but you can't be too cautious with a chainsaw!!!
Enjoy your new toy.

[Piddler]

Stihl or Husky - both excellent.


yep

[Andrewpv01]

As somebody has already said whatever you buy make sure there is a local repair place that will service it. That way you know they should be able to get parts for it.

The biggest local specialist in Orange has a sign saying they wont work on certain brands (particularly the one's from Bunnings).

[rick130]

<snip>
The biggest local specialist in Orange has a sign saying they wont work on certain brands (particularly the one's from Bunnings).

As the buggers are disposable anyway and you probably can't get parts, or at least parts and labour to make repair viable.
With the brands that make pro saws, everything is available as a spare if needed, although even their cheaper consumer stuff uses cheaper manufacturing techniques like clamshell construction of the crankcase/cylinder rather than a separate barrel and crankcase.

[Xavie]

Re: Chainsaw courses..... a lot of places when you buy a saw now offer training with it. I realise not all do but it may be worth looking in to that. So, if you have choice of more then one dealer it may be worth asking if any of them do it.

[Scallops]

OK guys - Got the Stihl and it went through the tree that I urgently needed gone like a hot knife through butter.

The saw itself came with a Stihl promotion pack (just got lucky there) - so they gave me a Stihl instructional DVD, a set of Stihl earphones (called Defender BTW!), Stihl gloves and Safety glasses and the full case to put it in. Plus they threw in a chain sharpener and bottles of Stihl 2 stroke oil and chain lube.

They also service it for free after 1 month.

The bloke at the local Stihl dealer gave me the heads up on how to use it - it was very easy to start and tension the chain, which i needed to do as soon as I began to use it - and as I said - it made a big job very easy.

I'll still ( no pun intended) look out for any actual chainsaw coarse - but the handbook and DVD are fairly informative.

Thanks for all the suggestions - and NM - the mulcher is next!

[solmanic]

...and then let me know when I can come and pick up some mulch too ;)

[haggisbasher]

Ressurrecting (sp) an old thread here.


I have been offered a Husky 357XP for (i think) a good price. Was bought to replace a stolen Stihl and hardly used as the chap went out and bought a replacement Stihl with insurance money.

Is only 3 years old and casing looks like new. Is asking 1/2 new price and was wondering if it is a good buy. Would i be better lashing out a little more money and getting a new one tho? This one starts fine, runs well and cuts well.

We are moving to a bigger block soon and will need it to cut small trees and also some for firewood.

Hope the brains trust can help

Ta

Chris

[Basil135]

If you are being offered it for half price ish, then I would take it.

The US retail on these is $689.

[haggisbasher]

hmmm... i have the instructions and original reciept so know what he paid...... might have to have another chat with him soon.

Chris

[MacMan]

I recently bought an as-new Jonsered 2159 which is the twin sister to the Husky 359. The 357 is a slightly more highly strung version of these two and revs a little harder. The power is higher too.

I've cut about 6m3 of forest hardwood for my Ma in the last 5 weeeks and it's been brilliant. The size and weight are both comfortable and as an all rounder I'd not hesitate with the 357. Oodles of grunt for anything up to 500mm diameter stuff. It will cut bigger, but you just have to be more patient.

The great thing with all the models above is that they are built to continuous use standards. Servicing is easy, and parts availability is very good. I bought mine as a lifetime proposition because all the engine casings are alloy, not plastic, and nearly all the screws holding the external casings are machine screws rather than wood screws in plastic. The issue with many current model saws, especially the Stihl intermediate models is that there are plenty of nut-serts in plastic that will never last as well as the models they replaced.

[rick130]

If you are being offered it for half price ish, then I would take it.

The US retail on these is $689.

and the Oz retail price is at least A$1300.

If importing from the US add around US$125-150 for USPS Priority mail.

[RaZz0R]

I've always been one to "buy it once" and get quality - that's why I have a Defender in the carport. :D

Don't you mean that is why you would have a RR there? :o :D

Just wanted to say thanks for the thread - going through the same stuff myself atm & decided on a bar between 14 & 16" for 4WD'ing & camping :)

[AnD3rew]

I just do a bit of cleaning up around the garden, nothing too heavy and not too often so I couldnt justify a really expensive one. I bought a Ryobi from Bunnings

RYOBI Petrol Chainsaw 40cc 405mm - Bunnings Warehouse (http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_ryobi-petrol-chainsaw-40cc-405mm_3535.aspx)

It has been great, easy to use, easy to start, cuts well and you can buy a new chain from bunnings for about $30 if you ruin it by dropping into the dirt:wasntme:

If I was going to be using it a lot or for heavy stuff I would spend a lot more, all the tree loppers I have spoken to only use Huskies.

