Chainsaws Reviews

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Chainsaws Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Chainsaws Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Chain Saws Editors of Consumer Reports Oct. 2006		(elec: Husqvarna 316 (est. $230), Poulan Pro 400E CRBB (est. $120); gas: Stihl MS 180 C-BE (est. $250), Echo CS-370-16 (est. $270) A total of 25 gas and electric chainsaws from ten major brands are rated and ranked based on objective tests of cutting speed, safety, ease of use and ease of maintenance. The ratings chart also specifies whether or not the chainsaw has any of eleven desirable features. Though the editors encourage the use of electric chainsaws, only two of the six "best buy" models are electric. Oddly, editors don't rate chainsaws for sound level, or even specify it in decibels. We also found one mistake in the specifications; Poulan Pro confirms that their 400E lacks an anti-vibration handle. Some models have been discontinued, but this is not indicated on the Consumer Reports site.
2. Tools of the Trade	Electric Chainsaws Michael Springer Mar. 1, 2007		(elec: Stihl MSE 180 C-BQ, Stihl MSE 220, Husqvarna 316, Craftsman 34118 (*est. $120) -- same as Poulan 400E) This review puts nine of the most powerful electric chainsaws through objective tests that include cutting two sizes of square timbers -- one the same size used by Consumer Reports, plus one three inches larger. Chain brakes are tested to see if they activate easily by inertia; only three models pass this test. Each chainsaw is also tested for balance and grip torque; two models prove especially hard on the wrists. Michael Springer reports that the Stihl MSE 180 C-BQ "just seemed to get everything right," and names it his overall winner. Also at the top of his list are the Stihl MSE 220 and the Husqvarna 316 chains. This review is also useful since it clarifies quite a few model equivalencies (same chainsaw sold under a different brand name).
3. Noise Pollution Clearinghouse (NPC)	Is a Quiet Chainsaw an Oxymoron? Editors of Noise Pollution Clearinghouse Summer 2005		(elec: Husqvarna 316 (est. $230), Makita UC4000 (est. $200), Poulan 2 HP (est. $100), Neuton cordless (est. $100) This review does a superb job of matching chainsaw model to both budget and type of use, providing an excellent buyer's guide along with tests of cutting ease. Nineteen chainsaws are tested and rated here; most are corded electric chainsaws, two cordless and four gas models are also included. The testing team includes a Vermont logger who cuts 175 cords of firewood a year, as well as an acoustical expert and several experienced firewood cutters. The team tests and rates chainsaws in a "real life" situation, cutting hard maple firewood. Noise levels are measured both at 25 feet and at the user's ear. The editors report that "two stand out as exceptional chainsaws." The Husqvarna 316 is rated the quietest, and the Makita UC4000 gets the highest subjective cut rating. The review also recommends specific brands and models of essential safety gear.

Chainsaws Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Chainsaws Ratings Comments on Reviews

