I need a good chainsaw

[EatenByLimestone]

Trunk size and how many cords/year?

I keep a little 42cc/18" bar C'man also. It does limbing duty and acts as a loaner saw.

Matt

 

[Benchwrench]

That's an important question, "How much?"
My wife will say - I'm cheap, I say- I'm Frugal.

If a $1000 will buy a great new saw, maybe I can get the same saw for $600 used. The thing is, this isn't for felling trees where one needs 80cc's to blaze through a trunk, it's just needed for bucking and such so I'd like to find a high power to weight ratio, lightweight unit that can easily work a 16-18" bar. In other words a small saw.

 

[Benchwrench]

Currently I'm looking at a Redmax G5300 which is basically the same thing as the Husky 353 but I still have no idea which one I want to pull the trigger on. However a 346xp might be the perfect saw for my needs... still looking though. I just don't want to buy a saw made in China.

 

[lukem]

I'd look real hard at a Stihl 026/260/261. Lightweight, good power, and can run a 20" on occasion. 346XP would be a good choice too.

If you don't mind spending a few bucks and plan to keep the saw for a long time, I'd stay away from any Husq saw that doesn't have an "XP" on the side.

 

[Benchwrench]

I'm not sure what is wrong with this, looks like a small crack but it might be worth checking out.
(broken link removed to http://watertown.craigslist.org/tls/3350417464.html)
zap

Wasn't the 391 recalled ?

 

[MasterMech]

Currently I'm looking at a Redmax G5300 which is basically the same thing as the Husky 353 but I still have no idea which one I want to pull the trigger on. However a 346xp might be the perfect saw for my needs... still looking though. I just don't want to buy a saw made in China.

346XP is what the 353 aspires to be when it grows up.

That's an important question, "How much?"
My wife will say - I'm cheap, I say- I'm Frugal.

If a $1000 will buy a great new saw, maybe I can get the same saw for $600 used. The thing is, this isn't for felling trees where one needs 80cc's to blaze through a trunk, it's just needed for bucking and such so I'd like to find a high power to weight ratio, lightweight unit that can easily work a 16-18" bar. In other words a small saw.

Go run that 026 your neighbor has, like it? Good, now get hunting for a used MS260(Pro). Should land in the $300 ballpark for a nice example. Or just bite the bullet and pick up a new MS261. Dust your hands off and declare the task "DONE!"

I'd look real hard at a Stihl 026/260/261. Lightweight, good power, and can run a 20" on occasion. 346XP would be a good choice too.

If you don't mind spending a few bucks and plan to keep the saw for a long time, I'd stay away from any Husq saw that doesn't have an "XP" on the side.

Yah, that.

 

[TreePointer]

Wasn't the 391 recalled ?

MS-391 Recall Notice: http://m.stihlusa.com/information/recalls/recall-ms-391-powerhead/

 

[MasterMech]

Wasn't the 391 recalled ?

Yup. No issues with the ones on shelves now but the dealer should be able to run the serial if there is any doubt. Stihl is very thorough with their safety recalls.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

how do I pick which chainsaw to buy?
I have a small cheezy 16" 32cc. "Craftsman" branded (McCulloch/ Poulan) chainsaw, but I need a "real" saw that is just a bit more powerful as I am always "massaging" the thing to cut.
I am looking for a "all around, use all the time" type of chainsaw.

I live in Stihl country but I'm not sure they're better than Husky's, I just want a real good professional mid-size saw that can be used most of the day for bucking and limbing.

Anything come to mind? thanks.

Unless you're willing to open your wallet my advice is keep massaging and learn to file chains.

 

[amateur cutter]

+ 1 on the 260 or 026 pro if you want a small fast pro saw, otherwise look for a used 036 pro. I just picked up a nice clean good runner with an Oregon mini grinder for $ 175.00. There are some deals out there if you're patient & diligent. I always try to keep some cash in the "saw fund" if I run across a good deal. You can always sell a good saw, esp Stihl. A C

 

[ailanthus]

My wife will say - I'm cheap, I say- I'm Frugal.

Me too. So far I'm completely happy with the used 025 I picked up. Could you spend 5x more $$ and get something much better? Yes. Do you need to? Probably not.

 

[Benchwrench]

Thanks guys for all the replies but I have a question, what's the deal with the numbering system for Stihl. I mean is there something to it so a guy can figure out what's the displacement by the model number ?

 

[EatenByLimestone]

Smaller numbers are for smaller saws, larger numbers for larger saws.

0XX is an older model. XX0 is the newer version.

I have no idea what they stand for. I suspect it is a fraction of cubic cubits.

Matt

 

[Benchwrench]

Unless you're willing to open your wallet my advice is keep massaging and learn to file chains.