[alittlebitconcerned]

I bought a Stihll Farm Boss based on a friends recommendation. It died the first day. I then got the equivilent size in their pro range. If you want the nuts from a duck, this is the one (Bit pricey though).

[jacknz]

Well, this is a bit like the Engle-Waeco discussion, I have a husky 045 and it's been brilliant. sometimes it's been left for up to 2 years and has always started on the 3rd pull. it's smooth, no or little vibration and it seems to be a good grunty saw and at the end of the day, that makes a difference.

So, you pay your money and take your choice.
Best of luck and DO THE OPERATING COURSE!!

Jack

[Kelly928]

Got the Stihl 009L (12" bar, 40cc) and 009 (36cc). Compact top handle saw no antivibration though. Awesome with a sharp chain. Paid $200 off ebay in very good condition. If you can pick up a 009L in good condition grab it!

[Stuck]

Just don't make the same mistake I made when I bought my 340 Husky. It was offered with either a 14" or 15" bar so I took the 15". Over time I ended up with 3 spare chains (bought from mower shops etc.) and that was great until the bar wore out and I found out what a new 15" Husky bar was worth. I eventually found a non genuine bar on ebay to fit my chain size / saw and it seemed that 14 and 16" bars were easy to come by. In hindsight I should have asked for a 16" bar and went straight to ebay for my spare chains.

[rick130]

Got the Stihl 009L (12" bar, 40cc) and 009 (36cc). Compact top handle saw no antivibration though. Awesome with a sharp chain. Paid $200 off ebay in very good condition. If you can pick up a 009L in good condition grab it!

FWIW, a top handle saw definitely isn't recommended for a novice user, far too easy to inflict a serious injury from kickback.
In quite a few countries in Europe top handle saws are restricted to pro users.

[buzz66]

If you want to buy a ''HUSKY"

Get one off Ebay in the US. Much cheaper than Aussie even with $110 US in freight

[LandyAndy]

Nothing like driving a Husky XP120 with a 4 foot bar into a BIG log:twisted::twisted::twisted::twisted::twisted::t wisted::twisted:,120CCs of pure GRUNT.Sounds more like a motorcrosser than a chainsaw!!!
Andrew

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

Well, this is a bit like the Engle-Waeco discussion, I have a husky 045 and it's been brilliant. sometimes it's been left for up to 2 years and has always started on the 3rd pull. it's smooth, no or little vibration and it seems to be a good grunty saw and at the end of the day, that makes a difference.

So, you pay your money and take your choice.
Best of luck and DO THE OPERATING COURSE!!

Jack
I had a mate who was a contractor forestry Tree faller, he would cut down pine plantations 6 days a week, and he always told me his Husky was the best saw, much better than Stihl.
Later he transfered to hard wood forests, now he reckons Stihl is the best so go figure.:confused:

[LandyAndy]

I can tell you,having done more chainsawing than many.Sthills are really bad for vibration passed into the wrists,farmboss or magnum both are bad.
My Dolmar and BIG Husky are much nicer to use,more grunt for equivelent CCs too.
Andrew

[LandyAndy]

My 2 favorite saws!!!!
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/06/1950.jpg
Andrew

[rick130]

Damn it Andy, I'm gonna have to take a shot of mine now :p

Which bar do you want on it, the 30", 24" or the tiddler 20" (awesome with an 8 pin sprocket :D )

BTW a mate in Sth Oz is near the end of a contract where he's dropped near 8000 trees over the last few months.

He's mainly run his (ported) Dolmar 7900's but has recently bought a ported Husky 390XP from the US and has now ordered another, plus is getting another ported 7900 (in Makita blue)

He hardly uses his 3120, too damned big/heavy for constant felling.

