Finally got to some hickory and black locust in my wood pile and decided to get a new saw. My sears saw isn't powerful enough, my Pioneer is but has no chainbrake and is heavy. I was thinking either the 390 or 361. The 390 is a bigger CC motor but the 361 is 0.1 hp more. Is it worth the $100 difference? Do these saws have as much power as my Farmsaw? I can get a good price on stihl so that's why I 'm leaning toward them.
390 vs 361 vs ?
- Thread starter moterhead3
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If you plan on modest to serious cutting, I would consider weight also. Given saws of equal HP, but one 2-3 pounds lighter, I would seriously consider the lighter one. Also consider the HP @ RPM. 4hp @ 7000 rpm vs 4hp @ 13,000 rpm will have different characteristics.
If it were me, I'd go with the 361. It is a "PRO" saw where as the 390 is considered a "consumer" saw. The difference being in the way they are built. The 361 will last better in the long run.
I've had an 036 for 9 yrs and I love it everytime I use it.
I've had an 036 for 9 yrs and I love it everytime I use it.
The 390 is a good saw, I've owned an 039, which was identical; but not quite as great/star performer as the 361. The 361 is definitely worth an extra hundred bucks...pro saw, great performance, great construction/durability, less weight.
moterhead3 said:
The 390 and 361 are closer than $100 around here, but in any case I think the 361 is worth $100 more.
Of course I am partial cause I own one, but I'd go with the 361. Definitely worth the extra 100 clams given the better power to weight ratio.
Had the same question 6 months ago, went with 361. SmokinJ liked it so much he went out and just bought one. 361 never look back.
MMaul said:
yep in less than a year i had 180 260 and now the 361 looking for the perfect limbing saw! the 361
Thanks for all the feedback. My wife just ordered my early Christmas present, ms361 20 inch bar, I'll have it Sunday. She likes the heat from the stove, so she wants me to have the saw I always wanted,so I have no excuses when it comes to cutting wood. Anyone want to buy a good running Craftsman saw?
Congrats on the saw, you'll love it and like smokinjay said, keep the craftsman. Always nice to have an extra saw in a "pinch".
I've got other saws. My Stihl 011 is nice for little stuff. My pioneer is 1981 model, I'm the second owner, real low hours, lots of power but hard to get parts for. The Craftsman I bought new in 2005, just dosn't have the power I feel a 55cc saw should have. It's like new so I'm going to put it on CL and see what happens, I'm not going to give it away. Can't wait till Sunday.
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