Best Chainsaw fror Preppers

[valkyrie10]

I would consider a Chainsaw to be a vital SHTF item particularly in view of the increased fuel costs and cold weather, and have been looking at getting one which will be used for work as well as SHTF. Reliability is the most crucial factor in my decison and the availability of spares.

I have a basic Stihl 130 which is fine for general work around the garden and cutting up some firewood, but I want to buy a professional model. Does anyone have any advice on the most reliable Saw. I hope I don't start a Stihl verses Husqvarna war here.

One Tree Surgeon friend has recommended a Husqvarna XP350 which he uses all the time. I'd appreciate any first hand experiences and also advice on putting together a SHTF spares kit for a chainsaw.

[axelt123]

I currently work in arboriculture and we have always used Husqvarna XP 350 for a ground saw for logging and felling/snedding trees. It has good power to weight ratio.


axel

[skinnyj]

We've got a Partner, which we've had for a while and is amazingly reliable (and a bloody good starter, even in -8 when you need to chop a limb of a tree that looks like it might destroy you're polytunnel, i.e. me on Sunday last!). Previously, we had a McCulloch which was a pain in the arse to start sometimes (but still managed to last us years). We've got about 8 acres, all of which is bordered by hedge / trees or is one of the two orchards. We are self sufficient in wood, even when all of our stoves / rayburns and fires were solid fuel. We managed with both of the above, so I can't see you needed much more than what we survive with.

Sure, tree surgeons who cut wood every day of every year have a different perspective, but as a prepper when the SHTF, you just want something that is reliable and long lasting, which either of the four brands named in this thread would meet.

Actually, forget McCulloch, I've heard their parts supply network isn't too hot now, so any of the 3 swedes should do you.

[allan]

The army now use Husqvarna chainsaws and they only buy kit hat will still be in service in twenty years so I would go with them.

[scoobie]

The Husqvarnas and stihls are both great. I've got a Ryobi which I've had for 6 years now, it's been used a fair bit, starts first time every time and was pretty cheap and had no issues with it at all.

If I had the money, I'd probably get a Husqvarna, but wouldn't hesitate to recommend a Ryobi if you're on a budget.

[scoobie]

Skinny, it's funny you say that about the McCulloch, I've got a McCulloch hedge trimmer and that too can be a real pain in the butt to start sometimes!

[highland-bushcraft]

If you are looking for a bomb proof chainsaw for SHTF then personaly i would be looking at either a Stihl or one of the Husqvarn XP series chainsaws. I would for sake all other brands and save your money untill you can aford a named brand chain saw.

Take it for some one who uses chainsaws for thier work that those to brands are the best but i will say that i am a stihl devotee.

I have a the stihl saws MS 260 14" guide bar . MS 290 18" guide bar and MS 441 24" guide bar. In my profesional opinion stihl saws are more forgiving with dirty or old fuel while Husqvarna saws have very high performance are slightly less forgiving but still very good.

If i could have just one saw i would go for an MS 260 it is the perfect combo between power, weight and durability and just about ever tree surgon in the contry will have one in thier arsonal.

Can i also suggest that you get a two man cross cut saws as i have as well as a chain saw because petrol will not last forever post SHTF

[Scablifter]

I think you might like one of these.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ereEhTuB ... re=related

[Huorn]

I've had one of these: http://www.jonsered.co.uk/node246.aspx not sure if that's the exact model, but if not it's very similar. I've owned it for something like fifteen years now and it's cut a lot of firewood over the years.

I used to be a gardener and all my other petrol kit is Stihl apart from a Honda mower. The Jonsered was highly recommended when I was looking at Stihl chainsaws and while it might not be perfect for all day every day work I have no hesitation in recommending it for home use.

H

[valkyrie10]

Thanks for all the feedback folks.... It's a tough call but I think I'll be going for the Husqvarna XP350. I'll pick up some chain oil and 2 stroke oil as well as a spare chain or 2. What other spares would be worth keeping on hand?