Thread: Chainsaw advice - what to buy?

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...

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.

Originally Posted by Vern

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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.

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"

I'll be careful with it too.

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

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.

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)

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.

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.