Buying a chainsaw in France

[Fatt McMissile]

Buggles said:

Hello all,

Just after a bit of advice if possible.

We've been bought a voucher from Truffaut by my other halves colleagues (wedding present) and would like to use it to buy a chainsaw.

I see that they sell Stihl chainsaws in Truffaut.

http://www.truffaut.com/produit/tronconneuse-therm...

Does this mean that they're an authorised Stihl dealer and does it also mean that they'll get it running, apparently the supplying dealer needs to do this to validate the warranty?

Cheers,

Chris

I have mostly Stihl stuff now and I'm very happy with it, particularly with the ease of starting. They have introduced a lower priced range and I think that this is in that category, - for occasional use. While most of my stuff was quite a lot more expensive than this, I bought a Stihl line strimmer from this range last year and it's fine.
Buy Stihl two stroke oil (mix 40 or 50:1) and make sure you top up the chain oil every time you fill the petrol tank and keep the chain tightened correctly. Empty the tank and carb if it will be idle for a long time.
I've never seen anything about Stihl products needing to be set uop by a Stihl dealer, but am sure that Truffaut will have equal status to Leroy Merlin, Castorama etc.

Buy some decent goggles, gloves, shoes and get your beloved to buy you a chain mail codpiece.

Steve

[Neilsfirst]

I got an MS231 last year from a local dealer. Was told by them that if I buy their pre-mixed fuel (at least once a year) the warranty is extended to 4 years. Very happy with the saw and easy to start.

[Neilsfirst]

That's it. For non regular use I believe it is a better bet, as shouldn't rot the fuel lines and lead to starting problems. Having an old two stroke strimmer it gets boring very quickly when you keep having to pull the cord. My Stihl starts 3rd pull everytime from cold.

[Fatt McMissile]

Buggles said:

Is that the stuff they call motomix? This stuff;

http://www.leroymerlin.fr/v3/p/produits/bidon-moto...

Yup, 2%, 50:1, that's one reason they're easy to start. I think you can use this ratio with Stihl oil in other makes too, but not other oils. I don't think that the fuel will spoil if kept if you make sure the top's tight, although I've seen contrary opinions. Shake it (and the machine's tank) before use.

The emissions may be incorrectly specced........
Steve

edit: "We're also in Brittany Steve, about quarter of an hour south of St Brieuc." Nicer coast, not quite as warm as here but a lovely region!

Edited by Fatt McMissile on Wednesday 23 September 22:54

[thefrog]

Can't fault Stihl, I have a medium size chainsaw and semi-professional petrol strimmer and they are both a dream to use, no wonder many people who are in the business of gardening or tree surgery use a lot of Stihl.

Back to your original question, I would call Truffaut or walk into the nearest shop and ask if they will just ship it or ensure it's running, etc... in their workshop before giving it to you.

Stihl usually arrives from the factory in partially assembled state, as far as I can tell from their web site, Truffaut state some of their goods can be shipped, others requiring assembly won't be shipped (presume this applies to chainsaws).

[Fatt McMissile]

Truffaut have a shop in St Brieuc near the OP.
Steve

[thefrog]

I'd be very much suprised if they supplied it to you as a kit of parts. As far as I know, they have to put it together, make sure it starts and give you basic (I mean basic) safety training on starting, chain tension, cleaning, etc...

[Neilsfirst]

I believe it is Stihl policy that you have to have a handover, and not just walk out with a box of bits. We got training on how to start it only. Being inquisitive I soon found out how to clean it though.

[thefrog]

I would advise asking as many questions as possible unless you have used a chainsaw before.

Also (been said above) buy the best protection gear you can. Protection cost me way more than the chainsaw ! Helmet with a mesh and integrated ear defenders to protect head, ears and eyes which also turns out to be quite handy with the strimmer. Steel capped shoes that run up to just under my chin, chain arresting trousers and gloves with chain arresting material in the left (or right can't remember) hand.

I'd rather all this gear was a bit lighter tbh, but that's yet more £££'s.

An uncle of mine nearly lost a toe, and a leg on two separate incidents to a chainsaw, I treat mine with the utmost respect. I reckon it has to be one of the most dangerous tools out there.

Again, unless you are experienced, read as much as you can on handling, proper use, etc... or get someone to show you the ropes.

Finally, if you're planning on chopping wood to size for your chimney, I would recommend a saw horse. I made mine out of 2x4 and it makes the job much more practical and safer.

HTH

[Fatt McMissile]

The Frog said "to protect head, ears and eyes which also turns out to be quite handy with the strimmer"

A facefull of freshly whipped dog poo is certainly worth avoiding.....

Seriously, despite not using all the mentioned protection, I always make certain I'm standing on level firm ground, have a comfortable stance, never cut with the tip of the blade, keep the revs high, and keep a very firm and rigid grip on front and rear handles. Wimpy is not an option. Plus the sawhorse as Frog says.

Branches that have bent over when felling may spring when you cut them - always think about what you're doing.
The Frog said "I reckon it has to be one of the most dangerous tools out there." Lets face it there aren't many tools that you can wave about that will cut completely through your thigh in what? 3 seconds?

I've never had any instruction when buying Stihl or other equipment in France or the UK. Unless things have changed in the past 18 months, in Leroy Merlin you pick one up in a box and take it to the checkout, and self assembly is minimal. The staff will certainly give advice on how to use it if you ask though.
Steve

Edited by Fatt McMissile on Thursday 24th September 22:18