Chainsaw

kevsan

I've been allowed to get a chainsaw by the wife! However, I am limited to a budget of £100.

I need to chop down approx 8 trees, all over 40 feet high with branches / trunks up to 14inchs. After that, i wont have that much use for one, hence the budget.

Nowhere around here hires them out, or if they do they charge much more than the £100.

So the question is, is it 'better' to get a brand new 'budget' model or second hand better quality ones... probably via ebay..

Preference is for petrol due to concerns over electric having less oomph, but happy to consider all options.

TIA.

warwicktiger

With the size of job definitely not electric. You will not get a decent new one for £100, as you say, take a chance on ebay or hire one?

suisidevw

Try Lidls. I have a Lidls 18" saw and it's remarkably good. Genuinely. Just keep it topped up with CHAINSAW oil and well sharpened.... It's got an Oregon blade and a 2 year warranty. Cost £80 and has been used lots.

Del_Astra

I would ask around (in the local etc) someone will probably have you can hire or know someone that does. We have a local guy that would probably do the job you have free of charge as long as he got the fire wood to himself.

Davesnave

If you don't already know the answer to the question you asked, I hope you are well insured, and I am not joking!

As Del Astra says, if you live in the right area, and depending on the tree species, £100 would get the job done safely without you lifting a finger, or indeed it could even be free.

Personally, I think it would be irresponsible to encourage anyone to tackle such large trees without the right safety kit and knowledge/training.

Lotus-eater

Davesnave wrote: »

Personally, I think it would be irresponsible to encourage anyone to tackle such large trees without the right safety kit and knowledge/training.

I'm afraid I agree totally. Pay someone to do it and chop into chunks. Or go on a course and buy the safety gear.

Itismehonest

I agree with Davesnave & Lotus-eater.

You don't say whether or not these trees are near any buildings or how you intend to fell them. Are you going to climb up & top them before bringing the main trunk down? If you don't know what you are doing using a chainsaw up a tree is dangerous. 40ft may not seem high until you're up there trying to hang on with one hand while working a chainsaw in the other.
Felling trees without knowing about direction of fall etc. can be a risky business at the best of times. If they don't land on buildings they can still destroy fences & anything else they fall on.
Your £100 will look very small against what it could cost you if there is an accident of any sort.

STOCKWIRE

Davesnave wrote: »

If you don't already know the answer to the question you asked, I hope you are well insured, and I am not joking!

As Del Astra says, if you live in the right area, and depending on the tree species, £100 would get the job done safely without you lifting a finger, or indeed it could even be free.

Personally, I think it would be irresponsible to encourage anyone to tackle such large trees without the right safety kit and knowledge/training.

I very much doubt that anyone who undertook to do the job for £100, would have the correct equipment and training, or more importantly public liability insurance.

kevsan

Thanks for the replies...

quotes i've had are circa £500, £1000 to take the wood away as well.

The trees are not near any buildings and away from the public access. I certainly dont intend to be up ladders or on ropes waving a chainsaw around.

I intend to top out and thin with a bow saw for the most of the work and use a saw for the larger parts, and fell in sections, using probably a humboldt notch. I know about leaving the correct size hinge etc

So I know a bit more than the typical idiot and have used chainsaws in anger a number of times. I also have 2 sets of safety trousers, gloves hats, boots and face plates if anyone wants to join me.

The reason for the question was that I have a need for a robust model for a one off job, i've always borrowed other peoples saws, but that is not an option now, and I am on a budget.

Thanks again.

poppysarah

I'm with the 'get a man who can'.

suisidevw

What area are you based as someone could lend/hire from here?