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Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Hey everyone. Looking for my first chainsaw. Was just given an old Mac 3200 32cc but the parts to fix it are about 50 bucks and I was told it's not worth it as I could buy a comparable cheap saw for "not much more". I'll work on cheaper parts since I'd like to get it working anyway.
However I have had my eyes on a Husky 445 which is 479.99. Just for around camp and when 4 wheeling. Seems like a real good saw for my needs.
At at the store I went to they recommended a Stihl 170 for $199.99. Much smaller, which is nice as we use a 2 door Jeep. Anyone know how good this saw is? The price seems low for a quality saw.
This store sells both Husky and Stihl so the recommendation was not based on that. The guy seemed like a real nice fellow not just trying to make a sale. Told me to call back once a month because he is expecting a package deal for the 170 that will come with a case, hat, file, and some other stuff for the same price of 199.99. Happens every year he said.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
I think there was a thread by Drillbit or Sawmill a couple weeks ago that went into this pretty deep. He went with a 170 or 180 but you'll find more info over there on that thread.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Depends what you're doing. The 170 is a solid unit, a lot of guys like the 180 as well.
I prefer Husky's myself. If I'm just cutting trail I will grab a 357 or 365 depending on the area. Sometimes I will bring a 372 to our main camp if I know I'm going to be falling more than a few trees as I like the extra jam and don't mind the weight as I'm not lugging it several km's a day.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Husky and Stihl are both quality saws. You can't go wrong with either. The fact that you like the salesman/shop keeper says a lot, he will probably steer you right. A good relationship with him can go a long way. Keep in mind that the Stihl 170 is bottom line and not a professional model.
Which model of either brand you buy depends on what exactly you need to do with a saw. Occasional blow down and campfire? 5 cords a year for home heating?
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Go for the 170, I bought one for the quad/small camp saw and i love it. Perfect little saw for 199.99 never given me any problems. Not biased to sthil ether as i have a husky 562XP for the big stuff. Great little saw defiantly would recommend it, perfect for what your wanting to do with it.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
The MS170 is consumer saw has a life expectancy of about 300hrs, the 455 is 10x the saw or step up to the first industrial Stihl.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Stihl is what I use, but any good working order good sized saw that does the job I guess. Had a shindaiwa that I wanted to rebuild the carb and permanently have in the jeep, but after taking the Stihl it's still in parts, waiting for a rebuild.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
You guys ever being sitting in hunting camp late in the evening around the camp fire, just enjoying being out there listening to all the sounds the forest can make at night, when out of Nowhere there's a wild, banshee blood curdling scream, then a high powered rifle shot? And no, it ain't poachers, it's that hunting camp down the road from you with the LML boys who were dumb enough to buy a bloody "Steal" Chainsaw instead of a Husky! There sitt'in in the dark, eatt'in cold cowboy beans out of the can cuz they can't cut any dam wood because the cheap piece of crap Stihl won't even turn over, never mind start! So, if you wann'a camp with the "Big Boys", buy a Husky!
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
don't cheap out Ive owned and used a Pro Grade Stihl ms361 for over 6 yrs.It fills the wood shed with 3-4 cords of hard wood yearly and has never missed a beat.
I went thru numerous Husky's as ive cut cords of wood since I was 15 yrs old annually.I keep it sharp,keep the chain oiller full and mix my fuel to perfection.I was cutting wood today with it and it eats wood
takla
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
My old Husqvarna has always started well... and my smaller Echo... two brands that have always started easier than the Stilhs I have owned...
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
guntech
My old Husqvarna has always started well... and my smaller Echo... two brands that have always started easier than the Stilhs I have owned...
Echo's...really ..compared to a new Stihl 361??you haven't used many chainsaws..lol
\ takla
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
For cutting campfire wood and to keep in a truck the 170 is all you need, use premium gas and fresh fuel.
Must remember to lock it up in your truck, I've lost two saws from theives in my truck and shop. First thing to go is the cute saw in the carrying case. I've painted and uglyfied my third saw, runs great looks like crap. Nobody takes it now
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Super replies so far. Thank you.
Just though of of something else. What are the legalities of felling trees for camp fires while camping on crown land. I'll go google it now but figured I'd ask here.
Im under the assumption we can only use trees that have been left over from logging or have fallen over.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
I use a stihl ms 250, use it for 3-4 cords of wood a year, camping andi will hike it around and clear trails as well... I like it. not to heavy for walking and just enough power for almost everything as long as you keep it sharp.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Husky 455 Rancher - All the saw you'll ever need. :wink:
Cheers,
Nog
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Don't eliminate the Dolmer chain saw.Pretty wicked saw.It'll keep up to the Husky & the Stihl.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
I have a 1983 Husky 61. First repairs I had the saw shop do this year was a carb kit.
look at the size of the wood you will be cutting. You may say 10 or 12 inch, but what about the 20 inch tree that blows over when you are hunting behind it.
