I think I need a bigger saw, advice wanted.

[wap13]

On the recommendation of many an AS member I got a 372xp and it was ported before I ever ran it. It is a nice saw but not quite as impressive as I had hoped. I think it is just talked up so much I was expecting more than I should have. Granted I dont have it fully broken in yet and still want to try some different B&C combos and also try out an 8 pin rim but in the mean time I am looking at my options when it comes to bigger saw. I am no pro but use a saw quite often.

I want a saw to pull a 24" with authority in oak, hickory and whatever other hardwoods I may come across in Ga. But I will keep a 28 or 30 on hand for storm clean up and when I want to process a larger tree.

I am thinking 7900, 385xp, 390xp, 395xp or maybe an MS660. I have read and researched until I am blue in the face. A lot of the info is a few years old too so looking for some new perspective.

If I went with a 7900 I would likely sell the 372 but if I went to a 390 or larger I would keep the 372, along with my ms261 and dolmar ps32. However I most likely wouldnt sell the 372 until I ran the new saw for a while to make sure that I didnt need the 372 anymore.

One thing that is a little different (at least from the threads I have been able to find searching) is that whatever saw I get will be ported, I may run a tank or 2 through it but I have no intentions of keeping a saw stock. My 261 and 372 are both ported and I cant see have a bigger saw not ported. I understand the 385/390 isnt THAT much of a step up from a 372 but a 395 seems might large to me, at least on paper, same goes for the 660. I am looking for a saw to wear a 24" bar 90% of the time and will keep a 20 and 28 on hand when needed. I know I dont NEED a bigger saw than the 372 but looking for something to handle a 28" bar well make me giggle like a school girl when running smaller bars.

Unfortunately I dont have the luxury of trying out any of the mentioned saws at the moment so any advice is appreciated. Sorry for the long post...

 

[tpope]

I got a 288 that you can play with if you are close to I-20 and the AL line...

 

[Magnumitis]

Considered a stihl 461?

 

[sam-tip]

32" bar on a 395 is FUN to run. It will make you giggle with smaller bars. Using 3/8 chain. It is heavy but not that heavy. Worth the smile on your face.

 

[fwgsaw]

So many choices so little time

 

[mdavlee]

A ported 372 is usually impressive. I've owned a couple of them and the red brother and they pulled a 32" faster than a stock 90cc saw did.

 

[Evan]

Reading this I was thinking man this cat must cut a lot of hard wood to feel under sawed with a ported 372.

In my opinion its kinda silly to put a smaller then 32" bar on a 90cc saw. I've also found I of tent prefer the 32 even when bucking small. I also feel 24" 28" is basically the same. 30" slightly odd so the only choice is 32"

I wouldn't spend any hard earned money on a 395. However the 390 is awesome specially since your porting. 395 is a heavy slow revving but power full turd.

I've found the 066-660s run very well when ported. And prefer stihls over husky foe no real reason.


Also wouldn't a Stihl 461 be a downgrade from a posted 372 . Specially being as its a new epa model

 

[procarbine2k1]

A ported 372 is usually impressive. I've owned a couple of them and the red brother and they pulled a 32" faster than a stock 90cc saw did.

That's what I am thinking.

 

[mdavlee]

The 461 is a real strong saw. Better than the 460 power and fuel wise. If the 661 doesn't make an appearance in a month or so I'm going to get a new 461.

Not to stir trouble but who ported the 372? You can pm me if you want.

 

[sawfun9]

Well I have a ported 880 that might do what you want, but it ain't cheap.

Seriously though, my 460 and ported XPW will put a smile on my face.with.a 28" bar buried in maple. And I ain't easy to please as far as power goes. Maybe try an 82cc Mac. Those put a smile on everyone's face.

 

[Magnumitis]

Also wouldn't a Stihl 461 be a downgrade from a posted 372 . Specially being as its a new epa model

No it would not be a downgrade from a ported 372. OP said the new saw would be ported. Check out some of mastermind's videos on the tube. My 461 is stock (for the time being) and it pulls a 25 through red oak easily

 

[wap13]

Didnt expect this much info so fast, thanks for posting up.

I am not opposed to a 461 but figured (from what I have read) a 7900 would weigh the same and be stronger and cheaper.

Maybe I just need some more trigger time with the 372, but with a 24" bar cutting down a 30ish" old growth pine, most of which was heart (guys from the south know what I'm talking about) and also cutting down a large cherry it wasnt quite as bad a$$ as I was expecting.

I should also mention I am on the look out for a 372 builder to put a 375 top end on to try out and see how that compares.

I am not opposed to a 288 either and thanks tpope for the offer, when work slows down this fall I may take you up on that.

 

[fatheadon1]

A stock 372 is a bad a$$ saw who did your porting? As for a 2nd saw a ported 390 is about the best bang for the buck it balances well with a big bar feels nimble compared to a 395 or 660 and when ported they run like rapped apes. iv had many people come looking for a dirt bike when im cutting trees in back yards with my ported 390

 

[homelitejim]

When I need a big saw I grab my SP125.

 

[Evan]

After reading this I now wonder who sharpens tour chains or if you do it. Might be alit to gain right here. This also brings the question and I'm sure I sound like an as but do you tune your saws or us this a ported saw that hasn't had a tuneing tuneing?

 

[rarefish383]

When speed and time used to mean something to me I had one 100CC Super 1050 with a 24" bar and another one with a 36" bar. Only used the 36" when I had to, the 24" got the brunt of the work. Yes a 24" on 100CC's is fun, and gets the work done. Now I use my MS290 for most of my bucking and I don't care how long it takes, Joe.

 

[RandyMac]

When speed and time used to mean something to me I had one 100CC Super 1050 with a 24" bar and another one with a 36" bar. Only used the 36" when I had to, the 24" got the brunt of the work. Yes a 24" on 100CC's is fun, and gets the work done. Now I use my MS290 for most of my bucking and I don't care how long it takes, Joe.

There a pill now for your low "T"

 

[Evan]

You couldn't make me buck with a 290 and I also don't care how long it takes.

Kinda odd to go from 100cc saws to a 290. 346 026 heck a 440 even feels lighter then a 290.

Just odd. Just saying

 

[ernurse]

If I were you I would give the 372 just a little more time to break in. Im definitely a Stihl guy but it's kinda hard to beat a ported 372 with a 24 in bar. :msp_thumbsup:

 

[Evan]

This guy has a 372 and and is cutting with a 290. Man what's this world coming to?