Chainsaw Recommendations

[lumberinspector]

Need input from all! Looking to buy a new saw. Will be used to run my 24 and 30" Alaskan Mills along with log work etc. Have been looking at Stihl,Shindaiwa and Husqvarna. All and any info welcome. Ok guys you asked for more specifics and here are some! Looking at using a 24" bar or larger with a displacement of at least 3.5 but would like to use larger. Looking for the all around saw to be used not only for milling but also for falling and bucking etc. Also any of you recommend having the saw "tuned up" so to speak for more horse power etc and if so what do you recommend I do.

Thanks

 

[Newfie]

What are you running now? I run Husky so I would recommend them of course, but my preference is based on geographic convenience of a good servicing dealer. I may just as well have gone with Stihl if that had been an option. What do you or are you planning to mill, all harwood, softwood or a mix?

I mill with a husky 3120 (biggest baddest that they make,23 lbs dry) but have had success with the 288 as well. Husky has introduced the 385xp as replacement to the 288 and by all accounts its a great saw.

The 3120xp is a HEAVY saw and great for milling. The 385xp or 395xp are also powerful saws with less weight and more suited for felling and bucking large trees.

How long a bar are you running? I guess I could go on forever. Share some specifics with us and you will find a wealth of info amongst these guys. I'm one of the less experienced ones.

 

[Tony Snyder]

Jonsered

The Jonsered 2095 is a reliable performer in such applications.

 

[confused]

For a milling environment I would use either the husky or jonsy, for one reason. The turbo air cleaning method might/would keep your air filter cleaner longer. So the 385 or up will work fantastic. As far as power tuning see this tread.

http://216.118.85.31/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3469

All major players of "tuning" are in there with email and phone numbers.

 

[stihltech]

saw

Check out what dealer is available near you, then visit them. You will need parts at some point. All the major brands will do the job.I personally think over 4 CI will serve you better. A mill likes horsepower. If Stihl is available near you, check out the 044 or 046 (MS 440, MS 460). Good dependable saws with plenty of power. I am sure the other camps will recommend their favorites

 

[confused]

Again a more wise person is correct. Find your closest dealer you can trust with great service. That is your best bet. I love my stihls and my dealer does right by me with mine.

as far as "one" all rounder. three digits 066 It can doit all. It can mill but if your going to be milling hard wood or larger wood you should/need to power tune it. Otherwise like Wolf said go with two saws.

036,044 hand use / 066,088 milling
357,372 / 395,3120

 

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

Hello lumberinspector,and welcome to the list. You asked for an all around saw for "milling but also for falling and bucking etc." Sorry, It seems to me you are talking about 3 or at least 2 different saws. Depending on the size wood and how much wood. You must not be a pro, or you wouldn't be asking this question. Well, I ain't no pro either but here goes. The closest I would call an all around saw, would probably be a 372 or an 046. Wouldn't want to mill much more than a 20" log with either one of them. And that would be very limited. Again, depending on your usage. Is this homeowner/hobbist or commercial? Any chainsaw you use is gonna die. Milling makes them die early. As far as "tuned up" saws. I'd say there at least 6 to 8 regular posters to this list that can help you out. If you find that all around saw, let me know.

Thanks