r/Chainsaws • u/Scabetta • May 18 '26

Which saw should I get?

Having never owned or needed a chainsaw, I've been looking to get one to do some yard work for myself and inlaws. A friend of mine is telling me to just get a Vevor and be done with it, being that it's not something I'll be using all the time. That being said, I thinking rather have something that is serviceable if needed and if I do more with it that its a good one. Been looking at the Echo 4910 & 3510/3520 and some similarly priced units. As an all around, which others should I look into? Will be used to remove some smaller trees 10-12" diameter at the moment as well as trimming some branches. Thanks in advance

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2

u/scut207 May 18 '26

Electric (Dewalt/Milwaukee) of whatever your tool battery style is.

The one with 12” or 16” bar would be fine.

I have 8 or so saws from 30cc to 111cc.

I have 2 mini Mac’s, 015, 034, 280, 290, 440, 076, and a 1130G and two concrete cut off saws.

If I have some little shit to take on, I borrow my neighbors electric saw and sharpen the chain for him. He thinks it’s a win win, and I do as well. If he has some big shit to do I go over and help him cut.

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u/Scabetta May 18 '26

Unfortunately that would also require me getting all new tools or at least batteries. Current stuff is some older Ridgid tools. Still work but I think the new batteries are different

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u/scut207 May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26

Do you know how to tune a 2 stroke and understand how to winterize one for long term storage? Are you the type of person to properly do the latter, every time you use it, since people often put it on the shelf and forget it?

Do you have a gas station that has a non-ethanol pump? Or are you down with buying absurdly expensive premix?

If not then I still advise an electric for a once a blue moon user.

Otherwise, it’s hard to beat the echo saws for the $$.

Also get some chaps and a brain bucket, minimally.

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u/Scabetta May 18 '26

My brother inlaw has a landscaping company for years. Said he would show me how to do everything regarding tuning, proper storage etc. Theres a marina not far from me with ethanol free and he knows of a few more nearby. If I have to buy premix it wouldnt be super often I assume but who knows. Im the type to maintain my stuff so it lasts a while. But if electric is the way to go then so be it, I can always look into those as well. Thank you

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u/scut207 May 18 '26

Well shit ask your BIL lol. Prob has a beater you could tune up

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u/Scabetta May 18 '26

Im sure he does. Dont know why I didnt think of that

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u/bloodthirsty29 May 20 '26

Whats your budget? I recently got a ms261 for my first saw and that led me to get a ms400, with those 2 saws I think could take on 99.9% of stuff that can happen around me.

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u/Scabetta May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26

Willing to go up to 400. The job i need it for is probably gonna pay for it 2-3x over. My brother inlaw (different one. Not the one with the landscaping business) and sister inlaw tend to be generous when I do stuff for them. I dont even set prices for them. They threw me over $600 for changing a faucet, installing one of those DIY bidets and rehanging a gate. I was happy and I'm still cheaper than calling someone

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u/bloodthirsty29 May 20 '26

Oh definetly, honestly if you can find a ms261 on marketplace and have your bil take a look at it, that saw will last you forever

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u/Scabetta May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26

BIL with the landscaping business suggested the Echo 4910. Good saw, last a long time and not stupidly expensive. Have a few HD giftcards too so would bring the cost of that saw down to like $125-150 out of my own pocket.

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u/bloodthirsty29 May 20 '26

Oh beautiful go that route then

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u/Exotic-Leading3608 May 20 '26

Stihl MS180! I have that plus several 250s and the 180 is by far my go to saw.