Spudland_Dave said:
260, I'd think. Within a couple cc of one another, similar HP.
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260, I'd think. Within a couple cc of one another, similar HP.
t_andersen
ArboristSite Operative
Spudland_Dave said:
hmmm, "quite an interesting read...", it's simply the BEST
UrbanLogger
ArboristSite Operative
computeruser said:
I own a John Deere CS62 w/20" bar. I am VERY happy with this saw, I find my self reaching for the Deere more often than most other saws I own. A lot of people on AS seem to shy away from the because they claim to have bad customer support/parts availability in their area. I have an awesome JD dealership then, because any part I need is usually their the next day, 2 or 3 at very most. I have had no problems with any type of customer support, nor have I had any real problems with the saw. Just basic maintenance and up-keep type stuff. As for the saw...It has more than enough power for that 20" bar. The nice thing about this saw is that -unlike most saws on the market now- it has an almost all metallic outer case, the downfall is that the saw is a pound or two heavier that others in the same class. I recommend the Deere, but thats just my Opinion. Oh Yeah, there is a local lumberjack show (travels to fairs, sport shows...that kind of thing) they use Deere saws except for their Hot Saws (Huskys with dirt bike engines shamed into them), and two tree services in my area also exclusively use deere saws now.
for a good price on Deere saws check out:
www.chainsaws4u.com
I've never seen a Deere CS 62/ Efco 962. But mfr specs show it to be 12.1 lb, same as the 357 Husky (which I know is heavier than that- I have one and love it.) and the 361 Stihl, which is about that. I know it is a good saw. Dave Neiger modded a 962, it turned out fine, I heard. About like a modded 357....Stock it rates .3 hp above the other two, which is probably not correct, based on the few reports I've read. About the same power, yes....
346xp is fast, powerful, and I think it usually comes with a 18" Bar.
It is middle of the road, but pro-quality.
I cant imagine you would need any more power once in a blue moon, unless you have 2 acres of redwoods. You could probably pull a 24" bar on it if so inclined. You can also get the "g" saw with heated handles, if you want it.
I just cut up a 34" red oak with the 346xp, and it fared way better than I thought it would.
If you go bigger, you have to lug it around, and that will get tiring for limbing, etc.
At about 11 pounds with bar, gas, etc, it seems about right.
I am not partial to any brand, but if you like Husky, I think you'd appreciate that saw, and I have used larger and the less-expensive saws for comparison sake.
:greenchainsaw:
It is middle of the road, but pro-quality.
I cant imagine you would need any more power once in a blue moon, unless you have 2 acres of redwoods. You could probably pull a 24" bar on it if so inclined. You can also get the "g" saw with heated handles, if you want it.
I just cut up a 34" red oak with the 346xp, and it fared way better than I thought it would.
If you go bigger, you have to lug it around, and that will get tiring for limbing, etc.
At about 11 pounds with bar, gas, etc, it seems about right.
I am not partial to any brand, but if you like Husky, I think you'd appreciate that saw, and I have used larger and the less-expensive saws for comparison sake.
:greenchainsaw:
UrbanLogger
ArboristSite Operative
All good saws, I like those 346xp's too. A friend of mine has one, he also has a Stihl MS260 Pro, which is nice too. I'm not partial to any one brand, every brand seems to have its strong and weak points. I plan on buying another saw or 2 in the next 6 months or so, I'm looking at almost all of the saws mentioned in this thread. I'm leaning toward a Husky, Stihl, or perhaps another Deere but I'm not sure yet, I havn't done enough research yet.
I don't even know why I bought my Deere CS62, I think it was because I'd never seen a Deere saw, and knowing that they are not a company to have their name on garbage, I'd give it a try, and I'm vary happy with it.
I don't even know why I bought my Deere CS62, I think it was because I'd never seen a Deere saw, and knowing that they are not a company to have their name on garbage, I'd give it a try, and I'm vary happy with it.
Kind of new to this, so bear with me. Nearly all the saws previously mentioned would be good choices if not complete overkill (we're talking about 2 acres in Maine and a good sized side job for a guy who works with computers, not exactly Paul Bunyan, if you know what i mean).
Would a pro Stihl saw be an excellent choice? Sure.