I like your style, however I think everyone should have a back up saw, I mean I think we've all "been there, done that" such as myself being stuck a few times in orchards and woods where I bucked incorrectly and got my chainsaw stuck and the only one for miles that heard my wimpering was my dog.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

Thanks guys for all the replies but I have a question, what's the deal with the numbering system for Stihl. I mean is there something to it so a guy can figure out what's the displacement by the model number ?

No

 

[Bigg_Redd]

I like your style, however I think everyone should have a back up saw, I mean I think we've all "been there, done that" such as myself being stuck a few times in orchards and woods where I bucked incorrectly and got my chainsaw stuck and the only one for miles that heard my wimpering was my dog.

If you're ready to step up to a "real" saw

1) MS290 - ultra reliability for under $400

2) MS361/MS362/357XP ultimate firewood saws in the $700 range

3) MS440/372XP - ultimate firewood saws in the $900 (or any) range.

 

[StihlHead]

No

That goes for Husky as well. Though Husky has the same model number for saws with different displacements and engine designs, like... the 346xp and the 372xp. The 346 has 2 sizes of engines, and the 372 has 3 types/size engines and one is an x-torque. Go figure...

 

[DexterDay]

Stihl 036 = Stihl MS360/361/362 = 3.6 Cu Inches (59-63 cc)

Whether is an 046/460 or 029/290, just drop the 0 and the numbers are Cubic inches.

260/026 is 49 cc
036/360 is 63 cc
046/460 is 76 cc

Husqvarnas system is easier for the avwrage Joe. The last 2 #'s (or only 2 depending on age of saw) are the cc's (or Very close to it)

 

[Benchwrench]

Trunk size and how many cords/year?
Matt

My neighbor will let me use his big saws anytime. The largest being a 36"
Since I just installed a QuadraFire 5100 last Dec, I'm still figuring out the Firewood useage but I'd say about 3-4 cords per year depending on the wood and the season.

Thanks again guys, I think There's enough to chew on here, I really think I like the idea of sticking with Stihl because;
1. alot of you guys recommend the brand in several posts
2. Stihl is predominantly the main brand sold in this area
3. My neighbor has nothing but Stihl equipment.

 

[Nixon]

My neighbor will let me use his big saws anytime. The largest being a 36"
Since I just installed a QuadraFire 5100 last Dec, I'm still figuring out the Firewood useage but I'd say about 3-4 cords per year depending on the wood and the season.

Well, I've read your posts here , so I'm going to make a recommendation . Go with a Stihl Farm Boss , or a Husqvarna Rancher in the 60cc range if You just want a reliable firewood saw that won't break the bank to buy , or own .

 

[Benchwrench]

exactly, Thanks, I will.

 

[JOHN BOY]

What ever you do dont waste your money on a ms390 . Maybe mine was a fluke ,but it was just a plane pig. Power to weight ratio is bad. Could'nt pull a 24 inch bar if it tried boogged down alot. 18-20 was ok. My buddy's 290 and 260 ran right with it. The ms260 is a great bucking and limbing saw that wont break you. Like some have said the ms260 026 used is a good way to go. not heavy and good power.

I like a small to mid-sized fast saw 346xp or 260 is what i'd be looking at. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[DexterDay]

There is a Nice 360 Pro with case for $350 in my locale on CL ........ Tryin hard to resist?

(If I sell my 036, then I could...)

There are some nice saws on the used market. Just gotta strike while the irons hot

 

[amateur cutter]

There is a Nice 360 Pro with case for $350 in my locale on CL ........ Tryin hard to resist?

(If I sell my 036, then I could...)

There are some nice saws on the used market. Just gotta strike while the irons hot

What ya want for the 036? Like I need another one, but well you know. A C

 

[Uncle Dave]

What ever you do dont waste your money on a ms390 . Maybe mine was a fluke ,but it was just a plane pig. Power to weight ratio is bad. Could'nt pull a 24 inch bar if it tried boogged down alot. 18-20 was ok. My buddy's 290 and 260 ran right with it. The ms260 is a great bucking and limbing saw that wont break you. Like some have said the ms260 026 used is a good way to go. not heavy and good power.

I like a small to mid-sized fast saw 346xp or 260 is what i'd be looking at. Good luck with your purchase.

This has to be for Fun! My wife was in Good Will. The clerk was selling some sort of contraption. Fellow backed away, and may wife said "Sold!" Fellow behind her offered her twice what she had bought if for. "No Deal . ." , The next week there was a Poulan 2150 on the walk, outside. $20. Scrounged the stuff to keep me working up a long steep hill behind the house. Tool box, extra chain, oil, gas, Don't forget water at this altitude! Great learning curve!

Uncle Dave.