Another which saw should i buy thread

[pensfan]

No flaming please, i know its been asked more then several times before, but i am trying to determine which saw i should buy. I just bought a new house and installed a wood stove, i plan on heating solely with wood, if i can help it, i will be needing to cut about 8-10 cords a year. I like the Stihl 290 except for the weight, the 250 is the perfect weight but not sure if it has enough power. The Husqvarna 350 is a nice combination of low weight and high power, but i am not sure about the quality of the saw, talking with the Stihl dealer i was told to stay away from any box stores saws, older models are good but the newer ones are junk. I see both sides of the story here. Basically do i need a Stihl or would Husqvarna be fine for me, i thought 8-10 cords was allot of wood cutting, but after reading here i see that its an average amount.

Oh yea, i need to move quickly on this since my dad's 20 year old Homelite SXL is in the shop for the first time so we are left with nothing to cut with and allot of winter left.

 

[TimberPig]

By box store saws, he was likely meaning the low end Poulan and Homelite types that are often more trouble than they are worth. The 350 is a good homeowner use saw, but should be bought at a dealer, not Lowes or similar. Husqvarna is every bit as good a saw in build quality and performace as Stihl. It is in no way junk, as you seem to have been led. For your use, with good care and maintenace, it should work well and last a long time. Don't forget to buy and use chaps, eye, and ear protection, along with good steel toed boots.

 

[davefr]

Another vote for a Dolmar PS5100 if your limit is one saw.
(2 lbs lighter, more HP, and a much better overall saw then the MS290 for only about $50 more money.)

I like to use 3 saws. I use the Dolmar for felling and some bucking. For stumping and big bucking I use my Stihl 046. For limbing I really prefer a small lightweight saw like a Stihl MS180 or Dolmar DCS401.

 

[DanManofStihl]

Go with the ms 250 a good little saw reliable and semi fast.

 

[bikepilot]

My family used to heat our home with wood (I've since moved out, bought my own home etc). being further south, we use less wood than you, by about 35% or so. We started out with a new 027, but found it underpowerd for the bigger hardwood logs. We lucked out and found a larger John Deer saw at a local park auction. I don't remember the model number, but it was ~65cc's and ran quite well. The combonation of the ligh, small 027 and the heavier, stronger 4cube saw worked out well.

Honestly, I wouldn't want my primary firewood saw to be less than about 60cc's or so. A ported 359 would probably be quite sufficent, but anything less would be frustrating for me. Of course there are plenty of people who are happy with cutting lots of firewood with a sub 50cc saw. You can get the job done with a small saw, but it will take a little longer and the saw will bog down if you get a bit carried away.

Husqvarnas and Stihls are certainly both quality saws as is Dolmar/Makita. If I could afford it and were in your posistion I'd personally get a Dolmar 7900 as a first choice and a Husqvarna 372xp as third choice, follwed by a Husqvarna 365 and Stihl 361. I belive Baileys has the 7900 on sale in blue for a very good price right now (still out of my range, but oh well


I have just procured a wood stove for my home and will be cutting firewood shortly with a used 038 magnum (can't afford a new, big saw so decided to try a used one - helps to have a background in 2-stroke engines).


Good luck and remember, you can always get a smaller saw to start with then add a larger one later if you feel the need, its always nice to have one of each.

 

[pensfan]

I would like to keep the price in the lower $300's, i also like the idea of buying from a local dealer for the support if something does break or if i have any questions. The only chainsaw i have used extensively is a 20 year 15 pound Homelite, so i am sure features have changed. The hardest wood we cut is locust, oak or cherry, the Homelite does great with a sharp chain with all of it, i have no idea what cc engine it has, then again maybe i am used to the way it cuts and a more powerful saw would cut it quicker, i have nothing to judge it by. If anyone would happen know what power is in a Homelite SXL, that would help me out in making my decision. My local husqvarna dealer happens to be a True Value, so i am not sure how much help they would be, but i do already have a place i take all my other small engine equip. to for repair and maintenance.

I thank you all for your opinions, please keep them coming. I think i will try to hit lowes and see if i can get lucky and get a return.

 

[davefr]

You're about $100 shy of getting a great saw. Up your budget to about $400. and try and get a 346XP or 353 if local Husky dealer support is a major factor.

 

[buck futter]

FWIW
I like stihls chain tensioning system better and I also like that stihl seems to go with the inboard clutch for the most part. Stihls mufflers lend themselves to easier muffler mods if this interests you as they are bolted together rather than welded.
The husqvarna air filtration is definately lightyears ahead of the stihl. Husky also has the benefit of online parts availabilty.

Anyway MS250 or husky 350, you'll be happy

Lucky

 

[pensfan]

You're about $100 shy of getting a great saw. Up your budget to about $400. and try and get a 346XP or 353 if local Husky dealer support is a major factor.

