Which Chainsaw Would You Pick

[jeffesonm]

$400 for 036 w/20" bar: http://www.ebay.com/itm/STIHL-MS360...274046530?pt=US_Chainsaws&hash=item27e0ba8c42

You can get one for less if you're patient, or if you're impatient, just buy it and go cut some wood!

 

[isipwater]

I have that Makita 6401 (same as 6421, but with a non-CAT muffler). It's a great saw but a bit heavy for it's power. I'd much rather have a 361/362 or Husqvarna 562. Get to a Home Depot rental center or a Dolmar dealer to feel its weight.

Now if you are going to swap a big bore kit onto the Makita 6401/21 to a to get it to 79cc or 84cc's, then that makes a very good investment. I put the OEM 79cc kit on mine and loooove it.

Yes, I have picked up this saw and it is heavy!

 

[isipwater]

$400 for 036 w/20" bar: http://www.ebay.com/itm/STIHL-MS360...274046530?pt=US_Chainsaws&hash=item27e0ba8c42

You can get one for less if you're patient, or if you're impatient, just buy it and go cut some wood!

Looks good, but for $400 I would like to get something newer, like a 360 or a 361.

 

[tsquini]

I wouldn't be too concerned about a used saw from a reputable dealer or one of the reputable guys at AS.

You are right. If you are talking about a dealer. I was thinking more of a Craig's list purchase.

 

[_CY_]

Looks good, but for $400 I would like to get something newer, like a 360 or a 361.

there's little to no difference between 036 and MS360 if they are both in same condition.
361 if you like a newer style saw .. some like older adjustable carbs better.

 

[Wildo]

Look at the Dolmar 6100 $520, 61cc, 4.5/4.69 hp (website/brochure), 13.22 lb., 13,800 rpm. Dealer said that it is a screamer! I only chose the 6400 over it because it was on backorder and I see big Dolmar in my future.

 

[Jon1270]

Looks good, but for $400 I would like to get something newer, like a 360 or a 361.

Auction's over now, but $402 w/free shipping for that 036 Pro was an unusually good deal for eBay. The original paint is mostly intact, right down to the black line that goes up the recoil cover, across the engine shroud and down the sprocket cover, and the wrap handle is only moderately worn. That saw has been taken care of and not used a whole lot, and the 036 Pro is a popular saw that holds its value well. I've paid substantially less for an even better saw, but it was a local purchase and I only got lucky because I watch Craigslist all the time.

Having worked on (and subsequently sold) several saws of similar vintage, I think you may be placing more importance on age than it deserves. As long as they're out of the weather and off the ground, chainsaws tend to survive storage quite well. Careless owners often store them with fuel in the tank, which eventually ruins the fuel line (cheap) and occasionally gums up the carburetor so that it needs a bit of cleaning, but these are not cars; they don't have some hidden steel underbody that's going to rust out. If you're not mechanically inclined then it makes sense to stay away from heavily used saws, and I would steer clear of a saw that's been "rebuilt" by someone you don't have reason to trust because it might have some cheap aftermarket parts in important places (typically piston and cylinder). Age alone would not worry me much at all; a 10-20 year old pro saw that's had an easy life is likely to be a great choice.

As to engine size, consider not just the largest but the average size log you're likely to deal with. If you anticipate lots of 20-24" logs then 60cc or so is where you'll want to be. If you'll mostly have 14-16" logs with only occasional bigger stuff then 50cc might be the better choice because it's likely to be lighter and more nimble. Of course you can always split the difference and get the 357...

 

[Osagebndr]

I personally have found that my ms271 cuts just as well as my 290 . Lighter weight not by much but Stihl has put the anti vibe on it as well. Cuts thru 18" material with no effort whatsoever also. I was surprised by how well the saw does cut .

 

[webie]

No wildthing ?

 

[Osagebndr]

Lol rite

 

[blacktail]

For someone who originally was gonna get an MS180, I don't see how you would be disappointed with a Farm Boss. Buying a new one from a dealer eliminates any questions about previous owners. It'll be new. It'll be yours. It'll have a warranty.
It's not a pro saw and it's not the most powerful saw. But for the average guy just cutting firewood, it gets the job done and doesn't break the bank.
Between me, my dad, a couple of friends, and my neighbors we have a mix of firewood caliber Stihl saws: a couple 290s, an 029, an 032, and a 360. Add a Husky 455 to the mix too. The only real difference I notice is that my neighbor's 360 is louder than the rest. What really makes a difference is which saw has a sharp chain.

 

[smokedragon]

For someone who has a 290 and likes it I will say this......

If I had the money and the knowledge I have now, I would have bought a bigger saw. The 290 does everything someone like me asks, but I would love to have a little more sometimes. At the time I bought it, it was at the top of what I could pay for a new saw. I can't get out of my 290 what I think it would be worth, so I will be using it for many more years. If it bites the bullet, I will go bigger..... until then, it will keep right on cutting.

