I am looking at getting a new saw. I have just started cutting wood for heat last year so I have limited chainsaw experience. Right now using a husqvarna 240e. Good saw but I do not think it is made to cut 15-18 cords a year. So looking for a new saw. Currently looking at the Stihl 362 and the Stihl 441. I am leaning towards the 362. What size bar for the 362? I was hoping to run a 18" bar. Will the saw handle this comfortably? The thing that took the 441 out of the running was the extra weight and I think it is more saw than I need.
Help with new saw purchase
- Thread starter Bluefan
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mikeb1079
ArboristSite Operative
you'll get much better advice if you post this in the chainsaw forum. here, we'd all just tell you to buy 088s/3120s and not worry about those baby saws! 
good luck.
good luck.
MostShady1
Addicted to ArboristSite
I would say save a couple dollars and get the 362 with a 20" bar.(It will pull this just fine) This would be just about what I would call the perfect, all around, firewood cutting saw. Plus, it will last you many, many years, with proper care.
ECRUPPRECHT
ArboristSite Operative
I run a 20 on my 361 all the time it really loves a 20 but i have ran up to a 25 and it pulled that great too no probs with the 20 tho if your going to cut alot of wood over 24 in i would go for the 441 but if most of your cutting is in smaller wood the 362 will work wonderfully.
jimdad07
Addicted to ArboristSite
You might want to try out the Dolmar ps510 if you have a dealer nearby. If you are going to a box store, I have heard good things about the Echos they sell at Home Depot, they have a good warranty. Can't beat a good dealer though.
MostShady1
Addicted to ArboristSite
I would have to very much agree on dealer support. If you can't do ALL of you own saw work, you will want a quality dealer nearby. In this area, Stihl support is untouchable, but I can't speak for where you are. (I wish I could find a single Dolmar dealer anywhere around here)
jimdad07
Addicted to ArboristSite
Stihl is every where, they have one heck of a support network, plus they make great products IMO. I happen to be lucky to have a great Dolmar dealer about five miles away and another one just popped up about a half hour away.
HUCKLEBERRY
ArboristSite Member
Options
Just another option to look into would be the Makita/Dolmar 6401. It's in the $500 range new from Baileys and can be purchased online/by mail. That was a plus for me because when I was looking for a new saw I felt like the Husky's and Stihl's in the same class were too expensive. They both make good saws no doubt but I've been very pleased with the 6401 I've had for a couple of years now. Good luck.
Just another option to look into would be the Makita/Dolmar 6401. It's in the $500 range new from Baileys and can be purchased online/by mail. That was a plus for me because when I was looking for a new saw I felt like the Husky's and Stihl's in the same class were too expensive. They both make good saws no doubt but I've been very pleased with the 6401 I've had for a couple of years now. Good luck.
jimdad07
Addicted to ArboristSite
I have not heard a bad thing about those 6401's, not even in the chainsaw forum. Great saw in that price range.
Maybe it is more saw than you need but although the 441 weighs 12% more than a 362, but you also get 20% more ccs.
I got my 441 for a bargain and was going to sell it for a profit but I like it so much I have kept it. I use it for milling small logs and it works great. I run a 25" bar with 050 lo-pro chain on it - I reckon its a great little saw
jimdad07
Addicted to ArboristSite
Go to the bottom of the screen and click on the Forum jump, a list will come up for the different forums, good luck.
Click on this http://www.arboristsite.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9
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