SawTroll
Information Collector
Likely the saws are Chinese made copies as well - not the real thing!
42cc to 50cc pro saw
- Thread starter redhawk23
- Start date
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Likely the saws are Chinese made copies as well - not the real thing!
weedkilla
Ain't no guru of nuthin'
This is bang on the money, and while you'll see people on here continually say - use the least saw that gets the job done quickly and efficiently.
I don't ever go to a job without my husky 346. It's either a spare that can finish the job if need be, the primary saw, or it shares duty with a big saw.
The reason it is sometimes the backup are the relevant thing. It goes like this -
Is it big enough to do the job easily? Cutting twice to do one cut sucks. If it's a lot of cuts above 14-16", then if prefer a bigger saw.
Would I get finished quicker with a bigger saw?
I can lug a 90cc saw for about half a day and I'm knackered. But it's better than being there all day with a 50cc saw.
Most of us have found that a good 60cc saw is the happy medium if you only have one saw, and why some of us carry on about weight so much. But if you've truly been happy with a 421 for years, try a stihl 241, husky 346/545/550. They are all significantly better saws for not much extra weight. If you want a second saw, don't get one a little bit bigger - go up 20cc at least so there is actually a massive difference between your two saws.
7sleeper
Addicted to ArboristSite
@weedkilla
are you serious that the 241 is so much better!? Then read what ST has to say in his comparison of the 421 and the 40cc class. He likes it more than the 241 in handling and powerwise.
7
are you serious that the 241 is so much better!? Then read what ST has to say in his comparison of the 421 and the 40cc class. He likes it more than the 241 in handling and powerwise.
7
redhawk23
ArboristSite Operative
what about this, a husky 359 for $350 : http://madison.craigslist.org/grd/4444133481.html
weedkilla
Ain't no guru of nuthin'
Yep. I am.
The 241 is the little engine that could. It seems boring to cut with, but look back at the end of the day and it's amazing how much work it's done. The fuel economy, av, and handling are dialled for "mixed use". It isn't the saw I'd use for true limbing or bucket work, it isn't as nimble as the husky options, but for felling, limbing and bucking of wood 12"-15" it is brilliant. It's the one of the very few stihls I would happily own - I may not be as one eyed as ST, but I'm pretty close. I've only spent 3 days on one, but find MCW's test where he ran a 550 and a 241 on the same job for a day each - I'm not the only fan.
The dolmar is similar - but much less refined, and without the fuel economy benefits. Give me either for 10 cuts and I don't care, but for a full day I would take the 241 in a heartbeat and be happy to pay the price stihl charge.
Why don't I have one? I'm hoping the 241cmq will be released in Aus or USA, and I'm waiting for that. And yes, I know everyone hates quikstop saws, but they are practical in my line of work.
sunfish
Fish Head
This is why I use a 346xp most of the time. Husqvarna rules in the power to weight ratio & handling department. I'll never be without at least one 346, have 3 right now.
A 562xp for me is the perfect large saw, 555 is the same saw with a bit less power and less money. I sold my larger saws after running the 562 for a year.
I enjoy run smaller lightweight hot rod saws. Not so much large heavy saws...
Buy what 'you' like!
sunfish
Fish Head
359 in an excellent 60cc saw! But Etech means it has a cat muffler and that would need swapping out. I'd also need to see it in person, but not too bad a price if it checked out.
SawTroll
Information Collector
I'd surely take a 241 over a 421 - but I don't really see the point with either of them, as the weight is too close to some strong 50cc saws (346xp and 550xp). If the option was the MS261, it would be a different situation though....redhawk23
ArboristSite Operative
what do you think of a Husky 268 for $300 from the local Husky dealer? From the pics it looks like a beast.
If you are cutting a large amount of wood larger than 20", I would want at least a 60cc saw to use. The price of these saws new would be above your price range. The Trading post usually has some good used saws this size.
redhawk23
ArboristSite Operative
The 268 I mentioned isn't an xp
The 268 is a good saw. I have run several husky/Jonsered saws this size and they would handle the size wood you are talking about.
redhawk23
ArboristSite Operative
from what I've read the price is high given the saw's age. I haven't seen it yet, I might pop in and take a look at it.
SawTroll
Information Collector
By all means avoid the "Q" (and other add-ons), specially if the point is to save a little weight over a 550xp!
sunfish
Fish Head
Good saw, but large 70cc class.
redhawk23
ArboristSite Operative
Is it overpriced?
sunfish
Fish Head
If it is in very good shape (not beat up, good comp, runs like new) it isn't overpriced.
redhawk23
ArboristSite Operative
I just looked at it, it seems pretty well used, supposedly by an older guy who couldn't start it anymore and went to a saw with the compression button. It's heavy too with a 20" bar. I really don't want to go the 70cc route and like the 50cc prices much better.
