I know this thread is very old, and this is also my first post.
So I'll go ahead and introduce myself too...
Name's David, I'm in MID(dle of nowhere) MO and own a Construction Co. I have a beautiful wife, and 7 year old daughter, we live in a wood heated earth contact on 15 acres of wooded heaven. Have 2 wood heated shops I enjoy being in when I can. Enjoy woodworking, building anything and everything, enjoy building and fireing things that go bang, enjoy small engine tinkering to diesel wrenching. And being out at our farms.. Also enjoy the smell of fuel, cutting wood, whether firewood or clearing, to having some good slabs made up timber from my own property. I cut my pops wood too and work on his little farm. Also very Glad to be here! But enough about me!
I've been a lurker here for quite some time. Social media isn't a regular thing for me. But all of the best tips and tricks on modding my saws have been from reading things here on AS. So I do very much appreciate y'all and your vast knowledge on saws!.... Just sayin'.
Anyway, I've always run stihl because that's what everyone pushes around here. By everyone I mean the 4 actual pro *** dealers within 100 mile radius. (That I know of) no love for Echo unfortunately outside of orcheln's who carry 5 models of smaller saws. And Lauf equipment who is an "echo dealer" and stihl dealer. Want to guess why they have no Echo's anywhere in sight? Anyway, my beloved ms361 was stolen recently, so I've been trying to make due with the old 029 handed down to me like 15 years ago. The oiler on the 029 is failing again, I don't care to replace it again until I have plenty of spare time. I just dislike working on the clamshell saws. And the 029 isn't "cutting it" power wise. So I'm looking into buying a new saw. An old buddy of mine from back in the military and I meet up every year for the beginning of bow season. He has a CS620P and it outcut my 361 pretty badly a few years back. Stock to stock. And feels great! We never ran it against the 361 after I ported it last year but I'm betting they would be pretty close mm'd to ported. I could be wrong. Anyway, I handled that 620p again recently when we got together and decided I want one to replace my thefted 361. I do like the ms362cm but not the price tag! It could very well be the better saw for some....Regardless, the dealers here aren't pro mechanics in my opinion.. They can't even seem to sharpen a chain correctly. So I don't think buying a new computerized stihl and having anyone work on it need be will be beneficial. I do all of my own work. And want to continue that. The 620p or maybe the 620Pw even, seems to be the best bang for the $ with the features and power I am looking for. I'd considered a 590, but I'm really looking for the extra "overbuild" quality that 620 has. Not that it wouldn't be plenty. Just, in my head knowing I will do some work on whatever saw I get eventually, the 620 is worth the extra couple of bills I believe. I have been looking at used saws, but anything I see worth paying for is so over priced, that it ain't worth paying for. It is the wrong time of year to need a good used saw I suppose. I was also looking at dolmar 6100's and 6400's online. Again zero dealer network for those or makita here either. Small network for husqvarna and I do run husky weadeaters. But the saw prices are equivalent to stihl if I'm going to get a good pro saw. I have handled the 620 atleast and gave it a pretty good look over. So I know I enjoy that one for sure. For as much as he has ran that saw, the cylinder and piston are absolutely beautiful. And the internal clutch is also Beautiful! Overall a simple, but great saw it seems. He's had his for several years, and he halfway takes care of it in my opinion. I can't believe he's never had an issue with it once. Anyhow.....I was just curious before I buy online or make a few hundred mile drive, if anyone on here is a dealer? And would be interested in working with me on a new saw? Thought I'd ask anyway. Seems there's been some good sales on echos lately online. But if I can support a trusted individual/small business that stays in touch with people in a community such as this one, that's the route I'd like to take. Or even a recommended online dealer.
Well that's about it for now. Sorry for so much reading material. I'm sure reading a newbs post is what everyone likes to do!
I do thank y'all for any advice or direction in advance though. Take care! Safe cutting!
And p.s. I will get an avatar, signature, and start trying to post frequently now that I popped this AS cherry. Posts won't be this long again either.
Thanks again!
-David