[Col.Coleman]

My 2 favorite saws!!!!
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/06/1950.jpg
Andrew

Why isn't that dog wearing Chaps? You can't be within 500m of a chaisaw without chaps on:wasntme:

CC

[LandyAndy]

Post away man!!!
Nothink like a good chainsaw natter!!!!
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THE PROTECTIVE GEAR:p:p:pI dont use the 4ft bar on the husky,the rings are too heavy to shift!!!Its got a 28" bar at the moment with .404 chain,brilliant!!!
Havent had it out yet this year:(:(:(
Andrew

[LandyAndy]

Why isn't that dog wearing Chaps? You can't be within 500m of a chaisaw without chaps on:wasntme:

CC

Toby dont need Chaps where he is.
RangeRover reversing vs Toby asleep in the sun,Rangie won.
Andrew

[rick130]

Ok, a quick snap of a teal blue 79cc Dolmar ;) with a 24" Tsumura bar (possibly the nicest bars made) and the HD filter kit, the only saw filter my mate Matt and I have seen that stops Red Gum dust from going through and doesn't block up prematurely.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=25846&stc=1&d=1275480333

BTW, had the 30" bar on it recently cutting dead Yellow and White Box stumps buried to the dogs and pulled it easily.

[LandyAndy]

Despite the new "Makita power tool" Livery.I wouldnt hesitate to buy another Dolmar.
My mate who is a one eyed Husky pilot was VERY impressed with my Dolmar when he had a go.Loved the throttle response.
Andrew

[rick130]

...and a quick bar change to a 30" German made Carlton bar.
This one has had a bit of work with the clearcoat stripped, (it melted during some cross cutting :eek:) the oil holes chamfered and angled and the rails blended into the nose better.
Bloody good bit of steel though.
Both bars are currently wearing Windsor chain. I mainly use Carlton and Windsor, but have a few loops of Stihl and Oregon.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=25849&stc=1&d=1275481850

This ones going to get a little work soon too Andy when I get a chance.
Lets just say it could embarrass the odd stock 660 ;)
Oh, and some new spikes, the bottom spike is the wrong angle sometimes when felling, just not long enough/deep enough to pivot properly in the cut on larger trees.

[haggisbasher]

hehehe... thread going again. Think i will buy the Huski..... and invest in some good safety gear (thongs and singlet?) Kidding. Also want to do a course too.

Ta for all of the advice.

Chris

[robzilla]

don't settle for anything less :lol:

YouTube- Chainsaw Action from the Buckley Log Show

[953]

Buy the saw that suits your needs.
If your gunna use it heaps on bigger wood, buy a good quality medium/large saw.
If your gunna limb a few small trees and gather a bit of wood 4 the camp fire, you dont need a monster;).
Cheers Dean.

[LandyAndy]

Buy the saw that suits your needs.
If your gunna use it heaps on bigger wood, buy a good quality medium/large saw.
If your gunna limb a few small trees and gather a bit of wood 4 the camp fire, you dont need a monster;).
Cheers Dean.

Nothing like having a MONSTER to cut the wood for the camp fire.
You dont need to travel far from camp to cut up all the wood the Boys with their Toys cant handle:p:p:p:p
Andrew

[uninformed]

Husky's do ok.... ;)

YouTube- winner 0-100

[953]

Nothing like having a MONSTER to cut the wood for the camp fire.
You dont need to travel far from camp to cut up all the wood the Boys with their Toys cant handle:p:p:p:p
Andrew

Andy, dont encourage the inexperienced to buy a MONSTER:p.
I know that any saw can kick, but when a MONSTER kicks:eek:
Cheers Dean.

[rovercare]

Nothing like having a MONSTER to cut the wood for the camp fire.
You dont need to travel far from camp to cut up all the wood the Boys with their Toys cant handle:p:p:p:p
Andrew

Thats why my 066 comes on every trip, I rarely use the 62cc Dolmar, never am I or anyone that comes up the bush going cold:D

[LandyAndy]

Like to see them cut REAL wood like that!!!!
Give them some good aussie hardwood to play with:cool::cool::cool::cool:
Saw has a loverley note:cool::cool::cool::cool:
Andrew

[uninformed]

Thats why my 066 comes on every trip, I rarely use the 62cc Dolmar, never am I or anyone that comes up the bush going cold:D

what model is the dolmar? if its the same as Rick130's you should look at putting a 7900 top end on it....then youll leave that 066 behind...;)

[uninformed]

Husky 3120....with a few mods :D

YouTube- Jason

[LandyAndy]

Nice,but would still like to see them cut REAL wood like that!!!
Andrew

[uninformed]

Nice,but would still like to see them cut REAL wood like that!!!
Andrew

well Andy, as you know different timber have different characteristics.....and yes they wont be as fast, but they do cut gum in some events and they have done almost everything with every saw....

we have some good racers here but a little different as we "hot start" and borecut the first "cookie" and then down cut the second and up cut the third.....then there are the post ripping events....

