Looking for the right chainsaw

[parrisw]

So the next question is in store, internet, or used?

I would buy from the local guy if you can, since it sounds like you may have to bring it to him for service. He will treat your right, espicially when you need something.

Be careful with used stuff, I ve bought 2 used saws and had good luck, just be careful with what your getting, get a compression test done if possible.

Will

 

[A. Stanton]

[ I've considered the Stihls, but the price point is higher for a similar saw and the reviews on the huskys seem as good.

Look at the Stihl Farm Boss. You can pick one up new with a case for about $330. I run one for about 8 years with no problem. Just be sure to buy one with the yellow chain.

 

[NYH1]

I'll probably pull the trigger on the 359... and get a smaller bar for the Poulan.

So the next question is in store, internet, or used? (take home prices, respectively $535 - $440 - $300)

Thanks again for the help.

I found a new Husky 365 Special at my local Husky dealer for $537 plus tax. It comes with a 20 inch bar and two chains. I wasn't looking for a saw this big, but it's to good of a deal to pass up. It'll be a nice replacement for my 029 (which has been a great saw!). If you're going to be cutting wood up to 38 inches you might want a bigger saw then the 359.

No matter which saw you choose, I would buy it from a local dealer. Just my $0.02. Good luck!

 

[NWnewguy]

Go Bigger for $20 More

If you are considering a 359 for $535 throw another $20 at the problem and get a new Dolmar 7900. You can could get a 20" and a 28" bar for it and have most situations covered. For the length of time you will be using it you won't notice the slight weight increase over the 359 and you won't be wishing you had a bigger saw when it is taking you forever to cut through 25" rounds of Oak.

 

[fodster]

If you are considering a 359 for $535 throw another $20 at the problem and get a new Dolmar 7900. You can could get a 20" and a 28" bar for it and have most situations covered. For the length of time you will be using it you won't notice the slight weight increase over the 359 and you won't be wishing you had a bigger saw when it is taking you forever to cut through 25" rounds of Oak.

That's a lot of saw, its more than 50% increase in HP. I think it may be overkill for me. I've been happy with the Poulan when it cuts well (actually when it was cutting well and running the 3/8" chain). I think I would error to other side and get a 460 if I didn't already have the Poulan.

 

[computeruser]

Did you see THIS? That 371 would be a good machine for your bigger-saw needs.

 

[SawTroll]

... Look at the Stihl Farm Boss. You can pick one up new with a case for about $330. I run one for about 8 years with no problem. Just be sure to buy one with the yellow chain.

No, please don't...:bang:

The Husky 359 is a better saw than the MS290 in virtually all repects - they are really not comparable at all.
The Husky is pro saw quality, and the Stihl consumer quality.

 

[joatmon]

No, please don't...:bang:

The Husky 359 is a better saw than the MS290 in virtually all repects - they are really not comparable at all.
The Husky is pro saw quality, and the Stihl consumer quality.

Mr. Troll,

We have a guy that cuts 3 cords a year. What part of consumer don't you understand. The 029/290 seems to run and run. I figure this guy can cut about 642.33 years worth of wood (no felling per his initial post) before that 290 dies.

Now, the 029/290 is a little heavy, but for cutting firewood, not as big of deal. I just don't see how the "consumer" 290 is not appropriate because it's "consumer" grade.

But, this is just my humble opinion,

Jack

 

[fodster]

Checklist for a used saw

Could a get a recommendation of specific items to check for on a used saw?

Obviously compression would be a good place to start (though not easy to do on site or without the appropriate tools)
State of the spark plug
State the air filter
Condition of bar (is it lipped?) the chain (sharp?)
Number of cords cut/duration of use?
Age of the saw
Obvious rust/damage

Is there anything that would immediately throw up warning flags?

Any effective way to baseline the price? I checked ebay completed items, but some of the people that buy there are idiots (sorry, feel fairly strongly about this one). One used 359, sold from a private seller, no warranty, no additional chains, not even a pro bar, and assumedly site unseen went for $30 less than internet store price. I mean that's the cost of the two additional chains, not too mention you would get a 2 year warranty and its a new saw. I just don't understand that.

Anyway, I digress. I'm sure the above list is far from comprehensive. I did a quick search through the forum and didn't turn up anything relevant, so I figured I would post here.

Thanks again for all the help (and patience).

 

[charlesfarm]

Be careful buying used equipment. I would never buy a used saw if I either didn't get a guarantee from the seller or if I couldn't at least pull the muffler off and look at the condition of the piston, rings, and cylinder walls.

A farmer that uses his saw to clear fence rows and cuts a lot of dirty wood will likely have bar that looks like crap. But if he does proper maintenance: keeps the air filter clean, uses fresh fuel with the proper mix, etc. should have a decent saw. A weekend warrior that cuts a few cords a year but accidentally ran unmixed fuel through it once, may have the purtiest saw in town, but one that is fully prepped for an early death.

Basically I'm saying that bars, chains, and sprockets are "consumable" items and will not give an accurate representation of the condition of the saw's internals. Cylinders, rings, and pistons are not consumable. Any scoring of the walls and/or piston will cost you lots of $$$ to fix.

God bless,
Chris