New saw time.

fbh31118 · Sep 11, 2006

I know youve all heard this at least a thousand times before but here goes. I'm cosidering a new saw for my daily grind. I want a saw that will run upto a 24" bar but normally an 18 to 20, I've had a homelite super xl for most of my life, its been a great saw, its never had to go to a shop and has been absolutely reliable for as long as I've known about it (35 years give or take, its blue so its pre 70'). I'm open to most brands but I must admit that I've been a little turned off by my local stihl dealer, and my other stihl option is a little slow at the knowledge end ( a little worse than mine, not that I'm that bright or anything). I've bought stihl in the past and am very pleased at its performance, fx 85 trimmer to be exact and I've also ran a Husky 55 small, a little under power but very comfortable to run. Never ran a Jonson Red or a Dolamr but I've heard descent things about both. I cut a good amount of fire wood for the fire place and for friends so it's not like I'm commercial or anything but I would like something thats going to serve me as well as my homie has. Please don't bite my head off but what are your suggestions.

Thanks for your guys' help

sawinredneck · Sep 11, 2006

Best price, if you can find one. Husky 359. Longevity, Stihl ms361 or 440. Might be worth looking at the Dolmar or Makita 6400-6401, I am not comfortable with the dealer network myself, but seem to fine running saws.
Just my .02,
Andy

Just Mow · Sep 11, 2006

I'm with Andy on the two Stihl units mentioned. I don't know much about Dolmar except for what I read on this site. I think the most important thing about your decision should be the dealer that you are going to buy from. Will they be able to provide good service and parts after the sale.

Good luck with your decision.

Robert

computeruser · Sep 11, 2006

First question: Whatcha lookin' to spend? That makes a lot of difference, though I'm guessing that as someone who hangs on to their saws for a long time you won't be quite as frightened by the higher pricetag of first-rate, durable saws. So with that, some suggestions:

From Stihl, the 361 seems to be a very respected saw despite being (relatively) new to the market. The 440 would also be a good choice - it is a proven design with excellent credentials. Either would be great as 18/20/24" saws. Of the two, I'd probably go with the 440 to be on the safe side if I anticipated regular use of the 24" bar.

For a bit less money than the 440, though, you can pick up a Dolmar 7900. A couple dealers in mid-Michigan are selling them for a hair over $600 with a 20" bar, which is a heck of a value for a 79cc saw! And it weighs about the same as a Stihl 440 but packs more punch than a Stihl 460. As my signature indicates, I'm a Dolmar owner and I'm a happy one at that; I think pretty much everyone who owns one is.

Husqvarna/Jonsered saws are also worth considering Though it is very tough to find Husqvarna 372s anymore, I hear that you can still get the red-n-black version pretty easily, the Jonsered 2171. Excellent saw, arguably one of the best designs ever made. The smaller displacement 65cc versions of the same platform, the H365/J2165, are also highly respected. Husqvarna's 359/Jonsered's 2159 are also good saws, assuming you're willing to open the mufflers up and let them breathe. Here in Michigan, these saws will probably prefer not to have to run a 24" bar very often.

saxman · Sep 12, 2006

I have had my MS361 for almost a year now and I am constantly amazed at how smooth and powerful this saw is. I would have to recommend the 361 if money is not an issue. I have run lots of saws over the years, of my own and for a state highway department where I work. The 361 is the best I have ever run, hands down.