You try telling that to my wife, she is still trying to understand why i don't go and buy an electric saw. If i wasn't in so much of a rush a week away from Christmas, i would really think about upping my limit, i am burning much more wood then i thought i would and the supply is disappearing quick, i would love to wait till after the new year and buy the perfect saw the first time, but hey there is always next year and having 2 saws never hurt anyone.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Pensfan.....

You are not that far from me. I have a lot of the current saws out there! Most are modded. If I can be of some help let me know!


When you think about it $400 is a reasonable price for a saw that when properly maintained will last you a long time!

 

[bikepilot]

I would suggest that you get a good quality, light weigh saw now and worry about possibly getting a bigger one later. That will solve the current delima and you'll not be wasting your $$ as its really ideal to have a heavy and light saw (both of good quality) on hand. There is no one-size-fits-all saw imo. For some stuff a light saw is best, other times you need more grunt.

The 353 is a great saw and a bit sturdier than the 350, though the 350 is good to. Also, don't count out the Echo's, they are great little saws as well. You could even go a Dolmar/makita 540 for your price range, but shop support may be spotty.

good luck

 

[GlennG]

Pensfan, I too sugest a Dolmar/Makit DCS-540. Its within your budget, its a good performer and durable. I purchased 2 large Dolmars from MacPower, whom frequents this site. He is a stand-up guy and is great to do business with. Click on the link below to see a DCS-540 at a price you can`t walk away from, if he has not sold it yet.

I copied and pasted his ad from another forum. This forum would not let me post the link but the info you need is below.

Glenn

PS540 with a 16" bar and chain - $255.00
PS341 with a 14" bar and chain - $170.00
Shipping would be whatever UPS ground costs me, likely $12-$25 depending on weight and distance. Or they could be picked up at my shop in Augusta ME.
Anyone interested can email me at [email protected] or call (207) 622-4945 T-F 9-5 S 9-12

 

[woodfarmer]

which saw?

don't forget to have a look at the jonsered 2159, great firewood saw

 

[Andyshine77]

You could rent a saw and cut what you need for now, than buy the saw you want later. If I had to have one saw I think I would go with a ported 359 or ms361. The 350 & 353 are good saws, but for cutting 8-10 or more cords a year, I think they are to small and you will probably be disappointed with them. Save up and buy the saw you need and want.

 

[SawTroll]

..... The Husqvarna 350 is a nice combination of low weight and high power, but i am not sure about the quality of the saw, talking with the Stihl dealer i was told to stay away from any box stores saws, older models are good but the newer ones are junk. ....

First of all, your Stihl dealer either is a liar, or he is misinformed.
All the 3xx series Huskys sold at the box store is of at least the same quality as the MS250, most of them are probably better.
Imo the Husky 350 is a much nicer saw than the MS250, and also has a bit more power, but still at best marginal for what you are planning to do.

To be more spesific, I would need to know more about the wood you are going to cut.
My gut feeling tells me minimum Husky 359 or Dolmar PS-5100.

 

[computeruser]

Without knowing what you will be cutting - 10" white pine, 36" white oak - I'll say that any of the saws you suggested should do.

As you want a saw with (a) a low $300 price range and (b) good dealer support, I think yours might be an instance where a 290 is a good choice. Though it is heavy by modern, professional saw standards, it is a very durable and reliable saw, and would be well within its abilities to handle your 8-10 cord/year. Every Stihl dealer everywhere will have parts for it, too. If your needs were for 8-10 cord/DAY, then I'd suggest a different saw, but for your home heating use the 290 will work just fine.

 

[pensfan]

I was looking at the 455 Rancher, but it adds 3 pounds for only an extra 5cc's of power. I can't find anywhere what power the old saw puts out so i can be sure to get something of equivalent power, if anyone knows what engine is in a Homelite SXL, please let me know, i am not sure if there is any other numbers on it since its at the shop, it only says SXL on the side and is the typical red.

 

[brent denny]

My votes: If $300 is your absolute limit, husqvarna 350. If you can spend just a bit more, keep track of husqvarna 359's on ebay and you can get one for around $330-$340. If you can spend $400, the dolmar 5100 will be lighter than the 359, similar power, outboard sprocket, and a much nicer chain tensioner.

 

[lesorubcheek]

Hay pensfan,
My vote is to do the following:
1. Get the SXL out of the shop. Never trust a shop to repair your stuff.
2. Buy a chainsaw repair manual.
3. Determine what's wrong with your Homelite.
4. Search as needed to find parts sources.
5. Fix the SXL.
6. Cut all the wood you'll need.

If you really want to spend some money, find another used SXL or equivalent saw to meet your needs and save a ton of money. Besides chain brakes, anti-vibe handles, and reduced weight per power output, newer saws have nothing on the old timers.

Just my $.02
Dan

 

[brent denny]

There is something to be said for the comfort and safety of chain brakes, anti-vibe, and reduced weight.