homeowner saw for father in law

[barbender]

 Hey guys, I need a little wisdom here. My father in law is looking for a new saw for the little bit of firewood cutting and misc. trees and limbs that fall across the driveway. His two biggest selling point are 1. It starts when he needs it and 2. It's cheap. I was looking at 3 saws at the husky dealer, the 445 ($289) and I can't remember the model#'s of the 2 smaller saws, they were 35 and 40 cc's, ($200 and $220) Now I know that some will say the smaller ones are pieces of garbage, I know they are not real manly saws, but would one be sufficient? My tendency would be push him towards too much saw, I am trying to restrain myself. If the 35cc would start and run good the 3 times a year he would use it he would be happy. I just don't want it to be junk that falls apart on him.

[barbender]

Any large trees or felling that gets done, son in law gets called to take care of it with large chainsaws, so that is not a problem. :D

[Radar67]

My step dad has a problem with motors that use fuel, they never start for him after the new wears off. He got an electric saw for Christmas. I realize that may not be an option if you are concerned about storm damage and the possibility of power being down.

[cb6048]

I personally own a 97' 257 and 08 372xp but at work (we install main line sewer and water, limbing trees that are in the way down the road)all they bought were poulans and you know were that gets you "you just keep on pooll'in"! Anyway after going through about 5 of those I told them for about the same money you can get a 345 husky which they did. Well we have had it ever since its just a great little saw, light, tough,plenty of limbing power. Believe me my guys are not easy on things and this saw is still going strong, hell the other crews have found out I have it now their always borrowing it instead of trying to keep their poulans running. I would recommend the little 345 for sure.

[medic1289]

I have to agree w/ cb6048.  My girlfriend came w/ a 345, it really is  sweet little saw. I finally had to upgrade from my poolin, cuz I was always using hers!  I know it's a mid-size at best, but we used for everything from limbing to bucking and even felling! The comp relief helps w/ starting.   

btw, I "upgraded" to an old 61 off ebay and have been quite pleased so far.  sy

[TessiersFarm]

My father has a bad back and can not handle the big saws anymore.  He mostly drives the tractor and runs the winch.  This spring he insisted on a Sthil 180 because it was small and light.  I do not like it much but he cut 1 cord of firewood with it this year and carries it with him on the tractor for trimming branches, ect.  He loves it and has tried to get me to buy another one to replace my 026, but that ain't gonna happen.  We only paid $200 or so for it and it starts real easy and is available with an easy start, not sure if his has it or not.

[Cut4fun]

I just ordered a Redmax 3800 for $250 shipped to my door. Pro style build from what I have been reading with bolt on cylinder and magnesium cased. 9lbs.