My Next Chainsaw Will Be A...

[BlankBlankBlank]

Allow me to restate the obvious (to me.)
A saw is only as good as the edge on its chain cutters. And that's perishable.
If I'm going to obsess about brand/model/bar-length/yada-yada, that'll be after seeing to the chain being razor-sharp.
Simplest, cheapest way to mazimize bang/buck: file early, file often. (Maybe that's why my 35+ yr old Echo is still competent at limbing.)

Yup! Yup! With you on the whole post. I just sharpened my 18" chain for my 40 cc Echo using my new Timber Tuff grinder. First time I ever used a chain grinder. Got it very, very sharp. Cuts better than factory sharpened chain. Still need a bigger saw (higher cc with longer bar). Though happier with my Echo now.

 

[MasterMech]

Allow me to restate the obvious (to me.)
A saw is only as good as the edge on its chain cutters. And that's perishable.
If I'm going to obsess about brand/model/bar-length/yada-yada, that'll be after seeing to the chain being razor-sharp.
Simplest, cheapest way to mazimize bang/buck: file early, file often. (Maybe that's why my 35+ yr old Echo is still competent at limbing.)

The operator, the chain, then the powerhead. In that order. A lousy operator will ruin a perfectly good chain and a ratty chain will ruin even the best powerhead unless the operator intervenes. Never heard of a crappy saw ruining a good chain and have never heard of a busted operator where it truly was the fault of the chain.

 

[Hass]

I bought a used 390 off of craigslist, never looked back.
I'm one of the people that leave fuel in their saw... (I know I shouldn't) Anytime I need it, even if it's been sitting for 3-4 months, she only takes 2-3 pulls to start up. First one choked, then give it another tug on run and it's good to go.

I'm swinging a 18" bar, flies through anything I've cut so far. I have a 22" that it came with, but I rarely cut anything bigger than 14-16"
We'll see how it does when I get a log load this winter.

 

[computeruser]

Allow me to restate the obvious (to me.)
A saw is only as good as the edge on its chain cutters. And that's perishable.
If I'm going to obsess about brand/model/bar-length/yada-yada, that'll be after seeing to the chain being razor-sharp.
Simplest, cheapest way to mazimize bang/buck: file early, file often. (Maybe that's why my 35+ yr old Echo is still competent at limbing.)

+1. You're right on.

All the power in the world doesn't mean a damned thing with a dull chain, or one that has been poorly sharpened. I went through the HP phase a few years back, slinging Dolmar7900s and warmed-over 066s with 20" bars for felling work. Yes, they cut fast, but I wasn't really any more productive for it. Lately all my felling, and much of my bucking work has been done with the good ol' Dolmar 5100s (18", 3/8" chain) and much of the rest gets done with a Husky 238 (13", .325" chain). The only time the big motor/short bar really comes in handy is in making the same cut over and over, every 16-20", when blocking up a long log for firewood, but even then the other saws move along plenty fast enough in wood that is 1-1.5x bar length.

50cc trail clearing:

 

[smokinj]

If you want to check out Husqvarna, the 60cc model to look at is the new 562XP.

For 60cc's, you can't go wrong with 361/362, but some say the 562XP is the new best-in-class. I'm eager to try one.

I hate the hype on saw's. No matter what is said just remember its still a saw. Best in class is who owns it.

I'm with ya' here Jay. The operator makes the biggest difference for sure. That said, the 562XP sure does look to be a threat to the MS362...

I think huskys have a few real threats.....

 

[MasterMech]

If you want to check out Husqvarna, the 60cc model to look at is the new 562XP.

For 60cc's, you can't go wrong with 361/362, but some say the 562XP is the new best-in-class. I'm eager to try one.

I hate the hype on saw's. No matter what is said just remember its still a saw. Best in class is who owns it.

I'm with ya' here Jay. The operator makes the biggest difference for sure. That said, the 562XP sure does look to be a threat to the MS362...

I think huskys have a few real threats.....

Their distribution/retail model comes to mind.....

 

[TreePointer]

Their distribution/retail model comes to mind.....

Lolzer! :lol:

 

[Bigg_Redd]

If you want to check out Husqvarna, the 60cc model to look at is the new 562XP.

For 60cc's, you can't go wrong with 361/362, but some say the 562XP is the new best-in-class. I'm eager to try one.

I hate the hype on saw's. No matter what is said just remember its still a saw. Best in class is who owns it.

I'm with ya' here Jay. The operator makes the biggest difference for sure. That said, the 562XP sure does look to be a threat to the MS362...

I think huskys have a few real threats.....

Their distribution/retail model comes to mind.....

ouch