The Black Max 16 Inch is just a marvel at a low price. Never thought I could cut such big trees with it. Unscrew the protective tip and you can cut trees with a 32 inch diameter. I replaced the chain today (easy to do!), it looked pretty clean inside. A super buy!
Just got mine at Wal Mart shelf price $128.00 but when I checked out it was $108.00. So yeah I got the 2 year replacement guarantee for $13.00. It started right up. Good video I appreciate the advice.
@@Ligmaballs666 Had mine for about a year now and running great if you take care of it and read the owner's manual before you use it. Maintenance is key!
Thanks for the video, I'm a Stihl guy but for $98 I picked up the 18" model today. I've been looking for a saw that could just live in the bed of my truck so for that price I couldn't pass it up. Came ready to rock and the case is a great addition, it's got enough room to hold everything. Like you said, we'll see about longevity.
I've had one of these with an 18 inch bar and I've used it like crazy. Honest opinion is the chain is cheap, it could use a name brand chain out of the box. A year and a half later and mine still stretches. The biggest problem with it is that it's so bad about building gunk up in the clutch, chain brake, and bar oiler to the point of being dangerous. Every couple hours of runtime I have to clean it all out and although it still works, there are massive grooves in the clutch housing even from month one. But for the price? Hell I can't complain, I got what I paid for and what I paid for was a cheap chainsaw. I've dropped probably about 60 or so trees and for the price point I came out with a great deal.
And I did not take it easy, I ran it in dirt, I ran it wide open with a smoking hot chain, I've ran it for 12 hours a day foe two weeks straight and it still kept kicking.
One thing you should consider. Is where the limb broke off is painting that area (preferably with tree paint) but regular paint works. It will seal the breach against disease and insects
i got the 18 inch version on clearance for 52 dollars. i cut up two fallen trees from a storm and trimmed another. the only negative i have to say is one screw holding the bucking teeth vibrated out. replaced it and kept on going. I can throw the saw away know, I already got more then my moneys worth. but I'm to impressed to let it go
I used to buy the Poulans from Walmart for trimming saws, they always worked good. Interesting to see how the new ones work, but once I got my Stihl 361 Pro I’ll never buy any other chain saw
I've used every brand of saw there is, except a Black Max. In my opinion, pound for pound, dollar for dollar, Echo of Japan makes the best chainsaw, and the best weed trimmers.
@@walterbuller9171 yes. I'm looking at the echo timberwolf. For ,$420 you get a reliable 60cc powerful saw and you'll have plenty left for oil, gas, chains and maintenance tools. Whereas the stihl 261 is less powerful and $380 more for the saw alone. I'm seriously thinking of the echo over the stihl. Its been on the market long enough where they got the bugs worked out. I was thinking of the mtronic 261c but I live in Colorado at 5800 feet above sea level and don't trust the computer to adjust the carb
This chainsaw in 14-16 is the exact replica of the Ryobi's. Both sharing the 38cc Honda engine platform. Both models/brands accept the chains TriLink chains (2-packs) found right next to the saws at Waltons. I believe Ryobi came second by buying into the patent rights because the Black Max hit the shelves first. Ryobi is a patent-buyer, parts handler.
Hard saw to kill , the wife ran no oil and killed it for a hour till it cooled down , fired back up and still running strong 20+ cords later definitely run 40:1 she's not happy unless she's smoking
we also use the cheap chain saws but use good quality chains from the local small engine power shop we use to use the polan ect chains but they have low quality teeth / blades and safety tabs on the chain . we got tired of them going dull. so bought the chain up top listed with no safety tabs. some people dont know but every time your teeth on the chain gets dull you have to sharpen them and grind a tiny bit off of the the shark fins between the teeth so the teeth can cut better . we do a lot of cutting up here in the Ozarks on mostly oak and hickory for fire wood
I just picked up one of these on clearance at Walmart for $56 bar and chain oil 1 gallon for $3 and a bar and chain combo for 10 bucks I was hesitant because it's so cheap but you talked me into it it's worth buying a cut one tree if you have to hire somebody
Every new chain stretches a bit when new do to heat. Just make sure the bar is oiling properly to reduce the heat. Brake needs to be on for sure to stay safe when starting. Nice sense of accomplishment when handling a saw. 👍
When you first start it the engine will be at high idle and I would think having the brake on would be hard on components. I'll continue to have mine OFF when I start it.
