New saw...Stihl or Husky??

[troopr1954]

As a new member here, I apologize if this question has been asked before, but here goes.
I'm currently cutting between 8-10 cords of firewood each year, mostly fir, pine and birch. I'm using a 15 year old Stihl 038 AV super pro that I've just replaced the ignition module in, and while in the shop the mechanic basically said that perhaps it was time to consider a new saw given that parts for the 038 were getting harder to find for some pieces, with some no longer being made at all.
What do you guys suggest as a replacement saw...I'm looking at the Husky 385XP (mech. says Huskys are a little easier to work on!), or a Stihl MS460 or MS650, probably with 24" bar. Your comment and advice would be appreciated.
Also, is it possible to get a service manual for the old 038 anywhere? Whatever hapens, I'll be keeping it as a back-up saw.
Thanks.

 

[Lobo]

blocking saws

Awfully big saws and really long bar to just cut firewood with, unless you have some real huge trees you are blocking into firewood length.

My personal choice would be a Stihl MS 361, Jonsred 2156 or Husky 357.

I can't really see how the husky is easier to work on than the Stihl.

Take a look at this survey also it may help you in your decision.


http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=25360

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Agreed, the saws you mention are significantly larger than what you'd need for normal firewood usage. If you're using an 038 Super, you should look at the 440, as it (044) is what replaced the 038. Especially if you're wanting to run a 24" bar, the 440 will be plenty.

There are actually quite a few threads on Stihl vs. Husky, and on which saw to get for firewood use. Do a search on each of those, and you'll see what's out there.

Jeff

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Oh, as far as service manuals, check ebay. I don't know if you can still get them from a dealer or not. I've ordered a couple from my dealer, but they were each for current production saws.

Jeff

 

[pallis]

If you're looking at the 385 and the 460, you should just get a 7900, and really have some fun.

Honestly, I can't comment on those two saws, but would recommend something lighter unless the wood you are cutting is big enough to justify them. You can still get a 372XP for a good price.

 

[scotchguy]

Our friend Thomson1600 kindly provides us with pdf files of stihl manuals.

http://www.giftsofwood.com/indexmain.html

 

[scotchguy]

PS The exploded diagrams in the parts list are almost as good as having the service manual.

 

[Mr_Brushcutter]

Husky 372XP maybe get the XPG if iyou want heated handles and carb

 

[jokers]

I can't really see how the husky is easier to work on than the Stihl.

Have you ever worked on either, Lobo?

Take a look at this survey also it may help you in your decision.


http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=25360

That survey is nothing but a bunch of statistical bs heavily interspersed with your typical glib non-reality based pro-Stihl comments, Lobo. Even a marketing survey would have more controls on it than this one to try and establish some meaningful seperation of the opinions of those who know what they are talking about and whom might have experience from those whom have merely voted so as to be able to get their two cents in.

I see 289 votes for Stihl. I`ll bet good money that there aren`t 289 people on this entire site with enough experience with any Stihl to say one way or the other if they are any good or not. They sure are popular though.

The fact of the matter is that pro Stihls, Huskies, Dolmars and Jonsereds are all about on par, what is best for anyone is probably the brand with the best support. In some areas this is Stihl, and I am not referring to the thousands of inept Stihl dealers out there either, in other areas Husky or Jonsered are better supported. Unfortunately it seems that Dolmar is still poised to be an "also ran" because they don`t even know who their dealers are yet and the few that you may find are still having a hard time getting current product.

Troopr1954 asked us about specific models of Stihl and Husky and given that there are large fir and pine near Kamloops, I`d say that he narrowed his field pretty well, since he is obviously accustomed to the 038 Super which is torquier than the ms440.

I`d say either the ms460(with a dual port muffler cover) or the 385 or 2186 Jonsered. I can`t see where the ms650 offers anything the others don`t in this scenario. FWIW, the 385/2186 are said to be very popular saws in that area by the likes of John Walker, Simonizer, and Dennis Greffard in Clearwater. Take this for whatever it may be worth.

Russ

 

[troopr1954]

Agreed I'm moving up in size, but I just wanted to say that I'm currently using a 20" bar...the 24" has been recommended should I upgrade as it's easier on the back...less bending?

 

[thompson1600]

I find 038 parts pretty easily. I just finished building an 038 Magnum out of new parts I purchased off eBay, except the gas tank I ordered through a dealer. Lots of eBay, lots of aftermarket parts sources available. 038's are easy to work on, take pretty generic parts (standard bearings where the new models require you to buy expensive Stihl bearings). New top end kits can be had for $125 bucks. Unless you really want a new saw (which we all do), I'd keep using that 038 and fix that 038 Super.

