SpaceBus
Minister of Fire
I forgot about the 543xp, that looks like an awesome saw for small-medium logs.
Saw recommendations
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Sawset
Minister of Fire
Could you elaborate on that a bit. Maybe two good photos, one of each, just to get a rough idea of what you are refering to. Most of us don't make a habit of pulling saws apart for fun, at least not what I've seen here.
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I bought a 271 and cut 10 cords with it and traded it for a 261. Same bar 18”, same chains. Seat of the pants feels like it has about 20% more power and is a lot more spirited and lighter feel too. The 271 is fine and probably more practical for the occasional firewood cutter but the 261 is so much fun in comparison. How far do you want to take this hobby?
The I sent the 261 to mastermind work saws for there work saw mods. Which doesn’t detract from longevity. It came back with 1/3 more power than it left with, and I can’t stop smiling.
The bought a new 462 72cc saw ran 3 tanks though it and thought that’s a hell of a improvement from the 261 but what the heck sent it to mastermind and holy smokes unreal. But what I did realize is that I use the 261 more because it is lighter and just more nimble.
If you do a 261 and if you do modify it, if you get the occasional large tree and the double cut is just not practical, what I did before I got the 462, is I bought a kit for the 261 to quick change it to a 28” bar. ( rim spocket, bar and chain). With the extra ponies it will pull a longer bar, not great but not be either!
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The I sent the 261 to mastermind work saws for there work saw mods. Which doesn’t detract from longevity. It came back with 1/3 more power than it left with, and I can’t stop smiling.
The bought a new 462 72cc saw ran 3 tanks though it and thought that’s a hell of a improvement from the 261 but what the heck sent it to mastermind and holy smokes unreal. But what I did realize is that I use the 261 more because it is lighter and just more nimble.
If you do a 261 and if you do modify it, if you get the occasional large tree and the double cut is just not practical, what I did before I got the 462, is I bought a kit for the 261 to quick change it to a 28” bar. ( rim spocket, bar and chain). With the extra ponies it will pull a longer bar, not great but not be either!
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I bought a 271 and cut 10 cords with it and traded it for a 261. Same bar 18”, same chains. Seat of the pants feels like it has about 20% more power and is a lot more spirited and lighter feel too. The 271 is fine and probably more practical for the occasional firewood cutter but the 261 is so much fun in comparison. How far do you want to take this hobby?
The I sent the 261 to mastermind work saws for there work saw mods. Which doesn’t detract from longevity. It came back with 1/3 more power than it left with, and I can’t stop smiling.
The bought a new 462 72cc saw ran 3 tanks though it and thought that’s a hell of a improvement from the 261 but what the heck sent it to mastermind and holy smokes unreal. But what I did realize is that I use the 261 more because it is lighter and just more nimble.
If you do a 261 and if you do modify it, if you get the occasional large tree and the double cut is just not practical, what I did before I got the 462, is I bought a kit for the 261 to quick change it to a 28” bar. ( rim spocket, bar and chain). With the extra ponies it will pull a longer bar, not great but not be either!
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Who is this mastermind? I'd consider sending my 365 Special to someone for modding.
(broken link removed). Also google YouTube.
.....here is the 462 when it came back from mastermind. He does probably hundreds of saws a year, no race saws just work saw mods. It takes quite a while to get it back, but he is one of the best. There is many other good modders too....... Chain saws are fun.
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lsucet
Minister of Fire
Have both of those here too. 261 and 462. The light weight of those saws are incredible. I always end with the 261I bought a 271 and cut 10 cords with it and traded it for a 261. Same bar 18”, same chains. Seat of the pants feels like it has about 20% more power and is a lot more spirited and lighter feel too. The 271 is fine and probably more practical for the occasional firewood cutter but the 261 is so much fun in comparison. How far do you want to take this hobby?
The I sent the 261 to mastermind work saws for there work saw mods. Which doesn’t detract from longevity. It came back with 1/3 more power than it left with, and I can’t stop smiling.
The bought a new 462 72cc saw ran 3 tanks though it and thought that’s a hell of a improvement from the 261 but what the heck sent it to mastermind and holy smokes unreal. But what I did realize is that I use the 261 more because it is lighter and just more nimble.
If you do a 261 and if you do modify it, if you get the occasional large tree and the double cut is just not practical, what I did before I got the 462, is I bought a kit for the 261 to quick change it to a 28” bar. ( rim spocket, bar and chain). With the extra ponies it will pull a longer bar, not great but not be either!