That's the oldest and best trick in the book right there. My issue is that I get carried away and forget to measure so I end up with wood at about 15 different sizes
Most all those Chinese chainsaws are about the same. I have 3 Holtzforma Chinese saws. 38cc. 55cc. 71 cc. I think the key to a saw is taking care of it. Ethanol free gas. Keep chain sharp. Mostly what happens is the plastic fuel tubes get brittle and break. You can buy the whole package of parts tubes, spark plug, air filter, fuel filter for inside tank, and pump bulbs for about 12$ on Amazon. Not sure what chain that came with mine from hultz are full chisel. The 38cc one is low profile. The craftsman saw at lowes is Chinese.
Do you have suggestion removing the spark plug coil wire off.. we tried removing coil wire broke like piece paper the.actual coil part number it's hard to find replacement do you have a parts source you can suggest.. thanks
They are good if wait for the sales I got the 20" 50cc on sale $130 down from $219. But it did need have the hand chain brake spring cut down as was way too stiff and would bog and die the saw under load. There's videos how to do. From what could find black max are put together by black and decker from Honda corp small engine parts Honda sells to corporations of their lesser grade parts for off brand products.
After one year started falling apart. Replced starter housing assembly, due plastic pin broke, chain oil cap, bar nose kit, bucking spike bolts getting loose all the time, hex nuts getting loose all the time and due to that chain just slides off the bar. Unfortunately for me this saw did not work good. But it's good small trees, I would assume.
That has to be the least expensive gas powered chainsaw out there. Even a good De Walt battery operated saw is going to cost close to that of an entry level Stihl. Like you said “we’ll have to see about reliability “.
@@TheGasTap Thanks for replying back. I found it in the manual after I wrote to ya. It was in a weird place in the manual and you are correct it is 87 octane and I will be firing it up for the first time tomorrow.
Usually even this “cheap” saws work good it’s when people get the mixing ratios off or run 87 ethanol in them that ruins them 🤦♂️..Dakota sounds amazing
I got the same saw for $105.00 on line ... delivered to my door the next day .... delivery guy said he picked it up at wal-mart to deliver to me .... actually seen it for less (from the same company) for $102.00 a day or so later ... Looks to be a pretty decent saw
I have a 16 inch one lasted only 10 months and the screw behind the flywheel likes to come unscrewed. Just bought a 18 inch one and after a few hours the screw behind the flywheel unscrewed and it jams it so you have to take it apart. There not worth it in my opinion . I will never buy them again.
@@TheGasTap ask any pro saw man when you Rev the chain without load it can burn the chain sprocket out at the tip of the bar because it spins too fast and it doesn't get oil immediately. You're probably fine. Just trying to give you a tip for future reference. I have the same saw. I would buy a better quality chain than the full skip trilink
@@TheGasTap The guard it to keep you from plunge cutting with the saw, it is really just an anti kickback device as if you tip a bar it can throw the saw back at your face. It is good to have for a less experienced user.
It is! thats why you saw 3716 Model code! This Honda engine was thrown into this machine pumping 37cc! Ryobi bought a patent contract. Slapped dogteeth, a new cover, and a case, alltogether for $160 retail. They are the exact same, no differences besides what I listed.
got one for under 100 on black friday and it sure is a pos. Hardly any teeth, brake gets clogged up fast and likes to stop running. My old stihl 310 still runs better than this does after one use.
The Black Max 16 Inch is just a marvel at a low price. Never thought I could cut such big trees with it. Unscrew the protective tip and you can cut trees with a 32 inch diameter. I replaced the chain today (easy to do!), it looked pretty clean inside. A super buy!
