42cc to 50cc pro saw

[redhawk23]

Hi,

For the past couple years I have been doing everything with a dolmar ps-421 with a 16'' bar, 42cc. I have cleared a couple of acres of box elder, cherry, elm, mulberry and hackberry and cut up big fallen oaks. The saw has served me well and I enjoy making do with what I have.
However, I now have the opportunity to cut a lot of big black locusts (10-20", some bigger) plus some 30" oaks for firewood. By the way, a 16" bar on a dolmar only extends 14" beyond the dogs. I don't think 16" alone will be sufficient for the 30" trees so I am thinking about going to a 50cc saw for a bigger bar, more power while staying at a reasonable price. Will I notice a big difference? The contenders are a dolmar 5105 or a 346xp, probably the dolmar because of the price. Any thoughts out there?
Thanks,
Redhawk

 

[SawTroll]

It really sounds more like you may need a 60cc saw, than a 50cc one?

 

[Rudedog]

SawTroll wants to see you in an MS 361 and I agree.

 

[sunfish]

For 9 years I did it all with a 346xp OE (45cc). Love that saw! But you really need a 60cc when you get into much wood over 20".

 

[user 122190]

I've the Stihl 290, and for firewood cutting it tackles a lot of tree. Last year, with a well sharpened chain on a 20" bar I cut a lot of Ponderosa Pines that were 24" and greater in diameter. I'm a bit underpowered for doing a lot of with grain cuts, for making benches or tables, but for firewood, I'll buy the same 4 or 5 years from now.

Sure I'd like a bigger, more powerful, faster cutting saw, but I also don't want the extra weight. Wood is heavy, a lighter saw will save you some energy for lifting the wood.

 

[jus2fat]

I agree with all the above - a 50cc saw is really the most comfortable with a 16"-18" bar.

A 60cc saw can do a 24" bar ( slowly ) but is most comfortable at 20"...IMHO - so I also recommend a 60cc saw.

J2F

 

[7sleeper]

I agree with all above. 60cc is the way to go! Why? I was in a similar situation you are now, only that I had a dolmar 420(old model) and 5001(similar to the US 5100/5105 50cc pro model). The 420 was doing 80-90% of the work, is lighter, much more easier to start and simply put for most work not slower. So I listened to what the old timers here have to say and they said 20cc between two saws. So I bought a 60cc saw and couldn't be happier! I see the 40&60cc as an ideal combo for the firewooder. Do yourself a favor and leave out the 50cc.
With a incredible price and excellent quality check out the echo 590. You can see what users here think about it.
http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/echo-590-timberwolf-opinions.256908/

7

 

[jus2fat]

I've the Stihl 290, and for firewood cutting it tackles a lot of tree.
Sure I'd like a bigger, more powerful, faster cutting saw, but I also don't want the extra weight.

Friend...the Stihl 290 and Husky 455 have one of the worst power to weight ratios of about any saws out there.

( I have a 2007 455 Husky still in the original box...I only bought it to help a family with a funeral bill )

Try a Pro saw and you will find them to be both lighter in weight and more powerful.

J2F

 

[sunfish]

Will I notice a big difference? The contenders are a dolmar 5105 or a 346xp, probably the dolmar because of the price. Any thoughts out there?
Thanks,
Redhawk

Yes, you would notice a difference, especially with the 346xp...

Still, a 60cc is what you need. Take a look at the Husqvarna 555...

 

[redhawk23]

60cc is unanimous, now I need to justify the cost of the saw by how much firewood it will get me.

Thanks for the information

 

[SawTroll]

I agree with all the above - a 50cc saw is really the most comfortable with a 16"-18" bar.

A 60cc saw can do a 24" bar ( slowly ) but is most comfortable at 20"...IMHO - so I also recommend a 60cc saw.

J2F

J2F

I actually like 16 to 18" bars on 60cc saws as well, but I can live with a 20" on the stronger/peppier ones, like the 560xp/2260/562xp. That is of course what he should get!

 

[jdhacker]

Hit CL for a good deal on a 361 or a 044 both super saws, lots of them was sold, so you see a lot of them for sale.

 

[SawTroll]

SawTroll wants to see you in an MS 361 and I agree.

Only if it is not the US version, as that one is a bit "detuned" for EPA reasons!

 

[redhawk23]

Please tell me why I shouldn't get the Echo-590 for $400 with a 20" bar, 13.3lbs, 59.8cc, 5 year warranty. I'm sure the stihls, huskies and dolmars are wonderful but are they worth TWICE the price of the echo?

 

[redhawk23]

oops, I guess I jumped the gun, the recommended saws are not 2x the price.

 

[KenJax Tree]

The Echo will be just fine for what you are gonna use it for. Go buy it and enjoy it as it will serve you well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[redfin]

Not sure about twice the price but lots of people on here are happy with the 590. Fwiw I bought a full wrap Ms362 out the door last year for 650.

 

[treesmith]

Nothing wrong with echo as far as I've seen, can't go wrong with a huge warranty, echo has a lot of fans

 

[cat-face timber]

If it was me, I would get the biggest Husky you can afford and go cut.
I am sure there are other brands that can cut, but I am more familiar with Husky.

 

[Ironworker]

I've never used an echo but a 60cc saw with a mag case for 4 bills ain't a bad deal. Going with a local dealer is a good way to go or you can try one of the site sponsors, I personally deal with Spike60 and recommend him, he has some nice prices.