Help me justify a new saw purchase

[Natty Bumppo]

As others have said, get what you want. If you got the big saw Joneses, go that route. And while you may not think it yet, at some point you may pick up a light weight 30-40cc saw (Husky 339XP & Echo 3510, in my case) and find it can handle an awful lot of what you cut, and why was I lugging that boat anchor through the woods all these years.

 

[chipper1]

I just picked up a 500 for cheap compared to new . Will have the MM 461 up for grabs soon

Congrats.
Sure someone will be happy to score the 461, beasty saws that last forever, and ported by Randy. Too bad they are heavy and vibrate so bad .

 

[Zaedock]

I agree with the consensus to buy what you want. For me, Wifey justification isn't needed as she buys her stuff and I buy mine (shoes and hand bags = new saw prices).

I will say that 500i's have been scarce according to my two nearby dealers. I know I haven't seen one on the shelf and have no idea on pre-order timeframes. I'm interested in the MS400, but a hundred plus bucks more, I could get the 462.

 

[Iffykid]

There is a difference between want, need and depth of pockets, I recently started a similar thread wanting but not needing either a 372XP or a 390XP. I have been running Stihls for the last 25-30yrs and will continue to do so as I have at least 6-7 that I am presently running, and I ran a mix of both Stihl and Huskies prior to that.

So what I did was after careful deliberation I ordered a 592XP 28" Xlite bar and chain 3qts of Husky fuel which got me a 5yr warranty for $1249 shipped to my door.

 

[James Sawyer]

I suggest before going out to cut a few cords of wood, come into the house with your saw... Hold it up and tell the wife... it doesn't fit you very well, it's way out of style. and you just don't have anything that looks good on you to wear in the woods ... you can't be seen looking like this! its so old can't buy accessories for it anymore... there is just nothing you can do with it. You need something new and sparkly that all the woodcuts will stop what they are doing and gleam with admiring eyes... like when your out with her. I suggest you leave the door open you may need to duck and run! If she laughs tell you just need a faster newer saw so you can spent more time with her...lol

Or just go buy the dam saw and tell her it was on sale, it was the last one (these days more true then not) ... see how much money you saved her... don't you think it looks good on me and give her that looks she gives you...lol

 

[cookies]

In the end it's your call and whatever your decision is I hope its one you can enjoy for many years!
The 4 stages of liking and owning chainsaws
First saw.. whats affordable at the time (typically under 50cc box store special)the adrenaline rush and new found ability to cut wood at will is amazing. You have fond memories of this saw even to this day, you still have chains that fit it laying around or hanging up somewhere.
Second saw.. After running the first saw for years you decided you needed more power(55-69cc), longer bar and made by a company that offers readily available parts and a real warranty likely with a repair facility near you. You likely still own this saw or your best friend/neighbor does and you visit it or it visits you.
stage 3 You now own 2+ 55-70cc saws yet you long for a 80+ cc saw that can cut trees wider than the height of any man you know, its sole purpose is for the trees no one else can touch in your friends list. So you buy one and you end up being called more often and run it all day a few times. You are given the highest sign of respect among friends and acquaintances, being offered a beer whenever in the presence of friends like your last name is Corleone. You also learned a saw can drink gasoline like a pre 70's muscle car and your brain often says thats why you now wear a back brace working with anything over 20 pounds.
Stage 4 You are now interested in the smallest, lightest saw possible including battery powered. You pack 3 saws when you go cut. small medium and the beater always kept behind the seat thats really a air freshener and ambience enhancer, it still starts on a dime in emergencies (after you spend 30 minutes "fixing it" then break out the either).

 

[OM617YOTA]

In the end it's your call and whatever your decision is I hope its one you can enjoy for many years!
The 4 stages of liking and owning chainsaws
First saw.. whats affordable at the time (typically under 50cc box store special)the adrenaline rush and new found ability to cut wood at will is amazing. You have fond memories of this saw even to this day, you still have chains that fit it laying around or hanging up somewhere.
Second saw.. After running the first saw for years you decided you needed more power(55-69cc), longer bar and made by a company that offers readily available parts and a real warranty likely with a repair facility near you. You likely still own this saw or your best friend/neighbor does and you visit it or it visits you.
stage 3 You now own 2+ 55-70cc saws yet you long for a 80+ cc saw that can cut trees wider than the height of any man you know, its sole purpose is for the trees no one else can touch in your friends list. So you buy one and you end up being called more often and run it all day a few times. You are given the highest sign of respect among friends and acquaintances, being offered a beer whenever in the presence of friends like your last name is Corleone. You also learned a saw can drink gasoline like a pre 70's muscle car and your brain often says thats why you now wear a back brace working with anything over 20 pounds.
Stage 4 You are now interested in the smallest, lightest saw possible including battery powered. You pack 3 saws when you go cut. small medium and the beater always kept behind the seat thats really a air freshener and ambience enhancer, it still starts on a dime in emergencies (after you spend 30 minutes "fixing it" then break out the either).

This is it, exactly! I'm moving towards Stage 3, it sounds like.

 

[Zaedock]

There is a difference between want, need and depth of pockets, I recently started a similar thread wanting but not needing either a 372XP or a 390XP. I have been running Stihls for the last 25-30yrs and will continue to do so as I have at least 6-7 that I am presently running, and I ran a mix of both Stihl and Huskies prior to that.

So what I did was after careful deliberation I ordered a 592XP 28" Xlite bar and chain 3qts of Husky fuel which got me a 5yr warranty for $1249 shipped to my door.

This is a great option if you have no brand loyalty. I know I don't (but having two Stihl dealers nearby is a factor).
I don't remember exactly which saw he has, but the guy with the "In The Wood Yard" youtube channel runs larger Husky's and rotates saws as he cuts. Worth a watch to check them out.