I got one today for $80 on clearance. Thanks for the review, it puts faith in my purchase.
Was looking at this earlier today. For a budget buy. It seems to cut pretty good. Thanks for showing how it does cut and putting it to the test.
I've had the exact saw for over 2 years. Use it frequently, and I love it! Have had no issues with it at all!
Just got mine at Wal Mart shelf price $128.00 but when I checked out it was $108.00. So yeah I got the 2 year replacement guarantee for $13.00. It started right up. Good video I appreciate the advice.
You got a deal!!!
Still running fine now?
@@Ligmaballs666 Had mine for about a year now and running great if you take care of it and read the owner's manual before you use it. Maintenance is key!
Great video. I purchased one at Walmart last night. On clearance for 88.00
I picked up two today for $25 each with the hard case
Thanks for the video, I'm a Stihl guy but for $98 I picked up the 18" model today. I've been looking for a saw that could just live in the bed of my truck so for that price I couldn't pass it up. Came ready to rock and the case is a great addition, it's got enough room to hold everything. Like you said, we'll see about longevity.
I've had one of these with an 18 inch bar and I've used it like crazy. Honest opinion is the chain is cheap, it could use a name brand chain out of the box. A year and a half later and mine still stretches. The biggest problem with it is that it's so bad about building gunk up in the clutch, chain brake, and bar oiler to the point of being dangerous. Every couple hours of runtime I have to clean it all out and although it still works, there are massive grooves in the clutch housing even from month one. But for the price? Hell I can't complain, I got what I paid for and what I paid for was a cheap chainsaw. I've dropped probably about 60 or so trees and for the price point I came out with a great deal.
And I did not take it easy, I ran it in dirt, I ran it wide open with a smoking hot chain, I've ran it for 12 hours a day foe two weeks straight and it still kept kicking.
One thing you should consider. Is where the limb broke off is painting that area (preferably with tree paint) but regular paint works. It will seal the breach against disease and insects
I kinda think the EPA wants 50:1. I bet the saw would be happier at 40:1
i got the 18 inch version on clearance for 52 dollars. i cut up two fallen trees from a storm and trimmed another. the only negative i have to say is one screw holding the bucking teeth vibrated out. replaced it and kept on going. I can throw the saw away know, I already got more then my moneys worth. but I'm to impressed to let it go
I bought the 16in and plan on clearing some trees on my property this week. Thanks for the info!
Nothing dulls a chain faster then running it in the dirt lol. Seems to be a pretty good chain saw for the price.
That’s why I kept it out of the dirt 👌🏼
The saw has an Oregon Trail chain on it right out of the box
I used to buy the Poulans from Walmart for trimming saws, they always worked good. Interesting to see how the new ones work, but once I got my Stihl 361 Pro I’ll never buy any other chain saw
That’s the last one you’ll ever need 🤙🏼
I've used every brand of saw there is, except a Black Max. In my opinion, pound for pound, dollar for dollar, Echo of Japan makes the best chainsaw, and the best weed trimmers.
@@walterbuller9171 yes. I'm looking at the echo timberwolf. For ,$420 you get a reliable 60cc powerful saw and you'll have plenty left for oil, gas, chains and maintenance tools. Whereas the stihl 261 is less powerful and $380 more for the saw alone. I'm seriously thinking of the echo over the stihl. Its been on the market long enough where they got the bugs worked out. I was thinking of the mtronic 261c but I live in Colorado at 5800 feet above sea level and don't trust the computer to adjust the carb
This chainsaw in 14-16 is the exact replica of the Ryobi's. Both sharing the 38cc Honda engine platform. Both models/brands accept the chains TriLink chains (2-packs) found right next to the saws at Waltons. I believe Ryobi came second by buying into the patent rights because the Black Max hit the shelves first. Ryobi is a patent-buyer, parts handler.
Thanks for sharing 😁
So the Ryobi 16in bar will fit the black max?
@@625jaymal They are actually redmax chainsaws. look up a redmax gz 380.
