Need help choosing a new saw

[IronDuck]

I am finally replacing my 20 year old Poulan 4900. Want to get a Husky, (for various reasons). Which Husky saw is comparable to my Poulan? : 20" bar/ 4.7 cu. in./ 77cc please help...

 

[computeruser]

Welcome to the site!

I am guessing by its age that your older Poulan is a torquey, lower-revving and slower-cutting old saw. You will not find many (any?) new saws that fit this description, since chain speed tends to be the order of the day anymore. The result of this change is usually a faster cutting saw, but it may require that you modify your technique just a bit as compared to running a torquey old machine.

Since you're looking to get a Husqvarna, I think that most folks would suggest that you try to find a 372 while you still can. They are rev-happy saws with relatively narrow powerbands that can do great things when handled with a light touch.

The newer 575 might be worth looking at. It is a bit heaver than the 372 and has a wider powerband, though there have been various reports on its durability (bearings, I believe) and other concerns. Most everybody would urge you to get the 372 over the 575, considering weight and durability fears. But these potential shortcomings may be a moot point if you're intent on getting a Husqvarna and if no 372s can be found.

You could also look at the 385 and 390 (same platform, two different piston/cylinder combos resulting in two different displacements). But that might be more saw than you're looking for, and they're a bit heavier than the 372.

There are other products you might wish to consider, from Stihl, Jonsered and Dolmar, but since you're set on Husqvarna there's no sense in carrying on about them here.

 

[SawTroll]

...
You could also look at the 385 and 390 (same platform, two different piston/cylinder combos resulting in two different displacements). But that might be more saw than you're looking for, and they're a bit heavier than the 372. .....

A lot heavier, I would say, but otherwise I totally agree.......:biggrinbounce2:

 

[Hired Gun]

computeruser +1 Well said as usual!

 

[SawTroll]

Poulan 4900, it is a reed valve, OK.

I was just about to propose another brand than Husky for a replacement, but I will instead ask IronDuck what his priorities for the new saw are....

 

[IronDuck]

plan on cutting firewood, clearing fence row of cattle pasture. Poulan weighs 23 pounds with bar/chain and fuel. After having shoulder surgery, I want something lighter and easier to start, but don't want to necessarily sacrifice power...figured Husky fits this the best...or am I wrong?

 

[Trigger-Time]

plan on cutting firewood, clearing fence row of cattle pasture. Poulan weighs 23 pounds with bar/chain and fuel. After having shoulder surgery, I want something lighter and easier to start, but don't want to necessarily sacrifice power...figured Husky fits this the best...or am I wrong?

If you can handle about half the weight of your old saw
then I would say the Stihl MS361. And if most of your
cutting is less than 18" in dia I would say a MS260. I cut
a lot of fence rows out myself and use a 026/260 for the job.
And the MS260 is about two pounds lighter than the MS361.

I have EGG on my face, Sorry I guess to much food and needing some sleep
eather didn't read your post well enougth or just a case of the DA.

 

[manual]

computeruser +1 Well said as usual!

Yea well said,
I liked this part too.

"There are other products you might wish to consider, from Stihl, Jonsered and Dolmar, but since you're set on Husqvarna there's no sense in carrying on about them here."

 

[daemon2525]

Hey, where are you at In INDIANA. I am fixin a poulan 5200 for the fun of it.


Ft Wayne here.

LLA

 

[IronDuck]

Columbus, (my Dad's from Ft. Wayne)

 

[IronDuck]

Yea well said,
I liked this part too.

"There are other products you might wish to consider, from Stihl, Jonsered and Dolmar, but since you're set on Husqvarna there's no sense in carrying on about them here."

Don't know much about Jonsered or Dolmar saws or of any dealers around this area. I was leaning towards the Husqvarna because of the ease of starting + light weight. How are Jonsored and/or Dolmar? (Post shoulder surgery, hard starting saws are definately not a good thing.)

 

[SawTroll]

Don't know much about Jonsered or Dolmar saws or of any dealers around this area. I was leaning towards the Husqvarna because of the ease of starting + light weight. How are Jonsored and/or Dolmar? (Post shoulder surgery, hard starting saws are definately not a good thing.)

One question that remains, is how large and hard most of you wood is?

My new Husky 372xpg is both easy to start (never tried anything but drop-start), and very smooth in the cut.

If they still are avaliable in your area, take a look at one.....

..and if it feels heavier than you want, the Stihl MS361 is the obvious choise.

In either case, you will probably have to use a lighter "touch" in the cut, than with the old reed-valve saw.

 

[IronDuck]

Primary heat for house is wood stove. I cut beech, sycamore, oak, maple, and shag bark hickory. All approx. 12"-55" diameter.

 

[RiverRat2]

Primary heat for house is wood stove. I cut beech, sycamore, oak, maple, and shag bark hickory. All approx. 12"-55" diameter.

372 24/28'' bar!!!!!!!! if you are stuck on Husky what do you think Troll & comp. user???

 

[SawTroll]

Primary heat for house is wood stove. I cut beech, sycamore, oak, maple, and shag bark hickory. All approx. 12"-55" diameter.

55" :jawdrop: - take a look at the 395xp, MS660 and maybe 390xp then, unless that is the exception - but then you will probably want a lighter one as well, MS361......

... but a 372xp with 28" and 20" bars will probably work, if you are not in a hurry with the larger wood, and use skip chain on the longer bar.

 

[rb_in_va]

IronDuck,
You need 2 saws.

 

[sawinredneck]

IronDuck,
You need 2 saws.

Or one that is a real BAD AZZ saw :hmm3grin2orange:
Andy

 

[rb_in_va]

Or one that is a real BAD AZZ saw :hmm3grin2orange:
Andy

Yeah, a woods mod wildthing would do it, right?

 

[sawinredneck]

Yeah, a woods mod wildthing would do it, right?

Should be more than enough :monkey:

I was thinking more like a 7900/ported 460 or 372 with the BB kit. But a stock Husky to cut 55" wood? Is that regulaly cutting that large wood, or just on occasion? If you do that regularly you would be asking a lot of that 372 IMHO.
Andy

 

[blis]

Should be more than enough :monkey:

I was thinking more like a 7900/ported 460 or 372 with the BB kit. But a stock Husky to cut 55" wood? Is that regulaly cutting that large wood, or just on occasion? If you do that regularly you would be asking a lot of that 372 IMHO.
Andy

How bout two 3120 woodsported on double-ended bar....

opcorn: opcorn: opcorn: