How much more saw is enough?

[gratefulgary]

I have a Central Boiler and cut a lot of firewood. I harvest standing timber and occasionally have a truck load of left-overs delivered, which can be pretty gnarly stuff. I have an 029 Super Farm Boss with a 26RM2 chain on a 20" bar. I don't have to tell you guys, that it cuts like a champ through anything, as long as it's not too big around. However, a lot of what I cut is too big around and I end up doing more of the work than the saw.

I have read the opinions in the forum but still have this question. Is the Stihl MS 361 sufficiently bigger-more-better? That is, the 029 gets a little boggy, etc. when I'm cutting through the big stuff. Particularly the hard maple with all it's leaders and scaffolds. Will the 361 go through this stuff like butter? Or do I need the 440?

Suggestions on bar length and chain combos would also be appreciated.

 

[TooTall999]

Find a Dolmar dealer and get a 7900...problem solved

 

[computeruser]

Welcome to the site!

The MS361 is undoubtedly more saw than an 029, but I don't think it would be the kind of satisfying jump in performance you're looking for. I would consider the 440 or 441, depending on whether the 440 is still available in your area, to be the appropriate next step. You may also wish to consider going with a 460, since it usually costs but a hair more than the 441. Unless you're working in BIG stuff that requires a big bar, I would hold off on the MS660 - while it is a blast to cut firewood with a 20" bar on this saw, it is heavier, much more expensive, and not as versatile as the 4xx saws.

I can assure you that any of these three saws - 440, 441, 460 - will become your all-around saw, and you'll be keeping the 029 just as a backup. They don't weigh much more than the 029 but have a lot more guts to 'em. Any guesses which saw you'll want to pick up more often - the 4xx or the 029?

As for bars and chains, Stihl RS (now RSC in 3/8", I guess) is an appropriate chain for clean wood, and RM is the appropriate chain for dirty wood. At least around here in hardwood country a 4xx is nicely equipped with a 20" bar for regular use and 28" (w/ skiptooth chain!) for bigger stuff.

You might also want to consider changing the chain on your 029. RM2 is safety chain and cuts noticeably slower than its non-safety cousins, RS and RM. When I had my MS290 I was blown away by the difference between a fresh loop of RM2 and a fresh loop of RS. It was like turning my saw into a totally new machine!

 

[computeruser]

Find a Dolmar dealer and get a 7900...problem solved

Problem solved indeed! That's what I did when I wanted my upgrade from my MS290, couldn't have been happier.

 

[TDunk]

If the tree's your cutting are 20" plus, the smallest saw i would get would be a 361. But i would lean was more towards the 440. IMO i'd go with the 575/440 and use the O29 as a limbing/back-up saw.

 

[SawTroll]

..... Will the 361 go through this stuff like butter? Or do I need the 440? .....

Both, compared with the 029, but it sounds like you could need at least 70ccs, so I guess the 361 is out......

.... As for bars and chains, Stihl RS (now RSC in 3/8", I guess) is an appropriate chain for clean wood, and RM is the appropriate chain for dirty wood. At least around here in hardwood country a 4xx is nicely equipped with a 20" bar for regular use and 28" (w/ skiptooth chain!) for bigger stuff.
....

Agree 100,0%.....:rockn: :rockn:

 

[stonykill]

after I got my boiler, and got into milling, all pretty much at the same time I reallized my 026 wasn't going to cut it, no pun intended. I started collecting various saws, cc's all over the place, and have settled on my 266xp as my main firewood saw with my 346xp for limbing and smaller stuff. The 266xp is 66. something cc's and that for me at least is a good size saw for general all around firewood cutting. I run a 20 inch bar most of the time, with a 24 occasionally. The extra 10 cc's over most of my other saws really makes a difference. Cuts my cutting time way down. Its not heavy either, well at least compared to my macs.

While I'm sure the 361 will out cut the 290 with ease (never used a 361, have used a 290, not impressed ....but thats another story)...you may want to look into something a little larger to compliment the 290 better. You'll most likely end up using the 290 for limbing only after you get ahold of a larger pro saw.

 

[KMB]

I have a Central Boiler and cut a lot of firewood. I harvest standing timber and occasionally have a truck load of left-overs delivered, which can be pretty gnarly stuff. I have an 029 Super Farm Boss with a 26RM2 chain on a 20" bar. I don't have to tell you guys, that it cuts like a champ through anything, as long as it's not too big around. However, a lot of what I cut is too big around and I end up doing more of the work than the saw.

I have read the opinions in the forum but still have this question. Is the Stihl MS 361 sufficiently bigger-more-better? That is, the 029 gets a little boggy, etc. when I'm cutting through the big stuff. Particularly the hard maple with all it's leaders and scaffolds. Will the 361 go through this stuff like butter? Or do I need the 440?

Suggestions on bar length and chain combos would also be appreciated.

I was kinda in the same boat as you're in - except with a 260 - and stepped up to a 71cc saw (same size size as the 044/440) and I'm very glad I did! Sometimes I long for a 046/460. I should be happy with my 044 with a DP (dual port) cover. I'll be using a 20" and getting a 24" or 28" later. computeruser's first post in this thread sums it up nicely.

Kevin

 

[THALL10326]

I have a Central Boiler and cut a lot of firewood. I harvest standing timber and occasionally have a truck load of left-overs delivered, which can be pretty gnarly stuff. I have an 029 Super Farm Boss with a 26RM2 chain on a 20" bar. I don't have to tell you guys, that it cuts like a champ through anything, as long as it's not too big around. However, a lot of what I cut is too big around and I end up doing more of the work than the saw.

I have read the opinions in the forum but still have this question. Is the Stihl MS 361 sufficiently bigger-more-better? That is, the 029 gets a little boggy, etc. when I'm cutting through the big stuff. Particularly the hard maple with all it's leaders and scaffolds. Will the 361 go through this stuff like butter? Or do I need the 440?

Suggestions on bar length and chain combos would also be appreciated.

The 361 is quite abit more saw than the 290 for sure. If you think your 290 cuts fine you'll love the 361. The 440 is a big jump from the 290 and a step above the 361. You will find the 361 alot more fun of a saw to run due to it being liteweight and super smooth. The 440 is a goodie too if you think you need that much saw. 20inch wood is easily handled by the 361...

 

[Lakeside53]

The 361 will seriously out cut the 029...

Not sure what you mean by the "big stuff", but the choice is yours on whether you skip the 361 and go to the next step (440) etc. If you want a 440, you'd better hurry - final production is happening right now.

Your 029 wil perform much better with 26 RMC - that's a semi chisel non-saftey rated chain. The new 26 RMC3 (safety rated) will be almost as good.