Chainsaw advice - what to buy?

**MacMan** · 2nd June 2010, 11:36 AM

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** · 2nd June 2010, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by Basil135

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** · 2nd June 2010, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by Scallops

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

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

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** · 2nd June 2010, 03:44 PM

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

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

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** · 2nd June 2010, 04:10 PM

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 · 2nd June 2010, 05:31 PM

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** · 2nd June 2010, 05:41 PM

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** · 2nd June 2010, 06:43 PM

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** · 2nd June 2010, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by 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!

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** · 2nd June 2010, 07:16 PM

If you want to buy a ''HUSKY"

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

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