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SpaceBus
Minister of Fire
SpaceBus
Minister of Fire
I can post a video from the builder of my saw if the OP wants to see.
Randy builds a hell of a worksaw, I have several....(broken link removed). Also google YouTube.
.....here is the 462 when it came back from mastermind. He does probably hundreds of saws a year, no race saws just work saw mods. It takes quite a while to get it back, but he is one of the best. There is many other good modders too....... Chain saws are fun.
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SpaceBus
Minister of Fire
I just bought a 550xp mkII and like it alot, light lots of power.
My dad runs a 455 Rancher and has cut 4-5cords a year for the last 10 years and has only replaced the chain, it's a gas and go saw.
He also used to run a 35cc McCullough that was used for about 15 years before the rancher, it probably has cut 60 cords of wood and still runs.
Longevity seems to be as much in maintenance as brand and build quality, a well maintained saw lasts a long time.
I guess you need to decide whether you want a tool or a toy, a 455 is a tool, its heavier has a little less power but is very affordable and gets the job done. A 550xp is a like a toy it gets the work done with a smile on your face.
My dad runs a 455 Rancher and has cut 4-5cords a year for the last 10 years and has only replaced the chain, it's a gas and go saw.
He also used to run a 35cc McCullough that was used for about 15 years before the rancher, it probably has cut 60 cords of wood and still runs.
Longevity seems to be as much in maintenance as brand and build quality, a well maintained saw lasts a long time.
I guess you need to decide whether you want a tool or a toy, a 455 is a tool, its heavier has a little less power but is very affordable and gets the job done. A 550xp is a like a toy it gets the work done with a smile on your face.
sprawlnstall
Burning Hunk
I bought a Husky 562xp this year and was impressed. I own a stihl 251 but it would not be fair to compare it to the husky. The 562 xp is a pro saw and cost 3x as much. I will say the auto tune in the husky is nice (as long as it continues to always work) and the aluminum handle is a big improvement over the plastic stihl handle. I may be wrong but husqvarna claims their saws cut 30% faster than a stihl. I own both and like both but prefer the husky. may not be a fair opinion because I don't own a pro stihl saw.
sprawlnstall
Burning Hunk
Stihl suggests only cutting a few cords of wood a year with their occasional use/ low end saws. A pro Saw can be run a lot harder.
lsucet
Minister of Fire
If given a choice my money would go with Echo ,not that I know anything special, It is just that every single thing I have ever owned with that name on it has worked remarkably well for me. Had to say it.
AlbergSteve
Minister of Fire
Saw this recall on HealthCanada's website...
healthycanadians.gc.ca
Makita Canada Inc. recalls Makita and Dolmar Chainsaws - Canada.ca
Echo 501P is what I would go with. About $450 from the dealer. I got mine on Echo Dealer Days for 15% off this Spring so under $400 with the discount. Its 50cc, will run a 18 or 20" bar no problem and it is super light. I never use my 620p anymore since I got this one unless I am cutting something over 18" generally, which is crazy cause I love the power that the 620p offers. Echo makes great products and they are significantly cheaper than the Stihl equivalents. Not saying there is anything wrong with the Stihl stuff at all, its just more expensive.
StilhI'm a Dolmar fan ( makes me the odd person out) But I do have a 33or cc Echo and at the extreme other end a Stilh 084 ( only because I have never been able to latch on to a Dolmar in that cc range.
I almost got one of these. Very comparable to the MS261. I got approval to get a pro saw and wanted to use it the next day. Only place that was open at 7pm on a Friday evening was an Ace Hardware and they don't sell Echo
Haha, I know the feeling. I’m a bit impulsive like that too.I almost got one of these. Very comparable to the MS261. I got approval to get a pro saw and wanted to use it the next day. Only place that was open at 7pm on a Friday evening was an Ace Hardware and they don't sell Echo
Medic21
Minister of Fire
SpaceBus
Minister of Fire
Sean McGillicuddy
Minister of Fire
I have a MS260 as well.. However It's in Canada @ my summer home..so it's not used so much , works great when I use it..@ Home I have a husky 350 it does what I want it to do...My 240 has had a ruff life ( Wife ran it over) Now I have a small eco to replace the 240 ( was my fathers , he's 87 ) .... all small and manageable saws.. My dream saw 272XP ….
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