I'm getting a new saw. Any suggestions?

[Nick Kent]

I am not a proffessional by any means, but I do like to cut my own firewood and clear. My father has two saws that I currently use. One is an old Stihl 031 that weighs about 18 lbs. The other is an Stihl 012. The 031 has plenty of power for what I do, but is too heavy to use for limbing. The 012 is much better for limbing, but not as great for felling the larger trees. What I am interested in is a saw that is somewhat inbetween these two saws, but maybe a bit closer to the power of the 031. I thought that the Stihl 280 C QS looks like a good one to go for and it has plenty of safety features. I probably only cut with the saws about a combined of one month a year, so I'm not cutting much. What do you guys think? thanks, Nick.

 

[cbfarmall]

In its day, the 031 was considered a limbing saw. Nowadays, that title goes to the 026/260. Get that saw and you can't go wrong. The 280 is not a pro-saw and it certainly will never approach the durability the 031 was/is known for. There are still lots of 031s out there.

Still, the 280 may serve your needs very well. I'm not the expert.

Chris B.

 

[Nick Kent]

Do you think the 260 will outperform the 280 in cutting and longetivity? They both seem to have the same features.

 

[glens]

The best single all-around model in the lineup is likely the MS361.

Glen

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Originally posted by glens
The best single all-around model in the lineup is likely the MS361.

Glen

Bingo!!!

 

[lucky]

How about the 359? I don't have one, but it seems to be making a buzz around here. No pun intended.

 

[glens]

The 359 would almost cut with an 036 but was nearly a pound heavier than the Stihl.  Now the MS361 has replaced the 036/MS360 boasting more power everywhere and less vibes with the same weight.  The 359 has now picked up a catalyst muffler and has been mostly described as being finicky since.

Husky's days are numbered, LOL.

Glen

 

[Nick Kent]

Well, I actually decided to go with a 260 pro. It seemed like close to the same power, but less weight, and it also seemed like it might last longer as it is their "smallest proffessional saw." I know that I'll probably end up getting two saws in the long run, and the 260 will be the small one. But I think for now it will work fine.

 

[jokers]

Originally posted by glens
The 359 would almost cut with an 036.....
Glen

Glen, did you actually compare these two side by side or did you make that up?

Russ

 

[WoodTick007]

I vote for the Stihl MS290 Garage Shelf Boss.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Originally posted by glens
The 359 would almost cut with an 036 but was nearly a pound heavier than the Stihl.  Now the MS361 has replaced the 036/MS360 boasting more power everywhere and less vibes with the same weight.  The 359 has now picked up a catalyst muffler and has been mostly described as being finicky since.

Husky's days are numbered, LOL.

Glen

Glen compared to the Husky 359 the Stihl 036 isn't with it. The Stihl 361 is more on par with the 359.

Yes I have owned/own the 036 and the 359 and demoed a 361.


Until the muffler is opened up the 036 just doesn't have it!

If you disagree.........then why does the 036 come standard with a .325 chain???

The 359 has 3/8. The 359 that I have will pull a 20" bar nose buried in a Red Oak without a problem.

As for Husky's days being numbered. I dunno. Sure the new 455 and 575 are heavier, but until there has been some report on their performance the jury is still out.

 

[bwalker]

Rich, i agree that the jusy is still out on the 575. However it is already starting out with one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel. Its basicly the same HP and weighs 1.5 lbs more. This means its almost up to the weight of a 066. As for the 036..I concur. That saw is a roach..even with a muffler mod.

IMO if stihl comes to the table with saws to replace the 440 and 460 that are lighter than the husky's and make the same power Husky's goose may be cooked.

 

[bwalker]

BTW my o36 came with 3/8 chain.

 

[rmihalek]

What about a used saw off some auction site?

 

[WRW]

036 came standard with .325 chain?

 

[WRW]

Ah! Ben's edit cleared up some of the confusion.

 

[Nick Kent]

While I've got you guys here. What is the best way to sharpen a chain. I've always used a bar mount filing type tool, and it seems to give decent results. I probably don't really know how to sharpen correctly, but with the new saw I'm going to try to learn and get it right. Should I stick with this type of shaprening system or go to something else? Thanks, Nick.

 

[glens]

I don't know, you guys.  I must have an uncharacteristically strong 036.  It came with 3/8 and a 20" bar and it will pull it buried through red oak quite fine.  It'll even do it in bitternut hickory or white oak.  Granted, it's not in the same league as the 066 but it ain't no pooch.

Have you sent that saw yet, Russ?

Hey Kent.  Nice saw.  I use a file with the chain on the saw unless I've really rocked out or something.  Every few times I'll stick the Husky roller guide on and use it (had to modify it for Stihl chain) but otherwise I use just the file.  Get a Husky depth guide gauge (assuming you don't have the hideous RM chain with the bumper tie straps).

Glen

 

[bwalker]

Glens how did you mod the husky guide for stihl chain?

BTW stihl RM chain comes in two variants. one has the bumper tie straps/ green link and the other with a standard chassis/yellow link. I use the RM, semi chisel chain for cutting really dirty logs.

 

[Crofter]

Nick Kent

Look at some of these threads on tis search link for info on sharpening.

http://www.arboristsite.com/search....d=287115&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending