In a message dated 11/7/00 12:29:05 AM, vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG writes:

<< I figured that if Germany can

design some of the best automotive engines in the world they should make

pretty decent chainsaws. >>

The Germans invented the high performance 2-stroke engine; the East Germans,
that is.  In the late 50's and early 60's, an engineering genius named Walter
Kaaden was whipping the butts of MV Agusta, Yamaha and Honda with the wicked
2-strokes he designed for MZ.  His budget at MZ probably would not have even
covered the cost of Honda's lab coats.  It was not until the Japs stole his
designs that they were even able to smell what he fielded.  So much for
design by committee.

As far as chainsaws, get a Husky.  When you consider that there has hardly
been a tree worth felling in Germany since the Romans were there, it is
unlikely that they would produce a superior saw.  Anyway, Stihl seems geared
to the Home Depot market niche.

Rich