Best Chainsaw in the $300 catagory

[blsnelling]

I don't mean to start a piss'n contest with ya Blsnelling, but I respectfully beg to differ with ya. The MS170 can easily handle 10 cords a year of 6 to 8 inch wood. I know, because I've done it with much bigger wood. Sure, other saws could cut faster, but I am patient, (at 66 I have to be) and the light weight of the 170 makes it a pure pleasure to use. Disposable? I don't know. Mine hasn't pooped out yet. It's done everything I've ever ask of it.

I cut everything in the below pic with my little 170. You'd do things differently, and that's OK. While suggesting he check out the 170, 250, and 290, I also suggested he check out ALL the major brands, and get whatever he's most comfortable with and can afford. We're all just sharing our personal experience and opinions with the OP. I'm sure he'll do his homework and get whatever he feels he needs (or wants) to get the job done.

Now let's not get hostile. Yur a nice guy and I'm a nice guy. I'll buy ya a virtual beer.

Don <><

I appreciate your response. I'm not saying you didn't do what you say you've done. I'm just saying it's not the best choice of saw for the job. Is it possible to do so? Obviously, you've done it. But, I doubt you'd say it's the best tool for the job either. I agree that the MS250 is a MUCH better choice. However, I'd much prefer a 346 from Nmurph than a new MS250. That's just how much I value a quality tool

 

[genesis5521]

OP- go online and watch a few videos of the saws that have been recommended. A picture is worth a thousand words- so a video certainly has at least equal worth in deciding for yourself.

Excellent suggestion brynanr2.

OP. Go to youtube and type in Husqvarna chainsaw, Dolmar chainsaw, Jonsered chainsaw, Stihl chainsaw, etc. You'll get a ton of videos. Add the model of the chainsaw to refine your search at youtube.

Don <><

 

[blsnelling]

OP- go online and watch a few videos of the saws that have been recommended. A picture is worth a thousand words- so a video certainly has at least equal worth in deciding for yourself.

Both the MS250 and 346XP are capable. The 346 is just the better saw.

Here's a MMd MS250.
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q7WeI7qZHbQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Here's a MMd 346. The can't is Oak.
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7xrZHmCZbcI?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[genesis5521]

I appreciate your response. I agree that the MS250 is a MUCH better choice. However, I'd much prefer a 346 from Nmurph than a new MS250. That's just how much I value a quality tool

Point well taken blsnelling. And I still owe ya that beer.

I was gonna get the 250, but opted for the 290 as I'm half playing with the idea of getting a Lewis Winch, and thought the added HP of the 290 would come in handy.

Don <><

 

[blsnelling]

Point well taken blsnelling. And I still owe ya that beer.

I was gonna get the 250, but opted for the 290 as I'm half playing with the idea of getting a Lewis Winch, and thought the added HP of the 290 would come in handy.

Don <><

Rep sent for your first reply Yes, I'm opinionated and come across strongly sometimes. But, we do need to get a "real" saw in your hands

 

[stihlrookie]

Off Topic

Point well taken blsnelling. And I still owe ya that beer.

I was gonna get the 250, but opted for the 290 as I'm half playing with the idea of getting a Lewis Winch, and thought the added HP of the 290 would come in handy.

Don <><

Lewis winches are pretty neat but be aware that to get the full potential from one you need a saw that is at least 5 cubes, the 290 is well less than 4 cubes.

 

[bryanr2]

Rep sent for your first reply Yes, I'm opinionated and come across strongly sometimes. But, we do need to get a "real" saw in your hands

This is whats great about AS- we can disagree and agree to disagree and still have respect for eachother. We have one commonality- the love of chainsaws (some of us prefer the pro models though):taped::msp_wink:.. Whatever happened to the OP? We are carrying a thread and havent heard from him in over 4 hours. He must be out in the garage making a display case for his new 346.

 

[rms61moparman]

The Dolmar 420 is the best new saw you will buy for that kind of money.
The 346 mentioned earlier would be an unbeatable deal in a used saw.
I can't believe people are telling you to consider a 6400/6401 for wood under 12".
That is ludicrous!



Mike

 

[genesis5521]

Rep sent for your first reply Yes, I'm opinionated and come across strongly sometimes. But, we do need to get a "real" saw in your hands

Thanks blsnelling.
I'm an old fart. At my age I can't handle fast women or fast saws. I'd probably hurt myself with a real saw. :msp_wink:

Don <><

 

[blsnelling]

Thanks blsnelling.
I'm an old fart. At my age I can't handle fast women or fast saws. I'd probably hurt myself with a real saw. :msp_wink:

Don <><

Naaah! My Dad's 71 and I just helped him get a MMd 346 from Nmurph. Even without porting, they're a great saw.

 

[bryanr2]

The Dolmar 420 is the best new saw you will buy for that kind of money.
The 346 mentioned earlier would be an unbeatable deal in a used saw.
I can't believe people are telling you to consider a 6400/6401 for wood under 12".
That is ludicrous!