Would a good size Husky or Dolmar be great alternatives? Sure
Since you have a buddy who can cut you a "deal" for a side job consider a few things
1) you have 2 acres, you're not clearcutting the town, much less the county
2) after you saw your but off the first couple 3 years clearing off your land, your neighbor's land and half of anything with leaves on it, will you use it
3) the all important question, do you plan to heat your house with wood?
If you can say a definite "yes" to just one of these three questions, buy the Pro model, they run smoother, are built better, and most importantly ARE A FEW OUNCES (sometimes a pound or more) LIGHTER THAN THE EQUIVALENT STANDARD SAW. Don't take my word for it, just search for MS290 (I've owned one for 3 years, prior experience on a 028) and it gets HEAVY. But I don't saw a lot, so it's not a big deal.
In conclusion, if it comes down to "for 50 - 60 more I can buy........." spend the extra 50, hell 80 bucks. Your back, your arms, your shoulders will thank you for a saw that wieghs a bit less, has a bit more power and makes the adrenaline flow.
Would a pro Stihl saw be an excellent choice? Sure.
Would a good size Husky or Dolmar be great alternatives? Sure
Since you have a buddy who can cut you a "deal" for a side job consider a few things
1) you have 2 acres, you're not clearcutting the town, much less the county
2) after you saw your but off the first couple 3 years clearing off your land, your neighbor's land and half of anything with leaves on it, will you use it
3) the all important question, do you plan to heat your house with wood?
If you can say a definite "yes" to just one of these three questions, buy the Pro model, they run smoother, are built better, and most importantly ARE A FEW OUNCES (sometimes a pound or more) LIGHTER THAN THE EQUIVALENT STANDARD SAW. Don't take my word for it, just search for MS290 (I've owned one for 3 years, prior experience on a 028) and it gets HEAVY. But I don't saw a lot, so it's not a big deal.
In conclusion, if it comes down to "for 50 - 60 more I can buy........." spend the extra 50, hell 80 bucks. Your back, your arms, your shoulders will thank you for a saw that wieghs a bit less, has a bit more power and makes the adrenaline flow.
SawTroll
Information Collector
I would steer sharply away from the 290!Spudland_Dave said:
It is a quite heavy plastic cased saw, with too little power for its size and weight. It also has bad anti-vibration and a bad air filter system.
SawTroll
Information Collector
That would be the MS260.Spudland_Dave said:
It is a well-proven pro quality saw, but it is an old design, and anti-vibe and air filter system is not too good compared to the 353.
However, it is slightly lighter, as is the 346xp.
The MS361 is a much newer and better design than the 260....:rockn: :rockn:
Spudland_Dave
ArboristSite Lurker
omegajim said:
Quite true...although in my defense, I used to actually do physical labor for a living...grew up on a farm (1k acres...Potatoes & Grains), then when graduated worked at a large auto dealer...then figured out that the physical work doesnt pay as nicely as sittin my you know what in an A/C'ed office doing brain work....Lets just say I aint doing this because I like the work...I'd rather be out in the woods, on the farm, or tinkering on a John Deere...
Back to topic... I've found the saw I wanted, this past weekend I went home to and spent the day on one of my uncle's pieces of land (100 acres of hardwoods) cutting & clearing trees, cutting firewood, etc.. VERY much what I can see doing in the future...there were many saws there, couple Husky's, couple Jonny's, and a Stihl 029.....after using the saws for 6-7 hours I've come to the conclusion that I want a Jonsered 2171....was the best balanced, best feeling saw of the bunch. Not to mention it has the snot I was looking for in a saw.
So now its just a matter of finding the best price and best dealer to buy from.
SawTroll
Information Collector
The 2171 basically the same saw as the Husky 372xp, and made at the Husky factory.Spudland_Dave said:
However, the Jonsered has a streight across front handlebar that many people don't like.