Serg

[LandyAndy]

Hey Serg
Dont count me as a knocker!!!!
I love weilding a chainsaw,not ready to mod my saws YET.
LOVE PLAYING WITH SAWS:cool::cool::cool:
Andrew

[uninformed]

how old is your 3120? does it have a primer bulb on it?

[rick130]

what model is the dolmar? if its the same as Rick130's you should look at putting a 7900 top end on it....then youll leave that 066 behind...;)

Naa, it's not a newer one, not sure which model @ 62cc ??

I nearly offered an old cockie some moolah for a nice clean looking PS6000i some months back with a broken chain brake but when talking to the local chainsaw repairer it had been badly dusted, he said the piston and bore was toast and that the bottom end would be worse :( (huge hole in the air filter)

[uninformed]

are those 3120 and 084 still waiting for you to take them home :D

[rick130]

and for some Aussie flavour, here's the post rip from the Ekka.

YouTube- Brisbane Ekka 2008, Open Postrip Final

and a speed race

YouTube- Goombungee Open Speed Final.wmv

[rick130]

are those 3120 and 084 still waiting for you to take them home :D

Naa, not yet. Haven't seen Paul, the owner of the 3120 to see how much he's willing to drop the price yet :D

No bugger seems to want it, it's still sitting in the old General Store unloved but I'd guess it's had some serious use, it's set up to post rip with the bar it has on it ATM. ;)

[uninformed]

Naa, not yet. Haven't seen Paul, the owner of the 3120 to see how much he's willing to drop the price yet :D

No bugger seems to want it, it's still sitting in the old General Store unloved but I'd guess it's had some serious use, it's set up to post rip with the bar it has on it ATM. ;)

well let me know how old it is (adjustable high speed needle?) and how much....also what about the 084?

[rick130]

well let me know how old it is (adjustable high speed needle?) and how much....also what about the 084?

Forgot about the 084, will ask next time I'm at Larry the Chainsaw guy's place.
I have to take some pics of Larry's splitter for the Chinese splitter thread, he mounted a Chinese splitter where the front deck should be on a commercial front deck mower using the engine and hydraulics of the mower :D

[trailcutter]

i have a recent mini stihl .......... was dubiuos ,,due to so much plastic in construction ,,but has proved a very good unit ,,,if used within its limits...... also have a twenty year old sachs dolmar ,,,,,,,, these r rock solid ,highly reccomend ,,has provide f/wood for me //felling large timer for two decades ..... one ignition upgrade in 20 yrs ,,,,,,,cheers

[uninformed]

check out this limbing race :o

awesome stuff and technical to

YouTube- The new Stihl MS 441 shows at GaFa-Köln -PLEASE RATE-

[haggisbasher]

Looks like the saw is mine. Got it for $600 with the Huski bag. Is big enought to put safety gear, chain oil and fuel in the bag with it.

Am happy.

Chris

[uninformed]

Looks like the saw is mine. Got it for $600 with the Huski bag. Is big enought to put safety gear, chain oil and fuel in the bag with it.

Am happy.

Chris

glad to hear Chris,

the 357xp is a great saw.

a few points to consider:

always use preimum fuel (NO ETHENOL) i use 98 octaine BP,Shell has Ethenol

always use a premium 2 stroke oil ie Husky xp or sthil...you can use any good oil that is designed for AIR COOLED 2 stokes, Motul, Maxima 927, Sikolene etc etc

only use fresh mix, if the saw is going to sit for a while, drain the fuel and bar oil. Start saw and let idle until it stops, using the last of the fuel.

Make sure your chain is sharp and dont forget to give it and the bar a clean after use.

keep the air fliter clean....always

try to only use the saw at full throttle, the way the carb is designed on chainsaws, they dont have a midrange jet so even though they run at part throttle they are running lean.....get use to running it WOT and adjusting pressure with your hands rather than the throttle

let it warm up at with idle before WOT and let it cool before shut down...

ENJOY :D

Serg

[haggisbasher]

Thanks Serg.....

Explians the lack of fuel and bar oil when i got it to try. Will fill her up with both and have a blast. Didn't know about the WOT. Bit like driving my old 2-stroke boat!

Off to find courses now! Plus buy all of the safety gear to pack into the bag. Thanks goodness we will have our deposit soon.

Cheers

Chris