Chainsaw Opnions

[runderwood67]

I am wanting to get a bigger ground saw for dropping big trees, and i know im going to spend a lot on one, but i dont want to spend over $700. I want a new saw too, im not paying $500+ for something used. I have my sights set on the Makita 64cc saw thats $600 new and can handle up to a 24 inch bar. Anybody have any reviews, advice or input. what would be a saw that would fit my needs for my tree service. Also my buddy needs a new saw for bucking and limbing trees we drop for firewood, so i told him to get the Stihl MS290 Farm Boss, what should he get for arond $300-400?

 

[rburg]

The 365xt is a good husky option.

 

[B Harrison]

I am not sure if your going to be in budget or not, but 562's are getting rave reviews. You will probably be good up to a 24" bar and the new auto tune saws are really making a lot of these AS guys happy.

If they still make 362 Specials that might be a good option for a 20" bar and under saw. In the 60cc class I don't think anyone competes with Huskvarna, the Stihl 362 just aren't as popular as the 361's were and I think there a bit heavier than a comparable Husky.

I am not sure what to recommend for your buddy but it surely isn't a 290 for $400, or even 300. For that kind of money he can have a used pro 50cc or possibly even a like new Dolmar 50cc.

 

[cfield]

If you want to spend $500 get a 346xp. I run an 18" b&c on mine. Its the perfect ground saw, good for chunking down small to medium wood and works good at felling.

 

[jefflovstrom]

I like ms441 or 372xp
Jeff

 

[cfield]

I like ms441 or 372xp
Jeff

Both awesome saws! He's gonna have a hard time getting the 441 under $700 though like he wants. I think the 372 is right at $700 around here, maybe a lil more. The new autotune versions of the 562xp & 576xp are amazing! I love mine, seems to be the new trend here. The dealer told me if all saws were autotune they'd put him outta bizz. Whatever saw you decide on keep in mind you get what you pay for, dealer support would also weigh heavily on what I chose.

 

[treemandan]

I like ms441 or 372xp
Jeff

Anything less just might leave you wishing you had more. I ran a 372 a couple times, I compare it to cutting a turkey with an electric knife.

 

[rifleman84]

Currently have a Husqvarna 372XP and 2 455 Ranchers that I use for almost everything. Running 20" and 24" bars on the 455's and have 20", 24", & 30" for the 372. These are my go to saws. Sometimes you can pick up a good used 372 for under $400.