hourly cost to run a chainsaw

[Night Raider]

I know this might sound like a silly question but I'm going to ask anyway.  Has anyone figured out roughly what it costs to run a saw (50-60cc range) per running hour.  I was trying to decide how many hours a stihl or husky pro type saw would last but I couldn't even begin to guess, it's hard to add up all the relitivly short times they're running.  Then how many hours a chain is good for etc....

thanks

[stonebroke]

I think the IRS has a hourly allowance for running a chainsaw. It probably isn't accurate but it would be a place to start.

Stonebroke

[rebocardo]

From my experience between fuel, oil, and chains, full out cutting averages about $5 an hour using my Husky 365.  A tank going full out lasts about 20 minutes. I usually throw out a $15.00,  28" chain after 4-8 sharpenings.

Any decent saw should go 300+ hours without major repair (nothing you can't easily fix).

So, figure six spark plugs, 3 air filters, and three fuel filters into the cost of the saw and divide by 300 to get a rough idea of what it will really cost you.  Obviously some saws will go 1,000+ hours without major repair. Just I consider most saws under 60cc good for about 300-500 hours and I estimate on the low side. 

I usually only keep a saw < two years, obviously the longer you keep it the better ROI.