New member, new to saws & need one

[Ironworker]

Iron worker says:
For $200 you should do good right here in the trading post.

* I wish that were true. I've spent 3 months here looking for a saw that has over 50cc for the power to handle a 20 -24 inch bar. So far all the saws here <that fit that bill> are well over $400.
I'm not poo-pooing the fine saws available on this forum. There are some real beasts in here. Some big saws too, but $200 won't get a 50cc saw unless it's a project or parts unit.
I almost decided to get a 90cc monster from another very well respected member. His saw was truly a remarkable buy and I was drooling over it something fierce, but I had to reconsider since it was an older saw and parts availability will soon become an issue. I need a saw that will work for me now and for many years to come.

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/husqvarna-55-closed-port.264983/
http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/still-ms-250.265606/
http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/dolmar-ps-540.265496/
http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/stihl-026-excellent-runner.265088/#post-5007014
Yea you're right.

 

[tallguys]

The Dolmars are nice saws. If you can get that Makita DCS520i at the right price you'll be doing okay. It'll hold its own against a Stihl 026/MS260 and Husqvarna 353. You can sometimes find the similar but slightly de-tuned Dolmar PS-540 around for a decent price. If you're bringing a saw in from the US be aware of the misc. fees and charges above the actual inflated shipping charges.

 

[MrGiggles]

For your intended use I'm sure you would be able to get by just fine with a Husky 455. Nothing really horrible about it, it's just not built to be easily worked on like a pro saw, and take very much abuse. It's also got a lower power to weight ratio.

That being said, if you can find a good used pro saw, it will be money well spent if you ever have to work on it. The ergonomics, weight, AV will be a lot better also, as well as more horsepower.

The only benefit Stihl/Husky have over Dolmar is that they have more models available and a little bit bigger dealer network..

Not sure what you're looking to spend, but it's really hard to beat the value of a new Echo CS590. It's probably the best new saw in its class that you can get for under 400 bucks.

 

[rxpx40]

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/husqvarna-55-closed-port.264983/

*Asking price $250

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/still-ms-250.265606/

Asking price $250

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/dolmar-ps-540.265496/

Don't know what size this is- I'm assuming maybe 50cc. I'll give you this one on the price.

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/stihl-026-excellent-runner.265088/#post-5007014

(sigh) 48cc saw. Plus he listed several broken/cracked parts on this one. I'm sure it runs well, but not interested in cheap with cracks and broken parts. Those need to be replaced and well, that adds to the cost dontcha know..

 

[Ironworker]

*Asking price $250
Asking price $250
Don't know what size this is- I'm assuming maybe 50cc. I'll give you this one on the price.
(sigh) 48cc saw. Plus he listed several broken/cracked parts on this one. I'm sure it runs well, but not interested in cheap with cracks and broken parts. Those need to be replaced and well, that adds to the cost dontcha know..

"Asking Price" is sometimes negotiable, what are you expecting for two bills. If you are unsure about a saw, you can just google it or ask the seller.

 

[MrGiggles]

You're gonna have a hard time picking up a modern 50-60cc saw in good shape for 200 bucks.. You're at the bottom end of the range there, especially shopping on Ebay. You can't even pick up a beat up 029 for less than 200 bucks on there...

 

[Little Al]

You're gonna have a hard time picking up a modern 50-60cc saw in good shape for 200 bucks.. You're at the bottom end of the range there, especially shopping on Ebay. You can't even pick up a beat up 029 for less than 200 bucks on there...

As he said if your budget is around $200 I would guess you will only get a project saw, ( unless you are lucky) if you want to be into the pro saw or a home owner jobbie that will stand some use/ abuse, the newer the saw is the more plastic you will be getting, & the muffler on newer saw will probably be choking it to death if it's not been modded & if you can get one with a none cat muffler, or you will more than likely have to change or at least gut it depending on make /model . Another problem may be if you have to rebuild or repair a saw you buy, if you rebuild with OEM parts it will almost certainly take it over your budget. Any way good hunting, & I hope you can find something you will be happy with (Possibly buy a croaker, repair sell on, make a few $'s, do that a few times & you could up your budget) & get experience on saw care.

 

[MustangMike]

Last time I checked there was a 10 mm 044 on the AS trading site for $350, rebuilt w/165 compression.

If UR just looking for a GREAT cutting saw (not a looker), U won't find a better saw/deal in that price range.

10 mm 044s run very strong.

If it is UR first saw, be careful, but it will cut anything U need to cut. U will be doing mostly bucking, U can thank me later for getting a fast saw that saves U lots of time.

 

[slovcan]

Hi guys,

I want you to know I am reading/studying every bit of advice you offer. Still stuck on the 4 brands - the 2 biggies plus Dolmar/Makita.

I really want a saw strong enough and fast enough to do gang cutting of half dozen logs at a time. I thought a 50-60cc class saw - especially a Dolmar/Makita - would do that pretty easily. Something tells me the Dolmar PS-5100s is a slightly better performer than the Makita DCS520i, but they are both kind of scarce.

I am a "no replacement for displacement" kind of guy, but from my car racing/motorcycling experiences realize lighter weight also has big advantages. I need to find the right balance of the 2 for me. I want the fastest most powerful cutter I can afford ($200-400 max shipped) that is light enough for me to use all day with regular breaks.