Better to have a medium saw that will work easy, rather than going teeny weeny and running the hell out of it..
just like a rifle, it's a lifetime purchase. Don't cheap out
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Stihl 361 pro grade will cost you around 800.00...youll buy it and use it to fill your woodshed ever yr and it will eat wood making your job easy.
Buy a good wood kit with a few files/handles, and learn to keep it sharp.Get a few wedges for falling in the direction you need.Ive cut everything from maple/birch/alder and Moose ribs and backbone.put 25 yrs on it and pass it down to your first born..he'll get another 25 yrs out of it
takla
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
I cut for money and run Stihl. Nothing against Husky; I've ran 'em and fall with guys who run' em, basically comes down to a matter of personal preference. They both flat out work. Just retired another 461 Stihl after 26 months of full time use; 7hrs/day, 5 days/week and the bastid still runs like a champ, just everything else like clutch, oiler, handles etc. are worn out.
I would personally avoid the nonprofessional saws in both lineups, as they're built to a price point, not to last. If you really want a Barbie saw, then fill your boots, but don't pout when it shites the bed, and it will shite the bed....
Run good/fresh gas(Way further ahead to mix small quantities a few times a season)
Good mix oil(Husky XP is what I use, as it is semi synthetic and has fuel stabilizer)
If you're saw isn't gonna be used for awhile, empty the tank and run the saw until it stalls, unless you like paying for carb kits annually.
Stihl or Husky chain oil, as it is super tacky and sticks to the bar/chain like snot to a school boys sleeve.
Pack an extra chain and SHARP files of appropriate diameter. If you must run a dull chain, and it does happen occasionally, DO NOT run it wide open, it WILL take years off the saws life.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Your personal safety aside, no one with half a clue will cuss you for falling a dead tree on crown land. Keeping in mind that Larch shed their needles annually, as well as hardwoods, though there is no such thing as a standing dry birch, poplar, cottonwood etc. anyway as they rot before they'll ever dry.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
I have a STIHL MS 250, cant imagine having anything smaller unless it's just not in your budget...
Fall of 2014, hunting up past Merritt, had a crazy wind storm...
Had not one but two mature trees blow down across the road out...
With that size saw, no problem...
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
The OP asked about a camp saw which to me means compact. I use an old Stihl 099, has a 14" blade and lots of power, enough to run a 3/8 chain and has no problem cutting through 12" logs.
Like I said nice and compact, small enough to use one handed for limbing.
Bought it off of CL for $125.00 but I had to wait a while for the right saw to come up.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
i have a 41 husky i pack on my quad for the odd sapling thats in my way . if i cut fire wood a stihl 660 do`s the trick .
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Lugg
Just though of of something else. What are the legalities of felling trees for camp fires while camping on crown land. I'll go google it now but figured I'd ask here.
Others might disagree, but I think if you have to worry about a ticket for cutting firewood for camp, you're camping too close to home.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RiverOtter
I cut for money and run Stihl. Nothing against Husky; I've ran 'em and fall with guys who run' em, basically comes down to a matter of personal preference. They both flat out work. Just retired another 461 Stihl after 26 months of full time use; 7hrs/day, 5 days/week and the bastid still runs like a champ, just everything else like clutch, oiler, handles etc. are worn out.
I would personally avoid the nonprofessional saws in both lineups, as they're built to a price point, not to last. If you really want a Barbie saw, then fill your boots, but don't pout when it shites the bed, and it will shite the bed....
Run good/fresh gas(Way further ahead to mix small quantities a few times a season)
Good mix oil(Husky XP is what I use, as it is semi synthetic and has fuel stabilizer)
If you're saw isn't gonna be used for awhile, empty the tank and run the saw until it stalls, unless you like paying for carb kits annually.
Stihl or Husky chain oil, as it is super tacky and sticks to the bar/chain like snot to a school boys sleeve.
Pack an extra chain and SHARP files of appropriate diameter. If you must run a dull chain, and it does happen occasionally, DO NOT run it wide open, it WILL take years off the saws life.
there you go boys...from the horses mouth...don't cheap out ,geta pro grade saw learn to keep it sharp and maintained.,if you need to stack wood yrly get a pair of leather chapes and a wrap handle installed..do so me mods to the saw if it floats yur boat and keep the rpm's high...keep the bar outta the dirt and your good to good
..
looking forward to this springs harvest...
takla
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
I bought an MS170 before last season and it's been great. Perfect size, and so far it's been up to any task I ask of it. As for long term, if other reviews can be trusted it should keep ticking for years to come.
I got mine, a hardcase, extra chain, and 6pack of oil for $189 plus tax. Shop around, deals do exist on the smaller stuff.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
I've packed around my little Husky 141 for a lot of years. It's a small saw that I bought over 10 years ago and it's never let me down.
