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Devon-Rover

Member Since: 22 Jan 2015
Location: South Devon
Posts: 923

2014 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Aintree Green

Zed wrote:
If you were nearer I’d lend you a saw. Unless you are really set on buying one I think you would be better off paying someone to do the job. It’ll be cheaper and they’ll do a better job. Buying a decent saw plus all the associated bits just to leave on the shelf would be a waste of money. If you do buy a saw go into your local specialist garden machinery shop and they will advise a saw that will suit your needs. Generally they will stock one or more of Stihl, Husqvana and Echo. The chainsaw world is full of brand fanboys but for what you need all will do the job perfectly and if you do have a problem or just need advice they will be there to offer support.
I suspect a battery saw would be best for your needs but unless you are using the batteries for other garden tools it would be cheaper to go with 2 stroke.

Edit: oh and if you do buy a saw I would definitely recommend taking the Lantra Chainsaw Maintenance, Cross-cutting, Felling, Processing course.

^^^^^

All this

For the amount of time then is it really a need thing to buy a saw? Maybe there is a local company who has a groundie who would buck it all up for a few beers? If I was closer then I would offer.

If you think that a saw is useful for future use more than once in a blue moon then there is plenty of scope out there beyond the usual big 3 (yes homeowners don't need a pro brand saw)

I've witnessed a 'Chinese saw' and was quite amazed at how many years it lasted in a farm setting before dying, So they are not all that bad to be instantly dismissed. (says me with a medium exotic collection in the shed)

BUT you will need the safety gear and I'd too suggest some training as it's more than just not cutting your own arm off, there is a bit of skill in handling it to make safe cuts in the correct way to prolong yours and the saws life. Also can be found on Fb, Ytube, Insta & Twitter @4WDSouthwest

8th Feb 2025 5:36pm

MOD_Series_III

Member Since: 23 Apr 2020
Location: Manche
Posts: 14

I would love a Stihl, but they are tad expensive for the non-professional / farmer.

I bought a £99 chainsaw from Aldi years ago, with a 3 year warranty - it lasted 6 years with zero maintenance.

I now have a €100 Leroy Merlin (France) special with a 3 year warranty - it is far superior to the Aldi one, starts first time hot / cold.

I also have a Dewalt battery chainsaw (simply because I have Dewalt batteries) it is amazing and I prefer over the petrol one for climbing / ladders as it is only running when I press the button(s).

8th Feb 2025 5:46pm

Slideywindows

Member Since: 09 Sep 2016
Location: North Essex
Posts: 1294

I wonder if I could go marginally off topic, as I've been servicing my Husky 55 today, in preparation of processing some firewood.

I've been using a chainsaw for decades (always Husqvarna) and this one has lasted a very long time.

However, the chain is now so stretched that it won't adjust any more.

In the process of inspecting it, I noticed that not only have I had my money's worth out of it, but the blade is worn and, more importantly, the drive sprocket is worn - grooved - as well (The engine is fine).

So my questions:

I know the chain and blade are replaceable, but is the sprocket (easily) replaceable? (I've tried to undo the central nut but failed!)

After a life of hard work, would it be a false economy to get it fixed or should I just buy a new Husky, despite the engine being fine?

I ask the last question because, as we know in the Land Rover world, famous names often outsource maufacture to the Far East, and quality can suffer.

So what are the new Husqvarna's like?

All advice will be listened to.

(And some of it might even be taken!

)

8th Feb 2025 6:12pm

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17602

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey

Easily serviced and if it's running well a better bet than a new one. The sprocket is a service part and about £15 but remember that the clutch has a left hand thread (perhaps why you couldn't shift it). An impact wrench usually whips it off.

8th Feb 2025 6:28pm

lohr500

Member Since: 14 Sep 2014
Location: Skipton
Posts: 1330

2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black

EDIT. Just seen Blackwolf's post about the left hand thread!!!!

Has the Husky 55 got a left hand thread on the clutch/sprocket assembly?

If the engine is running well, I'd definitely be looking to replace the sprocket and give the saw a new lease of life.

8th Feb 2025 6:36pm

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17602

Since it's only secured by the thread (not splined to the shaft) then if it didn't have a LH thread it would unscrew as soon as load was put on the chain.

8th Feb 2025 7:02pm

Bowbearer

Member Since: 12 Aug 2022
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 191

1985 Defender 110 200 Tdi SW Auto Baltic Blue

LH thread

Take the spark plug out and put the handle of a screw driver in the hole

Then give the nut a sharp crack and it will loosen

Buy a chain and sprocket as a kit, usually cheaper.

Also file the bar. Put it in a vice and draw the file along the length. It vill remove the v and make it flat again.

You will be surprised how well it will cut.

