For use around a home, I would recommend getting a large electric chainsaw. Most of the things around a home can be handled by an electric. I use mine for the occasional tree that must come down, trimming branches, shrubs, etc. That was the idea when I bought my 14' Poulan Plastic handled Chain saw about 20 years ago. Over the years I have used it to cut up several trees, the largest being a 20" diameter long leaf pine, It was used to cut up the 31 other slightly smaller trees that I lost in hurricane Fran. Last summer I lost a 12" diameter sweet gum. It did the job. If you are planning to cut these large diameters trees routinely. I would not recommend an electric. Neither if you are going out in the wood to cut trees for a fireplace. The biggest advantage for an electric is it will run when ever you plug it in. You never have to worry about fuel ratios, and such. Gas chainsaw are a real pain if you only use it a couple of times a year and have to keep the carburetor clean. There is no carburetor on an electric. If you get an electric you will be limited to less that 200' or less of cord. The cord takes time to coil and uncoil. but is not as frustrating as getting the gas one started after sitting in the shed unused for a year. From a safety point of view the blade only runs when you pull the switch. it stops nearly immediately

Steve: Well I;am back . Sold the MS-260 for $450.00 US . with the saw box . Almost had to let go of my XP-346 my Buddy has been trying to get it back for 5 years . No Sale , he sold it to me from an old timer who needed a lite saw but his arthritis precluded him from using it after only 2 mths. So yep I went with the Cs-500P . He had one Demo unit left over from last fall $389.00 with 18" bar and extra chain.I got a saw box for xtra 30.00 . He looked at me rather sly since this is the second saw that he has introduced me to slightly been used . Although he had to goe to his competition to do so. I think he is a little upset that I went for the Dolmar 9000 Series recently he was set to sell me a Big Bore XP lol . Small world in Upper Michigan his Buddy has a Farm Equipment Dealership which stocks Echo Product line. I will check out the cutting in the field tomorrow. It test cut well , was impressed with its cutting rate . Compariable to the Husky 346 HP and nice and light . Don't know if it will out cut my Old Pioneer P-20 but will find out soon the old girl is a little long in the tooth 1967 . Thanks for the insight . P.S. My Buddies in Michigan says your right within your loyalties to the small engine echos apparently they fly off his inventory sheet quickly this time of year , at least within the UP . Thanks again Ty !

Ptgr: Tygon is a Generic Brand Name for Petroleum Based Use. For your Older Husky you may have to verify both ID and OD of the Fuel line you currently have at a local auto supply via bringing in a section of your current line. Much easier would be to just pick up a foot of OEM Hose from your Local Saw Dealer. Ensure to check / replace if warranted all Carburetor and return to tank and vent lines along with thorough inspection or replacement of Fuel Filter and check tightness of all connections while your at it. As you are aware OEM Fuel lines can last up to 25-30 Yrs Service if maintained , rather cheap price for such extended use , Right ? Note: I have both Pioneer , Husky and Stihl saws all use different Style and composite material fuel line 5mm thru 1/4" & 5/16" OD with different ID dimensions accordingly lol . Good luck Dude with your line replacement and Happy Cutting !

Posted by canguy: "What do you mean by 'safety notch'? The brake should be on or off." That is what I thought as well - The Brake should have an on and an off setting but I seem to be able to move it to 3 positions (Brake Off, Brake On, and the 3rd which is one beyond Brake On). When it is moved into this 3rd position the chain will move when revved. Prior to this problem starting this afternoon I had only noticed the On and Off positions of the brake. As for rim or spur sprocket. I am not sure, I did not take anything apart at this point. I am assuming it is a rim sprocket.