New saw for my dad?

[FatGuy-LttlCoat]

Hi there. I've been skimming the forums for a couple days now, trying to find info about saws. I figured i'd just ask and be done with it.

Ok, so i'm looking to buy my dad a new saw for christmas, and I would appreciate any advice you can give me(this is my first chainsaw purchase).

He currently has a Stihl 028 super, which works ok i guess.(i should admit right now that i don't really know anything about saws). He is quite experienced with saws, working for the highway dept here in town for many years, he has cut up many a fallen tree.
The main use of the saw is cutting firewood each year, and any cleanup around the house after storms if necessary.

Anyways, i was wonder what you guys would suggest for a good saw for him. Something that weighs about the same, with maybe a little more power.

Like i said, i don't know the first thing about saws, If i left anything out that would help in your suggestions, i apolagize. Let me know what you need, and i'll try to get it.

Thanks you for any help

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

I love that movie from you namesake, welcome.
The 028 is a nice old saw, so you don't want to replace it with some new, junky, homeowner saw.
May I ask what your budget is?

 

[Urbicide]

Welcome to ArboristSite. Are you open to other brands besides Stihl? If so,the Dolmar 5100S has been a very popular saw here.

 

[b1rdman]

Welcome to ArboristSite. Are you open to other brands besides Stihl? If so,the Dolmar 5100S has been a very popular saw here.

I've never run one but there is quite a buzz around here regarding this saw.

If you're in the southern part of the NH there a good, well established dealer for them.

Mow-Town Power Equipment, route 3A on the Manchester / Hookset line.

 

[Scooterbum]

A Stihl 280 would be a new replacement.
But a 361 would give him some serious bragging rights!!!

 

[FatGuy-LttlCoat]

thanks everyone for the quick responses.

As far as i can tell, he's not hung up on just Stihl.
and as for budget, i wouldn't be opposed to spending upwards of 5 or 6 hundred on a good saw for him.

Other thing. If it turns out that the saw is still in decent running condition, would it even be worth it to invest in a new saw for him now? or just wait a couple years. I ask cause i've read goods things of this saw on from what i've seen on the forum.

Once again, thanks again for the help.

 

[Gatsby174]

Stick around a while and you'll learn that around here you can NEVER have to many saws! I'd get him a 361 :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[drmiller100]

for 700 bucks you can get him a 7900..........

it's about 3 steps up in power from what you have, and a half step up in weight, and a HUGE step down in vibration. the 7900 has none.

just tryin' to help you spend money!!!!!!!!!

 

[Logjam]

If your Dad's a Stihl guy?
IMO the MS 361 would be a great upgrade from the 028.
Happy shopping

 

[Just Mow]

Welcome, I think your dad would be very happy with the Stihl 361.
Good luck with decision.

 

[Indiana John]

I'd vote for the 361 too! My buddy has one he bought about a year ago, and he loves it! :rockn:

 

[adkranger]

Ditto the 361. Even if his 028S is still strong, I have two well over 20 years old still going strong, it never hurts to have another saw. Especially if he cuts a decent amount of fire wood. Another reason I'd recommend the 361 is that it is bit bigger (cc + HP 'wise) for those bigger pieces of wood and why replace with same saw. Plus he'd appreciate the better AV and it may be even lighter or comparable to a 028. Then he'd have a saw for the smaller stuff and one for the bigger. Or it could just be that saws are just like any other tool for guys like us, you can NEVER have too many.:yoyo: :yoyo: We're only happy to spend your money for you.:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Urbicide]

One thing about waiting is not knowing exactly what the EPA will mandate the manufacturers to do. There are certain popular models around at the moment which may or may not be available in the near future. Something to think about.opcorn:

 

[Magnum783]

361 All the way
will be a good complement

 

[RiverRat2]

Good Question

thanks everyone for the quick responses.

As far as i can tell, he's not hung up on just Stihl.
and as for budget, i wouldn't be opposed to spending upwards of 5 or 6 hundred on a good saw for him.

Other thing. If it turns out that the saw is still in decent running condition, would it even be worth it to invest in a new saw for him now? or just wait a couple years. I ask cause i've read goods things of this saw on from what i've seen on the forum.

Once again, thanks again for the help.

If he takes good care of his stuff which he probably does, That 028 is going to be around for a while,,,,,, A 361 would be sweet......

Just my 2 cents,,,, and welcome to AS

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

while your looking at a stihl 361, which would be a great choice, take a look at the 441, that would really give him bragging rights.
That way he'd have a big saw (441) and a medium saw (028).
Anyway pick it up and see how it feels for weight, if he's cutting bigger logs and you think he could handle the extra weight, he'll love the power.

 

[SawTroll]

....

Anyways, i was wonder what you guys would suggest for a good saw for him. Something that weighs about the same, with maybe a little more power.
....

Welcome here!

Not very original I can see, but it sounds that your dad is a perfect candidate for a MS361! :biggrinbounce2:

Everyone needs one anyway, so just jump into it!

 

[Trigger-Time]

How old is your dad?
My dad is also needing a new saw, he tried out my 361 and 026
he really likes the 361, but he likes the less weight of the 026/260
My dad is 68 years old, he said I can put up with less power for
the weight difference. And if he has had a Stilh all these years
than I don't think he will want to change brands

 

[Canyon Angler]

Wow, someone should rename this site "the 361 Cheerleaders Club"!

Add me to the list... :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Marco]

talk at him how his projects been going, bring up cutting wood, ask how the old Stihl has been doing, listen for signs of "getting heavy", "need more power", or "been a good old saw, I'd buy a new one again"