Have had saws by McCullock, Husky, Echo and Stihl. For light use any saw will work if you keep it sharp, but my experience was Stihl is the way to go. When I lived in WI cut firewood, first for a fireplace with insert and then for an outdoor wood furnace. Probably cut 15+ cords a year for the furnace with a Stihl 029 Farm Boss with an 18" bar. Did use a Husky for a bit but the Stihl cut better. One trick I learned from a couple of loggers was to check and touch up the chain every tank of gas or so and to rotate the bar every third or fourth tank full. Use the Stihl brand synthetic 2C oil and a good bar oil, used Stihl as well for this either regular or winter grade as conditions dictated. My original saw started losing compression after 20 years of hard service and rather rebuild it bought another, new model was the 291 IIRC, also with an 18" bar. Gave it to my son when I moved to KY. The Echo is a pruning saw and haven't used it much, but for light trimming it is fine and easier on my arthritis due to the lighter weight. Not up on current prices but some things are worth spending money on, and a good chainsaw is one of them. You might also check your local Stihl dealer, they frequently have reconditioned trade ins that may meet your needs and price range.