Chainsaw question

[taco_tay]

Does anyone carry a chainsaw in the rig? I live in Montana so I find myself needing one all the time (mostly for firewood). What length bar would be best? A co worker wants to sell me his echo w/12" bar for $75. I don't know much about saws but I know if I could find one cheap id like to have a stihl. Anyone have an echo?? Thanks guys!

 

[Haf-E]

A 12 inch bar is too short in my opinion. I would want an 18 inch bar as the chain will last longer and less chance of the saw getting jammed. They are stinky to keep in a vehicle however - I've thought about one of the new cordless chainsaws as a possible option...

Echo is a decent brand and $75 is a reasonable price (depending on the condition) but its still a very small saw.

 

[Derek24]

Good saw for around the house and to have for limbing. It would get the limbs all cleared up and able to wrap a tow strap around a tree if it were on the trail. Like said above its a little small. I prefer and 18" or above so I can have a skip tooth blade, makes cutting through a tree like a knife through butter! My house is only heated by a wood stove so a good saw is mandatory!

 

[cam-shaft]

This topic came up on another forum. I just copied my response from there.
I have carried a chainsaw longer then I can remember it is a must for the things I like to do.
For trail saw I would recommend a Stihl with a 16" blade and 30cc or so motor model. Keeping a trail saw nimble and light is good. Make sure you get a case with it. That being said I have 2 homelites for trail saw duty or whatever duty that work very well. I have kept them pretty well tuned up, only run non-ethanol gas and have oregon bar and chain on them. I keep wanting to replace them with a Stihl but really have no reason to other then Stihl. I do run a larger Stihl for heavy things but rarely bring it with me because it is to big and heavy for trail duty, camping, etc. I think one of the best kept secrets for me and any saws is keep your chain sharp and keep it out of the dirt I do hate the sound of someone trying to cut timber with a dull chain. So carry at least one extra chain with you. I always have 3 revolving chains, 2 spares and one usually at the saw shop getting sharpened.

Cam-shaft.

 

[summerprophet]

I agree that a 16 inch bar is great for a trail saw. 12 inches is a might short, but for $75 bucks it may be worth it. A12 inch saw isn't worthless by any means, just slower to cut, and more bending over to cut stuff on the ground.

 

[taco_tay]

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[FJR Colorado]

Good bow saw & axe for me.

If I lived in OR, I could see how a chainsaw might be a good use of limited space available.

 

[taco_tay]

Ya there's a lot of trees in mt. An ax is getting old quick

 

[amo292]

Echo is a great saw as long as its bought from a reputable dealer and not a box store. The saws are actually different and of much lower quality. Its also well worth it to buy the pre mix canned fuel without ethanol. You may think $7 for a quart is way to high but it will save you hundreds in maintenance. As for bar length 12" seems short to me but depending on the saw you can find a bar and chain upgrade for less than $50.

- Small engine tech

 

[kpredator]

make sure you carry some wedges in case you stick your saw.
don't ask me how I know this!!
kp

 

[robert]

Another vote for a 16" for general use. I keep a spare chain, wrench, spark plug and extra bar oil in the case and only use ethanol free gas. I only carry it if I suspect there might be a reason to need it or I want firewood since they do stink up the back of the truck if you have a camper shell.

I'd highly recommend a good pair of gloves, a pair of goggles (not just safety glasses) and a pair of chaps. If you haven't used one before I'd also get some instructions since they can be very unforgiving.

 

[cdthiker]

I personally would RUN away from anything that says Echo on it.... but that just comes form having several of their tools fail.
its a good " clean up after the storm once a year option"
I have run huskey's eco's homelite's and Stihl's
At this point I only own the latter. Sure more money up front but you get what you pay for when it comes to tools.
if you decide you dont like it dont need it etc pop it on Craigslist and it will sell its self.

 

[peneumbra]

make sure you carry some wedges in case you stick your saw.
don't ask me how I know this!!
kp

So, how do you know this? Oops, sorry!

I carry a Stihl with a 24" bar on my bigger truck, and I've actually had occasion to use it...

 

[rambrush]

I carry a Husky 345 with 18' bar while in Montana, as it never fails to happen you come down the trail after a windstorm and there will be a tree across the road. The Bark Beetles have done a number on the Lodge Pole pines.
As for inexpensive you can find decent saws in the pawn shops around the state.

 

[FJR Colorado]

Sears Craftsman offers some OK saws if you want to go the inexpensive route. I've had an 18" for years... it ain't great but works... my next unit will be a Stihl or Husq