Can anyone recommend a good gas-powered chainsaw for having around the house to clear up fallen trees and make some firewood?

it won't be getting extensive use, like i said, mainly just cutting up trees that fall around the yard and cutting up fallen trees for firewood and such.

IMO Stihl makes the best chainsaws and small engine equipment on the market. 

IMO Stihl makes the best chainsaws and small engine equipment on the market.

^^ Truth.

I use a chainsaw quite a bit on the job, and Stihl has been the most reliable saws we use. Great service and parts availability too.

Tom

haha i knew everyone would be recommending Stihl. i've always heard they are the best.

thirdsies on the stihl.

you'll quit it before it quits you.

any model recommendations on the Stihl?

i read reviews saying the MS170 (for occasional home use) was not very good, especially on anything bigger than 4-6" diameter. the MS180 looks a little better for occasional home use. they say it can cut more than just limbs, trees up to 12" in diameter.

thoughts?

Years ago I worked at a Sears Paint and Hardware store - basically a self standing larger version of the hardware section of a Sears dept. store.

After a big storm, there would be a run on chainsaws. Then within a week, many of them would come back for "no start, runs bad, etc."  They all got their money back. Every saw started on the first pull...what do you think :

Back to the subject. Stihl is ok. Most pros use Husquevarnas. I would get a 16" bar, it's a good size for most saw work. I don't want to be Mr. Obvious, but keep a sharp chain and be real careful.

My fatherinlaw Has been a chainsaw mechanic his whole life and is one of the best in Pa and Stihl  is a good saw but he will tell you that they will not take the abuse of the high free revving RPMs that comes from a dull chain with we know not every one dont know how to sharpin  a chain. he works on all kinds but he likes The Huskey for a home owner they will take more abuse

I have a 372 huskey and its a good saw but its a little big for home use but i cut alot of fire wood and i have a O66 stihl with a 4ft bar and that thing is a MONSTER

I have a Husq. 350, 18" bar I believe. With a sharp chain, that thing goes through wood like a hot knife through a stick of butter.  I bought it because of a kind of emergency situation. I was cutting up tops of trees that had been bulldozed into a pile and the saw I was using got pinched.  Absolutely no way to get it out but cut it out.  I did have some idle and low/high

speed problems with it though.  But I've cut some big logs with it.

I have a husqvarna as [tr][/tr]well.  14" model.  It's great.

if its not going to receive heavy use, you may want to even consider checking out pawn shops for a used one. i got a great running little Poulan for cheap and the most ive had to do aside from keeping a sharp chain is clean the filter and change the spark plug in 4 years of having it...

I have had the same Stihl saw for 25 years. I take it in for a tune up every couple of years and it runs like a champ.

Husqvarna. We have a 454 that we use a good bit and it cuts great for long periods of time. Doesn't use up much fuel either, fill it up and cut for about as long as you want.

IMO Stihl makes the best chainsaws and small engine equipment on the market.

X2

Love my Stihl chainsaw. 

Stihl and or Husqvarna.  Both of them are great chainsaws.  I personally have a Stihl in my garage.  Never had an issue with it.  My uncle recently got a Makita at a ridiculous price.  I've never liked their tools, but that thing has some serious cutting power.  Broke the chain after using it for about 45 minutes though....

Stihl or Husqvarna... Debating one versus the other is kind of like Ford vs. Chevy or Coke vs. Pepsi, you'll get many people on either side, but you can't go wrong with either. Personally, I have had a Stihl MS250 for about a year now and use it for the same projects you need yours for. Excellent saw.

Whatever you decide, make sure you buy a quality saw that is big enough for your needs. Don't go too cheap, you'll regret it later.

Stihl or Husqvarna... Debating one versus the other is kind of like Ford vs. Chevy or Coke vs. Pepsi, you'll get many people on either side, but you can't go wrong with either. Personally, I have had a Stihl MS250 for about a year now and use it for the same projects you need yours for. Excellent saw.

Whatever you decide, make sure you buy a quality saw that is big enough for your needs. Don't go too cheap, you'll regret it later.

I'll take a Pepsi and a Ford 

Does Stihl make sewing machines?  I have my preference 

I have a little tiny echo that is a monster. I love that thing.