What is the lowest priced saw with a decompression valve?

Garfield

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I am getting older and have health problems that are making it harder for me to start a "normal" chainsaw.

I started in to looking for models with a decompression release.
The 2 contenders so far are the Echo CS-590 and the clone MS660s.

Anyone on here know of any other saws that are in current production that have a decompression valve?

Ideally I would like to find something that cost less than a CS-590.

I am surprised more saws don't feature one.
I went though the no name saws on Amazon and found a lot of saws the same displacement or bigger than the CS-590 but found no decompression valves.

I understand anytime a decompression valve is discussed online all the replies must point out that they are big and strong and thus have no use such things.

I am glad to hear it.
However I really could use one.

Thanks!
 
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher features a decompression valve and is priced lower than the CS-590. It's easy to start, well-constructed, and should meet your needs nicely
 
If you aren't looking for a ton of saw, Stihl sells some smaller homeowner models with the Easy2Start system. It really is unbelievably easy. A friend's father has the MS211 and i know that is one of the models that has that system.

However, as sawdust&sparkplugs said, the 455 Rancher really is a great option, and they honestly aren't too hard to start even without pressing the decomp button. I have had one for awhile and it has to be one of my more reliable saws. I use it more than most of my pro saws.

Best of luck to you!
 
My Wife’s Husky 445 came with a decomp valve, but hers is a 2017 model.

Looking at the current online Husqvarna catalog, it doesn’t mention a decomp valve. And looking at the picture, it doesn’t appear to have one on the current model, but they did in the past


Doug
 
I am getting older and have health problems that are making it harder for me to start a "normal" chainsaw.

I started in to looking for models with a decompression release.
The 2 contenders so far are the Echo CS-590 and the clone MS660s.

Anyone on here know of any other saws that are in current production that have a decompression valve?

Ideally I would like to find something that cost less than a CS-590.

I am surprised more saws don't feature one.
I went though the no name saws on Amazon and found a lot of saws the same displacement or bigger than the CS-590 but found no decompression valves.

I understand anytime a decompression valve is discussed online all the replies must point out that they are big and strong and thus have no use such things.

I am glad to hear it.
However I really could use one.

Thanks!
 
Not current production, but if you look at used saws, the Makita and Dolmar (same saws) saws have a spring assisted start that pretty much lets you start the saw by just lifting the pull-rope. You definitely don't have to yank it. Extremely well engineered saws. Another option would be to look at battery powered saws. They have come a long way, and they will own the future.
 
Battery's very very expensive even if you can find years down the road! I still have good working 50+ year gas chainsaw !
 
Battery's very very expensive even if you can find years down the road! I still have good working 50+ year gas chainsaw !
The original poster was looking for info on saws that he could start and operate due to health problems. For that type of user, a battery saw from any one of the major manufacturers of battery powered yard tools would be nearly ideal, and batteries tend to become less expensive over time.
I haven't replaced all of my gas saws yet, but almost certainly will eventually.
No starting, no tuning, no mixing or pouring fuel, no spark plug changes, no air filter changes, and most battery saws are engineered to run the equivalent of TWO tanks of fuel per charge. Squeeze the trigger and cut. The torque is very impressive. I find myself grabbing my battery saw more and more often, even though I love my ported/tuned gas saws.
They are already offering battery saws with up to a 28 inch bar. Power to weight ratios are getting closer to gas saws continually, eventually the battery saws will have the advantage. Another 5 years, and very few gas saws will be produced. Stick with the big name brands to ensure batteries will remain available well into the future - Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, Ego, Greenworks, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, etc.
Something worth considering.
 
I am getting older and have health problems that are making it harder for me to start a "normal" chainsaw.

I started in to looking for models with a decompression release.
The 2 contenders so far are the Echo CS-590 and the clone MS660s.

Anyone on here know of any other saws that are in current production that have a decompression valve?

Ideally I would like to find something that cost less than a CS-590.

I am surprised more saws don't feature one.
I went though the no name saws on Amazon and found a lot of saws the same displacement or bigger than the CS-590 but found no decompression valves.

I understand anytime a decompression valve is discussed online all the replies must point out that they are big and strong and thus have no use such things.

I am glad to hear it.
However I really could use one.

Thanks!
 
Old homelite super easy is a great little saw with decompression valve, pretty powerful also.
 
The old Homelite that had a decompression release was called a Super Mini in Canada. ( EZ in the states I think).
One of my favourite little saws. They were 50 cc, light and lots of power.
When tuned properly, they would start on a 4 inch pull. ( when warmed up ).
Problem is they had no anti vibe, and any that had a chainbrake were heavy and the brake didn’t work well.
Homelite’s attempt to compete with the European saws- they made a VI Super Mini SL. ( anti vibe and brake). Bulky, heavy and didn’t go over at all.
There was also the 59 cc VI 200 SL. Same issues.
Both are quite rare and make great collector pieces.
I say go with any easy start system, Stihl , Husky. Learn how to use the easy start properly.
 
The original poster was looking for info on saws that he could start and operate due to health problems. For that type of user, a battery saw from any one of the major manufacturers of battery powered yard tools would be nearly ideal, and batteries tend to become less expensive over time.
Yeah, battery saws sound like a good move for him. They're super handy and have some serious power, even if they're not quite as strong as those gas models.
 
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