Chainsaw comparison/ Whats the best saw?

[NZ4x4]

Hi, guys, new to the site. I hate to do this as it has probably already been done but…

I’m looking at getting a new saw as my cheap piece of Poulan crap looks as though it has died. The saw will be used mainly for cutting firewood and clearing forestry tracks (fallen trees and branches)

I have narrowed it down to 3 saws.

Dolmar PS6400
Stihl MS290
Husqvarna 359

All of them will have a 20” bar on them.

My question is, what is the better saw (outright), which is the best value (money may be a deciding factor), which one will last the longest, and which one would you buy?

If there are any other saws you recommend, post them up.

Cheers
Sam

 

[GlennG]

The Dolmar 6400 is head and shoulders above the other two. The 6400 is a pro saw and the other saws mentioned are consumer grade. While Stihl and Husky do manufacture Pro saws, the ones you listed are not from the Pro line.

Also if you are consistantly cutting wood less than 15" diameter consider the Dolmar ps-5100, its lighter and will not wear you down as much over the coarse of a day.

Glenn

 

[rahtreelimbs]

The Dolmar 6400 is head and shoulders above the other two. The 6400 is a pro saw and the other saws mentioned are consumer grade. While Stihl and Husky do manufacture Pro saws, the ones you listed are not from the Pro line.

Glenn

Have to disagree with ya there Glenn! The Husky 359 although not listed as a pro saw is every bit as good as any in Husky's pro line.


The 359 is lighter than the 6400. As far as power I can't comment other than to say that the 359 is pretty good.......even better when the muffler is open!


The 290.............ahhh.............no comment!

 

[NZ4x4]

I take it that the 359 is cheaper than the 6400? (i would expect) Is this the better saw to get?

When you say "better when muffler is open" how is the muffler actually modified?

Are there any other good saws out there in the same power and size range? (are Oleo Mac any good?)

 

[GlennG]

Have to disagree with ya there Glenn!


The 290.............ahhh.............no comment!

No Problem , at least we agree on the 029/290 ...no comment.

Glenn

 

[GlennG]

I take it that the 359 is cheaper than the 6400? (i would expect) Is this the better saw to get?

When you say "better when muffler is open" how is the muffler actually modified?

Are there any other good saws out there in the same power and size range? (are Oleo Mac any good?)

I own the 6400 and its incredible.

Rich is one of the Resident horsepower/modification junkies, I heard he even has a string trimmer that is turbocharged and runs on nitro-methane.

Buy a saw from a dealer that is within an easy drive from your domicile. That way you can get spares and service easily.

Glenn

 

[rahtreelimbs]

I take it that the 359 is cheaper than the 6400? (i would expect) Is this the better saw to get?

When you say "better when muffler is open" how is the muffler actually modified?

On price that would depend on where you get it! They are close. Which is better........your choice! Six and 1/2 dozen of the other. Better can be in the way it is maintained!

Opening up the muffler in short is relieving the muffler of all it's restrictions and adding a second outlet. Results are cooler running and a slight power increase.......just to name a few.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Rich is one of the Resident horsepower/modification junkies. Glenn

 

[woodfarmer]

which saw?

dump the other three and get yourself a jonsered 2159, then you can start to have some fun!!!

 

[NZ4x4]

Oh ok then, so modding the muffler wouldnt be too hard.

Also, anyone have any thing to say about Komatsu saws?

 

[rahtreelimbs]

dump the other three and get yourself a jonsered 2159, then you can start to have some fun!!!

Jonsered 2159 and the Husky 359..............same saw!


Except the Jonsered 2159 has the ergonomically POS wrap handle!

 

[GlennG]

Also, anyone have any thing to say about Komatsu saws?

I have narrowed it down to 3 saws.

Dolmar PS6400
Stihl MS290
Husqvarna 359:bang: :bang: :bang:

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Oh ok then, so modding the muffler wouldnt be too hard.

Yes and no. Do a search under "Muffler Mods" You be enlightened.

 

[NZ4x4]

Well i have a larger list but now that you say that the Stihl MS290 is ???? i will go to the next one on the list i thought was ok. the Komatsu

 

[davefr]

The 3 saws you mentioned are boat anchors.

Stihl MS290: 13 lbs, 3.8HP
Husky 359: 12 lbs, 3.9HP
Dolmar PS6400: 13.6 lbs, 4.8HP

If I were in your shoes I'd try and decide what's more important. (ie weight or power).

If you're leaning power I'd go with Dolmar PS7900 vs the 6400. Weight is still 13.6 lbs but HP goes to 6.3 vs. 4.8.

Now if you want to go lighter then get the Dolmar PS5100. It's 4.0HP at 11 lbs.

For the cutting you describe, I'd go the PS5100 route.

 

[skwerl]

WTF is a Komatsu? Is that Australian for 'Poulan'?

 

[rahtreelimbs]

The 3 saws you mentioned are boat anchors.

Stihl MS290: 13 lbs, 3.8HP
Husky 359: 12 lbs, 3.9HP
Dolmar PS6400: 13.6 lbs, 4.8HP

Maybe the 290. But not the 359 or the 6400. Granted the 6400 is a little heavy for is displacement. The 359 dead wrong there.........it is comparable in weight to any other saws in the 60cc class. Just don't be splitting hairs over a few ounces.

 

[NZ4x4]

been cutting for a long time, but mostly with other peoples saws (cousins own a felling company). Reason for a new saw is that my old Oleo Mac has been dead for about a years now and the small Poulan that i have been using has also given up the go. so i need to buy a new saw. but dont want cheap crap. as far as weight goes, i have been sawing with a Stihl MS880 Mag.(30" bar).....

 

[rahtreelimbs]

WTF is a Komatsu? Is that Australian for 'Poulan'?

Leave it to you Brian!!! I can hardly type I am laughing so F'ing hard!!!

 

[NZ4x4]

And why would it be Australian?.... anyway

Komatsu...Redmax

Komatsu