decisions

[Doug01]

Hey guys,

I posted a while back about the 357 vs the 365. The concensus seemed to be to get a 372 instead. I am really going to be limited to $500. I'm buying a housed and got salary capped by the ball and chain. Anyway where I'm at now is this. $480 for the 365 at southwest fastener including shipping. I also looked at the Echo CS 670 ($475 with tax & extra chain). I've gotten mixed reviews on this saw. I do like the air filter set up and that it has a manual oil pump along with the automatic oiler. I havent seen a HP rating for this saw. The Echo dealer claimed it was close to an 044. Don't know if that is the case. Another dealer close sells Husky and stihl and says echo doesn't have near the power of the two. I didn't mention to them the model of the echo I looked at. The sales person there couldn't even tell me if the air filter on the 365 was simillar to the one on my 350 without looking. So I wanted to know what everyone else would do in this case. Thanks for any input.

Doug

 

[HUSKYMAN]

I would find out how much DozerDan wants for a Dolmar 7900. Around 80cc's and he might be able to fit you in for $500, or very close

 

[chainsawworld]

doug,
do you need to buy new? some of the members here have good used saws for sale. i myself have some i have gone though and found to be strong runners. marty

 

[HUSKYMAN]

Brian you have it backwards, he has a 350 and wants to go bigger. How you deduced he wants a smaller saw I have no idea.

Anyways as Marty said, if you are looking to buy used then $500 can get you a used 395XP, or an 066 Stihl.

 

[TonyM]

A while back a new 372XP went for $500 buy it now on ebay. Too bad! I have both a 372 and an Echo CS-670. Got the CS-670 for $390 on ebay brand new with warranty, but anyway, the CS-670 is no comparison to an MS440 or 372. I've timed cuts several times, and the CS-670 is consistantly 83% as fast as the 372XP, yet weighs the same within a fraction of a pound. With that said, I love to use the Echo. It does not fatique me as fast, I think because of the way it's balanced. It also starts easy, runs smooth without being fussy about much of anything, and is built well. As far a horsepower rating, I've seen the CS-670 anywhere from 3.9 to 4.7 Hp, but I think mid to low 4's is more like it. I bet a 357XP (or 036) would give it a run for the money, probably out cut it, and weigh much less.

If you are paitent, you will find a new 372 on ebay for a good price. You may have to get in the habit of checking ebay at least once a day, because good buy it now prices don't last long. You could even set it up to receive an email whenever a new 372 is listed.

Oops, I thought you were the one upgrading from a O36, but I went back and checked, and you wanted to supplement a 350 Husky.

 

[Doug01]

Thanks for the replies. This site is addicting.

Marty- What are the saws you have for sale? PM me if you want

Huskyman- I did PM Dozerdan about the price of a 365 or an equivalent Dolmar. I heard he has good prices.

TonyM- Do the husky bars fit the echo cs670 and how big of a bar do you run on it? I know you said it isn't as stong as the 372 but you liked to use it. Would you recomend it? Any more pro's or cons.

Thanks,
Doug

 

[bdenny]

372 or 365

Dont rule out the 365! I have a 372 and my grandfather has a 365. I cut mostly hardwoods and the 365 is just about as good for somewhat less money. I know many will disagree because in softwood the 372 probably cuts quite a bit faster because of the higher chainspeed but in my opinion the 365 has as much or more low end grunt and that makes it a little more forgiving in bigger hardwoods. That being said, I am also getting anxious to try out one of the new dolmar "bubble saws".

 

[Jacob J.]

Howdy- I think TonyM made a very important statement regarding what to look for in a saw purchase. Smoothness of operation and cutting should be high on your list when thinking about buying a chainsaw. Weight is also important, and how long of a bar you plan to run. If you're a professional then timed cuts and chain speed may be a factor, but don't forget the human component. You can have the fastest cutting saw in the world, but it isn't going to do you a lot of good when it wears you out in an hour. Modified saws don't always run smoother than a stock saw. It depends highly on who is doing the modifications.

 

[TonyM]

Yes, you can put the Husky bar on the Echo, and I do that so I can run common components, but the stud size on the Echo is slightly smaller, so the bar has a lot of play and it takes a little effort to get it somewhat in the center of the play before you tighten it down. The oil hole lines up fine though. I run 20" on both saws, but the 670 came with a 24".

The Echo has an outboard clutch, which isn't as handy for chain installation as the 372's inboard design, but no biggy. Controls are on par with each other, but air filtration is better on the Husky, which just means fewer filter cleanings.

The Echo is a fine machine, but if I were going to spend $475, I'd wait and look for a deal on a 372XP for $25 more. If you can get the Echo for around $400, then I'd say go for it.

Have you considered any other brands? Two that come to mind are Dolmar and Efco/Deere. There were two saws just recently that sold on ebay, one slightly used Makita, and a new Dolmar that were both PS-6400's for less than $300. Those are 4.7 Hp I believe. Also the Efco 962 or Deere CS-62 are 4.7Hp saws that weigh in a little over 12 Lbs. They can be found for just over $400. I've run a CS-56 (same chasis, smaller engine) and it was nice. The Deere's have 2-year consumer warranty, but I've seen two saws that have had bar studs pull out. That's not good!

 

[Doug01]

What about a husky 281 for $320 didn't fire it up (in a hurry). Looked a little rough. The housing was missing a couple pieces. The guy is retired, used to be a stihl mechanic. I got a used trimmer off him a couple years back and wasn't real happy with it.
I'm just a little leary of used but the $ saving would be good. I would get a 30 day warranty. Let me know what you think

Doug

 

[johnb]

Echo

Hey Doug, Sorry I don't remember the post (357 vs ??). I just wanted to let you know about the Echo products. I have had three echo's. My last purchase was a cs4400. I have a thread covering my experience with the newer saw( search for it if you like). They are great for the money. My other echo's are old, they still run but are low rpm saws and cut considerably slower than todays saws (sometimes good things should be retired). I don't believe they are in the power to weight class with the Huskys but yet a good product. I was in the market for a 357xp a while back and contacted Walker saw shop they can give you a good deal on one. I didn't buy the saw, because my saw budget got spent elsewhere. Just remember half the fun is shoping the that next saw. Enjoy!!!!! the Hoosier!





Sharpen your chain the in-laws are pulling in!!!

 

[Doug01]

Thanks, I'm getting closer to a decision.