I need help picking a saw.

[fireman1904]

I know you all hear this a lot but I need help picking out a saw. I have been cutting firewood for years using an old Homelite XL Automatic. Its one of the old ones that doesnt have a bit of plastic on it. Its been a really good saw over the years but its time to upgrade. Its one of those deals where the cost to keep it going is more than just getting something new. I cut a variety of sizes of trees, the saw i use currently has had anywhere between a 16 and 20 inch bar. I need something that will replace it and be reliable. I am uncertain what to get. I have both Stihl and Husqvarna dealers near me. So I would rather my choices be between those two manufacturers. I know there are several other great brands of saws out there but I would just rather get something that I have a dealer near me. I dont want to spend a forturne but I also dont want to sacrifice quality just to save a few bucks. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[brent denny]

Husqvarna 357xp or 359. Stihl ms361.

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

This might help, fireman:

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=24257

 

[davefr]

Husqvarna 357xp or 359. Stihl ms361.

...or Stihl MS260 or Husky 346XP. These later two are very capable pro saws but lighter weight and work well with 18" bars in softer woods like Doug Fir. It really depends on the size and species of wood you're cutting.

 

[mrchevsilverado]

have you ever thought about getting a dolmar?
the new ps-5100s is a cool saw i just got mine about a month ago.
i got mine at a briggs and stratton dealer.the saw is 11lbs or so and runs at 14,500rpm.
hope that helps

 

[keith c raymond]

Dolmar 7900 or Equivalent in ccs.But my 357 is quite a fire wood monster too.

 

[Derag2]

I got a husky 350 and it does a fine job with an 18 inch bar......... If i get another saw its gonna be a husky 359 i beleive is the one i was looking at the other day with a 20in bar on it............

 

[Rotax Robert]

Husky 357 or stihl 360......How much money do you want to spend?

Rotax Robert

 

[skwerl]

Well, you've gotten the full range of suggestions covering (basically) three different categories of saws. IMO the first thing you must decide is what size range you want. All have advantages but larger saws are best suited for larger wood. Along with power comes weight. The strongest saw in the world is powered by a smallblock V8 and takes two men to operate but it isn't worth a chit at cutting 16" firewood.

50cc category-
Stihl MS260
Husqvarna 346XP
Dolmar 5100

60cc category-
Stihl MS361
Husqvarna 357XP

70-80cc category-
Stihl MS440
Stihl MS460
Husqvarna 372XP (replaced by the 575XP, mixed reviews)
Dolmar 7900

These are the industry leaders in their particular groupings. I ony included 'pro' models because I wouldn't waste my time or money on 'homeowner' models, therefore I can't honestly recommend anything but the top of the line 'pro' models. Other brands may have decent saws but they fall short on power-to-weight or distribution or both. You have the pro saws and then you have the also-rans.

Dolmar is by far the best power-to-weight right now, but they also have the worst distribution. They are the new kids on the block, so to speak, and hopefully will grow into a company worthy of competing with Stihl and Husky for recognition as a provider of professional saws.

 

[keith c raymond]

Skwrel,that is well put,Good job!

 

[notahacker]

How about a MS460 Mag?

 

[Mr.]

Jonsered still has the 2171 which is the same as a 372 if you go the 70cc route.

Fred

 

[fireman1904]

I definatly want to go with either a husky or a stihl. I cut mainly oak for firewood. Not to downplay you skwerl but I dont really think i necessarily need a pro saw. Im not 100% sure but I was told by a guy from the local logging company that they use a model with Farm Boss in the name. They are very happy with them. I looked on the stihl website and that is a ms290 and just from what i have read here i understand that that saw is not the best of even the midrange saws. I had my eye on either a ms280 or a 310 . I dont know if either of those are very good. Im not sure what huskys my dealer carries but im sure he can get whatever i want. I would like to keep in the $400 or less range and i know at the local stihl both of the saws i listed are under that.

 

[fireman1904]

Oh also most of what i cut isnt much more than 18 inches in diameter.

 

[CaseyForrest]

I have a 310 with 18" bar and full chisel. Its still not quite broken in but I can bury the bar with no problem. I still dont understand why the 310 gets bashed so much, I love it. I also got a 180 for when I dont need to use the 310. Most of what I do I can use the 180, and I cut and split to make money when Im not working.

 

[Max]

I had an 029 for 7 years and it was a fine firewood saw.

I got a 357xp last year and love the way it runs & cuts.
I'm glad I upgraded to the 357xp!

 

[PowersTree]

I love my MS290's for the 20 inch class. I do like the MS260 when I have to drop the MS200 for a bigger saw. My 290 should have records kept for all the work it has done....Stihl could use it as a testamonial.

 

[460Ted]

Best deal going for under $400!

http://onlinestore.forestindustry.com/cgi-bin/baileys/catch.html?product=new0179

 

[16gauge]

I definably want to go with either a husky or a stihl. I cut mainly oak for firewood. Not to downplay you skwerl but I dont really think i necessarily need a pro saw. Im not 100% sure but I was told by a guy from the local logging company that they use a model with Farm Boss in the name. They are very happy with them. I looked on the stihl website and that is a ms290 and just from what i have read here i understand that that saw is not the best of even the midrange saws. I had my eye on either a ms280 or a 310 . I dont know if either of those are very good. Im not sure what huskys my dealer carries but im sure he can get whatever i want. I would like to keep in the $400 or less range and i know at the local stihl both of the saws i listed are under that.

Welcome to the forum fireman

You will find a wide variety of opinions from the chainsaw nuts (ooopps aficionados) on this site. Given the amount of time you have used your Homelite, and given that you like the MS280 and MS310, I would recommend the MS 280 if you can find it for under $400. Mine has 18" B&C, 325 pitch, .063 gauge setup. This saw is a real pleasure to use compared to my 029 super farm boss with 20", 3/8, .050 bar and chain setup. It balances better, is noticably lighter, and has excellent anti-vibration. It is rated for 16-18 inch bar. I like the 18" for everything. Advertised HP is 280, 3.6 hp, 029S/290, 3.8 hp, 310, 4.0 hp. That difference in real world firewood cutting chores is hardly noticable.

 

[Andyshine77]

For what you're cutting I would want to run a 70cc or larger saw, however you have a price limit of $400, In that case I would recommend the Husky 359, it's the best saw for the $ in it's class. I Live in Cincinnati if you live nearby you are welcome to come over and test drive my saws to see what size saw you would like.