I spent $70 on a 18in it came in a case. I bought it on clearance at the end of the year.
Awesome video, about to pick one of these up. Thanks sir!
Hard saw to kill , the wife ran no oil and killed it for a hour till it cooled down , fired back up and still running strong 20+ cords later definitely run 40:1 she's not happy unless she's smoking
we also use the cheap chain saws but use good quality chains from the local small engine power shop we use to use the polan ect chains but they have low quality teeth / blades and safety tabs on the chain . we got tired of them going dull. so bought the chain up top listed with no safety tabs. some people dont know but every time your teeth on the chain gets dull you have to sharpen them and grind a tiny bit off of the the shark fins between the teeth so the teeth can cut better . we do a lot of cutting up here in the Ozarks on mostly oak and hickory for fire wood
Thanks!
Good comment
There called rakers
I just picked up one of these on clearance at Walmart for $56 bar and chain oil 1 gallon for $3 and a bar and chain combo for 10 bucks I was hesitant because it's so cheap but you talked me into it it's worth buying a cut one tree if you have to hire somebody
Wow!!!!
I got the black max weed eater & I put long pole saw attachment it works pretty good
👌🏼
Every new chain stretches a bit when new do to heat. Just make sure the bar is oiling properly to reduce the heat. Brake needs to be on for sure to stay safe when starting. Nice sense of accomplishment when handling a saw. 👍
The instructions specifically say make sure to release the brake before starting?
When you first start it the engine will be at high idle and I would think having the brake on would be hard on components. I'll continue to have mine OFF when I start it.
Pro Tip, your bar is 16", the average length of fire wood is 16"... If you cut the wood to that length you are golden.
Awesome. Thanks!!
That's the oldest and best trick in the book right there. My issue is that I get carried away and forget to measure so I end up with wood at about 15 different sizes
Well you have a good looking dog!
She’s amazing!
Nothing wrong with a product review video here and there.
Most all those Chinese chainsaws are about the same. I have 3 Holtzforma Chinese saws. 38cc. 55cc. 71 cc. I think the key to a saw is taking care of it. Ethanol free gas. Keep chain sharp. Mostly what happens is the plastic fuel tubes get brittle and break. You can buy the whole package of parts tubes, spark plug, air filter, fuel filter for inside tank, and pump bulbs for about 12$ on Amazon. Not sure what chain that came with mine from hultz are full chisel. The 38cc one is low profile. The craftsman saw at lowes is Chinese.
Do you have suggestion removing the spark plug coil wire off.. we tried removing coil wire broke like piece paper the.actual coil part number it's hard to find replacement do you have a parts source you can suggest.. thanks
I don’t have any suggestions. I never had to work on mine.
They are good if wait for the sales
I got the 20" 50cc on sale $130 down from $219.
But it did need have the hand chain brake spring cut down as was way too stiff and would bog and die the saw under load. There's videos how to do.
From what could find black max are put together by black and decker from Honda corp small engine parts Honda sells to corporations of their lesser grade parts for off brand products.
That's a good looking back yard. Any plans to build a shop back there?
Lots of plans for a shop, just need the $$$
Nice yard brother! 👍
Thanks!!
That’s the same saw as the Ryobi it’s a great little saw
After one year started falling apart.
Replced starter housing assembly, due plastic pin broke, chain oil cap, bar nose kit, bucking spike bolts getting loose all the time, hex nuts getting loose all the time and due to that chain just slides off the bar.
Unfortunately for me this saw did not work good.
But it's good small trees, I would assume.
That has to be the least expensive gas powered chainsaw out there. Even a good De Walt battery operated saw is going to cost close to that of an entry level Stihl. Like you said “we’ll have to see about reliability “.
I just started my landscaping business is this a good chainsaw to start of with
I recommend a commercial saw.
don't let the primer bulb or fuel lines go brittle
great deal get job done
What octane gas do you use. I can't find it in the manual.
