MtnHermit
ArboristSite Operative
Hello from moonlit Colorado, I live near the headwaters of the Arkansas River at 8500'. Currently 1°F and falling. I live Off-the-Grid on a mining claim surrounded by BLM and FS lands. My primary source of heat is a wood stove which uses 3-4 cords of ponderosa per winter which I've purchased delivered as blocks. I use a hand maul to split the blocks, good exercise.
Last year was an epic winter and I almost ran of wood, except a friend who used to be a pro tree trimmer, dropped and blocked some standing dead pinion for me, got me through the winter. Since then I've been in a fuel wood storing mode, like a squirrel saving acorns. Bought my 3-cords and have cut and hauled another three, but I want more.
I have a great little Poulan 2075, 32cc, 16 inch bar. It cuts better than new ever since my friend sharpened the chain. Without resharpening, I did a 22" Dia deadfall into 12-14" long blocks, total of 3 pickup loads.
The other day I had my Poulan and my friend let me try his Stihl 028 super, on the same tree, the Stihl was twice as fast, so I want a bigger saw. I'd get another Poulan but the toolless chain adjuster reviews have been dreadful, don't know what's so hard about loosening two nuts, turning a screw, then tightening the nuts? Once you get above 50cc all the consumer saws drop away and looks like I need to go to a semi-pro saw.
Since their are no Stihl or Husqvarna dealers within 50-miles, I'm planning on buying online. That excludes Stihl and leads me to Husqvarna. In researching the market, the Husqvarna 455 seams a good fit with the 5cc larger 460 better able to handle the 24" bar. All the models above the 460 are too expensive and used is too time consuming.
I'm planning to purchase a 18" bar and chain for the 460, a Forester for smaller tasks, when the 24" is too much.
So how's my logic? Did I miss something?
Thanks if you got this far.
Last year was an epic winter and I almost ran of wood, except a friend who used to be a pro tree trimmer, dropped and blocked some standing dead pinion for me, got me through the winter. Since then I've been in a fuel wood storing mode, like a squirrel saving acorns. Bought my 3-cords and have cut and hauled another three, but I want more.
I have a great little Poulan 2075, 32cc, 16 inch bar. It cuts better than new ever since my friend sharpened the chain. Without resharpening, I did a 22" Dia deadfall into 12-14" long blocks, total of 3 pickup loads.
The other day I had my Poulan and my friend let me try his Stihl 028 super, on the same tree, the Stihl was twice as fast, so I want a bigger saw. I'd get another Poulan but the toolless chain adjuster reviews have been dreadful, don't know what's so hard about loosening two nuts, turning a screw, then tightening the nuts? Once you get above 50cc all the consumer saws drop away and looks like I need to go to a semi-pro saw.
Since their are no Stihl or Husqvarna dealers within 50-miles, I'm planning on buying online. That excludes Stihl and leads me to Husqvarna. In researching the market, the Husqvarna 455 seams a good fit with the 5cc larger 460 better able to handle the 24" bar. All the models above the 460 are too expensive and used is too time consuming.
I'm planning to purchase a 18" bar and chain for the 460, a Forester for smaller tasks, when the 24" is too much.
So how's my logic? Did I miss something?
Thanks if you got this far.
