Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I am looking for a chainsaw to do very small work around my house (mainly 3 or 4" branches that fall, occasional firewood size logs when a bigger branch comes down).  I saw a Sears 35066 16" chainsaw and a 16 " Homelite chainsaw.  Each are about $125, each has about a 33cc - 36 cc engine.  I was wondering if anyone has experience with either of these, with strong convictions either way about them.  It will probably be used about one hour per year total.

Another possibilility is to go Echo or other "bigger brand but used".  I read the other post about chainsaws and found that information very helpful.  If I can find a used saw at a comparable price I will evaluate that route.  Agent Orange sells their used saws from time to time, although they are about $250, and if I was going to buy that I could get a new smaller Echo. 

Thank you, in advance, for any information you can give me.

Best regards,

Walt 

Hi Walt.

Here's a vote for the Homelite.. I've had one for 8 years now and it's my most impressive cheap tool that i own. It still starts easily and just keeps on going. Only item ever replaced are chains. No other repairs. i think it was $100 back then. I bought it at the time just to cut up a tree that fell down. I  have since bought a wood insert for the fireplace and cut a cord and a half to two cords with it every year. I like it because it is light snd doesn't tire you out as a heavy saw  may. The negative on this saw is that  it has minimal vibration dampening and that gets anoying if you plan to use it more than a couple tankfuls at a time. Fow most home use it's great. Highly recommend it. For extensive use buy the orange one because they vibrate less (their higher end  models). One thing you should check is does it have a chain brake for safety. When i bought mine the 14 and 16" model had the same powerhead, but only the 16" one had the brake. Do not know if that's the same now. I think you should have a chain brake on a saw.

I also saw some suggestions on the electric. If you are within cords distance all the time that's also a good sugestion for ocasional home use. My sister has one and it works well.

Ron