First saw

[Greenerpastures]

For your budget, the Echo 590 is the best saw available, reliable,
easy to get parts for, and has good power. Those Husqvarna's in the
same price range, I would not take one for free.
I own an Echo CS501 sx, and am looking to buy another one, they are
more expensive, their lightness is why I like them, and of course they
are dead reliable, easy to start, and keep clean easily during use.
There is no MT or AT control systems on them, they are easy to modify
to keep them running cooler and a little stronger, even just the removal
of the spark screen, then take out the tube that sits behind it, replace spark
screen, and drill another slot in the small deflector that holds on the spark
screen, re-tune the carb, and you have more power and a cooler running
saw.

I had a Stihl 362, I liked that saw for its light weight and power, it started
easily too, sold it on though as it was not getting used enough, I would not
be afraid to have another one.

And another very good saw is Makita / Dolmar, easy to work on if you have
to, they come with oregon bars sprockets and chains that are sold just about
everywhere, the carbs are easy to get as are carb kits, and after market
barrel and pistons are redily available if the worst happens. They would be close
in price to your budget too, and there are guys on here who sell all the saws I
mentioned.
I have a bad back, so for me a 50cc Makita / Dolmar would win over the 590 Echo,
otherwise the extra power and keen price of the Echo would win, as long as
you don't mind a little extra weight.
It is safe to say, use the shortest bar and chain you can, your back will
thank you, I use Sixteen Inch setup, though a 50cc Makita / Dolmar
or Echo will pull an 18 without issue.

People already mentioned, dealer support is paramount, especially if you
are not able to adjust a carb, this is a critical step in ensuring your saw
is getting the right amount of fuel and does not get cooked from fuel starvation.

I now the saw shops have to live, but most are on line now too, so especially
small parts can be posted out, and it is definitely worth it to even post a saw
to someone you can trust once in a while for a thorough check up, depending on usage I suppose, it is money well spent.
Saws can last a long time, if they are set up by someone who knows what they are doing, this is critical for longevity, peace of mind, and production, there is nothing worse than a saw that is not set up right from new, it will in most cases
sooner than later become a door stop.

What ever you choose, keep safe.

[Sadlerracing529]

So i had seven different saws that i was interested in and did a bunch of research. 
I narrowed that list down to the three saws that i liked the most. One is a 40cc Husky 440E, another is the 45cc Stihl Ms250, and the final is the 50cc Husky 450.
After really going through each saw i have decided on the Stihl MS 250. I found the one and only thing i really didnt like about this saw (as of now) is that its not a 40cc to easily follow the 20cc rule for my second saw. But im sure there is nothing wrong with a 60cc and a 45cc lol. 
Oh yea, and thanks to you guys i decided to go the two chainsaw ruite...20cc apart. Something i never even considered but now ill be spending more $$$ in the future thanks to you all haha.

[thecfarm]

Good choice on the 2 saws. I have a Efco saw,that I won on here,around 50cc and a 372 husky around 70cc. I bring both into the woods. The Big saw to cut the trees down and cut the logs,than the Small saw to limb with. And yes as mentioned the Small saw can feel like a toy. BUT it is not!!!
Good on the safety equipment. Cell phone on you too.

[Greenerpastures]

The Stihl is definitely the best saw on your list.
Happy days ahead.

[doc henderson]

I know you will take great care of your equipment.  I have had offers for my old saws that is more than I paid.  I don't sell so far since the saws are like family.  I still have a smaller saw that I got for my son to learn on when he was about 12. It is tooless and EZ start.  But I have it in reserve.  So if years from now this first saw falls into a size you don't use, you can prob. get your money out of it.  Best wishes!!!

[trapper]

You need two saws even if the second is a small inexpensive one as long as it runs.  What you going to do when the first one is pinched in a cut? 

[upnut]

Good choice! The MS 250 will serve you well, at least mine did. I was looking for a saw with a decompression button so I went with a MS 241 C-M to replace it, which worked out well. That 250 will cut alot of wood....Scott B.

[Inaotherlife]

I've never owned an MS250, but I like that saw.
Good power to weight for a non-pro saw right there. And not too big or bulky.

As for the idea of a future second saw.
I bought a 50cc as my big saw initially. An Echo CS-490 because it's a real lightweight for 50cc, and mainly because the deal I got on it was too good to pass up. I like it just fine though.
But when I looked at the 60cc saws they looked huge and heavy for an only 10cc increase. So when I found a lightly used but 10 year old Husky 372XP for a good bit less than I could buy any new 60cc saw, I made the leap to 70cc with a good bit more power and without a substantial increase in size or weight over a 60.

And actually I don't subscribe to any hard set rule of 15 or 20cc split between saws.
I could easily go with a hot 40 or 45cc saw over a 50cc to go along with the 372.

