My next saw, Mastermind???

[ChoppyChoppy]

I run a 24" bar on a 362, as well as a 460 and a ported 460.

The 362 handles it fine. I can't hog into it as much as with the worked over 460 of course, but it's no slouch.

I wouldn't hesitate making a 362 the main saw with what you're cutting.

The 462 is a great saw too, though it's also $400 more.

 

[Yukon Stihl]

Hey guys, I’m new here and looking for some insight. I’ve been talking with randy at mastermind about a new saw. I originally started looking at used ms440-ms461s. Looking for something strong enough for the occasional need for a 25” bar in hardwood, mostly oak and beech. A 20” will work 90% of the time. I currently have an echo 590 20” and an echo 303t 16”. Randy says 462 for 25” in hardwood but I also asked about a ms362 from him. I’m not sure which route to go and from what I’ve seen here much like my John Deere group you guys will have no issue helping me spend money.

I almost bought a husky 372 last year but didn’t like the answers from the seller on the saws history. I also wasn’t impressed with the speed cutting cookies off a 20” red oak round with the 24” bar on the 372.

Should I just buy a used pro saw or have mastermind build me a 362 or 462? I’m really wondering if I should fool with the 362 as the echo I already have is the same size but I know Randy’s will cut circles around my echo. I’m not really worried about the money but I’m interested in a used pro saw if I can get it for half the price. Thanks guys.

Mastermind only works on new saws now.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

Mastermind only works on new saws now.

I’m aware. Sucks but it is what it is.

 

[chipper1]

If your not opposed to paying the cash for the 462 I'd go that route and sell the echo. Even in stock for it will blow away the echo and its about the same weight.
This is coming from a guy who prefers the handling of huskys and dolmars, but I believe stihl has the best 70cc small bar(20-24) saw out right now.
I haven't ran a 500 yet, but from those who have I can't see where there is any gain for the added price and especially running a shorter bar.
Make sure you post pictures .

 

[svk]

I’m aware. Sucks but it is what it is.

It’s not like he’s the only guy who knows how to port a saw though....

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

It’s not like he’s the only guy who knows how to port a saw though....

I haven't seen him on here in a few years.

The guy I had port my 460 did an awesome job. He was (is?) on here, but i can't recall his name.
Even spent time testing it and sent me the video of it cutting.

I had Terry L do a 360 before that which ended up a headache. I ended up selling it to someone local as a "mechanic special".

 

[svk]

I haven't seen him on here in a few years.

The guy I had port my 460 did an awesome job. He was (is?) on here, but i can't recall his name.
Even spent time testing it and sent me the video of it cutting.

I had Terry L do a 360 before that which ended up a headache. I ended up selling it to someone local as a "mechanic special".

Didn’t millermodsaws do your other saw? Carl is a top notch guy but not taking on work right now.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

Just left my tree buddy’s house, he told me to buy a new ms462 25” and be done.

 

[Derf]

Just left my tree buddy’s house, he told me to buy a new ms462 25” and be done.

Lol. To me that shows he has little confidence in your ability, and suggests compensating for it by spending money. But what do I know.

A 60cc saw with a 20” bar absolutely cuts through 18” branches. A ported 60cc saw could run a 24” bar and would murder 20” logs. My 70cc saws wear 24” bars and rips through hardwood. A ported 70cc saw can run a 28” bar and handle it fine (though it starts to reach the limit of oiling capacity).

If your tree buddy has a bigger saw, ask to borrow his to see what you’re missing out on. If it’s only the one tree you need to buck up you might even solve your problem in an afternoon for the cheap price of a case of beer.

By the way, how good are you at filing chain?

 

[drf255]

If you have the money, buy a 462 off of Randy MMWS. He does quality work and stands behind his product.

A standard port job on the 590 won’t compare. In addition, the size and weight of the 462 vs 590 are very similar.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

Lol. To me that shows he has little confidence in your ability, and suggests compensating for it by spending money. But what do I know.

A 60cc saw with a 20” bar absolutely cuts through 18” branches. A ported 60cc saw could run a 24” bar and would murder 20” logs. My 70cc saws wear 24” bars and rips through hardwood. A ported 70cc saw can run a 28” bar and handle it fine (though it starts to reach the limit of oiling capacity).

If your tree buddy has a bigger saw, ask to borrow his to see what you’re missing out on. If it’s only the one tree you need to buck up you might even solve your problem in an afternoon for the cheap price of a case of beer.

By the way, how good are you at filing chain?

Lmao, Yeah you’re wrong. He’s been cutting trees for 35 years and has around 30 saws. He said he’s never modified one or seen the need too. He would let me use anything he’s got so I’m not worried about that. It has nothing to do with my abilities, He did tell me to take his 660 home and take care of whatever I needed, I said it’s not that and I wanted a new saw. He said say no more, I understand.

Anyway, The cool thing is he’s been dealing with the same lady at the chainsaw shop for 25 years. He’s going to buy a new 880 and 661 soon, I’ll go with him and get his price on the 462.

 

[chipper1]

Just left my tree buddy’s house, he told me to buy a new ms462 25” and be done.

Sounds like a great plan.
Perfect saw for you/your budget or pack thereof. Sell the 590 cause you won't have any interest in running it after getting a 462 unless you pinch it.
Don't forget the pictures.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

Sounds like a great plan.
Perfect saw for you/your budget or pack thereof. Sell the 590 cause you won't have any interest in running it after getting a 462 unless you pinch it.
Don't forget the pictures.

I don’t think I would sell the 590, probably drop to a 18 bar though.

Here’s today’s fun!