Chainsaw Selection

[BIGBORE577]

Well if you're thinking you want a 70cc saw, get the 7900. It's as heavy as the 372, but with a lot more power. I think the 7900 is the best saw in it's class hands down.

Better yet just buy two saws, as you're going to end up with more than one anyway. One for limb work (5100) and one for bucking (7900) .

I would tend to agree with all you say above.

 

[dennisj73]

Well if you're thinking you want a 70cc saw, get the 7900. It's as heavy as the 372, but with a lot more power. I think the 7900 is the best saw in it's class hands down.

Better yet just buy two saws, as you're going to end up with more than one anyway. One for limb work (5100) and one for bucking (7900) .

Thanks for the input. The 7900 is a solid saw, it just seemed a bit on the heavy side to me. I had looked at the 7300 yesterday for $599, but according to the specs, the Dolmar 6400, 7300 and 7900 all weigh the same, so on a weight basis, the better buy would be the 7900.

Decisions Decisions, If I could only get one of each...lol that would probably make me a dealer!!

DJ

 

[peter399]

Hello,

Here is my opinion: The 372 is of course a very very good decision.
It's an extremely versatile 70cc saw that will do your work quickly. If you have a Jonsered dealer, you can also go for the 2171, same thing.
Use 18-24 inch bar.

60cc is normally the class if you have one saw for all. The 357 will handle your occasional 24" wood with no problem. It will also be a bit easier on your back than the 372. I would not count the 357 out. I tried one for the first time 2 days ago and it seems nice. Like the 346 just slightly bigger. Equal to the MS361. Use 6-18 inch bar.

If you get the 372 or 2171 now. You can reach for a 346/2153 later. Then you will have what many (including myself) call the ultimate 50/70cc combo.
Then you will never need anything else.

But again, don't count the 357 out. Try it out!

 

[dennisj73]

Hello,

Here is my opinion: The 372 is of course a very very good decision.
It's an extremely versatile 70cc saw that will do your work quickly. If you have a Jonsered dealer, you can also go for the 2171, same thing.
Use 18-24 inch bar.

60cc is normally the class if you have one saw for all. The 357 will handle your occasional 24" wood with no problem. It will also be a bit easier on your back than the 372. I would not count the 357 out. I tried one for the first time 2 days ago and it seems nice. Like the 346 just slightly bigger. Equal to the MS361. Use 6-18 inch bar.

If you get the 372 or 2171 now. You can reach for a 346/2153 later. Then you will have what many (including myself) call the ultimate 50/70cc combo.
Then you will never need anything else.

But again, don't count the 357 out. Try it out!

Thank you peter399, I will look at the 357 again. It's probably going to be the largest saw that I am going to consider right now as most the work I'll be doing initially will be fairly light.

DJ

 

[2000ssm6]

I think he said he wanted to avoid Stihl because his dealer stinks... Yes theyare a great saw, but unless there is a Deere dealer next door, I can't blame his for looking at other brands. We always preach about dealer support around here, and his dealer happens to be a dungbeetle.

Find another dealer.........

 

[walexa07]

Chain may have been dull on the 361 you tried out........they also pick up power as they break in. Muffler mod it and it will be a good do-it-all saw. I would run it with a 20" bar to reduce bending when limbing. For only a pound more though I would probably opt for the 2171 (372 equivalent in red plastic). Air filter stays clean, spike60 has them at a good price, has as good of anti-vibe as you can find, simple and durable. I'm 5'-6", 170 pounds and don't find the 2171 too heavy........really don't notice the difference between it and my 361, both wearing 20" bars. Just my opinion.

2171

Waylan

 

[CharlieG]

Get the 372 (to start ) Then get a larger or smaller chainsaw of a different brand. When wife is not looking-repeat. CAD will set in like a warm bath..........

 

[nikocker]

I agree!

But I like to keep them the same brand - - Cuz they're the best 50/70 cc combo made!

http://www.arboristsite.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=69448&d=1208729227

I call them "Thunder and Lightning"

Al

 

[Hugenpoet]

By the way the 372 is 70.7 cc's (of fun!!)

+1 Well said.

 

[dennisj73]

Thank you all. A Husqvarna dealer just called me this morning and had the 357 and 372 in so I will be going in today after work to compare them.

Thankyou everyone! I will update you this evening.

DJ

 

[icthruu74]

I'm new to all this...I have a 40cc/60cc combo. So does that mean I need 2 more saws to the the 50cc/70cc combo?

 

[Fastcast]

to occasionally harvesting logs...locust, ash, cherry, probably no more than 24".

I think this says it all right here......I was in your same situation a couple of years ago. I went with the 5100 and have not regretted it one bit.

The key thing here is, how many 24" trees will there really be? Most of mine are 12" to 18" with the occasional 24" plus. The 5100 will plow right through those 12 & 18" logs and will not wear you out because of the weight. I'm just planning on picking up a 24" bar for the occasional bigger tree. Yes it will be slow but......