 

[Iffykid]

In the end it's your call and whatever your decision is I hope its one you can enjoy for many years!
The 4 stages of liking and owning chainsaws
First saw.. whats affordable at the time (typically under 50cc box store special)the adrenaline rush and new found ability to cut wood at will is amazing. You have fond memories of this saw even to this day, you still have chains that fit it laying around or hanging up somewhere.
Second saw.. After running the first saw for years you decided you needed more power(55-69cc), longer bar and made by a company that offers readily available parts and a real warranty likely with a repair facility near you. You likely still own this saw or your best friend/neighbor does and you visit it or it visits you.
stage 3 You now own 2+ 55-70cc saws yet you long for a 80+ cc saw that can cut trees wider than the height of any man you know, its sole purpose is for the trees no one else can touch in your friends list. So you buy one and you end up being called more often and run it all day a few times. You are given the highest sign of respect among friends and acquaintances, being offered a beer whenever in the presence of friends like your last name is Corleone. You also learned a saw can drink gasoline like a pre 70's muscle car and your brain often says thats why you now wear a back brace working with anything over 20 pounds.
Stage 4 You are now interested in the smallest, lightest saw possible including battery powered. You pack 3 saws when you go cut. small medium and the beater always kept behind the seat thats really a air freshener and ambience enhancer, it still starts on a dime in emergencies (after you spend 30 minutes "fixing it" then break out the either).

Just entering stage 3 with a 92cc my first saw over 70cc.

 

[Iffykid]

This is a great option if you have no brand loyalty. I know I don't (but having two Stihl dealers nearby is a factor).
I don't remember exactly which saw he has, but the guy with the "In The Wood Yard" youtube channel runs larger Husky's and rotates saws as he cuts. Worth a watch to check them out.

That would be Chris, He just recently picked up a 592 with 24" B&C. His brother runs a 395 with 24" B&C. I think Chris is still running a 372XP as well.

I have the largest Stihl dealer in Mn appx 10 minutes away and a Husky dealer appx same distance. Not only no brand loyalty no dealer loyalty either as I ordered my new saw out of Florida.

 

[OM617YOTA]

I'm not brand loyal, but have a really good Stihl dealer 10 minutes from my house, and several other decent ones in the area. Husky? The only dealer I know of in the area, I would specifically avoid.

 

[OM617YOTA]

Looking at the specs of the 592, that's probably not the direction I want to go. I like the big power:weight ratio, rather than just big saw big power.

 

[Iffykid]

Looking at the specs of the 592, that's probably not the direction I want to go. I like the big power:weight ratio, rather than just big saw big power.

Yes on the power to weight 500i gets a slight edge .482/1 over the 592 at .455/1 or .027 hp per pound more, but then I factored in the price per pound.

One could use the price per hp. as well. 6.7-$1400 or 7.6-$1250

Good luck with whichever you choose I am sure it will be the best choice for you and that is all that matters in the end.

 

[JD Guy]

As a new kid here (age 71) on this site I probably have no right to voice my opinion but here goes anyway .I recently purchased a Stihl MS 400 25" light bar and am really pleased with it. Was tempted by the 500i but wanted to save a little saw weight. Nothing like a new saw and the chips flying . Go for it!

 

[261cm]

My suggestion is get the 500!! Hey you only live once.. I have been wanting one myself, but absolutely don’t need it. I bought a new 261cm and and a little 151tc last year and really like both of those. The 151tc was tuned pig rich and I pulled the carb and removed the limiters, did a muffler mod on it, and left it just a little on the rich side, and it’s a little beast!
My old 230 still runs like a top and does everything I need around my place (I don’t cut for a living, just clean up when needed on my property), but I wanted a 261, and then decided I wanted the little 151.
All I can say is my bank account is glad my dealer has never had one in stock when I went in. Lol

 

[fields]

In the end it's your call and whatever your decision is I hope its one you can enjoy for many years!
The 4 stages of liking and owning chainsaws
First saw.. whats affordable at the time (typically under 50cc box store special)the adrenaline rush and new found ability to cut wood at will is amazing. You have fond memories of this saw even to this day, you still have chains that fit it laying around or hanging up somewhere.
Second saw.. After running the first saw for years you decided you needed more power(55-69cc), longer bar and made by a company that offers readily available parts and a real warranty likely with a repair facility near you. You likely still own this saw or your best friend/neighbor does and you visit it or it visits you.
stage 3 You now own 2+ 55-70cc saws yet you long for a 80+ cc saw that can cut trees wider than the height of any man you know, its sole purpose is for the trees no one else can touch in your friends list. So you buy one and you end up being called more often and run it all day a few times. You are given the highest sign of respect among friends and acquaintances, being offered a beer whenever in the presence of friends like your last name is Corleone. You also learned a saw can drink gasoline like a pre 70's muscle car and your brain often says thats why you now wear a back brace working with anything over 20 pounds.
Stage 4 You are now interested in the smallest, lightest saw possible including battery powered. You pack 3 saws when you go cut. small medium and the beater always kept behind the seat thats really a air freshener and ambience enhancer, it still starts on a dime in emergencies (after you spend 30 minutes "fixing it" then break out the either).

wth... you described me without ever meeting me lol

 

[CobraChevelle]

I just bought a 592xp but might sell my makita 7900 for a 500i as my "light saw" lol

 

[bwalker]

I go with a 400C

 

[Chevboy0167]

This...... hands down... mic drop....LOL

 

[John Lyngdal]

This...... hands down... mic drop....LOL

No clutch or chain brake, but it did make me smile.