If I was in a situation where I wanted a new 60cc saw, I'd almost assuredly pick one of the Echo 590, 600p, or 620p.
I like the long stroke, high torque motors....and the bang for the buck.
I think with these you get a lot more pro features than with a farm grade Husky or Stihl. And if you don't mind used, a 590 can easily be found for around 250 or even less.
Of course if your buying used, you might find a nice pro saw in your budget. Just don't buy somebody's old junker.

If you're dead set on the 20cc rule, a used Makita 6421 is a real nice saw, although not widespread, that can usually be bought in good condition for a really good price. And is another long stroke motor that can be upgraded at a later date with a top end swap to 73 or 79cc. Very nice and well built saws.
But they're heavier than a 372xp.

[reride82]

You need two saws even if the second is a small inexpensive one as long as it runs.  What you going to do when the first one is pinched in a cut?

Get a second bar for your saw, a cheap alternative if you stick a saw. Just unbolt the powerhead from the stuck bar, install the spare bar and chain, and be more careful with the second bar getting the first one unstuck :D

[wild262]

Cheaper yet, just get you some plastic wedges of various sizes and use them on a cut you have doubts with "before" you pinch your chain.  Cut with a seasoned friend or buddy a while, or learn from an experienced user will help you to.  I'm sure it will happen as it has with all of us, but just learn how it happens, so you can prevent it next time. Wedges while its takes more time to stop and use them, they sure save you a lot of grief.

[doc henderson]

watch those videos on the Stihl website and at least each time you stick your bar, you can say to yourself (and a few other words of your choosing)  "I knew that was going to happen".  sounds like a great first saw.

[wild262]

        One thing I might add while were on the subject is that MS-250/251 is a plastic cased saw.  They won't take a lot of twisting and tugging if you get your bar pinched.  They will break with too much force.   A metal cased "pro"saw will take a little more, but not a good idea with any saw.  Its a common beginners mistake that you can avoid now that you know.  Got two 029's sitting here because of that problem. I work on saws as a sideline hobby and have seen most everything.  That's a good idea with the videos too. Watch them and take note.  Be safe and apply what you learn.  I sure wish I had a forum like this when I started out.

[Sadlerracing529]

I sure am glad there is a resource like this to use thats for sure. I will look into those videos and into the classes that were mentioned as well. Im sure in time I'll be able to repay the debt and contribute to the forum a little more after im not a total newbie

[HolmenTree]

Cheaper yet, just get you some plastic wedges of various sizes and use them on a cut you have doubts with "before" you pinch your chain.  Cut with a seasoned friend or buddy a while, or learn from an experienced user will help you to.  I'm sure it will happen as it has with all of us, but just learn how it happens, so you can prevent it next time. Wedges while its takes more time to stop and use them, they sure save you a lot of grief.

Wedges all the way, I always got three 10" in my pouch. 12" and 8"ones in the truck.
But this little cast iron wedge made by Sandvik will get your saw unpinched every time.  In bigger trees it opens up the backcut enough to get the bigger plastic wedges started. I might only use it once or twice in the last 5 years but it's worth its weight in gold.


 

[wild262]

Cheaper yet, just get you some plastic wedges of various sizes and use them on a cut you have doubts with "before" you pinch your chain.  Cut with a seasoned friend or buddy a while, or learn from an experienced user will help you to.  I'm sure it will happen as it has with all of us, but just learn how it happens, so you can prevent it next time. Wedges while its takes more time to stop and use them, they sure save you a lot of grief.

Wedges all the way, I always got three 10" in my pouch. 12" and 8"ones in the truck.
But this little cast iron wedge made by Sandvik will get your saw unpinched every time.  In bigger trees it opens up the backcut enough to get the bigger plastic wedges started. I might only use it once or twice in the last 5 years but it's worth its weight in gold.


 

I'd like to have one of those Holmen!  Where should I go to look for one?  Many thanks.

[HolmenTree]

I bought it at our Canadian Tire, you could probably order it online .
It's actually designed for splitting firewood rounds.

[wild262]

              I'll do some checking.  I'm teaching my Son n law the basics of chainsaw operation/handling, as he wants to heat his new house with a small outside boiler.  This would be a nice gift to give him and 1 for myself as well.  Thank You Holmen

[doc henderson]

I looked on amazon and did not see that brand/style.  If someone finds a source, could you share please.

[HolmenTree]

Sorry fellas its not a Sandvik. It says Fiskars on the wedge.

Splitting Wedge / Yard and Garden / Products | Fiskars Canada

[deminin]

I have been looking at a Stihl Ms 271 farm boss or the Husqvarna rancher but just looking for advice either for or against these saws as i dont know if they would be the best fit for my purpose and am trying to learn.
Thanks in advance everyone

I have a MS271 and it is strong enough to handle all my needs, and light/small enough so that it's not a struggle to handle.  I would recommend it.