Is this a good Stihl chainsaw purchase?

[TreePointer]

Well, a high power to weight ratio facilitates faster work over a longer period of time. That's pretty significant for an aborist who spends a large fraction of every day running a saw. There's also the question of dealer support; it's problematic if the dealer who can fix your work tools is far away or takes a while to obtain parts. For us amateur firewood cutters, though, the pro saws are more fun than they are a necessity.

You make a good point, but I'll add that for those who depend on firewood for heating their homes, the advantages of a pro saw can make them the best fit for the job and not just more fun than they are a necessity.

If you have a longer heating season or heat a larger home, you'll need more firewood. Personally, I have little time to process firewood, so I need things to be as efficient as possible. In addition, I've used "farm/ranch" level saws with antiquated antivibration (290 for instance). The extra weight, vibrations, and longer time in the cut do take their toll on me during long cutting sessions.

 

[Ashful]

I'll second that. I processed 14 cords in 2013. Two kids, dual career family, renovating and expanding a big old farm house... Very little time for processing all that wood. We need about 8 cords/ year.

 

[Pennsyltucky Chris]

You can get a brand new Husqi 460 (60cc) for like $25-$75 ($425-$475) more. You can get a 72cc for $525-$575. They're out there.

 

[Kool_hand_Looke]

Looks to be fairly new. It's got that Elastostart button on T handle. Something I've only seen as of late.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

I think you should buy a saw....

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

I think your next post should be, I Bought This Saw Finally...

 

[KD0AXS]

I haven't seen it mentioned, but I was looking at a local dealer and they had the MS311 (60cc) for $499.

 

[ironworker]

For a couple of more bucks I would get a new saw.

 

[Firewood Bandit]

Neal Murphy is a stand up guy, I wouldn't worry about a purchase from him if you want a Stihl.