ducaticorse
Addicted to ArboristSite
Now we run a 395, a 046 mag, a 201T and a 334T Looking for something equivalent or better to the 346xp to climb with which Ive heard isn't available anymore? I have not checked into this as of yet.
Looking to buy another saw
- Thread starter ducaticorse
- Start date
Help Support Arborist Forum:
ducaticorse
Addicted to ArboristSite
I will try it, but im not looking for another top handle at the moment.
So it sounds like you're looking for a saw that will run an 18 when you're doing a removal and the 201 won't cut it I'm guessing? Stihl 261 is a great choice. 346 is a great saw, and you can still find a few if you hunt, but I have to confess I can tear a 346 down to the crank in 15 minutes tops, and I still don't know much about the guts of a 261 beyond normal maintenance, just never had to. Just my .02
TreeAce
Addicted to ArboristSite
I love my 261. both on and off the ground.
I'm sure the stihl 261 is a good saw, but I have never run one. If you can find a 346xp, buy it. I absolutely love mine. It is my go to saw. Its fast, powerful and light with an 18" bar. If you don't like it, I will buy it from you!
treeman82
Addicted to ArboristSite
I've been running 362's lately and find that they are pretty good. Used to go from the 020 to the 044, (never liked the 260) and then 066. Now I go 020, 362, 44, 66, 88.
Blakesmaster
Addicted to ArboristSite
You need a mid sized saw bro. 395 and 046 are great saws but they'll wreck your arms using them all day. Never ran a 346 or 261 but they seem a bit small imo. 361 or a 372 on the ground or climbing are perfect.
261/346's are great medium climbing saws. Strong for their size. My setup in the tree is 200/261/441. Honestly the weak leak in the Stihl chain in my opinion is the 036 class. If it hits the point you need a 36, might as well haul up the 44 and just giterdun.:msp_wink:
treeman82
Addicted to ArboristSite
I'm not sure that I can agree with you on that. I've run 260's before and to be quite honest they are good with an 18" bar, 20" and they are underpowered. I've got 16" bars on the 020's, a 25" bar on the 44 (which is perfect for that saw) and 20" on the 362 which has plenty of power. Got a 460 with 28", but that stays on the ground as a back-up. Before I had the 362's I would go straight from the 020 to the 44, and it would almost be too much for the job at hand. Now that I'm a bit wiser, I try to use the best saw for the job, rather than the best saw for my ego. A lot of times that 362 will get me through to where the tree can be bombed, or at least a lot farther down so that I'm not carrying all that much weight.
Kottonwood
ArboristSite Operative
I just bought a new 261 since my old 026 pro started dogging a little. I gotta say that is a great saw. We run a twenty inch bar on ours. It is perfect for climbing or as an all around ground saw,it is very lightweight for the amount of power it has. I also run a 20" on my 362 and that thing rips when the chain is sharp, could definitely run a larger bar, I run a 25 on my 361 and it pulls it great. When I am climbing I always go to the 26 first, if I am craning or bucketing I always bring the 362 or the 460.
Big difference between a 260 and a 261, it was a total redesign.
imagineero
Addicted to ArboristSite
50cc is the new 60cc. I run all stihls but have 3 346xps. A ported and stock OE and a stock NE. They're fantastic saws, I've owned a few 036/360's and the 346 is the better saw by a long shot. Every bit as powerful but a whole lot lighter. Great blocking down saw, and a great medium tree falling saw. Hit up AS member nmurph, he refurbs 346's and sells them for a very reasonable price. Does a great job, I bought a couple of mine off him. I'd get the NE if I were you. I've still got an 026 as well, and it used to be my favourite small saw before I got a 346. The 026 is miles better than the 261 in my opinion. Lighter and faster.
Shaun
Shaun
ducaticorse
Addicted to ArboristSite
I used to own 346XP's I liked them too.
ducaticorse
Addicted to ArboristSite
The 372's I owned, I loved> But I feel they are more comparable to the 046 mag that I have now. Im looking for something in the 346/261 range as far as size and weight goes. Maybe I'll try out the 261. I had a 346xp and it was a great little saw.
Blakesmaster
Addicted to ArboristSite
I would put the 046 closer to a 390. My 390 wears a 24" bar and the 372 a 20". When I'm in the bucket the 372 is my go to saw after a 200. When climbing I take the 361 with an 18". Just don't see the need for another step in there but to each there own.
TreeAce
Addicted to ArboristSite
True that. I have both n like em both. 261 is a clear improvement over the 260. never ran a 361 or 362 but I would like to. i think I am well stocked for any job I would be on with 192,200,260,261,046mag,660. I also have a 290 that I bought mostly to help a friend who needed some cash. Its ok but he is welcome to buy it back. I think the 261 with an 18 or even 20 inch bar is a fine saw.
joezilla11
ArboristSite Operative
What about a 562xp. I just picked one up its light and handles well
ducaticorse
Addicted to ArboristSite
372 and 046 mag have similar displacement and weight.
