Author Topic: Fix up or replace a chainsaw (Read 5122 times)

Slug · « **on:** June 21, 2012, 02:42:43 PM »

Howdy all,

im after some thoughts on what to do with a chainsaw i got from my father in law. Its an old Echo, a little "arborist" or "orchardist" one, a great little compact saw.
http://www.cserebere.hu/termek/lancfuresz-echo-280e
Excuse the non english web site but that one is a good representation of the state mine is in.
Its been a ripper, i use it for a bit of firewood here and there, although more so in the future with a wood fire now (not primary source of heat though) as well as a bit of track clearing. I know some will say a little saw isnt going to cut big stuff, but if i come across anything that big i turn around.

It has a broken recoil drum a very cheap part, which ive discovered i can get from the USA, australian distributor says its discontinued. Id like the saw in a few weeks for a trip, which means paying more for postage to get it. However, do you think its worth it? Would i be better off starting again with a new one?

Would love to hear thoughts on repair vs replace, i tend to think its a good quality saw and worth the effort but am open to suggestions....

Cheers

D4D · « **Reply #1 on:** June 21, 2012, 02:47:01 PM »

Hard to tell from the picture but is the white thing a chain brake or just a cover? If just a cover I'd buy a new saw. If it is a chain brake then repair the broken part.

Slug · « **Reply #2 on:** June 21, 2012, 03:18:00 PM »

Sadly, just a guard. I think i see where you're headed, with no chain brake its really not safe enough is it.

BigJules · « **Reply #3 on:** June 21, 2012, 03:22:34 PM »

I was researchinng postage from the US, holy crap. To get two small items was going to be $70-80.

This debate has been had, but I'll say don't fix it, just get a replacement saw off eBay. No, they won't last for ever, but they're $140.

davethepom · « **Reply #4 on:** June 21, 2012, 03:27:06 PM »

I'd replace it for sure since it's got no chain brake. However careful you are the proverbial can still hit the fan and a chain doing 100kph is quite unforgiving!

Since you're going to be using your saw a bit more often, I'd check out the smaller Stihl saws. Prices aren't too bad for what you get and they'll last a really long time.

briann532 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 21, 2012, 06:22:56 PM »

Husky are currently selling their baby 360 for $279.00

A great little saw for camping purposes.
My last one lasted me over 10 years of hard use and when the coil packed in I decided for the price it was cheaper to replace for another 10 years.

Just my 2.2cents worth.

Brian

RosLed · « **Reply #6 on:** June 21, 2012, 06:39:47 PM »

agree with the sentiment of replace; but be careful with cheap ebay models. I know that many rave about them but some don't start even the 2nd time you try and the repair guys won't touch them.
I have a Husky and love it.

BigJules · « **Reply #7 on:** June 21, 2012, 06:47:59 PM »

For what it's worth Ross, I have a Husky. I have used an eBay unit, it went well, was powerful and easy to start.

They are throw away items at $139 inc postage.

D4D · « **Reply #8 on:** June 21, 2012, 06:58:13 PM »

I plan on bringing back a Husky 440E next month from the US, $300 there $700 here

dazzler · « **Reply #9 on:** June 21, 2012, 07:33:50 PM »

Quote from: D4D on June 21, 2012, 06:58:13 PM

I plan on bringing back a Husky 440E next month from the US, $300 there $700 here

Are you going to get it modded over there - apparently thats a big thing - port and polish blah blah blah

D4D · « **Reply #10 on:** June 21, 2012, 07:36:57 PM »

Quote from: dazzler on June 21, 2012, 07:33:50 PM

Are you going to get it modded over there - apparently thats a big thing - port and polish blah blah blah

Nah no time, I only have a couple of spare hours to get to Lowes and buy it. Hopefully it is in stock. Don't even have time to shoot a few rounds

fuji · « **Reply #11 on:** June 21, 2012, 09:41:21 PM »

Quote from: D4D on June 21, 2012, 06:58:13 PM

I plan on bringing back a Husky 440E next month from the US, $300 there $700 here

Can you post a Stihl saw back to Oz for me please please please buddy,mate,chum,pal?

D4D · « **Reply #12 on:** June 22, 2012, 09:20:32 AM »

If I had time I would.

Slug · « **Reply #13 on:** June 22, 2012, 01:09:37 PM »

Thanks for all the replies guys, ive made the decision to buy something else, there is of course the decision of what to buy but im smart enough not to start that!

Cheers

Slug

kiwipete · « **Reply #14 on:** June 22, 2012, 05:24:03 PM »

A Chain saw is like anything it is to do with quality.. i.e. if it was a Black and Decker you would throw it away, if it was a Stihl you would fix it... Just the same with cars if it is a Datsun ..... but a Toyota you would fix it...

fuji · « **Reply #15 on:** June 22, 2012, 07:07:50 PM »

Quote from: D4D on June 21, 2012, 06:58:13 PM

I plan on bringing back a Husky 440E next month from the US, $300 there $700 here

Any reason you picked the 440e?

D4D · « **Reply #16 on:** June 22, 2012, 07:13:07 PM »

Quote from: Donuts on June 22, 2012, 07:07:50 PM

Any reason you picked the 440e?

Nope, it was picked on what I think I can fit in my bag

Nomad · « **Reply #17 on:** June 22, 2012, 08:37:07 PM »

Love to see the face on the guy who watches that one go through the Xray........even better imagine trying to get one in your carry on luggage...........

D4D · « **Reply #18 on:** June 22, 2012, 08:39:21 PM »

Quote from: Nomad on June 22, 2012, 08:37:07 PM

even better imagine trying to get one in your carry on luggage...........

I'm not that stupid, TSA Bubba doesn't have a sense of humour

fuji · « **Reply #19 on:** June 23, 2012, 08:15:00 AM »

Looking at 445 through Amazon around 400 or a Tanaka both sold by Amazon

RosLed · « **Reply #20 on:** June 23, 2012, 09:23:58 PM »

Quote from: D4D on June 22, 2012, 08:39:21 PM

I'm not that stupid, TSA Bubba doesn't have a sense of humour

Yes they do: it is when they say "please sir follow the yellow line; it won't take long to sort this out"
Trust me- it takes a long time- but at least they didn't say bend over

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Author Topic: Fix up or replace a chainsaw (Read 5122 times)