New chainsaw purchase

[jbjshark]

Hello all, I stumbled across this site and found some great info.
Recently my hand me down Poulan Countervibe 4000 took a dirt nap. One of the carb mounting bolts broke off and into the cylinder it went. The saw seemed to hang at full throttle, then puff! I can't complain, it was at least 15 or 16 years old and cut quite a few cord.
I am considering a stihl, however never have run one, There is a very reputable dealer nearby. I cut about 10-12 cord a year for myself,parents and grandfather. I need some ideas on what model will last and have enough power. the poulan had a 20" bar, but I'm considering something that can handle a 24" bar. Appreciative to any suggestions

 

[grandpatractor]

Welcome to AS , I am not a Stihl guy but if you have a good dealer, that is what I would buy if I was you. These other guys will tell ya all about what model to get!

 

[458_lott]

MS-440 (or the new 441) or an MS-460. Last a long time and you will be happy with the cutting speed and durability.

 

[Trigger-Time]

Hello all, I stumbled across this site and found some great info.
Recently my hand me down Poulan Countervibe 4000 took a dirt nap. One of the carb mounting bolts broke off and into the cylinder it went. The saw seemed to hang at full throttle, then puff! I can't complain, it was at least 15 or 16 years old and cut quite a few cord.
I am considering a stihl, however never have run one, There is a very reputable dealer nearby. I cut about 10-12 cord a year for myself,parents and grandfather. I need some ideas on what model will last and have enough power. the poulan had a 20" bar, but I'm considering something that can handle a 24" bar. Appreciative to any suggestions

Welcome to AS, Do a search on a Stihl MS361 or just 361 and
read some of the post and I think you will find some info you
are looking for.

 

[blis]

how bout 372xpw??

 

[jbjshark]

thanks for the info, I am really considering the MS361. I don't mind paying the extra money for something that is durable and dependable. I would consider a husky, but there is no nearby dealer. The Stihl dealer nearby has been in business for a long while. I really don't want to buy a cheap poulan or a Lowe's Husky.

 

[SWE#Kipp]

I really don't want to buy a cheap poulan or a Lowe's Husky.[/QUOTE]

How about a site sponsor Husky from Bailey's :greenchainsaw:

 

[AJLOGGER]

I run Stihls and like them a lot. I think you would be happy with a Stihl 361 or maybe a 440 or 441. The last two are more money but they will handle a 24" bar fine.

Now I will go on and mention it because it will no doubt be mentioned even though the guy stated that he was looking at Stihl BUT........ Have you looked at the Dolmar 5100 or 7900?

 

[Trigger-Time]

thanks for the info, I am really considering the MS361. I don't mind paying the extra money for something that is durable and dependable. I would consider a husky, but there is no nearby dealer. The Stihl dealer nearby has been in business for a long while. I really don't want to buy a cheap poulan or a Lowe's Husky.

It sounds like you know what to do..........And I think you are right
If you arn't trading anything in, the dealer should come down off
of his price more than likely see if he will haggle a little. the Stihl's
are going up in price mid Jan. 07 so you mite save another $10 or $20
but don't let that rush you on a saw.

Good luck.

 

[Just Mow]

Welcome, Look at getting the 361 as your next saw. It is a very reliable and durable saw that will last you a long time and do the job that you are wanting it to do.

 

[XJWoody]

On Friday eve, I got a new 361 to replace/augment a finicky 029 Super Farm Boss (now called a MS290) Yesterday morning I followed some advice from a Jeepin buddy, and -finally, after like 8 years- I got the 029 to run longer than 1/2 tank.

So I got to run these two saws side by side on the same pile of oak logs that ranged from 4" and pretty rotten to 15" and solid... The machines are both roughly the same "size" but the 361 (on paper anyway) is 0.6 hp more and 0.7# less weight. The 361 has an 18"-3/8" bar/chain, and the 029 was wearing a 16-.325", both with factory 'green' low-kickback loops.

The results are mixed -and it was a very short session, approx .75 tank of fuel through each- but overall I think the 361 is a much smoother saw. The 029 had no problems in the larger rounds, but the 361 didn't even break a sweat. Seems like the 029 was considerably louder, but that is just an opinion (from someone who's logged many open-ear miles on a straight-piped Harley, shot lots of weapons, and have a weakness for loud music... in other words, not quite deaf as a doorknob, but working on it.)

