[in the hills]

It looks as though we will soon be needing a new chainsaw.


We have a petrol Stihl MS170 at the moment but we're wondering if an electric chainsaw might be an option. We use it for chopping our firewood.


Any thoughts? How sturdy are the electric ones? Would they be powerful enough?

[Womble]

I think they cover a wide range of qualities these days. I used to have a Black & Decker one, which was rubbish (e.g. the bar flexed), and upgraded to a petrol Husky, which has been brilliant for ten years.

What's lacking in the one you've got just now?

[in the hills]

It's quite old now and husband thinks it will cost more to repair than to buy a new one.


He just wondered whether an electric/corded one would be easier to start/use.

[Kiran]

Worth getting it serviced and quote for the repairs needed? Electric chainsaws have their place, I use one for cutting firewood to length but I'd be hard pressed to find a situation where I would use it for felling even something small.

[chrismahon]

Up to a few months ago we had a little Black and Decker, over 30 years old, which worked well for chopping firewood. But it needed a new chain and was getting hot, so it was replaced with a cheapie from Lidl which is rubbish. Electric is the cheapest to run by miles, but I think you need to get a decent one. Perhaps a battery one would be better, because the lead always gets in the way, but would it run for long enough?

[Bywaters]

I use a Stihl petrol for "out in the field" and then an electric for sawing up into lengths for splitting

FOr what it's worth , those metal "horses" with the bracket that you can clamp the chainsaw in are fab. So much safer and quicker  £45 on ebay (or were)

[in the hills]

Thanks all. Think husband will go for another petrol one.


Got the old one going again ...... might last a little longer!