4. Popular Mechanics	PM Comparison Test: 7 18-In. Chain Saws Roy Berendsohn May 2004, minor update July 2007		(gas: Stihl MS250 (est. $360), Husqvarna 345 (est. $345), Solo 654-18 -- now 643-18 (est. $330), Echo CS-440 (est. $330)) This review tests nine gas chainsaws with 18-inch bars and comparable power (about 45cc engines). Editors recommend this size as the most versatile even for homeowners, disagreeing with Consumer Reports, which covers only two gas chainsaws this powerful. Popular Mechanics tests these big chainsaws for starting ease, power, balance and ease of maintenance -- especially out in the field during a cutting session. Top choices are clearly ranked, and the specifications chart includes decibels at idle and at full throttle. First place goes to the Stihl MS250 based on its excellent industrial design and simplicity, followed by the Husqvarna 345 for its power and smoothness of operation. The July 2007 issue briefly reviews the Stihl MS 280 C-BQ, judging it hard to start but praising its instant brake.
5. The Washington Post	Chainsaws on the Cutting Edge Mike McClintock Jan. 20, 2005		(elec: Craftsman 34116 -- now 34117 (est. $100); gas: Stihl MS210C (est. $280), Husqvarna 455 Rancher (*est. $470)) Mike McClintock, Home Sense columnist for The Washington Post, recommends four chainsaws, each matching a different level of cutting power from entry-level to pro. The descriptions are detailed, making this review a good buyer's guide, but we'd rank it higher if it were clear that competing models were tested.
6. Consumers Digest >> Details/Subscribe	Yard Smarts Neil Soderstrom and Ken Textor Sept.-Oct. 2006		(Gas: Stihl MS 250 C-BE, Stihl MiniBoss MS 180 C-BE, Husqvarna 137 (est. $180); Electric: Stihl MSE 140 C-BQ, Husqvarna 316 (est. $230), Craftsman 34107 -- now 34117 (*est. $100)) This review recommends specific gas and electric chainsaws in three price ranges, often mentioning alternative models of the same brand but slightly different size. Chainsaw descriptions mention testing, but no details are given and it's not clear how many competing models are considered. The review summarizes the features that count, and gives a good overview of the outdoor power tool scene.
7. The Wall Street Journal	Joining the Chainsaw Gang Gwendolyn Bounds Feb. 4, 2006		(Stihl MS 180 C-BE MiniBoss, Husqvarna 142-E) This comparison review is interesting because it's from the point of view of a novice chainsaw user, testing three gas chainsaws plus one electric model with the help of two professional landscapers familiar with 15 brands. Comparing the gas chainsaws, she finds the Stihl MS 180 C-BE MiniBoss by far the easiest to start, while the Husqvarna 142-E proves fastest.

Chainsaws Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Chainsaws Ratings Comments on Reviews

8. Mother Earth News	Electric Chain Saws Neil Soderstrom Oct.-Nov. 2005		(Stihl 180C, now the Stihl MSE 180 C-BQ; Husqvarna 316, 18-volt Ryobi P540) This reviewer, the author of a book on chainsaw use and maintenance, tests three electric chainsaws at different price points but doesn't compare them with directly competing models. Based on the reviewer's personal experience, the Stihl 180C is judged as powerful as a midsize gas chainsaw. The Remington is light and inexpensive but hardest to maintain, while the midrange Husqvarna 316 offers good safety features. A reader adds a detailed review of the 18-volt cordless Ryobi chainsaw.
9. Amazon.com	Chain Saws Contributors to Amazon.com As of Feb. 2008		(Elec: Makita UC4000 (est. $200), Poulan Pro 400E = Craftsman 34118; CORDLESS: 18-volt Black & Decker CCS818 (est. $90) Amazon.com publishes owner-written reviews and ratings of the chainsaws sold here, listing both the average rating and the number of reviews right on the list of models. Several electric chainsaws stand out at this site, with very high ratings from 45 or more owners. In contrast, a few gas chainsaws get perfect five-star ratings, but from fewer than six owners.
10. Sears.com	Chain Saws Contributors to Sears.com As of Feb. 2008		(Elec: Craftsman 34118 (*est. $120) (same as Poulan Pro 400E); 14-inch Craftsman) Sears makes it easy to see owners' ratings of the Craftsman and Poulan Pro chainsaws sold here by showing the ratings right on the list of models. Two relatively inexpensive Craftsman electric chainsaws stand out, with high ratings from ten or more owners.
11. Lowes.com >> Details/Subscribe	Chain Saws Contributors to Lowes.com As of Feb. 2008		(Gas: 20-inch 455 Rancher (est. $470), Husqvarna 350 (est. $310)) Lowes publishes owners' ratings of the gas and electric chainsaws sold here, but not reviews. Despite the lack of detailed comments, the average ratings of gas chainsaws are quite useful because they're based on many owners' experiences. At the time of this report, only one electric chainsaw has accumulated ratings. Among gas chainsaws, Husqvarna chainsaws get significantly higher ratings than Poulan Pro models.
12. HomeDepot.com	Chain Saws Contributors to HomeDepot.com As of Feb. 2008		(gas: Homelite Ranger UT10532 (est. $130); cordless: Ryobi P540 (est. $60 without battery) The Home Depot publishes owner-written reviews and ratings of the chainsaws sold here -- mostly Poulan Pro gas models, but also including at least one chainsaw each by Echo, Homelite, Remington and Ryobi. Quite a few owners express disappointment in various Poulan chainsaws with starting and reliability problems; nor do Remington electric chainsaws get good ratings here. A Homelite chainsaw gets the best ratings but doesn't meet California emissions standards.

