I've spent some time this past week cutting down a dead tree (18" or so caliper) and cleaning up the mess. To do it, I used a new Stihl MS 180C=BE chain saw with a 16" bar. This saw replaced a McCulloch 210 with a 14" bar that I bought in the mid 70s....that was when the McCulloch neame was still the real thing and they made great chain saws. My only saw moderate use mostly cutting firewood for the wood burning fire places we had at the time, then yard work when we bought a house that was in the woods (literally). But it performed like a champ over those years before it gave up the ghost. Which brings me to the Stihl. It's lighter, slightly smaller engine (180 CC versus the Mac's 210) but still seems to have enough power for a saw this size. But the real improvements is the tool less chain adjustment/chain replacement and the easy start feature. The pull rope has some kind of assist that starts the saw so easy even this 72 year old doesn't have a problem with it. The tool less chain feature is really nice, but the adjustment mechanism is a bit of a pain when you change out the chain. Even so, I was worried I wouldn't be able to get something I liked as much as the Mac I had....and I actually like it more. Best of all, it's made if the US.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Send me your wife's e-mail so she can put this on your Christmas list

https://www.amazon.com/Stihl-Battery-Operated-Chainsaw-Keyring/dp/B00C1HEE34/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=stihl&qid=1595681567&sr=8-5

Fred I have that wrenchless chain adjustment feature on this electric long long reach model I got here the other day and I'm not too fond of it. But I'm sure it is much quicker to adjust....

Something I am more proud of, switching over the the electric models over the gas type I used for years....

 

50 minutes ago, Smallpatch said:

Fred I have that wrenchless chain adjustment feature on this electric long long reach model I got here the other day and I'm not too fond of it. But I'm sure it is much quicker to adjust....

Something I am more proud of, switching over the the electric models over the gas type I used for years....

 

I am in same boat.  Weed eater, hedge trimmer, and soon a small chainsaw. All cordless. Did all the heavy stuff to my yard years ago.  Now just small odd jobs or routine maintenance that I stay on top of.  Much easier to insert battery and go, then gas, check oil, hope it starts.

Edited July 25, 20205 yr by Gunny

1 hour ago, Gunny said:

Much easier to insert battery and go

Until you need a new battery. That can really put a dent in your lunch money!

I'm not fond of the battery outdoor tools, and am reducing the battery shop tools I have to just drills and such. I did have an electric chain saw (the plug in type for quite a few years, another McCulloch tool) and it saw quite a bit of use as well, but it went under some years back and I've not replaced it. I do agree the gas models have their disadvantages...but so does buying replacement batteries.

1 hour ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

I'm not fond of the battery outdoor tools, and am reducing the battery shop tools I have to just drills and such. I did have an electric chain saw (the plug in type for quite a few years, another McCulloch tool) and it saw quite a bit of use as well, but it went under some years back and I've not replaced it. I do agree the gas models have their disadvantages...but so does buying replacement batteries.

I agree the batteries are an issue. What I did is go with Ryobi.  Got the yard tools and have a circular saw someone tossed with no battery. Recently the had a sale for batteries and a free tool at Borg. Picked up 2 batteries and a reciprocating saw.  Neighbor gave me a drill. So with that expanded set managing the batteries isn't bad.

 

 

My electric stuff for out door use is corded.  Before we did anything to the top of this property I buried air lines and electric lines from one end to the other. I did the same with the 4 acres the go cart track and the mini golf was on and it made every thing much easier for all out door type work. 3/4" pvc air line to a work shop 400 foot away from the air compressor at the track..and saved a bundle for another air compressor. I even considered a vacuum system for the carpet on the greens but already had lots of walk ways and curbings poured so that would have meant tunneling under in lots of places and didn't let my thoughts get in  the way of the expense.

Just now, Smallpatch said:

My electric stuff for out door use is corded.  Before we did anything to the top of this property I buried air lines and electric lines from one end to the other. I did the same with the 4 acres the go cart track and the mini golf was on and it made every thing much easier for all out door type work. 3/4" pvc air line to a work shop 400 foot away from the air compressor at the track..and saved a bundle for another air compressor. I even considered a vacuum system for the carpet on the greens but already had lots of walk ways and curbings poured so that would have meant tunneling under in lots of places and didn't let my thoughts get in  the way of the expense.

Yeah the tunneling is what has kept me from running a line to my finishing room.  But I don't want another compressor so that is my only option.  Will do in the fall. Cooler weather.