The "dealer" I bought the Dolmar 421 from doesn't even stock filters or spark plugs for their saws and charges more for getting these parts in than it costs paying online shipping. I bought a dolmar 421 because it seemed like a good deal and no one had anything bad to say about it, the choice was fairly easy. Around here, Wisconsin, Stihl dealers are the most widespread. I'd buy used if I was comfortable with evaluating one.
I have used the farm boss and a 50cc stihl consumer saw (250?) and I was unimpressed with them, the experience made me really happy I bought 421. I have used the ms 261 and the 362xp and I was impressed with the power, it made me aware of what pro saws have to offer. Is it possible that smaller cc pro saws are more powerful than consumer saws with larger engines? Is cc all there is to judging the power/cutting speed of a saw?
having said all of that, I would like to spend in the $400 range (new or used) and not be disappointed. Should I get a better 50cc saw or lesser 60cc saw?
Thanks
I have no idea of your local pricing other than what I see on the trading post here.
The bulk of the recommendations have been for a good 60cc saw - echo 590, husky 555, dolmar 6100 fit that mark I believe. The 60cc saws in a price range above - husky 562, stihl 362 - don't offer a lot more performance, and wouldn't be worthwhile unless you were earning money with your saw.
The 60cc saws below this - stihl 290, husky 460, etc are little better than the good 50cc saws in my opinion and I would prefer a husky 346/550, stihl 261.
Second hand opens up the options to 60 and 70cc saws that were at the top of their game at the time - like the stihl 361/440, husky 372, dolmar 7900, etc. There are also some bargains to be had if you are mechanically inclined - stihl 044/036, husky 268xp, husky 365, husky 357/359 etc. My husky 359 with some port work owes me f-all, and will keep a good, new, standard 60cc saw honest.
At the end of all that - I have the feeling you want a new saw. If it were me I'd just call wicked work saws and see what price terry will do for a husky 555 or jonsered equivalent, or I'd buy the echo. I'm more than happy with dealing with Terry from Australia, so I guess I'd consider him local for you without even checking where you are in the states!
I'm really not trying to be brand biased, but I firmly believe the husky 555 to be the pick of this crop, it's light for a 60cc saw, uses the small mount husky bars - which makes the complete saw lighter again, has an autotune carb setup that is excellent, it lacks the revboost and crank stuffers of its professional sibling the 562 and I think this makes it even better for the less than full time operator as it has a more forgiving power band. I'm sure it will come down to price - but I'd pay the extra.