 

[TimberPig]

What size and type of wood are you actually cutting? Not that anyone actually listens to it, but if you are following MoF's policy, you aren't supposed to be cutting anything over 16" DBH anyhow, unless it is logging waste. I can't see where any of those mentioned would disappoint you, although I would just get an MS 660 over the 650, same basic saw with more power for the weight. As to the bar length, a longer bar is nice for less bending, so long as you can handle the length you choose.

I don't think you want to go with a Dolmar at this time, as dealer support is nonexistant anywhere in BC.

If I were you, I would also consider the MS 440 and 372XP. Either one is a good saw for a 24" bar in anything you will be cutting. They are also significantly lighter and unless you are really going for production, will cut very close to the larger saw in the type of wood you are going to be cutting.

Either of these will still be a step up from your 038, as they have slightly more power and weight less to boot.

 

[Billy_Bob]

My logger friends all prefer Stihl. Now this is interesting because these guys don't agree on *anything* (Chevy, Ford, etc.)!

I looked at both Husky and Stihl. (Also “Schwingdie-whatever”, decided against that one because I could not pronounce the name...)

Anyway with various Husky models, I was confused as to what was what. The dealers didn’t seem to know the max bar length for each model either.

With Stihl, they have an easy to read chart which shows consumer saws, pro saws, etc. Then they list max sized bars for each model. And power/weight of each model.

So I needed a 32" bar, but I didn't want to carry around a heavy boat anchor all day. I saw that the 440/460 could take a 32 inch bar, but that the 460 had more power and was about the same weight as a 440.

So I went with the 460 and am quite happy with it. It has all the power I need for a 32 inch bar, yet I don’t get tired holding it (not excessively heavy).

Note: With the 440/460, you can get the optional “Arctic version” which has a heated handlebar!

Stihl “handy dandy” comparison chart…
http://www.stihlusa.com/chainsaws/comparison.html

 

[asb151]

A 372XP (discontinued but still available) or a MS440 would be the minumum for continued 24 inch bar use.
The 460 and 385XP will give you a little more capability for a larger bar (if that is in your plans) but will cost a little and weigh a little more.
An MS650 powerhead weighs over 16 lbs. Not sure that's going to your back any.

 

[Simonizer]

The MS460 and 385XP are both excellent choices. Both are comfortable and well-balanced with a 30" bar. I would recommend 75 Ga chain. (3/8" pitch, 0.063" driver width.) Cheers. Incidentally, working on either saw is easy, bordering on pleasurable. (Commensurate to your abilities)

 

[jokers]

Incidentally, working on either saw is easy, bordering on pleasurable. (Commensurate to your abilities)

See now Simon, you always have to go and ruin things by qualifying your statements.

Russ

 

[Simonizer]

See now Simon, you always have to go and ruin things by qualifying your statements.

Russ

Ha ha, just trying to give a small amout of perspective to the situation. A chainsaw is not a complicated machine, but everything is relative.
*trying to avoid any puns regarding your Einstein sig* Cheers buddy.

 

[kevlar]

Take it from a fellow b.c. boy my 046 is my favorite saw.

 

[Lobo]

Have you ever worked on either, Lobo?



That survey is nothing but a bunch of statistical bs heavily interspersed with your typical glib non-reality based pro-Stihl comments, Lobo. Even a marketing survey would have more controls on it than this one to try and establish some meaningful seperation of the opinions of those who know what they are talking about and whom might have experience from those whom have merely voted so as to be able to get their two cents in.

I see 289 votes for Stihl. I`ll bet good money that there aren`t 289 people on this entire site with enough experience with any Stihl to say one way or the other if they are any good or not. They sure are popular though.

The fact of the matter is that pro Stihls, Huskies, Dolmars and Jonsereds are all about on par, what is best for anyone is probably the brand with the best support. In some areas this is Stihl, and I am not referring to the thousands of inept Stihl dealers out there either, in other areas Husky or Jonsered are better supported. Unfortunately it seems that Dolmar is still poised to be an "also ran" because they don`t even know who their dealers are yet and the few that you may find are still having a hard time getting current product.

Troopr1954 asked us about specific models of Stihl and Husky and given that there are large fir and pine near Kamloops, I`d say that he narrowed his field pretty well, since he is obviously accustomed to the 038 Super which is torquier than the ms440.

I`d say either the ms460(with a dual port muffler cover) or the 385 or 2186 Jonsered. I can`t see where the ms650 offers anything the others don`t in this scenario. FWIW, the 385/2186 are said to be very popular saws in that area by the likes of John Walker, Simonizer, and Dennis Greffard in Clearwater. Take this for whatever it may be worth.

Russ

Ah, I see mr. congeniality has spoken

 

[pbtree]

385XP would get my vote...