It's nice and light and cuts lots of firewood for all our camping/fishing/hunting trips every year, and clears the occasional blowdown too.
If you are looking for a saw that you are going to use to cut lots more wood, bigger trees etc....I would definitely opt for one of the professional grade saws in either Husky or Stihl. Pricier for sure, but a good investment and I think worth the money!
RiverOtter's posts are bang on I'd say.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
I use a 345 husky for quad/camp unless I'm camping for more than a long weekend. For the longer trips I use a 257 or 365 husky for firewood.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Well boys I went down this road before and here is my storey. I live in a small town which sell both makes. The stihl dealer is a person my company does business with so that's where I did my shopping. I bought the ms180 at the time and the dealer said it would be fine for what I was doing. Took it out camping that weekend. I found it to be very under powered. Brought t back that Monday and dealer gladly gave me all my money back. Bought the pro grade 250 instead. Night and day difference. This was nearly 8 years ago. The 250 has never failed me once. Always starts and runs great. I have done nothing to it then keep it sharp and put gas in it. Have never emptied the gas tank in the winter. It just works. To do it again I would have bought the next size up.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Should add, my "camp" saw is a 260, the predecessor to the 261. I opted a 20" replaceable tip bar, but for those wanting compactness, something in the 16" range might be more to your liking.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Agree on all counts with RiverOtter. I've run quite a few models of both brands over thw years but now I only run Stihl. 460 are great, 361 is near 7 pounds lighter which is nice (espescially for someone who climbs with their saw) and is a real solid unit too. Spend the extra money on a pro grade and it will treat you well for years. Even a Stihl 201T (tiny saw meant for one hand use) has more jam and will last longer than your average consumer grade saw.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
I have a 028Stihl for bigger work, and a 232 that is not bad, but not quality.
I went with the 170 in my last thread because I wanted the lightest saw for the back of a skidoo. It's the lightest, but also has lost of plastic on it and wouldn't stand up to hard use.
For cutting trees across the trail, it's fine.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Camp saw is a 25 year old Husqy 51 with a 20 inch bar. It has cut a ton of wood, ended up under a shed that wasn't as dry as I thought for a few years and rusted solid. I freed everything up put some fresh gas in and a blasted the intake with carb cleaner a couple times and after about 6 pulls she took right off. Runs like a champ these days. You can still get this kind of quality with both Stihl and Husqvarna but not in their big box store weekend warrior line up those have plastic in places you don't want it they're not 1/4 the saw. OK if you don't use them much I suppose. You want an XP Husqvarna or commercial equivalent Stihl if you want a lifer. Also have a 3 year old 372 XP with a 33 inch bar fantastic saw.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
takla1
Echo's...really ..compared to a new Stihl 361??you haven't used many chainsaws..lol
\ takla
I don't need to buy new saws, I hardly use them, there are other powered devices ... I have never had an Echo product that did not start extremely well... even when sitting for a year... I have had several Stihl products.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
I won't be cutting firewood for home use. Only for camping / hunting and occasionally a fallen tree across a trail. Love the idea of a small saw I can toss in my jeep or on a quad. Also like the idea of a hearty saw that won't let me down if I want to hit some big stuff.
Maybe I need two!
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Lugg
I won't be cutting firewood for home use. Only for camping / hunting and occasionally a fallen tree across a trail. Love the idea of a small saw I can toss in my jeep or on a quad. Also like the idea of a hearty saw that won't let me down if I want to hit some big stuff.
Maybe I need two!
Then get the 170, it will do what you want and then some.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
I have a husqua, my buddy has a stihl...both great...but his starts easier than mine.
I always had a problem from the get go...but, I only use it a few times around hunting season.
I would try stihl, if I could do it again.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
2 XL 1s and a newer stihl 036 and they are like new but the xl s have been through a few chains.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
I have a poop on the lawn wildthing. Use it lots. I also have a Stihl ms 271. 20" Bar. I use it for maples. It is a good saw. But to big for the atv. Looking for a ms170 also. Look on Craig's list. Some good deals. People in the city have more money then brains. First windstorm they buy a new saw. Then they sell it for less then half price. There was an ms260 in there last month.Only used for a few hours for the wind storm . Came with case, files , gas and oil 16" Bar. $250. I have the Stihl 2&1 sharpener. Best thing I bought. Very easy and works. Make sure you run non ethonal gas in it. That solvent likes to eat fuel lines.Husky owns Poulan,Maccoulugh,and a few other brands. They are the world's largest chainsaw manufacturing company.
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Re: Chainsaw, what do you use for camp?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
markomoose
Don't eliminate the Dolmer chain saw.Pretty wicked saw.It'll keep up to the Husky & the Stihl.
X2 I have the 50 or 51
My logger relatives laughed and called it bolder when I bought it. They changed their tune though once they ran it. RB