 

[isipwater]

For someone who originally was gonna get an MS180, I don't see how you would be disappointed with a Farm Boss. Buying a new one from a dealer eliminates any questions about previous owners. It'll be new. It'll be yours. It'll have a warranty.
It's not a pro saw and it's not the most powerful saw. But for the average guy just cutting firewood, it gets the job done and doesn't break the bank.
Between me, my dad, a couple of friends, and my neighbors we have a mix of firewood caliber Stihl saws: a couple 290s, an 029, an 032, and a 360. Add a Husky 455 to the mix too. The only real difference I notice is that my neighbor's 360 is louder than the rest. What really makes a difference is which saw has a sharp chain.

Yes, how niave was I thinking I would be all set with an MS 180 - wish it was that simple. I think you make a good point about the 291, I often think of it as an excellent value choice saw. However, I can't count the number of times members here and on Arborsite repeatedly comment on how they regret not getting a bigger saw. Leaves me feeling quite torn.

 

[isipwater]

For someone who has a 290 and likes it I will say this......

If I had the money and the knowledge I have now, I would have bought a bigger saw. The 290 does everything someone like me asks, but I would love to have a little more sometimes. At the time I bought it, it was at the top of what I could pay for a new saw. I can't get out of my 290 what I think it would be worth, so I will be using it for many more years. If it bites the bullet, I will go bigger..... until then, it will keep right on cutting.

Yes, again, I have heard this same sentiment over and over again. I certainly don't want to spend a good bit of money on a tool and wish after a couple of years that I would have spent more to get want I really needed/wanted. Thanks for sharing your experience. Is there anything besides more power that you would want in the next saw?

 

[smokedragon]

Not really.......for me, anything bigger than 24 or 25" is just not getting moved (I don't have front end loaders and such at my disposal). When I buy another saw, it will be the most powerful one I can afford, but it will have to run a 24" bar.

Sounds like your situation is like mine. I don't think you would be unhappy with a 290, and with mostly softwoods, it is a beast. Where I really find that my saw is inadequate is when I get the chance to cut up a dead hardwood. Dead wood is much harder on the saw and chain (and user) than green wood. That is where I really have to work my 290 (especially if the wood is over 16" diameter). I paid $380 for my saw new, and nearly 5 years later, all I have done is make sure to empty the fuel system and lube when it is put away for long stretches, and clean the air filter. It starts reliably every time, and cuts well.

If I were only going to have 1 saw, I would go with it (because it is still light enough for me to work overhead for a decent period of time). Because I have two saws, I wish my primary saw was larger/more powerful. Perhaps in another 5 years, I will make that jump.

All I would really want is more power. Perhaps a saw that would turn higher RPM's........

 

[Firewood Bandit]

Two over looked saws that are auto tune and are cheaper than the XP's are the Husky 545 and 555 in the 50 & 60 cc class.

 

[_CY_]

Yes, how niave was I thinking I would be all set with an MS 180 - wish it was that simple. I think you make a good point about the 291, I often think of it as an excellent value choice saw. However, I can't count the number of times members here and on Arborsite repeatedly comment on how they regret not getting a bigger saw. Leaves me feeling quite torn.

don't feel bad .. we all gotta start somewhere .. my first chainsaw was little Sears with 14in bar ... that saw cut a LOT of wood tuffer-n-nails. finally made the mistake of loaning it out .. they killed it ..

more bad news .. the cheaper model MS170 is actually a tuffer saw due to nuts provided to tighten bar .. instead of that funky quick adjust bar feature. MS170 is actually used as a pro climbing saw by Asplundt.

 

[zzr7ky]

I too appreciate shopping. However - I've come to believe that any 60+ cc Pro saw is a bargain. Once you buy it, it should be makeing more money than the price difference nearly every day. They're just fast, reliable tools.

They don't help until they're in the wood

Drop the coin!
Mike

 

[D8Chumley]

I had a 290/20" and a 170/14" combo for a few years. I might get flamed for suggesting this but I didn't see it in your spreadsheet. I now have a 391 for my bigger saw with 20" and it can handle a 24/25" I've read. The 290 with 20" seemed to run out of power in bigger hard wood.
Specs first -in my area ( all with 20" bar) the 362C-M 59cc 4.6hp 13 lbs $749. The 362 C-Q same cc and hp, 13.2 lbs $819. My 391 64cc 4.4hp, 14.1 lbs $579 and it rips! I don't need a pro saw although I would love to have one, and I have not had the pleasure of using a 362 for comparison. I cut over 5 cord last yr with my 170. Just my .02

 

[TreePointer]

Looks like we have a winner --> Husqvarna 555

Link: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/is-this-normal-when-buyer-a-new-chainsaw-at-a-dealer.126782/

 

[Firewood Bandit]

Looks like we have a winner --> Husqvarna 555

Link: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/is-this-normal-when-buyer-a-new-chainsaw-at-a-dealer.126782/

Good find.

Too bad things started out that way even though in the grand scheme of things isn't too big a deal.

 

[NWCoaster]

That 036 PRO would have been a great saw. Muffler mod it then adjust the carb, excellent power to weight ratio. I've ran my co-workers 036 PRO, it is a great firewood saw. Very simple to work on/tune.

 

[BrotherBart]

He has picked a saw. The adventure continues in the other thread.