Hey everyone, I'm located in the Midwest and I'm a beginner homeowner looking for a gas-powered chainsaw to help with cutting down a small tree and handling some occasional branches. I'm aiming for something easy to use—think simple maintenance, similar to a gas-powered lawn mower. Ideally, I want to spend around $200-250 for a reliable saw that lasts.
I've done some research and saw a few models mentioned frequently: Stihl MS 170 or 180, and Husqvarna 120e Mark II (I see Mark III is available too). I'm mostly looking to speed up my yard work, tackle a tree that's a bit too tall for me to manage with just an ax, and have something ready for the bigger branches I already have lying around. I've watched plenty of YouTube videos to prep myself, but I know I'll need safety gear, too.
Do any of you have recommendations for beginner-friendly models or safety gear? Also, given the potential for price increases due to tariffs, does it make sense to grab a chainsaw sooner rather than later?
1 Answer
Stihl is definitely a solid choice! I’ve got a mix of gas tools, and while I personally stick to an electric chainsaw now, I’ve found that gas chainsaws can be a bit tricky if they’re not used regularly. They can suffer from gummed-up carburetors and cracked fuel lines if left sitting. If you’re only going to use it infrequently, think about battery power—it might be lighter and easier to handle for that kind of casual use. Just my thoughts though!
I was thinking about electric too! Do you find it easier to handle compared to gas? I’d love to hear more about your experience with maintenance. Seems like gas models require more upkeep.