R. Webb

The Stihl 029 model has evolved into the MS-290 (sounds more substantial too). This is Stihl's #1 selling chainsaw. It's a great mid sized saw. You can go with 16" guidebar for smaller trees or upgrade to a 20" guidebar for bucking large trees, as I have done.

This saw features a 3.8 hp engine with plenty of torque. At 13lbs, it's very light considering that the first Stihl chainsaws weighed in at 140 lbs!

Get the 029 Stihl Manual

Stihl facts: Andreas Stihl created the first automatic chain lubrication system in 1934.

R. Webb

The Farm Boss is an all around workhorse. It cuts through wood nice and easy. It starts real easy - read manual carefully on start up procedures, if you don't, you'll wish you did.

This is a good saw for moderate users and the bar comes in a few sizes. I bought a new Stihl farmBoss MS290 with a 20" bar a couple years ago - it's agreat pieceof equipment. You could just as easily go with a 16" bar if you're working with smaller size trees.

If you're buying a used chainsaw, be sure to get a clear answer on its age and how often it was used.

The average lifespan of a good chainsaw is going to be around 10 years. This is a rough guideline. Ideally you want a saw that's no more than a few years old and sat in a garage most of the time... and trust me they're out there!