My 8 acres of woods got obliterated by these last storms. All my little trails are covered up in trees. I am determined to clear them but I will need a dang good chainsaw. Most of the trees are big hardwoods. I would like to stay around $500 if possible. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

No matter which saw, be sure to take your time. Plenty of injuries happen when tired and bad decisions get made.

I'd buy a used stihl 362

Stihl. Nothing smaller than a 261 unless it's an arborist's saw.

Don't take this the wrong way but $500 is a lot of money for a weekend project saw. Now, if your going to foresee years of moderate to heavy use, sure, no problem. The assumption you don't already have a saw tells me it's a weekend (or two) type thing and no other real use.

Now if this is an excuse to buy a very nice saw to add to the collection...well then....knock yourself out!

I’ve got a Husky Rancher 455 and thoroughly enjoy it...if there is such a thing....it has a 20 inch bar and cuts the stew out of some wood.... but it’s a workhorse....after cutting all day it makes you sleep on your side of the bed at night..

Ive got an echo cs-352 w/ a 16 in bar that worked like a champ cutting up a huge oak that fell at the lake this past weekend. Ran it for about 5 hours straight. Only thing I had to do was refuel and add bar oil.

Husqvarna 550 xp.

I’ve got an Eco-370 and a Husqvarna Rancher 460. I like both but I’d much rather use that Echo unless it pretty big stuff. The echo is lighter but that rancher is more saw. Both are in your price range.

Or throw in a couple more 100s and just buy a new one, It'll be a one and done purchase. Minimum I would go would be a Stihl MS260.

Dolmar or stihl

What size trees are you cutting?

I have a Stihl 044 that my dad bought used around 1990 and it still starts on the third pull every time. I wouldn't own anything other than a Stihl in a chainsaw, trimmer or blower. I have a Husky at the farm that stays broke most of the time.

I wish this was a weekend project. It will take me months to get this done. The number of trees down is crazy and there are some dang big ones. I will be taking my time and being safe. I just know that some cheap saw won't get the job done. Thanks for the input so far.

If you don’t wanna buy one I’ll let you borrow mine. It needs to be used. But I prolly already know the answer to that......🙄

I’ve got a 362. With a good sharp chain, that thing will sure enough eat.

Have the same saw. Been happy with it

Husqvarna or Stihl no doubt. I have two Huskies because we have a local dealer - a 455 and a 545 Mark II. Both are great saws. Both 20in bars. The 545 is a little more money but is a little lighter weight and I like the design a little better.

If you have that much to cut I’d go to the nearest Stihl dealer and spend some money. Take somebody with you too I’d hate for you to get hurt and nobody be around to help.

I bought a Makita 36v battery operated saw a few weeks ago. I have been very impressed so far. I wouldn’t use it for an all day job but I cut up a 14 inch tree no problem. You need two sets of batteries. I’m dang tired of keeping infrequently used gas equipment running.