These saws are for the same general purpose, felling a few trees (up through 24"?) to make room for an outbuilding, storm cleanups as needed, and to put up some firewood for self and kinfolk. Had I been able to get the the 029 to run like it should, I probably wouldn't have got the 361, but it was way too good a deal to miss on, and I'm so far very pleased with it. A "keeper" for sure.

If you are comfortable with a bigger saw, routinely cut bigger hardwoods, and don't mind the extra weight & higher price, a bigger saw (like the 440/ 372/ 575xp etc as others recommend) may work for better you. I've had an hour or so on an older 044 Mag 20"b/c and it was way overkill for what we were doing...

Having a reputable dealer in your area should help make the choice of brand easier. How good is the next closest dealer for the "big 3"?

 

[jbjshark]

I live about 12 miles from the dealer. My dad purchased the 044 a few years back. He ultimatley knicked his tendon on his big toe requiring surgery. He was cutting little stuff on the ground and it kicked back. I feel that is to big of a saw for firewood cutting. I think it's around 71cc with a 25" bar and pretty heavy. 361,440,441 hmmm. The dealer opens back up on the 2nd. Can't wait to get in there and get his advice too.

 

[SawTroll]

I run Stihls and like them a lot. I think you would be happy with a Stihl 361 or maybe a 440 or 441. The last two are more money but they will handle a 24" bar fine. ....

Just remember that the 440 is an old design, with less than optimal air filter system and anti-vibe.

The real question is down to how much that 24" bar is going to be used, and in what kind of wood, I guess......

If you really need the 24" bar, I would go with the 441, if Stihl is the only option.

 

[Peacock]

I live about 12 miles from the dealer. My dad purchased the 044 a few years back. He ultimatley knicked his tendon on his big toe requiring surgery. He was cutting little stuff on the ground and it kicked back. I feel that is to big of a saw for firewood cutting. I think it's around 71cc with a 25" bar and pretty heavy. 361,440,441 hmmm. The dealer opens back up on the 2nd. Can't wait to get in there and get his advice too.

I personally use a 441 with a 20" bar for firewood cutting. The weight doesn't bother me one bit. I got used to it real quick. It is an absolute joy to cut all the hard maple, cherry and ash around here with.

I plan on buying a 28" bar later on for some of the bigger stuff on our property, should they need to come down.

 

[Freakingstang]

The 361 is a fine saw. I don't have much time behind it, but it seemed really happy with a 20". I am the kind of guy that likes a 440 sized saw with a 20" bar and a couple more bars if I need them. That is just me, I like a nice 70-80cc saw for most of my cutting needs.

 

[Peacock]

Just remember that the 440 is an old design, with less than optimal air filter system and anti-vibe.

Reminds me....how often does the air filter need cleaned on the 361 or 440? I've cut 4-5 cords with the 441 so far and the prefilter just now has some visible saw dust in it.

Did I mention I like the 441?

 

[jbjshark]

Mainly cutting oak and maple. Having a splitter, I've cut some stuff others don't want to fool with, and if the wood is free and easily to get to. With a
20" bar the poulan could get through with 2 cuts and a very good chain. Thanks alot for your input guys!

 

[SawTroll]

Reminds me....how often does the air filter need cleaned on the 361 or 440? I've cut 4-5 cords with the 441 so far and the prefilter just now has some visible saw dust in it.

Did I mention I like the 441?

The 361 doesn't have the "Air Injection" filter system that Stihl have copied from Husky etc (Partner originally) for the 441, but the filter has a large surface, and doesn't get really dirty very soon. It is very fast to knock/brush the worst off it every few tanks....

A non-issue really, with the 361!

 

[SawWitch]

....
A non-issue really, with the 361!

I can attest to that......:greenchainsaw:

 

[Cedarkerf]

Curious why everybody steers so many people up to the big saw even when they don't know how much exp. or wood size they are cutting. I use an o44 a lot but have thousands of hours cutting feel very comfortable with it and 28 inch bar. Seams to me something like ms260-ms361 (or like sized Husky's) would more than cover most any fire wood cutters needs. Steering towards pro models makes sense for longevity but they don't have to be big models. Just my.02 Go for the 361.