How about them John Deeres?

[orange fever]

Guys, I have checked with all my local dealers and read all I can find to read. I like the specs of the 359 Husky, I know the MS361 is great. I really need a trimming saw now more than I need a big saw. I have it narrowed to a 353 Husky or a CS52 John Deere. The problem I have with Husky is that the only place I can find them here locally is in the big box stores and they only carry the 350 and 455. We have NO local dealer selling the better Huskies. The Deere saw has virtually identical specs, nice vibe isolation, etc. Someone please give me a serious opinion on the Deere saws, I'm ready to buy one this week. Also check out the CS62 Deere vs. the MS361 and Husky 359. The Deere actually has more HP than either of the other 2? Any input will be appreciated. Also I live in a farming community and we have Deere dealers in every town!!

 

[blis]

dont bother with john deeres unless its a tractor,...

 

[Just Mow]

dont bother with john deeres unless its a tractor,...

I'll second that

 

[sawinredneck]

The John Deere saws are made by Efco, they have a very good reputation as a good saw. The problem willbe when JD dumps them, as they have every other munufacture they have worked with in the past, where will you get parts for that saw?
I don't have a bad thing to say about the saws, but JD is notorious about pulling this crap and leaving the consumer holding the bag trying to get parts and service fo equipment they sold, and people bought because of their namesake! My local JD dealer wont even cary them because of this in the past, they only sell Shindiwia! Just take that into consideration, thats all I ask.

 

[orange fever]

Tools that work

Guys, I'm 40 years old and I want a saw that WORKS. I don't buy Browning guns because they're shiny, I buy Savage's because they shoot well. I'm not impressed by a brand, I want a machine and a dealer to back it. I know Husky is great, but there's no one near me selling them. I don't like the stihls in this size class. Really the only 2 saws I will consider are an Echo or a John Deere, and I think the Deere's are better than the Echo's. I will not buy the all mighty Dolmar because there is always a price to pay for that kind of performance from a 2 stroke engine. My son and I raced 2 stroke motocross bikes and they make tremendous horsepower.......BUT you have to re-ring them at least a couple of times a year (6 new race bikes in 3 years, I know of what I speak). The Dolmar is a 2 stroke turning over 14,000 RPM. Unless science has changed that's a lot of stress on a 1 ring 2 stroke engine. Plus I don't want a saw turning 14,700 to trim off a 1/2 inch limb. I don't intend to start a debate, I'm just looking for practical advice.

 

[sawinredneck]

It will work fine, but god help you if you need parts in three years, it will all be internet and shipped across the pond. Read: a $20 part will cost you $40 in shipping, and you might get it in three weeks.

I would look at an internet Husky if thats what you want, or bite the bullet and buy a Stihl, I don't like them in that size either so I feel you're pain. But I have no good answer for you on the John Deere saw!

 

[zimmy]

i have an oleomac 952 which is the same saw, had it for two years, only problem with it so far is stop switch gave out twenty dollar fix, otherwise nothing bad about it good firewood saw with a reasonable amount of power, run mine with 16" bar 325 oregon chain

 

[RaisedByWolves]

The problem willbe when JD dumps them, as they have every other munufacture they have worked with in the past, where will you get parts for that saw?
I don't have a bad thing to say about the saws, but JD is notorious about pulling this crap.......

Think Homelite.

Ive got no love for John.

 

[dtnodya]

I'd buy the Husky if I were you .....

I recently bought a John Deere 55SV (older saw) ... got it running yesterday and it's really strong! Only problem is that if something breaks, I would have to use Ebay to find parts (and they're rare) .. And if the new saws parts are difficult to find in a couple of years then it would be a PITA IMO.

 

[TooTall999]

Guys, I'm 40 years old and I want a saw that WORKS. I don't buy Browning guns because they're shiny, I buy Savage's because they shoot well. I'm not impressed by a brand, I want a machine and a dealer to back it.

See the post about John Deere dumping manufacturers?Your dealer probably won't have parts for this saw in a few years.These guys aren't telling to stay away from John Deeres because they like the other saws,it's because there are better options.For someone that doesn't get hung up on brand names,you seem awfully set on paying more for that green paint.

 

[mini kahuna]

zimmey is right the john deere saws are re-badged efco saws.
I have a 3916 cub cadet,which is a 940 efco also.
good rugged little saw,I use it for trimming.
their are alot of these on ebay brand new and cheap,but to me unless you have an efco dealer around"I do",you should probably stick to something locally available.
by the way an efco will kick the crap out of a echo in the same cc range.
echo seem to be reliable but not very strong saws.

 

[mountainlake]

I'd have to diagree with a Cub Cadet kicking the crap out of a Echo. MyCS510 (49cc) kicks the crap out of my Cub Cadet 5720 (56 cc) Not even close.
Maybe a different story with a 40cc saw. Far as the Cub Cadet goes it cuts ok and wieghts more than it should for 56cc. Seems built pretty good. Steve

 

[hornett22]

nothing runs like a deere...........

or smells like a john.

 

[mini kahuna]

hornett that is a good one

 

[SawTroll]

The John Deere saws are made by Efco, they have a very good reputation as a good saw. .....

The only complaints I have seen on the Emak/Efco made saws are the anti-vibe and fit/finish......

The 62 cc one is the jewel in the model program for power to weight, the other are more so-so.

 

[gatkeper1]

Stay away from the John Deeres.
Efco has abandoned the US market and no longer has distribution here.
So its your Deere dealer until they too abandon them for another brand.
The writing is on the wall IMHO

 

[spike60]

To echo what's already been said, (good pun?), John Deere and the dealer will leave you hanging at some point.

Any John Deere dealer that is really in the saw business will be a Stihl or Husky dealer.

The saw itself is pretty good though.

 

[Wood Cutter]

I have one, Cub Cadet CS-5018. Great saw, starts easy runs great. As for parts just go to a Efco dealer and get the part for a 952.

 

[TooTall999]

I have one, Cub Cadet CS-5018. Great saw, starts easy runs great. As for parts just go to a Efco dealer and get the part for a 952.

I think finding an Efco dealer is probably the issue here.I've never seen one.

 

[lync]

Even my John Deere dealer will not carry or sell the JD chain saw. Echo is a good reliable product. If your only doing occasinal workit should last a long time.

Corey