I use 87
@@TheGasTap Thanks for replying back. I found it in the manual after I wrote to ya. It was in a weird place in the manual and you are correct it is 87 octane and I will be firing it up for the first time tomorrow.
Cool review
Ide use redline oil 40:1 and 90 to 93 octane no ethonal gasoline
Usually even this “cheap” saws work good it’s when people get the mixing ratios off or run 87 ethanol in them that ruins them 🤦♂️..Dakota sounds amazing
Is it normal for the front plate area to smoke a little?
Yeah. Probably unburned 2 stroke oil.
Thanks
Great review
Best $150 I ever spent!
It’s been good to me!
Looks like my craftsman just a different color, probably made by the same company
That saw made by the tti who makes Milwaukee Ryobi and other top brands
The way you turn it on scared me , you choked it about a min when your suppose to accelerate and let it run a whole tank by itself. Rookie
😆
Walmarts for the win
Looks like you had a bargain there.
I got the same saw for $105.00 on line ... delivered to my door the next day .... delivery guy said he picked it up at wal-mart to deliver to me .... actually seen it for less (from the same company) for $102.00 a day or so later ... Looks to be a pretty decent saw
I have a 16 inch one lasted only 10 months and the screw behind the flywheel likes to come unscrewed. Just bought a 18 inch one and after a few hours the screw behind the flywheel unscrewed and it jams it so you have to take it apart. There not worth it in my opinion . I will never buy them again.
I bought my new 18 in black max chain saw at Walmart yesterday for 91 dollar
😮
open up the exhaust a little and tune the carb
Lol
You should always start a chainsaw with the chain brake on!
The directions written ON the chainsaw... step 1: release chain brake.
@@TheGasTap Step 2: Ignore the internet
@@TheGasTap I was always taught by Professional Arborists to always put the chain brake on before starting any chainsaw its a safety thing.
Lots of ppl recommend that. This saw is the outlier. Not sure why.
Nash.... fun 1st ....safety 3rd.
Causes premature wear by revving not under load
Where did you find that information?
@@TheGasTap ask any pro saw man when you Rev the chain without load it can burn the chain sprocket out at the tip of the bar because it spins too fast and it doesn't get oil immediately. You're probably fine. Just trying to give you a tip for future reference. I have the same saw. I would buy a better quality chain than the full skip trilink
got it. I didn't know what part of the saw you were referring to. Thanks for the info.
No problem
Well it's definitely no professional grade saw, but it'll get work done for a homeowner
first thing to do is remove guard on bar end.
Can you elaborate on that more?
@@TheGasTap all the guard does is get in the way. same as an angle grinder.
I figured. Mainly for big logs I'd imagine.
@@TheGasTap The guard it to keep you from plunge cutting with the saw, it is really just an anti kickback device as if you tip a bar it can throw the saw back at your face. It is good to have for a less experienced user.
A saw that small with a grown man you can ditch the end bar guard. It’s probably on there for liability reasons anyway.
It aint got no dog teeth at the front of the bar!!!
👍🏻
Can't beat a stihl
Good stuff
Just bought one for 85 bucks brand new....
That thing needs a 360😬
...and a turbo....
It looks like Ryobi.
🤷🏻♂️
It is! thats why you saw 3716 Model code! This Honda engine was thrown into this machine pumping 37cc! Ryobi bought a patent contract. Slapped dogteeth, a new cover, and a case, alltogether for $160 retail. They are the exact same, no differences besides what I listed.
⅓ of a Stihl MS170??? 16 inch chainsaw. Nah. I'll take the Stihl for 190$ that fired on 2 pulls
Do it!!! Everyone has their own favorite!
got one for under 100 on black friday and it sure is a pos. Hardly any teeth, brake gets clogged up fast and likes to stop running. My old stihl 310 still runs better than this does after one use.
Stihl will always beat Chinese.
Made by poulan
Usually try to avoid controversy, but we are going to be out of more than just gasoline before the end of the current administration.
I don’t watch the news anymore. It’s sad what is happening to our country.
@@TheGasTap Me either. Cannot trust what any of them report.