Started By
Message

Best gas 16 to 18 inch chain saw recommendations

Posted on 5/18/25 at 6:19 pm
Posted by Ncook
Member since Feb 2019
630 posts
Posted on 5/18/25 at 6:19 pm
Appreciate your input
Posted by PenguinPubes
Frozen Tundra
Member since Jan 2018
11489 posts
Posted on 5/18/25 at 6:43 pm to
I know you said gas but what exactly are you using it for?

I have a dewalt 60v and was hesitant thinking a battery chainsaw will be crap… but that one does a damn good job for smaller trees and projects. Now it won’t cut down a live oak tree, but it does a good job for a quick need.
Posted by LSUSports247
Member since Apr 2007
862 posts
Posted on 5/18/25 at 6:45 pm to
Not sure if it’s the best but my Sthil MS180 is a beast. I don’t use it often but every two or three years after a storm it gets worked….
Posted by Ncook
Member since Feb 2019
630 posts
Posted on 5/18/25 at 7:14 pm to
Thanks, will take a look
Posted by Loup
Ferriday
Member since Apr 2019
14445 posts
Posted on 5/18/25 at 7:30 pm to
quote:

Not sure if it’s the best but my Sthil MS180 is a beast. I don’t use it often but every two or three years after a storm it gets worked…


I got the same one after a tornado last year. It is badass for Its size. You can't cut big stuff but it doesn't 99% of what I need one for at the house and camp.
Posted by Rize
Spring Texas
Member since Sep 2011
17445 posts
Posted on 5/18/25 at 7:41 pm to
I have the wood boss and farm boss and both work great. I think the farm boss is 20 inch though.
Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
27103 posts
Posted on 5/18/25 at 7:55 pm to
I have a 16 inch Husqvarna from HD, do not buy one of those. Not a great saw.

Also have a Stihl MS291 and an Echo CS590 Timber Wolf. They’re both 20” however.

I’ve used the Echo a lot and it’s a great saw. Have only used the Stihl a couple of times. It was a beast as well.
Could not say one is better than the other of those.

Have a Kobalt 40v battery operated as well and it works great but if you’re cutting much, a battery will last for maybe 30 min of constant use.
This post was edited on 5/18/25 at 8:00 pm
Posted by Old Man and a Porch
Member since Dec 2023
526 posts
Posted on 5/18/25 at 8:06 pm to
18 inch Stihl
Posted by Bayou
Boudin, LA
Member since Feb 2005
39247 posts
Posted on 5/18/25 at 8:26 pm to
quote:


I know you said gas but what exactly are you using it for?

I have a dewalt 60v and was hesitant thinking a battery chainsaw will be crap… but that one does a damn good job for smaller trees and projects. Now it won’t cut down a live oak tree, but it does a good job for a quick need.

I have the 60v 18" bar Greenworks and love it.
Posted by ItzMe1972
Member since Dec 2013
11503 posts
Posted on 5/18/25 at 8:39 pm to
I like the ECHO products.
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
15712 posts
Posted on 5/18/25 at 8:46 pm to
2nd the Echo. I have the 590 with a professional chain. It's a beast and can sit for years and start right up.
Posted by agilitydawg
Member since Aug 2022
163 posts
Posted on 5/18/25 at 8:58 pm to
I have had an 18 inch farm boss for nearly 18 years. It has been a great saw. I probably use it every two months. Runs and starts great. I think I only put it in the shop once since I owned it to change a fuel pump.

That said, I recently picked up a 4-inch Ryobi saw on sale for $59. Wow! For limbing up trees and cutting small wood, That thing is awesome.
Posted by sleepytime
Member since Feb 2014
3763 posts
Posted on 5/18/25 at 10:26 pm to
Stihl 262 for a pro model, Stihl 270 for mid tier and a Stihl 182 for budget friendly but don't run anything more than 16in on it. . The Echos are great little saws too. Parts will be more readily available and for a longer time on Stihl products so I'm partial to them.

If you're just doing light stuff infrequently, get a battery powered saw that takes whatever batteries your power tools use.
Posted by Effthatnoise
Lake Charles
Member since Dec 2011
375 posts
Posted on 5/19/25 at 5:36 am to
18” Stihl, used and abused mine after the Hurricanes and 2-3 times a year since and it looks/sounds/feels brand new.
Posted by DownshiftAndFloorIt
Here
Member since Jan 2011
69303 posts
Posted on 5/19/25 at 6:05 am to
The tru-fuel and stihl moto mix have changed the game with gas saws. I started using it exclusively in mine when I quit cutting firewood. I store my saws in a horribly hot attic all summer and crank them maybe once or twice a year and still, no issues.

I was always a stihl fan. I have a 170 and 391 that have both been to hell and back a few times with very little issue.
Posted by sosaysmorvant
River Parishes, LA
Member since Feb 2008
1414 posts
Posted on 5/19/25 at 6:57 am to
Can't go wrong with a Stihl. I own two. Got a Husqvarna thru work and its a piece of junk compared to my Stihl saws. You pay for quality.
Posted by WhiskeyThrottle
Weatherford Tx
Member since Nov 2017
6523 posts
Posted on 5/19/25 at 7:18 am to
I'm between stihl and echo. On my weedeater and blower, echo has lasted a LONG time and start easy. I have a stihl 20" chainsaw and that thing can cut some large trees easy with a sharp chain. Been awhile since I've priced chainsaws, but I think echo is slightly more economical than Stihl. If you're not using it day in and day out, I'd go with echo.
Posted by LSUSports247
Member since Apr 2007
862 posts
Posted on 5/19/25 at 8:28 am to
I had to also get a 20” after Ida for bigger stuff but the MS180 is way better for limbs, which is most of what I have to cut.
Posted by TheBoo
South to Louisiana
Member since Aug 2012
5142 posts
Posted on 5/19/25 at 8:44 am to
Stihl MS211 has been great.
Posted by Clames
Member since Oct 2010
17796 posts
Posted on 5/19/25 at 9:01 am to
Best for serious residential use I'd say Stihl MS250 or Echo 4510. Both are 45cc saws around $350 - $400.
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 3Next pagelast page

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookXInstagram