Making a choice 385,395,660,460 ?

[MOE]

Ive been looking at used saws and am now considering getting new one. It's for cutting firewood but many of the trees are large dead oaks. I'm after a 24"-28" bar. Will a 385 husky or a 460 stihl handle it fine in dead oak or should I be looking at a 660 or 395? I would love to hear some input and experience with these saws without starting a brand war. Right now I'm leaning towards a 385 husky. thanks

 

[Stumper]

It is easiest to fell with the lean.

Seriously, I can't imagine you regretting getting a 385. They are all good saws though.

 

[Gypo Logger]

Speaking of leaners, the 385 has what's required to fell even the largest leaners, but then so does the 346 if you know what you're doing, if you know what I mean.
John

 

[Gypo Logger]

Hi Mike, I was just showing what should be done when a dutchman has been left in.
So in this case it was an intentional dutchman. lol
I got the movie, but takes forever to upload.
John

 

[Gypo Logger]

LOL, Mike I just noticed your forensics. Actually I keep several chunks, discs, etc. whithin easy reach to fend off marauding wolves and timber thieves.
John

 

[Hunter]

John,
Did you bore cut to releive the stress or cut the heart through your notch?
Hunter

 

[rmihalek]

Gypo,

Move that saw quick! You're on a streak and the trees know it. They will fall on your saw if you give them a chance.

 

[arborman]

Have you excluded the dolmar 7900 ? i see thats not on your list ?

 

[MOE]

I have a 246, 18" bar,(awsome saw). I will still be using the 246 for 75% of my cutting but need something bigger as well.

 

[crash/banger]

Id go with dolmar 7900..............awesome saw!!

 

[arborman]

yea i certainly wouldent exclude the 7900 from my list. ive got one and just love it. in my opinion better then the 385 or 046 .

 

[the tree guy]

All the saws you are looking at will do the job without a wimper.You could also look at a 372xp,ms440.

 

[Marky Mark]

Mike that tree John is cutting is worth more than your weeks pay. So why not take the time out to get it done right the first time. One thing about John is he shows his true self and his real working conditions. If there is anyone here with concern it shoud be me since the saw that he hap- hazzardly dropped there is mine. 385KD

Now then if you want a nice saw give hunter a call and he wiill set you up with a 7900EHP one of the best power to weight ratios out there and good dealer support. I also enjoy the 372. So it looks like Gypo Logger is back in action.

I am just wubb'in these stupid smiles. Maybe I will try this new year to basemy reputation on them. Others have but mileage may vary

 

[MOE]

How does Dolmar price compare to stihl and husky? I'm not aware of any dealer in MN? Are dealers, parts and service good? Thanks

 

[Stumper]

Dolmars are a bit cheaper (Than Husky-much lower in cost than comparable size Stihl.) Dealer distribution is poorer but reliability is excellent. They are available from several sponsers of this site. FWIW I chose the Dolmar 7900 for myself. I would have also have been happy to have a 385. Both of those are larger displacement than a Stihl 460-Which is a great saw that simply doesn't excite me for some reason. A Husky 372 is a bit smaller but a fine saw. The Dolmar uses the same D009 bar mount as the large Huskies so bar choices are enormous.

 

[Dolmar_Tech_Mgr]

Me I would move the 7900 all the way up to the top of the list.

 

[GeorgeWLogger]

No Question Stihl 066

Of the saws you have inquired about the 066 Stihl is the King, the GypoLogger, the Paul Bunyon of chainsaws.

GW

 

[jokers]

As Stumper and others have pointed out, your prospective choices are all good saws. I happen to think that the 395 and ms660 are overkill for your proposed use, both from a money and power perspective.

The choice between the 460 and 385 comes down to which feels better to you. The 385 has slightly more stump power but it`s also heavier.

The 7900 is a great saw in this class if you have dealer support or if you can live without a local dealer. One of our sponsors, Hunter, has excellent prices on the 7900 and for a few sheckles more you could have Ed Heard(EHP, another sponsor) port it for you, and then the need for a 395 or 660 would never exist.

Russ