8th Feb 2025 7:29pm

Slideywindows

Member Since: 09 Sep 2016
Location: North Essex
Posts: 1294

Wow, such helpful replies guys.

(And many thanks for that video, lohr500.

)

I will be taking all your advice and buying replacement parts.

(No wonder I couldn't undo that darned nut!!)

8th Feb 2025 7:52pm

MarkBrown

Member Since: 03 Oct 2022
Location: Mid Wales
Posts: 515

1983 Defender 110 Other HT Auto Keswick Green

I've had a Husqvarna 357xp for nearly twenty years and it's done a fair amount of work without any problems, until it stopped a couple of years ago.

Needing a quick fix I bought a DeWalt flexvolt with two 9ah batteries. I wasn't sure how it would compare to the professional saw I was used to but for anything other than larger trunks it's pretty much as good. It's definitely slower, but silent, always on, no need to fuel it, simpler to use, lighter and better suited to a domestic/ small holder/ less pressing use.

For all day use and speed you can't beat a petrol saw though, but all of my power tools use the same batteries too, which I'm using most days, so that's a benefit.

I'd buy a battery one and a cheap petrol one for the bigger stuff if you need it and keep the battery one in particular very sharp. 1983 110 automatic OM606

8th Feb 2025 9:51pm

Bows

Member Since: 07 May 2012
Location: Wales
Posts: 519

I would buy a second hand husky or stihl, and buy as big as you dare, I’ve wasted so much time cutting with a cheap saw. They can be underpowered and take an age to get through a modest size round.

Plenty of decent safety and use videos on YouTube. 2006 TD5110 station wagon
1995 300Tdi 90 truck cab
1989 90 hard top with 200 tdi
1983 110 hard top
1983 110 Hi cap
1954 107 pick up

9th Feb 2025 8:20am

90 Dreamer

Member Since: 13 Jul 2019
Location: Oop North
Posts: 2188

2016 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Corris Grey

Zed wrote:
If you were nearer I’d lend you a saw. Unless you are really set on buying one I think you would be better off paying someone to do the job. It’ll be cheaper and they’ll do a better job. Buying a decent saw plus all the associated bits just to leave on the shelf would be a waste of money. If you do buy a saw go into your local specialist garden machinery shop and they will advise a saw that will suit your needs. Generally they will stock one or more of Stihl, Husqvana and Echo. The chainsaw world is full of brand fanboys but for what you need all will do the job perfectly and if you do have a problem or just need advice they will be there to offer support.
I suspect a battery saw would be best for your needs but unless you are using the batteries for other garden tools it would be cheaper to go with 2 stroke.

Edit: oh and if you do buy a saw I would definitely recommend taking the Lantra Chainsaw Maintenance, Cross-cutting, Felling, Processing course.

Actually may make sense as would leave me time to do other things more specific to my own skill set…….

Thanks for all advice / ideas and will update over the next few months as we get things moved forward

9th Feb 2025 9:06am

RobKeay

Member Since: 19 Jul 2009
Location: Stafford
Posts: 1591

2014 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Corris Grey

Depends on your budget. We use stihl both electric and petrol.

The ultimate being a 500i that’s a beast but over a grand.

All rounder is ms261 be around £700

Don’t over look electric/battery stuff especially if you already own batteries.

When people say service a saw there’s nothing you can’t do yourself. You should be doing a lot each use, they are high maintenance.

9th Feb 2025 6:49pm

Muddybigdog

Member Since: 11 Apr 2014
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 1029

2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Zambezi Silver

A blunt saw is a dangerous saw, Stihl does a great little 2-in-1 EasyFile, which is well worth the purchase to keep sharp. I use an Oregon Easy-cut Saw Horse, just for that extra safety. Jumped ship to reliability - Mitsubishi L200
Puma 90 XS - Sold
D3 - 2.7 S x2 (both Sold)
Freelander 2 HSE - Sold
Freelander 1 - Sold
Disco 2 - Sold

10th Feb 2025 9:38am

s55shh

Member Since: 30 Dec 2019
Location: staffs
Posts: 195

I too have a dewalt battery one (because I've got other dewalt tools - same battery) and often use it when I don't want to make loads of noise with the Styhl. Also got a corded extended pole chain saw for trimming high branches so can cover most requirements with the three.

10th Feb 2025 9:51am

Slideywindows

Member Since: 09 Sep 2016
Location: North Essex
Posts: 1294

Well, the sprocket came off.

Picture shows the wear after 30 years.

Could only find one replacement that guaranteed to fit an old Model 55.
(Using a part number found online).

£47ish, inc postage.

Click image to enlarge

New chain and bar ordered too.

I also bought this a few months ago.
Used for lopping, I've been working it hard (also bought two spare chains).

Click image to enlarge

It is one of those tools where you wonder why you didn't buy it years ago.

10th Feb 2025 12:37pm

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