new saw

[dad2_5]

HI guys,

I'm going to buy a new saw in the next week. I am just a joe homeowner who heats his home with a forced air wood furnace. I need to cut and season around 6-8 cords each year to make it through a Michigan winter.

I've narrowed my choices to either the Husqvarna 55 Rancher (20") or the Stihl MS 290 Farm Boss. (20") I cut mostly hardwoods (Maple, Oak, Elm...some Ash, and Cherry). I do have a hydraulic splitter (25 ton) so I am only limited by what can be cut with a 20" bar.

What do all of you think about these 2 saws???

Thanks for the help.

 

[HUSKYMAN]

Well I have a 55 and love it, and I have used and worked on an 029 and hated it. Do a search and you will see all the bad posts about them, basically I think for the $$, weight and power output it is the worst saw made by any of the major manufacturers. If you want a Stihl get an MS250 or 270, they are much lighter with equal performance.

You may also want to consider the Husky 359, it has more grunt than the 55, but is more $$.

I ran my 55 with a 20" bar for a year before getting several bigger saws. It did well, but in wood like oak, locust, and walnut it will be a little slow. I run a 16" on it now. If you want to run a 20" bar you should get it with a .325 pitch chain instead of 3/8. It is narrower and lighter, which will help is very hard wood. In cottonwood or some maples you may not notice the difference as much

The 359 will pull 20" and 3/8 chain just fine.

Finally if you are set on running 3/8 on the 55, open the mufffler like this, and you will have close to 4hp and the saw will run cooler

 

[buckwheat]

Hey dad, welcome to the site.

We're kind of in the same boat, except that I also cut a lot of additional wood that I give away to friends. At six to eight cords per year, I think you are right at the limit for a saw with a composite casing, such as the MS290. I also would caution against a 20" bar for cutting hardwood for that saw as it might be underpowered.
If you're looking at Stihl, I'd recommend the 260 with a 16" or 18" bar. It's quite a bit lighter, which I think is a consideration for a weekend cutter. If you really need the 20" bar, then take a look at the MS360. While a bit pricier, these two saws are more robust and will easily hold up for the volume of cutting you're looking at, as opposed to the 290.
I'm not as familiar with Husky, but I gather that the 55 is somewhat dated and that there are other models in their line that might serve you better, but the 55 certainly has a good reputation. I'm sure others on the site can fill you in.
Finally, if you have the servicing resources, don't count out other brands that, while not as well known, still produce a good saw.

 

[HUSKYMAN]

The Husky 353 puts out about the same as the old standard 55, but at a couple hundred more rpms. I hear that is a good saw also

 

[TonyM]

Don't buy a MS290. For the same weight you can have a 372XP or a MS440. I'd look at either the MS260 or MS280 Stihl, or better yet a MS360. I would consider the 346XP, 353, or 359 Husqvarna, or better yet the 357XP. The Solo 651 is a nice saw, but hard to find a good price on (and support). Also consider the Deere CS-56 or CS-62. I think you've narrowed down your choices based heavily on price, and if you are cutting your own wood for several years, you can justify spending an extra $100 pretty easily.

 

[dad2_5]

thanks!

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the input. I picked-up my new saw this morning, Husky 55 - 18" bar. Got it from a Husky dealer in the area with the help of a buddy of mine who owns a tree removal business. He claims that he can/did get a heavier duty saw than one purchased retail. (Diff. ignition system, better carb, ???) Anyway, I plan on using it for the first time tonight.

Thanks again for your input.

This is a great place to frequent. Great info.

 

[jokers]

The 55 is a rugged saw and should serve you well.

I`d look up JBrody`s post regarding some recent issues with his, prior to the "new jug" thread. He offered some surprisingly frank info that could be of benefit to you.

Russ

 

[jbrody44]

Indeed check it out. I really like the 55, but I did not care for mine as well as I should have. As a first time saw owner I neglected to read the owner's manual cover to cover. I have learned, always use fresh fuel with a ggod mix, maybe 40-1 even though it calls for 50-1, don't mess with the carb unless you know what you are doing, use a sharp chain always, and run the tank dry when storing the saw for more than a week or so. I am getting a crach course an 2 strokes the hard way, but it is proving to be a somewhat fun experience in a strange way. Take care of your 55 and I am sure it will provide years and years of trouble free service.