Looking to buy a saw..any opinions??

[weimedog]

I plan to buy a saw this month.

I have narrowed my selection down to the following:

1) Husqvarna 365. (4.6hp, 13.0lbs, $490) Torquier than the 357.
2) Husqvarna 357. (4.4hp, 12.1lbs, $480) Revs to the moon, what I use daily, 7hrs a day at work.
3) Echo CS-670. (4.01cu, 13.2lbs) No idea of HP, Looks like a match to the Husqvarna 365..just costs less. ($457)
4) Stihl 360...what the local experts say is right. Doesn't do anything for me. Emotional not logical reason to dislike.

Whats your opinion? Is that Echo worth another look?

 

[TonyM]

I would put the echo CS-670 in the mid to low 4 horsepower range, so it's in the hunt. I have one with very low hours, but it has been ported by Dan Henry, resident arboristsite saw builder. It cuts with a stock 372XP now. I'd be willing to sell it, as I have too many saws right now. Personally, out of the saws you listed, I'd opt for the 357XP, or, look at the new MS361 from Stihl.

 

[weimedog]

I did notice your posts on the Echo...jetted too lean stock? You didn't see pleased. Another posted the Echo didn't have the bottom end punch.....is this why you had your ported? All we cut here is hardwood maple and cherry.

I'm a long time motorcycle racer & now collector of vintage MX bikes and understand 2 strokes well. How is your ported? To add RPM's or midrange punch? Can the bottom end of that CS-670 motor handle the additional punch..especially if its midrange punch?

Reason I prefer a new saw is this purchase is very important to my family. We will depend on the saw for maintaining our 266 acre farm...wood for our heating in the winter. Lots of other things not important here but important to us. I can't afford to make too big a mistake. For that reason I have avoided used.

I appreciate the feedback.

Where is the best place to buy?

 

[jokers]

Hi Weimedog,

Welcome to Arboristsite!

Where in CNY are you located? That might have some bearing on where you buy.

Russ

 

[Crofter]

Weimdog.

The 357 would be a bit faster than the 365 in smaller wood and the 365 will have the edge with a longer bar and bigger wood. For a few dollars more go to the 372--- it is the same weight and all only bigger bore than the 365. If you are going to have only one saw that is close to as good as it gets. From a babys fart to a clap of thunder, you got it covered. I like also having my 260 Stihl for limbing and brushing.

Frank

 

[rb_in_va]

weimedog,
What do you plan on doing with the saw? Firewood, clearing a lot, milling? Later, Roger.

 

[Doug01]

I too have an echo 670. Nice saw can't say anything bad really. It does have the manual oier in addition to the auto. I considered the 365 too. The 670 is going to the auction block cause the 372 rocks! Got it for $550. You won't regret it.

Doug

 

[weimedog]

rb_

The tasks will range from all things applicable while maintaining a 15mile trail system, clearing trees blown down, thinning out huge old Hardwood Maples (2-4ft dia trucks), logging 18in-24in hardwood maple and cherry, Firewood from the above activities....a life time of work working a couple of hundered acres into a nice place for our family activites.

 

[Oregon_Rob]

I think you would be better off with the 372, that's some good sized, hard wood.

 

[TonyM]

Sounds like you've got a lot more use for a saw than I was first assuming. I would probably also go for a new 372XP. I have one and they are good saws. I however find that saw a little heavy for some activities, so depending on your age, physical fitness, and strength, you may find it nice to have a smaller saw as well. Since it sounds like you could expend the life of one saw, and you mentioned family activities, meaning that you might have occasion to use more than one saw at a time, I would go for the 372XP, and add a 346XP for the lighter work. Or as an alternative, consider the 357XP and have it modified. I'm sure it would cut with or outcut a stock 372, and only weigh a little more than a 346.

As far as the Echo, I have four saws right now, two small ones that run neck and neck (Dan Henry ported 346XP and my own modified 651 Solo), and two big ones that run neck and neck (stock 372XP and ported Echo CS-670). I really don't want to get rid of any of them, as I'll wear them all out eventually, but I also don't need all of them, and have toyed with the idea of selling a couple, but not seriously yet.

 

[Lawn Masters]

I agree, 372XP, then if you want some extra HP/torque from it, have Dan Henry Power Port it for you. I run a Jonsered 670 which is similar to the Echo 670, I like it for the power, but its a bit heavy, and they can be a pain t get some parts for. I am getting a bigger saw soon for milling logs but thats another post.

 

[HappyHack]

For the $, I would go with the 372.

You can get the powerhead for $498 Brand New from Commercial Cutters Direct or Bills Saw Shop both on the Net. Add in another $15 for shipping plus a Bar and Chain.

I my friend just purchased a 372 from CCD, and he loves it. Any Husky dealership should honor the warranty agreement you recieve.

Go try a few saws out and see what you like. If you buy from a Dealer you will pay a more, but you will have built a relationship with the dealership, and that may pay-off in the long run for repairs, parts and service. If I used my saw for a living I would go with the dealer. If your new saw broke a decent guy would give you a loaner saw until they yours was fixed.

Let s us know what you get! Good Luck!

 

[stihltech]

STIHL

Oh, by the way, there are some very good Stihl models out the.
I think a 361 may just fill the bill. Depends on how much big timber you have. Then check out a 440 or 460.

Could not let it go guys, still revved up from yesterday.

 

[Ruger14]

you may want to think about a 7900. more power than a 372 and lighter. not to take away from the huskies.

B

 

[TonyM]

The 7900 is not lighter than a 372. It's actually just a tad heavier, but certainly more powerful. I overlooked that one!

 

[bwalker]

Weimedog, Did you use this user id on DRN also? I seem to remeber you from when I hung out there daily.
As for the saws. As mentioned a 7900, 372, or a 440 will all fit the bill. I would go with the Husky Or Dolmar over the Stihl based on price and performance.

 

[rb_in_va]

weimedog,
Why don't you just buy the 090G from MB? That should take care of your needs

 

[MasterBlaster]

Heck no, its getting the handle fixed right now!

 

[jokers]

Hi Weimedog,

Get your farm tax exempt form and come about 40 minutes north to CCD.

From what you have described, I`d go with the 357 or the 372 for about $50 more. The only down side to the 372 is the extra weight when you don`t need it. If you are using a saw about 7 hrs/day now, you probably wouldn`t be too bothered by the extra weight.

Having two saws is a definite plus, especially if one is a lightweight saw for the trail work. The trail saw doesn`t need to be expensive. Something like a Husky 141 or Stihl 021 will cut alot of small stuff in it`s life. Bumping up your investment enough to buy a 345, 350, or ms250 will however give you a substantially better saw with alot more power.

Russ

 

[ricksvar]

I would recommend a 346/372(on-line,internet) combo,for the money you'll get the best bang for the buck and performance.If you want to "split the baby" with only one saw the 357xp would get the nod.

It just does not make since to me to wear a 372 on the small cuts when a cheaper saw will take care of it just as fast or faster.On the other hand it does not make since to me to lay a 346(finesse saw)into a 24" cut when a 372 is there and gone within a few seconds.

I would give a local dealer the opportunity to match internet prices.If he won't,it's all available on the net.It's not a fair or perfect world and price competition is a good option.

Rick
(AKA,failure to communicate)