need larger saw - want to run up to a 32-36" bar

[Stayalert]

local shop sells/supports predominantly Stihl & Johnsered

Seems I can get a an MS460 for about $900 or a MS660 for ~$1000

Around where I live it seems like all of the trees seem to get bigger as you get closer to the ground....

I've been happy with my Husqvarna rancher 455 with a 20" bar but I don't think it will effectively push much bigger....I keep coming up against stems, trunks & stumps that are 30-40" diam and are located in an inconvenient manner such that I have to make rounds ~20 inches long to be able to remove them....

Seems like these saws have high resale value....ie not many used units available and not too cheap....

Comments, suggestions?

Best,

Rob "stayalert" M
Norwich, VT

 

[mstang1988]

I'm a noob but have been reading a lot on here. People will ask you a ton of questions on here so I might as well start with no particular order.

1) How often will you use this saw?
2) Is it hardwood or softwood?
3) Would you consider used?
4) Do you plan to sell this saw after usage?
5) What dealers are nearby and can you service your own saws?
6) What brands would you consider? Echo, Husqvarna, Dolmar, Stihl, Jonesred to name a few are all good brands
7) Do you plan to mill with the saw or just fell and buck?

A few other saws that I would think about depending on my usage:
Husqvarna 385, 390, 395 xp, Echo 8000, Dolmar 7900, 9000, 9010, Solo versions that are the same as the Dolmars. I think I remember the 7900 being a stretch with a 32" bar due to the oilier but others can chime in.

 

[zogger]

Check the classifieds here. Currently there are several good deals on large saws that can run that long of a bar.

 

[Stayalert]

I will use this saw in support of my self employed tree work business. I am insured and climb (spurs for takedowns, ropes for pruning) for 6-7 months a year. I like my Stihl/Jonsared dealer but am not wedded to a particular brand. For example I have an echo power pruner, a Stihl 192 arborist saw, and a Husq. 455.......I need a bigger saw to speed up the processing of the trunks, stems, and stumps of the larger trees I work on. This saw will see service mostly in white pine & hemlock with the occasional maple, oak, mulberry & willow, maybe would consider some milling...Stihl is appealing because of the what I perceive to be a higher volume than the other brands (for parts availability etc...)

I would consider used, I will keep the saw and pass it on to my son or daughter,

 

[Stayalert]

Check the classifieds here. Currently there are several good deals on large saws that can run that long of a bar.

Thanks, I have been reading the classifieds here

 

[Jwalker1911]

I will use this saw in support of my self employed tree work business. I am insured and climb (spurs for takedowns, ropes for pruning) for 6-7 months a year. I like my Stihl/Jonsared dealer but am not wedded to a particular brand. For example I have an echo power pruner, a Stihl 192 arborist saw, and a Husq. 455.......I need a bigger saw to speed up the processing of the trunks, stems, and stumps of the larger trees I work on. This saw will see service mostly in white pine & hemlock with the occasional maple, oak, mulberry & willow, maybe would consider some milling...Stihl is appealing because of the what I perceive to be a higher volume than the other brands (for parts availability etc...)

I would consider used, I will keep the saw and pass it on to my son or daughter,

Not to hijack,but how do you like the echo power pruner?

 

[mstang1988]

Thanks, I have been reading the classifieds here

My suggestion with your lean towards Stihl is to get a used 660 with a muffler mod if it's a newer style muffler. It will keep costs a bit lower, support of a dealer near bye, and have resale value of what you bought it for should you decide you don't like it and want something different or new.

 

[blsnelling]

Husky 390XP new for <$900. I'd go with a 28" or 32" bar.

 

[T0RN4D0]

Get 660 (or husky 395) if you are considering 36" bar. Even 32 is IMHO too much for 460.

 

[mdavlee]

Jonsered 2188 would be a nice choice since you have a jonsered dealer close by.

 

[D&B Mack]

Get 660 (or husky 395) if you are considering 36" bar. Even 32 is IMHO too much for 460.

:agree2:

32 would be ok for the occasional cut on the 460, but a lot on a 32 or using a 36 will need the 660. (This is assuming all in stock form of course)

 

[timmcat]

Jonsered 2188 with 32" bar is a nice package, if you need 36" or larger just get some skip or semi skip chain. I have a few guys using them on granberg mills with 404 pitch chain and haven't had a power complaint yet.

 

[Stayalert]

Not to hijack,but how do you like the echo power pruner?

I LOVE the power pruner. Saves a ton of time and has me working with my feet on the ground. I do probably 5-6 weeks a year on trails (for X-country skiing and mtn. biking) and it is AWESOME to be able to walk along and prune stuff where I used to use a ladder....which was more dangerous and ten times slower.

 

[Stayalert]

went with the MS660 - So far very happy with it.

 

[StihlyinEly]

went with the MS660 - So far very happy with it.

If you do a muffler mod and retune the carb, you'll be even MORE happy with it. The EPA-mandated 660 muff is really restricted. It'll void the warranty if you bought the saw new, but if it's used you should be good to go with the mod. Or you can just get a dual-port muffler from your dealer or on ebay.

 

[zogger]

went with the MS660 - So far very happy with it.

Well, it didn't happen because no pics! Let's see your new toy, man!

 

[Anthony_Va.]

You did good getting the 660. You can't beat em. She'll pull that 36" just fine.

 

[StihlyinEly]

You did good getting the 660. You can't beat em. She'll pull that 36" just fine.

Not trying to be snarky or anything, but an unmodded 660 won't pull a 36 inch B&C buried in hardwood that well. Softer stuff + no problem! Do a muff mod on a 660 (or the dual port muffler) and that helps significantly. Get that sucker ported and LOOK OUT!!!!

 

[Anthony_Va.]

My muff modded dual port 660 pulls a 32" pretty good in hardwood though

I have an extra one in awesome shape I'd let go if anyone needs it. Hint hint OP. :msp_wink:

 

[StihlyinEly]

My muff modded dual port 660 pulls a 32" pretty good in hardwood though

Yeah, give it a muff mod and subtract 4 inches from that 36 inch bar you mentioned, and amazing things can happen.