New Saw Choice

[RootFarm]

Hello all, I could use some expert advice on my proposed choice for a new saw.

I have about 15 acres of woods on my property , with a quite a bit of deadfall to clear, plus the usual rural chores, firewood cutting, etc. I need something that is rugged and dependable, and will last over the long haul, but it would not see daily use.

FWIW, I do all my own equipment maintenance

I am considering a Husqvarna 55 Rancher, 18" bar (possibly 20"), but am wondering if it is a dated design, kept around because of past sales history and model recognition. Might there be a more appropriate Husky of newer design that I should consider? I can afford to spend a little more on a saw, if it would be worth it.

Regarding other brands:

Stihl is out due to dealer issues. There is a Shindaiwa dealer within range, but he had virtually no stock the last time I was in there.

Thanks for any help.

 

[EDMman]

Considering you are not planing on selling your property for quite some time, I would purchase a XP model Husky saw or a Stihl model equivalent.
You'll be glad you did.
CC and weight will be a personal decision.

More is better......IMHO

 

[glens]

Just bear in mind that if you're catalog shopping, you should add upwards of a pound on average to the Dolmar and Electrolux saws' weights if you want to be actually comparing them to the figures Stihl provides.  I'm not saying steel springs aren't sometimes better than rubber bushings for vibration control, but a heavier saw goes a long way to damping things in and of itself.

Glen

 

[Fish]

Since you have a Shindaiwa dealer nearby, get the 488. You will
not find anyone that has anything bad to say about this saw, most will agree it is one fine saw. Look around online, and you
can get it at a good price.

 

[Newfie]

What do you currently own? What is your experience with saws?

 

[066 stihl]

A husky 357xp would be a good saw.

Ricky

 

[Tony Snyder]

If it is going to be your only saw, I would look for a 62 to 65cc saw with 18 or 20 inch bar. I favor the Husky/Jonsered stuff, it is easier to service. The 2162 Jonsered / 362 Husky would be a good bet. Also the 2159 Jonsered / 359 Husky if you can get buy with 18 inches of bar.

The 662 Solo is a standout on performance, but they cost a little more.

The Efco962 / John Deere CS62 is a very good model of saw for a 20 bar. Buy it as a John Deere and you will have the strongest parts service of any brand. ( almost always next day )

Stihl has more service issues, and accordingly higher cost of maintenance. Thats my personal opinion.

 

[RootFarm]

What do you currently own? What is your experience with saws?

Durn, I knew someone was gonna ask that.

I've got a Poulan 2150, which is working fine these days, but was a bear to start and keep running when it was new. I've had it about ten years. I want to have a quality replacment in hand before the Poulan dies--which I expect will be sooner rather than later with what I have lined up for it.

Years before that, I had a Craftsman (Mac?) of uncertain model and vintage, which turned quite a bit of timber into firewood.

I went a long stretch with no saw of my own at all. Had no property, so no need.

Experience: Nothing professional. I've dropped a few trees of my own, cut up firewood, cleared windthrow from some roads. Mostly general property maintenance and firewood chores. I've never taken a saw in for service. I've always been able to keep them running myself.

 

[japfpe]

Jonsered 2159 with a 18in bar

'nough said ! This saw is awesome. Very good power to wieght ratio, exemplary vibration dampening and all the safety features.

Joe

 

[ehp]

Myself i would go with the 357 or 346 both are great saws and donot seem to have any trouble with them

 

[NeTree]

346XP.

 

[NeTree]

Originally posted by Newfie
What do you currently own? What is your experience with saws?

Figured Rocky woulda brought THAT in...

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Husky 359.

For the money they are a good saw!

 

[bwalker]

I favor the Husky/Jonsered stuff, it is easier to service.

Easier to service than what?

 

[ehp]

up here if you watch for sales you can get the 365 pretty cheap as well , it is a good firewood saw

 

[pallis]

You might look at the John Deere CS 56 or the 52 if you want a smaller saw. I have a couple of Olympyks, a 355 and a 951 that are great firewood saws, and I hear the new Efcos and John Deeres are better. The Dolmar/Makita 540 is another high quality, low priced saw. So is the 6400 if you can pick one up at eBay. Parts may take longer to get, but I doubt you'll spend much time servicing a Dolmar. If you get a Solo, make sure it doesn't have a Bing carburetor.

 

[Newfie]

Don't be embarrased about your poulan 2150. I paid $100 for mine 7 years ago and I still can't kill the SOB.

I'd say a Husky 346xp. Erik will attest to my love of that saw. I hardly pick up any other saw anymore unless it's BIG wood.

 

[NeTree]

Mike, I would have said a 55, but after feeling the (less) weight and decent power of the 346, I'm getting one. Much easier on the ole wrists at the end of the day.



Oh, all set for next Wednesday to murd... I mean harvest some more trees.

 

[Doug01]

To all that are recomending the 346, are yours modified? Would you pick that saw stock as an only saw?

Doug

 

[NeTree]

Mike will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe his was stock.

I think if I had to go out into the woods all day, and had only one saw I could bring, yep... it's be a 346. Light enough to slash out a top easily, but has enough nuts to go full-bar into hardwood.