Chainsaws Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Chainsaws Ratings Comments on Reviews

13. This Old House	Good Fellers Harry Sawyers Mar. 2006		Tool expert Harry Sawyers recommends four gas chainsaws, one corded electric chainsaw and one cordless model, but descriptions are very brief and no testing is documented.
14. Healthy House Institute	Black & Decker 18-Volt Cordless Chainsaw Diana Forbes (aka Gadget Grrl) Not Dated		(Black & Decker 18-Volt) This single-product review rates the 18-volt Black & Decker cordless chainsaw based on testing, recommending it for pruning branches no larger than seven inches in diameter. The reviewer gives this chainsaw especially high marks for ease of use and value. Although it requires manual oiling, its 6.2-pound weight makes it easy to maneuver.
15. Consumer Guide.com	Chain Saw Reviews Editors of ConsumerGuide.com As of Feb. 2008		This site provides single-product reviews and ratings of 26 chainsaws, with nine recommended as best buys. Though ratings seem to be based on actual testing, the testing methods aren't documented. However, some reviews do include useful criticisms. The reviews are tedious to browse, so this site is more useful once you've narrowed your choice to two or three models.
16. Wayne of the Woods	Chain Saw Reviews Wayne Murray and editors As of Feb. 2008		(Husqvarna 350, Husqvarna 455 Rancher) This brief review includes detailed specifications for 15 gas chainsaws, recommending two Husqvarna models for homeowner use based on features, personal use and comments from other owners at a forestry forum. However, there's not much information here on the reviewer himself.
17. GardenWeb.com	Best Chain Saw for the Money Contributors to GardenWeb.com As of Feb. 2008		Contributors to this forum discussion share firsthand experience with both consumer and pro models. Stihl, Shindaiwa and Husqvarna chainsaws seem to get the most recommendations. This is a good forum for asking detailed questions, not only about the best chainsaw for your needs, but about problems and repair issues.
18. IronMiners.com	Ryobi 18V Chain Saw Contributors to IronMiners.com Jan. 2008		(18-volt Ryobi P540) This forum thread is interesting because it's one of the few reviews we found that cover the 18-volt Ryobi cordless chainsaw. Several owners say they're surprised at what it can do, including cutting wet 6x8 chunks of hemlock. Forum members also note that it can be used with the new Ryobi lithium batteries for longer runtime and battery life.
19. Epinions	Chain Saws Contributors to Epinions As of Feb. 2008		(Husqvarna 350) Epinions used to be a good source for owner-written reviews, but the site is starting fresh -- still inviting owners to write reviews, but making the accumulated older reviews hard to find. You can still run across Epinions reviews occasionally by searching Google for a specific brand or model, and we did find 42 owner-written reviews of the Husqvarna 350 this way.
20. LawnSite.com	Echo Chainsaw CS-370 Review and Questions Contributors to LawnSite.com Aug. 2006		This forum discussion is interesting because it's one of the few reviews we found of the Echo CS-370. One contributor notes that this is essentially a pro model. The discussion is also useful since it includes tips on how to use a side-mounted chain tensioner.