Need a new saw

Lou · Dec 23, 2006

I have a Pioneer Farmsaw that I purchased new in 79 or 80 with a 20" bar. About 5 years back I stepped up to 24" bar. The starter (my fault) went south and my accountant says we can purchase a new saw.

I am leaning toward a Stihl 390 with 24" bar ($500±), a Husqvarna 455 with 24" bar and 3 chains ($346), or more likely 460 with 24" bar and 3 chains ($395). Hard to argue with >$100 savings. 455e scares me some, I like using tools when tightening chain! New and improved scares me A LOT (we use fewer cheaper parts and charge you more)!!! Anyone tried it? Thoughts? Suggestions?

In another thread someone asked about Pioneer mixture, 24:1 according to my manual.

Lou

1wildthing · Dec 23, 2006

I would stay away from the 455. Not that it is a bad saw, but it seems awful heavy for its power. Maybe a 353 instead. I have never run a 460, so I can't tell you anyhting about it. If you decide to spend the extra money, you would be very happy with the stihl too.

SawTroll · Dec 23, 2006

What you need is a Stihl MS361 - a bit more money, but more power and less weight + that it is a pro saw, you will never regret it...... :givebeer:

opcorn:

opcorn:

Another 100 USD is soon forgotten..........

computeruser · Dec 23, 2006

SawTroll said:
What you need is a Stihl MS361 - a bit more money, but more power and less weight + that it is a pro saw, you will never regret it...... opcorn: opcorn:

Another 100 USD is soon forgotten..........

Considering how long your Pioneer lasted ya', I'd second SawTroll's suggestion.

Alternatively, a Husqvarna 359 would be a very good choice, though you'd want to swap the catalytic converter muffler for a non-cat muffler right off the bat ($40). And if you're into mail order, Tony at amickssuperstore (he's an arboristsite sponsor, PM him or check out his sponsored forum) may still be offering Husqvarna 357 for $449, which would be a great deal.

Timbercutter · Dec 23, 2006

I would go with the 460,but a lot of people love them 361 stihls and they have good power and are lighter

ktoom · Dec 23, 2006

Looks like hes been looking on *****.com, so i don't think he know you can't buy stihl saws online. Or maybe he does???????? I don't know?

Just Mow · Dec 23, 2006

Get the 361:rockn:

04ultra · Dec 23, 2006

Go for the MS 660.........

.

SawTroll · Dec 23, 2006

04ultra said:
Go for the MS 660.........
.

Not surpricing, considering you have 4 of them....... :ices_rofl:

But otherwise........ :buttkick:

This is my post number 4444 here - cool number! :rockn: :rockn:

Lou · Dec 23, 2006

I haven't picked up my Pioneer, it's at the local Stihl dealer. I'll ask about MS361 when I'm there. I may raise my comparison to a Husqvara 359 ($438 with 24" bar and 3 chains) I rented a Stihl (unknown model) not so long ago and was happy with it's performance. Weight isn't a big consideration... I'm betting my Farmsaw with 24" bar heavier than anything available today.

Thanks for the input Ladies? and Gents
Lou

fishhuntcutwood · Dec 23, 2006

SawTroll said:
What you need is a Stihl MS361 - a bit more money, but more power and less weight + that it is a pro saw, you will never regret it...... opcorn: opcorn:

Another 100 USD is soon forgotten..........

There ya go. Skip the 455 and the 390. No comparison.

Welcome to AS.

Where are you in WA?

Jeff

Lou · Dec 23, 2006

Beautiful Buckley. Actually about midway between Bonney Lake and Buckley just off 410.

Stationed? Military? Retired E7 here USAF. Retired 1990

fishhuntcutwood · Dec 23, 2006

Lou said:
Beautiful Buckley. Actually about midway between Bonney Lake and Buckley just off 410.

Stationed? Military? Retired E7 here USAF. Retired 1990

Very cool. Yep, stationed. USCG helicopter flight mechanic. Also known as a crew chief in the DoD branches. Got nine in, planning on retiring myself. E5 on the list for 6, to make it sometime in the next few months.

Jeff

Lou · Dec 24, 2006

If memory serves you get a little stick time, like ship, co-pilot on left. I fixed more than 1 USAF version UH1P. Avionics Instrumentation. 20 years, 2 months, 23 days. Not that I kept track. I made E7 @ 13 years. They won't let you fix any once that happens. Hated last 7 years.

fishhuntcutwood · Dec 24, 2006

Yeah a few flight hours up front, but nothing official. Just single pilot test flights where you sit up front to get flight time for the month. I've probably got about ten hours flying in my career. Same in the CG about 7. You're still in engineering, but your hands don't get dirty anymore.

314epw · Dec 24, 2006

Husky

Get the 359,you won't regret it.
Ed

Hard Knocks · Dec 24, 2006

314epw said:
Get the 359,you won't regret it.
Ed

I agree, the 455 and 460 would not be good choices with a 24" bar. The 359 would be much better suited.

Hired Gun · Dec 24, 2006

359!!

rb_in_va · Dec 24, 2006

Dolmar 5100

[/thread]

SawTroll · Dec 24, 2006

h better choise

314epw said:
Get the 359,you won't regret it.
Ed

I am pretty confident that the MS361 is a much better choise, lighter, more power, and inboard clutch, and no issues with anti-vibe and air filtration, like on older Stihl constructions......

I also believe that on the 359/2159ss sold in the US by now, you will have to find a way to find a way to get around the cat muffler also.

If we are talking stock saws, the 357xp should be a much better choise than the 359 also.

Need a new saw

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