Reynard
Guru
- Location
- Cambridgeshire, UK
I think you are partly asking for advice on buying a new saw. I happily recommend the Stihl battery powered range. I've had one for three years.
I've never used it to fell anything large but have taken down small trees. It is a tool which is intended for garden work and logging up. It will happily get through a 10-12" diameter trunk. You get around 25-30 minutes run time per charge. Doesn't sound much but I find it gives me around three hours working time - the saw isn't constantly running, there's stacking, clearing, etc. all happening at the same time.
I usually do a morning's work, stop for lunch, charge the battery and then start again for an afternoon.
Can't add anything about the battery powered ones as mine is petrol-powered, with a 14 inch bar and easy start, but you won't go wrong with a Stihl - they really are worth the money.
Mine takes a lot of use and abuse as I have, well, a LOT of trees. And solid fuel heating.