General purpose saw recommendataion

[ScottS]

Hey guys, I'm obviously new here, but want to say just browsing the forum has gotten me lots of great info already. I'm definately an amateur compared to most of you, but have done a fair amount of cutting firewood and clearing. So, any recommendations for a general purpose saw? I have a 281xp which works great, but I want something a little smaller with around a 16" bar that is easier on the back for cutting smaller firewood and something a little easier to bring camping or 4 wheeling. Obviously I'm not a professional, so I don't need a pro saw, but being a mechanic, I know the difference between pro tools and non pro tools, but I'm not sure how far that carries over into the saw world. I see quite a few used Stihl 015av's, and 010's. Pro's or cons? Of, if I get another Husky, 136's are cheap, but aren't they the lowliest saw in Husky's arsenal? There is a 45 at the local pawn shop for a decent price, but I really don't know whati'm looking for. Your advice is appreciated.

 

[thompson1600]

I really like the Stihl MS 250, or old 025 saws. The ones I've run were reliable, reasonably priced and fairly light. Not a pro saw but a consumer line Stihl.

Tom

 

[Swannie]

I agree with thompson1600 on the Stihl MS 250, or old 025 saws.
I would steer clear of the 40/45 series Husky saws as I beleive their crank seals tend to be problematic (been there done that )

 

[Chris J.]

Welcome aboard, ScottS.

If you haven't tried the search feature here, spend some time using it. You'll find some some good threads on the usuals like Stihl & Husky, as well as some saws that might surprise you (Echo CS345/3450 & Poulan Pro 295). Good luck!

Chris J.

 

[glens]

You're a Husky guy, so look at a 353.

Glen

 

[066 stihl]

I would look at the 026 or 346. You get what you pay for. Buy cheap buy twice.

Ricky

 

[pbtree]

From what I hear, the Husky 346XP is one heck of a rocking saw...

If you do not mind a bit of weight, but still lighter than the 281, I can recommend the 365. I have had mine for a few years, and it has always run well with zero problems.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with!

PS.. Welcome to the site!

 

[TimberMcPherson]

For the $ the 353 is great, I got 2 of them and am highly impressed. I am upgrading to 346xp's, which are really cheap at Baileys at the mo. (I think they still are, have a look)

 

[Mange]

If you plan on making mony with saws, invest in a good one.
If you are just gonna tinker and learn, get an cheeper old pro saw.
If I was to have 2 saws and have 281xp, I could proberbly use a small saw for the light work, even semipro and when the going gets tuff, start up the 281.

 

[weimedog]

I like the flexibility of my Husky 365. Not heavy to the point where its too big for firewood, has the size & power for the larger stuff should the need arise.

 

[ScottS]

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies. This is the kind of voice of experience I was looking for. I have looked pretty hard at the 346xp's, they seem to be getting really good reviews. I think I'm going to get one next spring, but I still might look for a used saw that costs a little less in the meantime, especially with Christmas coming up, and my wife still hasn't recovered from the Jeep parts I bought. I'll let you know if I end up with anything soon.