Chainsaw advice

We've got a couple of acres and quite a few trees (incl some ash ) and the cable on electric Makita just isn't long enough!! so I'm going to buy a petrol chainsaw, the question is which one - I'm thinking of the MS Stihl 181, Husky 240E or an Echo CS 310 or 352 but don't know what the Echo are like - anyone got any suggestions/experiences? I don't need a professional saw but do need one that will stand up to a bit of hard work from time to time.

Cheers Dan

 

I'd go for the Husqvarna. We use one at work and we've found it well designed, easy to use and reliable.

On a chainsaw training course a couple of years ago, we had the opportunity to use both Stihl and Husqvarna chainsaws. The general opinion was that the Husqvarna was the best.

Stihl equipment is always reliable in my experience, so would be a good second choice.

I don't have any experience of using Echo chainsaws, but I have used Echo strimmers and hedge cutters and found them to be somewhat unreliable.

 

Husqies were used by my Govt. Department ( Property services Agency) in the 70's when money grew on trees,
Jenny

 

We had a Husqvarna and a Stihl ,I always thought the Stihl better, my OH favoured the Husq as it started easier.

 

As a chainsaw operator on the railway, I would take advantage of all courses to be taken and use the saw carefully. Keep the chain sharp and always maintain it well after use.
If you are going to work aloft, then get the correct training and use of ropes/harnesses before attempting any of this type of felling.
Word is SAFETY and not play with these machines. Choices are plenty, but I have used many and found that the STIHL is good at a 15" bar. The Husqvarna is better on a 24" bar, with the Oregon 36" bar and finally the Jonsered is the best at 48" bar.
Never tackle anything above what you would be able to do safely.
It would cost you 1,000's to get all the training and then put it into practice.
This will have to be costed out to you as an individual and then on top of the training will be the safety equipment and climbing equipment and finally the first aider which you would need to be able to work aloft.
A lot to consider when all you want to do is chop a few branches off a tree.

 

I grew up on a farm and am familiar with chainsaws and their dangers (nothing compared to the un guarded saw table in the yard which was powered by a single cylinder paraffin engine in a shed 40' away, if the blade didnt get you the flapping belt would!

I'll be buying trousers etc and can assure you that if I need a 48" bar I'll be calling in the professionals!

 

Biggest one I got to operate was a 72" bar two man chainsaw that went through a tree in Scotland, boy that took some controlling. Still have nightmares about these toys.

 

Now i see the name Johnsenred thats what we had not a Husqavarna