If you have handled it and liked it, there is no problem though - it sure looks a lot better than the Husky! :biggrinbounce2:
Spudland_Dave
ArboristSite Lurker
sugarbush said:
Yep I'm ORIGINALLY from Aroostook County, go home as much as I can. There arent THAT many Dolmar dealers around....the brand just gives me the heebie jeebies, not that its a bad saw or anything, Right or Wrong I think of Dolmar similar to Mahindra tractors....hit or miss dealer support, 2nd tier/decent product, good pricing.... but will never be as solid & stable (company wise) as Deere, Kubota, Etc..I rest easy at night knowing that in 25 years I can just as easily get parts for an old 1950's Deere as I can for a late model. I see Jonsered & Husky in the same category as Deere...been here a long time, everybody has em, great product, etc... Just on my way into work today I drove by 2 Husky and 1 Jonny dealer....Dolmar....ummm...gotta take a special ride.
I know its just my personal perception, as many people swear by the Dolmar here on this site...but its why I lean away from a Dolmar...no matter the specs/cost/etc..
ButcherGY54
ArboristSite Member
Stay away from the MS290. This saw is a nightmare if you have to fix it. Spend the extra $ and get the MS361. The best all-around saw in the Stihl line. As for the Jonsered I can't help you, but from what I'v read they are Huskys in different skin. That maybe just what you are looking for.
You sound like you want the best saw your money can buy, but not the kind of saw everyone else has. That is not a bad thing. I also like to be unique. I am the only homeowner in my area that has Stihl saws that I know of. Everyone else has Poulan and Craftsman.
David
You sound like you want the best saw your money can buy, but not the kind of saw everyone else has. That is not a bad thing. I also like to be unique. I am the only homeowner in my area that has Stihl saws that I know of. Everyone else has Poulan and Craftsman.
David
mini kahuna
ArboristSite Guru
you said the jd dealer treats you well,the jd saws are efcos,light,good power and smooth,maybe that would be the way to go.I don't know about the longevity part,they seem pretty solid,if you are only taking care of 2 acres,a model in the 50cc area is more than enough saw.
346xp is a professional saw,it is very powerful and overkill for two acres,but you would be smiling the entire time!
the husky 359 is somewhat easier to handle,nice blend of rpm and torque,much better choice for a part time user.
do you have a husky dealer near,how are they to deal with?
do you have a jonsered dealer near you,the jonsered 2159 is a sweetheart of a saw,again it comes down to dealer support.good luck,happy hunting.
346xp is a professional saw,it is very powerful and overkill for two acres,but you would be smiling the entire time!
the husky 359 is somewhat easier to handle,nice blend of rpm and torque,much better choice for a part time user.
do you have a husky dealer near,how are they to deal with?
do you have a jonsered dealer near you,the jonsered 2159 is a sweetheart of a saw,again it comes down to dealer support.good luck,happy hunting.
Spudland_Dave
ArboristSite Lurker
The JD Dealer does treat me good, but he doesnt even carry the saws...he's got a couple of the hedge trimmers, blowers, etc.. but for saws he stocks Husky
mini kahuna
ArboristSite Guru
go with the husky,have you dealer help you decide,go with a saw intended for pro use you will never look back 346xp a little smaller,but light and big top end power for it's size,357xp great unit,I wish I had your problem,which saw to grab!!
let us know what saw you get and how you like it.
let us know what saw you get and how you like it.
SawTroll
Information Collector
Yes, plus a different handlebar angle (or rather lack of an angle), and in some cases other small differences.ButcherGY54 said:
Spudland_Dave
ArboristSite Lurker
Selection & Shopping days are officially over...on my way home last night, I swung by one of the 3 J-Red/Husky dealers which are on my way home and I pulled the trigger on the J-Red 2171. Got it with an 18" and exactly the price I was expecting. Excellent Dealer (all the Husky & J-Red dealers I went to were actually)
Brought it home and spent 2 hours in the woods with it....My face still hurts from all the smiling & grinning I did while using it, its everything I expected plus more. Not suprisingly it powered thru everything I threw at it.
All in all, no complaints, a nice well built powerhouse of a saw.
Thanks to all of you who responded & guided me thru this process.
Brought it home and spent 2 hours in the woods with it....My face still hurts from all the smiling & grinning I did while using it, its everything I expected plus more. Not suprisingly it powered thru everything I threw at it.
All in all, no complaints, a nice well built powerhouse of a saw.
Thanks to all of you who responded & guided me thru this process.