Sure I would like a 7900 to round out my 3 saw plan (401 & 5100) but I can not justify the price, for the little use it would get so I guess the question really is......How many 24"ers do YOU really have and is the bigger saw really necessary?

 

[dennisj73]

I think this says it all right here......I was in your same situation a couple of years ago. I went with the 5100 and have not regretted it one bit.

The key thing here is, how many 24" trees will there really be? Most of mine are 12" to 18" with the occasional 24" plus. The 5100 will plow right through those 12 & 18" logs and will not wear you out because of the weight. I'm just planning on picking up a 24" bar for the occasional bigger tree. Yes it will be slow but......

Sure I would like a 7900 to round out my 3 saw plan (401 & 5100) but I can not justify the price, for the little use it would get so I guess the question really is......How many 24"ers do YOU really have and is the bigger saw really necessary?

Fastcast,

I believe you have nailed the scenario that I'm facing. An additional item that I didn't mention was cleaning up fallen tree on old logging trails. I really liked the 5100, but it just seemed a bit on the small side. I have to say that when I picked up the 7300 & 7900 the impression that hit me was...these are nice saws, but I wouldn't want to lug them around for any length of time...

24" and up I believe would be the exception. I don't mind spending the extra $$ on a pro model, I'm not sure that I can justify a 70cc saw at this point.

Thank you for your advice!

DJ

 

[tharrison57]

......so I guess the question really is......How many 24"ers do YOU really have and is the bigger saw really necessary?

And I always thought the formula for this was :
Necessary + CAD = ALWAYS !

 

[Fastcast]

And I always thought the formula for this was :
Necessary + CAD = ALWAYS !

Someone has to be reasonable....:hmm3grin2orange:

Dennis the 5100 is a "pro saw" just not big in size but plenty of power, for its size.....Any of the saws mentioned will work out just fine for you....You could always go 70cc class with the Dolmar 401 for the little stuff, another saw that is small in size but big on power......:biggrinbounce2:

 

[dennisj73]

Someone has to be reasonable....:hmm3grin2orange:

Dennis the 5100 is a "pro saw" just not big in size but plenty of power, for its size.....Any of the saws mentioned will work out just fine for you....You could always go 70cc class with the Dolmar 401 for the little stuff, another saw that is small in size but big on power......:biggrinbounce2:

The various replies are really a great help. I could go to the 70 cc class but for what I seem myself doing, I think the weight and power would be a little much. The 5100 is probably going to be the best balance of price and power for the time being.

Thank you Fastcast!

DJ

 

[blsnelling]

I think this says it all right here......I was in your same situation a couple of years ago. I went with the 5100 and have not regretted it one bit.

The key thing here is, how many 24" trees will there really be? Most of mine are 12" to 18" with the occasional 24" plus. The 5100 will plow right through those 12 & 18" logs and will not wear you out because of the weight. I'm just planning on picking up a 24" bar for the occasional bigger tree. Yes it will be slow but......

Sure I would like a 7900 to round out my 3 saw plan (401 & 5100) but I can not justify the price, for the little use it would get so I guess the question really is......How many 24"ers do YOU really have and is the bigger saw really necessary?

If I was regularly cutting 12"18" logs, I would not be using a 50cc saw. It would be a 60cc at a minimum. If I'm cutting 18" logs all day, I'm breaking out the 70cc saw, not that the 60cc can't handle it. The 70cc is just a lot torquier and makes the job more enjoyable. Get's it done faster too. I'd be frustrated for sure if I had to use a 50cc.

 

[walexa07]

If I was regularly cutting 12"18" logs, I would not be using a 50cc saw. It would be a 60cc at a minimum. If I'm cutting 18" logs all day, I'm breaking out the 70cc saw, not that the 60cc can't handle it. The 70cc is just a lot torquier and makes the job more enjoyable. Get's it done faster too. I'd be frustrated for sure if I had to use a 50cc.

+1

 

[Fastcast]

If I was regularly cutting 12"18" logs, I would not be using a 50cc saw. It would be a 60cc at a minimum. If I'm cutting 18" logs all day, I'm breaking out the 70cc saw, not that the 60cc can't handle it. The 70cc is just a lot torquier and makes the job more enjoyable. Get's it done faster too. I'd be frustrated for sure if I had to use a 50cc.

Do you have or used a 5100?.....I don't find it slow at all, in that size wood.....

I would be frustrated too, if I had to use a 50cc saw from Stihl.....LOL

 

[Bowtie]

If you have a dealer nearby, dont count out the Echo CS-670. 20-24" bar is no problem for it, and it's smooth as silk. Good air filtration too.

If you buy an Echo chainsaw, you'd BETTER have a dealer AND a repair shop nearby....:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange: