14" is the sweet spot and I'd not go smaller.
The Husqvarna is a fine little saw. Stihl has the very similar MS170 for the same coin at some outlets - the 171 is the newer fancy pants version.
Cheap battery or electric saws from Bunnings et al are more dangerous than sweaty dynamite.
Both the Husqvarna and Stihl battery saws are much nicer but expensive and the usage periods are short and charging is not fast. No-one wants to run out of battery half way through a back cut.
Have you had training in tree felling or are you planning to just wing it?
Thanks for that, I get the feeling whatever I buy from Husqvarna and Stihl will be much of a muchness. I have a couple of Stihl whipper snippers and a KM131R Kombi system with various attachments. They all run off the same fuel/oil mix from the one fuel can. I wouldn't mind changing it up a bit if I can be convinced. My only Husqvarna tool is a leaf blower which is awesome. The Husqvarna 14" saws are listed as having slightly higher kW (1.4 vs 1.3 for the Stihl) and a larger engine 38.2 cc vs 30.1-31.8 cc Stihl.
I haven't had any training in tree felling. The trees are approx 5-10 m in height, and I have cleared a lot of the lower limbs with the pole chainsaw. Been watching a few instructional videos for some initial guidance.
Bunnings points, noted.
Battery powered saws are OK for little jobs but an expensive way to go esp when battery fails.
I have had a small Stihl 190 T for ages but a cheaper Husky or Stihl is the way to go.
Never touch Bunnings shit.
Cheers mate. I did speak to a Husqvarna rep at one of the local shows and he reckons that the battery ones outsell the petrol. I expected him to say that because he only had the battery ones on display!
On another note, I just noticed how cheap saws are in the USA and there is a fair bit of discussion on bringing them in, albeit from around 5 years ago. Is it worth the hassle trying to get them through customs? I guess if I'm not buying right up the top end of the range its just easier to go the local shop but the thought of getting something a lot better for marginally more than a bottom end Stihl/Husqvarna saw here can't be ignored.