Mike

Mike- I seconded the recommendation for the x rental 6401 bc of price point (i got mine for 225). The OP stated he had 30 wooded acres to get wood from and I suggested the 6401 if he would be getting into larger wood. For what he is cutting initially, I have repeatedly said 346 346 346, but the OP has disappeared. Hell, Ive about talked myself into getting one from nmurph. 346 is hands down the saw for this guy. Brad and I have said 346 more than anyone else in this post. Members are recommending a new homeowner saw, which doesnt make much sense when you can get a 346 from Neal for half what a new one cost.

And I do agree- the Dolly is a jewel of a little saw- but is not on par with the 346 stock in my opionion.
Steven

 

[andydodgegeek]

My dad is 75 and prefers to use his 660 most. He also commonly uses an old 075, a 361, and an 084 with a 41" bar. He burns about 15-20 cords per season. For what the op wants to use it for I also would recomend a 346xp. I really like mine, they make quick work out of those smaller sized trees.

 

[rmotoman]

I vote for the Echo 400. Bought one a couple of months ago. Very nice little saw with lots of grunt. It needs to be richened up from the factory. Others say a muffler mod really wakes them up.

 

[genesis5521]

Lewis winches are pretty neat but be aware that to get the full potential from one you need a saw that is at least 5 cubes, the 290 is well less than 4 cubes.

Understood stihlrookie. The Lewis Winch web page recommends a saw of at least 3 cubic inches. The 290 has 3.45 cubic inches. I know it wouldn't be fast, but it would sure beat lugging those heavy rounds 50 yards back to my truck, one by one. I've also been checking out the Simpson Capstan Winch. It requires a 3.5 cubic inch engine, or less. All of this has to fit in to a poor mans budget.

Do you have any experience with either of these?

Don <><

 

[Somesawguy]

I can't even imagine trying to cut what you say you have with a MS170:msp_scared: The 170 is nothing more than a throw away homeowner saw. It is not intended to cut that kind of wood. You're either a VERY patient man, or have extremely low expectations of your equipment. Given his budget, the MS170 should not even be considered. It's not the right tool for the job.

The guy at the local John Deere was telling me about this guy that cut all his firewood with one of those little ms170's.

 

[redunshee]

The Dolmar 420 is the best new saw you will buy for that kind of money.
The 346 mentioned earlier would be an unbeatable deal in a used saw.
I can't believe people are telling you to consider a 6400/6401 for wood under 12".
That is ludicrous!



Mike

Yea, Mike I thought the same thing. My 6400 is kinda heavy and ackward. Ran great so I installed a Baileys BB kit. Now it screams but I wouldn't use it on anything small.

 

[timmcat]

Echo cs-400 is a good homeowner saw, for pruning and limbing. Anyone whos serious about heating with wood shouldn't even consider a plastic chassis saw, they just aren't designed for that kind of use. I start recomending the cs-450p as the entry level firewood saw, 45cc, 20 lpx chain, 16 or 18" bars are comfortable and a 5 yr warranty, how can you go wrong with that. Just get it back to your dealer for a tweaking after the first couple of hours of use. If you want more perfomance and a little less weight spend a little more and get a cs-500p, lightest 50cc pro saw on the market, derived from the Canada only Shindaiwa 502. Great saw, 5yr warranty, and still 100 bucks less than 026/260/261 or 346/2153. my 2c

 

[stihlrookie]

Understood stihlrookie. The Lewis Winch web page recommends a saw of at least 3 cubic inches. The 290 has 3.45 cubic inches. I know it wouldn't be fast, but it would sure beat lugging those heavy rounds 50 yards back to my truck, one by one. I've also been checking out the Simpson Capstan Winch. It requires a 3.5 cubic inch engine, or less. All of this has to fit in to a poor mans budget.

Do you have any experience with either of these?

Don <><

I hear you on the distance, I have been bringing stuff down from the 100+ yard range. Cut into 5'6" lengths, real back breakers. I have not used either winch but I see the lewis winches occaisionally on CL around here for 500-700, usually with a saw mounted to boot. I like the durability of the lewis system, actual cable, seems dangerous if something were to go wrong though. I believe the simpson winch uses rope, much safer IMHO, but you may go through some rope with that system. I would think that by utilizing multiple blocks you would be able to pull with just about any saw.

 

[zogger]

Fix your homie, fix your stihl, spend the remainder on some personal protection gear like chaps.

And I just ain't believing that dealer that the stihl ain't fixable. Post up what ya got and the smart guys here will tell ya what to do.

If none of that floats your boat, ya, look at the classifieds here.

 

[bryanr2]

Fix your homie, fix your stihl, spend the remainder on some personal protection gear like chaps.

And I just ain't believing that dealer that the stihl ain't fixable. Post up what ya got and the smart guys here will tell ya what to do.

If none of that floats your boat, ya, look at the classifieds here.

Agree with all the componants of your post.

I would fix the Homie and the Stihl, and still get a 346xp from nmurph- he is as solid as a guy on this site. And half price what a new 346 goes for is a hell of a deal. And yes everyone here should be wearing PPE. I took a chainsaw across my foot back in Jan 2010 10 min after my wife told me to be careful- my reply "do you know how long I've been using a chainsaw?" Everytime the weather changes my big toe hurts!