I'm sure the 044 (thanks Mike) is likely faster than the Dolmar/Makita 50cc saws, but is it 14 or more pounds? I don't know what weight is going to be the cutoff, but I'm not getting any younger. There is nothing on my local CL. I'm watching a couple of Stihl 034 Supers, 036 Pros, Husky 55's and 550XP's on eBay. Then there is the Husky 55 here on the Tradin' Post with the debate about open- or closed-port. I like that fellas price.

Realistically the lowest possible total for me from all these will be $250-275 shipped to WA. Can you break down this list for me, please?

Thanks,
Glenn

 

[MustangMike]

The powerhead is supposed to be 14 lbs even, and there is one for sale on AS, and it will put those 50 & 60 (and a lot of 70) cc saws to shame.

 

[MustangMike]

Perhaps it sold, I don't see it any more, but if U put out the word U are looking (start a thread) I think there were at least 3 members that recently said they had one they would sell. Hard to beat for an unported saw.

 

[MrGiggles]

Hi guys,

I want you to know I am reading/studying every bit of advice you offer. Still stuck on the 4 brands - the 2 biggies plus Dolmar/Makita.

I really want a saw strong enough and fast enough to do gang cutting of half dozen logs at a time. I thought a 50-60cc class saw - especially a Dolmar/Makita - would do that pretty easily. Something tells me the Dolmar PS-5100s is a slightly better performer than the Makita DCS520i, but they are both kind of scarce.

I am a "no replacement for displacement" kind of guy, but from my car racing/motorcycling experiences realize lighter weight also has big advantages. I need to find the right balance of the 2 for me. I want the fastest most powerful cutter I can afford ($200-400 max shipped) that is light enough for me to use all day with regular breaks.

I'm sure the 044 (thanks Mike) is likely faster than the Dolmar/Makita 50cc saws, but is it 14 or more pounds? I don't know what weight is going to be the cutoff, but I'm not getting any younger. There is nothing on my local CL. I'm watching a couple of Stihl 034 Supers, 036 Pros, Husky 55's and 550XP's on eBay. Then there is the Husky 55 here on the Tradin' Post with the debate about open- or closed-port. I like that fellas price.

Realistically the lowest possible total for me from all these will be $250-275 shipped to WA. Can you break down this list for me, please?

Thanks,
Glenn

The highest power to weight ratio is found in the 60-70cc class, as well as the most capability. You have the ability to run up to a 28" bar comfortably, and you can also run a 20" and rip through smaller wood.

A 50cc will be light and nimble, but the biggest bar you can run is 20", and that is pushing it. They really shine with a 16". If what you're cutting will be relatively small, get a 50cc and spend the left over money on a 16" and 20" bar and a couple chains for each. A 50cc will eat through <15" logs pretty easily.

I feel that the extra money would be worth it if you're cutting a lot of hardwoods that are 15" plus in diameter. If you are patient you should be able to find a decent 044 or 372 for the 350.00 mark.

 

[Mattyo]

There was a 365 in the trading post. ...250 or so....upgradable. ...pro level case etc... never had one but it was there...

here:

http://www.arboristsite.com/communi...-front-tensioner-pho-250.265327/#post-5009741

again, I don't have personal experience...but for the money, this is a good size saw....

 

[tallguys]

Something tells me the Dolmar PS-5100s is a slightly better performer than the Makita DCS520i...

The 5100S and current 5105 are better performers and among the better 50cc saws available. You wouldn't be disappointed.

 

[Ironworker]

Husky 353 on eBay for $229

 

[TIMBERTRON]

if you got any local pawn shops I leave my name and number with them. ive done this and I get a call from time to time to fix or if I would the saw for cheap I got a 066 that had a bad seal in it and wouldn't run right for 120.00 just last spring I fixed it new piston and rings cleaned the cylinder up and stihl running good last I saw the guy he bought it from me for 350.00 used great condition thou it worth a shot and of course the ab trading post has some good saws as well
good luck and welcome

 

[slovcan]

Hi guys,

I've answered a couple of local CL ads (most interesting was a 365S), but no replies. I am watching some on eBay. Here is one I'd like your opinion on:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221589010338?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I asked him about the compression and bar/chain condition. He replied the bar/chain are no new, but not scrap, either. That's OK anyway as they're consumables. But, he said he has no way to check the compression, but it starts and runs with little effort. Seems to me it would anyway even with lower compression, but not be as strong in wood as it should be.

I know there is a member here selling an 036 Pro at $425 asking. That is very interesting but over the top of my budget especially when I add shipping cost. It's also heavier than the 034 Super, isn't it?

Duke(?) also has (had?) a 365 for the right price. That one might be the right answer for me.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers,
Glenn

 

[MustangMike]

U will likely do well with any of them, I'm not familiar w/electric quick stop though.

If U see something U like close to UR price, make an offer.

 

[slovcan]

U will likely do well with any of them, I'm not familiar w/electric quick stop though.

If U see something U like close to UR price, make an offer.

Thanks Mike. The eBay guy just answered that he never had any bogging issues, but only cuts smaller cherry and oak, nothing huge. I know, smaller than what? He has all positive feedback, but doesn't seem to have any chainsaw selling experience - all hunting/shooting stuff. We'll see how it goes.

Cheers,
Glenn

 

[CTYank]

Another mechanical point of interest: no matter how many 4-strokes, gas turbines, diesels you've worked on, much of the info gained does NOT transfer to 2-strokes. They are very different beasts. When you talk about the ones with the higher specific outputs, it can get really interesting.
Bottom line: prepare for a significant learning curve and take all the help you WILL need.

If you can find a deal on a healthy used Dolmar PS-6100, jump on it. PP5020 w/20" and skip-tooth not a bad idea.