Metabo HPT Tanaka TCS33EB/16 32cc 16-Inch 2-Stroke Gas Powered Rear Handle Chain Saw (CARB Compliant)

I'm a retired General Contractor, so I've had a fair amount of experience with hand tools, including those with small engines.I had a 16" Poulan- a cheapie that I bought at my local Ace Hardware- since the chainsaw is not a tool that I use a whole lot, it lasted for 5 or 6 years, but finally bit the dust. I have a couple of Shindaiwa string trimmers that I regard highly, so when it came time to buy a new chainsaw, because I'm favorably disposed to the Shindaiwa brand, I figured that I'd go Japanese. Since I don't need a chainsaw all that often, I went with the cheapie, figuring that with the little trimming that I do, it would last at least as long as the Poulan- which it well may, but it won't last ME that long, because I'm going to either give it away, donate it to Habitat for Humanity (or some similar organization), or possibly throw it into the local land fill, and buy another Poulan, or it's equal.This thing is just a BEAR to start- it's never taken less than 40 pulls on the starter, and even then, I have to set the choke and DEPRESS THE TRIGGER while pulling the starter rope to get it going (which is not really recommended, since when it DOES start, it starts at full speed) . It doesn't idle well- will shut down on it's own after 35-45 seconds at idle, and then doesn't want to start again. It is VERY frustrating!I need to check the chain tension frequently when it's in use- it comes alarmingly loose all too easily, no matter how hard I torque down the tensioner bolts.At one point, after trying to start it for over 5 minutes, I thought that I'd check the spark plug- but I was unable to pull the spark plug wire off of the plug- there's spring-type connector at the wire/plug terminus that wouldn't pull off, but instead 'unwound'- I put it back together without removing the plug. If I did ever use the saw long enough to warrant a plug change, I'd have to change the plug wire as well- there's no way that I'd be able to re-use it after removing it from the plug.Of course, once it DID get going, it cut as well as expected- I only used it for light trimming around my house, i.e. branches up to 4" in diameter.I'm not a professional user, and I didn't expect a professional-quality saw, but I'm sorely disappointed with what I did get.I gave it 2 stars because it cut well when it did start, but I'd never recommend it to anyone- well, maybe someone that I didn't like very much...

I needed a cheap chain saw to clean up some miscellaneous limbs around my house. I had used Tanaka equipment in the past and knew that they made very high quality yard tools. After accounting for the available $50 manufacturer rebate, this saw was about the same price as the cheap ones at my local Sears or big box store.Assembly was very simple, as it should be for most chain saws, just attach the bar and chain. The chain tension adjustment could be a little more robust but it should work for a long time with some care. After gassing it up and checking everything, I pulled the starter cord. Probably 10 pulls later, the saw was up and running. I let it rest for a couple minutes to warm up before I put it under any load. The limbs I was cutting ranged from size of 10" down to 2". The saw did a fine job with these limbs. I hope to have a chance to try it on some bigger limbs when I take down some more trees.Whenever I needed to take a break, the saw started up on the first pull when I came back. Now the weather was in the mid-60s, so it might take a little more effort if I need to use the saw in the dead of winter. I expect that from any saw that is on the cheap end of the market.For those that are not aware, this saw is identical to the Hitachi CS33EB/16 32cc:  Hitachi CS33EB/16 16-Inch 32.2cc PureFire 2-Stroke Gas-Powered Chain Saw with Anti-Vibration System (CARB Compliant) In the end, I feel that this chain saw deserves 4 stars. If it had started in the first few pulls or had a more solid chain tensioner, I would say that this would be the perfect saw for the occasional home user.

I am now returning my second saw. The first broke within the first 5 minutes of my assembling it. The tiny screw that tightens the chain is connected by gears to a small bolt that moves the tightener back and forth. The bolt was bent! Looked like a piece of macaroni. Obviously, this caused the screw head to break. I returned it, got another quickly from Amazon, and checked the bolt. Straight--good. But only a couple of turns, and the screw head begins to crumble again, even as it is moving the tightener. Incredibly fragile. I figure out that the only way to keep this saw is to have a bag of replacement screws when one breaks. No way to fix the screw head or replace it--I asked around at the local Hardware store. The gears on its other end are not standard size.So I try to call Tanaka to explain the problem and request a bag of screws. After 5 minutes of ringing for customer service, I put it on speaker phone and waited another 80 minutes. Nothing. I emailed them, and the email bounced back. I emailed Hitachi, then called. Got to a live person who promised to get back to me--four days ago. I emailed her directly twice as well--no reply except to acknowledge receipt.You be the judge...

This saw is actually made by Hitachi [made in China]. Hitachi used to be a reputable tool company [made in Japan] sadly, in recent years their quality has gone to hell. I purchased this saw and returned it after one use. It was almost impossible to start again after 45 minutes of use. Maybe this has something to do with it being carb compliant. In any case my arm hurts every time I think of this saw. Now for the good news. I contacted amazozon and they had ups pick it up next day, return postage paid. After a week my purchase price plus shipping was refunded without a hitch. Bravo amazon.

Bought this saw for my husband 7 years ago. He’s used it on and off since then with no issues ever. It’s a great chainsaw for the money. He uses it primarily for light use around our property. He likes it because it’s fairly lightweight for a medium duty chainsaw. The chains do wear out ocassionally but is easy to replace. Fuel filter also had to be replaced once. Good solid product- highly recommend.