New Wood Cutting Saw for the Wife

[SawTroll]

..... Dolmar
420 don't know much about them look good online need to handle one
421 don't know much about them look good online need to handle one. Not sure of the difference between the 421 & 420

......

I think this is close;

The 421 is .4 lbs heavier, with .2 kW more power, according to specs. 421 weight is the same as the 550xp, just shy of the 346xp.

I believe the 421 has some "easy start" system, some later 420s may as well???

These saws have cat mufflers in the US, as far as I know.

 

[SawTroll]

IMHO. "ANY" 30cc homeowner saw (regardless of brand or model) can do the limbing you've described above with one hand tied behind its back. You really don't need a big saw for stuff like that .......

There are a lot of things that can be done, without being practical or fun....

 

[andydodgegeek]

I would seriously consider that used 346xp I mentioned over the other saws. Going to be hard to beat it. What ever you do get I would also recommend a set of chaps, I got my wife a set of labonville chaps from a sponsor here and feel better about her using a saw now.

 

[Denis Gionet]

OK Guys here is the positive comment count by brand and model so far. Also our (my wife's and I) thoughts.

Huskys
435 (7) very nice saw very similar to the 440 w/lil less hp she likes this one. What makes it different than the 440E?
440 (3) very nice saw very similar to the 435 w/more hp not sure about the E part though?
445 (1) she didn't like the balance of it (maybe the weight?) not sure i liked it.
346xp (1) I am Really interested in this saw looks great but would have to be used and a good deal to be able to afford.

The 435E and 440E are only different in the chain-tightening setup. The E is tool-less, whereas the standard 435 requires a tool like your 61. I tighten mine rarely and always keep the wrench in my pocket, just in case. More money though, for the E option.

 

[KenJax Tree]

The 435E and 440E are only different in the chain-tightening setup. The E is tool-less, whereas the standard 435 requires a tool like your 61. I tighten mine rarely and always keep the wrench in my pocket, just in case. More money though, for the E option.

The E option is more to go wrong with it or break. The tenioner screw has served me well.

 

[nmurph]

I would seriously consider that used 346xp I mentioned over the other saws. Going to be hard to beat it. What ever you do get I would also recommend a set of chaps, I got my wife a set of labonville chaps from a sponsor here and feel better about her using a saw now.

That one is gone, gone, gone, and crying won't bring her back!!!

OP, if you are interested, I do have a couple more that will be ready by the weekend.

 

[Husky1982]

I love all of my Husqvarnas, but my limbing saw is a Shindaiwa 300. My wife has always liked splitting and stacking wood but had never used a chainsaw until a month ago and wanted to try it so I give her a safety lesson and set her up with the 300. The powerhead weighs in at an even 9 lbs and is a little screamer for the size of it. I have also owned a 360 which was also a great saw but traded it for the 300. My buddy has a 488 and that is also a great saw. He just picked up a 346XP and he says that he can't really see a big difference between it and the 488. I will buy another 300 in a heartbeat if anything ever happens to this one. I used to do all of my bucking with it and the only complaint I had with it then was the flimsy handle, but it did the job. Makes a great limbing saw and my wife loves it.

 

[1375619cm3]

I would seriously consider that used 346xp I mentioned over the other saws. Going to be hard to beat it. What ever you do get I would also recommend a set of chaps, I got my wife a set of labonville chaps from a sponsor here and feel better about her using a saw now.

Chaps are a mandatory item in my household when running a saw. i always wear a pair and she will have a pair too when we buy a saw for her.

 

[slowp]

Get a saw that will start without a zillion pulls.

Here's something that is FREE and educational. Sometimes it is better to not learn from one's spouse. And please don't yell about cutting off legs and arms. Don't yank the saw away. Be calm. I will assume you are.

http://www.borderroutetrail.org/pdfs/sawyerhandbook.pdf

 

[fossil]

Get a saw that will start without a zillion pulls.

Here's something that is FREE and educational. Sometimes it is better to not learn from one's spouse. And please don't yell about cutting off legs and arms. Don't yank the saw away. Be calm. I will assume you are.

http://www.borderroutetrail.org/pdfs/sawyerhandbook.pdf

That's great info. Thanks

 

[Chris J.]

This statement must be excluding the ms241.

As has been mentioned several times in this thread (my reading comprehension is still good),
the Stihl MS241 is NOT available in the USA, which is where the original poster lives, and where Brad lives.

BTW, I'm on my third large cup of very strong coffee :msp_wink:.

 

[Chris-PA]

BTW, I'm on my third large cup of very strong coffee :msp_wink:.

And managed to hit all the right keys - impressive!

 

[Chris J.]

And managed to hit all the right keys - impressive!

Writing is the only thing at which I have any real skill :msp_sad: :msp_sad:, and I'm no typist.

 

[fossil]

Writing is the only thing at which I have any real skill :msp_sad: :msp_sad:, and I'm no typist.

And, a very good avatar picker.

 

[Chris J.]

And, a very good avatar picker.

I can't take full credit for the image of Ines Sainz' shapely butt :drool:, someone here had a link in their signature (checkout Daniela Ruah in my signature!). All I did was download the image, and do some cropping & resizing.


BOT. The Dolmar 420 sounds like a good choice if the wife can handle the extra weight, or a 346XP from nmurph if you don't mind a used saw.

 

[SawTroll]

The E option is more to go wrong with it or break. The tenioner screw has served me well.

I'm not crazy about that option either, butbthe 440 also adds some power over the 435 - and we are on the weaker side already. It is a pity that the 440 isn't availiable without the "E".....

The 543xp would likely have been ideal, but (1) it isn't out yet, and (2) it will be out of the suggested price range....

 

[1375619cm3]

Get a saw that will start without a zillion pulls.

Here's something that is FREE and educational. Sometimes it is better to not learn from one's spouse. And please don't yell about cutting off legs and arms. Don't yank the saw away. Be calm. I will assume you are.

http://www.borderroutetrail.org/pdfs/sawyerhandbook.pdf

NAH yelling dont normally solve anything it pretty pointless unless ur by urself and its a stress reliever. lol
Thanks for the reading materail.

 

[tallguys]

I'm not crazy about that option either, butbthe 440 also adds some power over the 435 - and we are on the weaker side already. It is a pity that the 440 isn't availiable without the "E".....

Why not go straight to the 445 then? Traditional adjustment screw and more power...

 

[FlyLow]

As has been mentioned several times in this thread (my reading comprehension is still good),
the Stihl MS241 is NOT available in the USA, which is where the original poster lives, and where Brad lives.

BTW, I'm on my third large cup of very strong coffee :msp_wink:.

Mmmmm, I live in Colorado and the last time I checked it is in the USA.

 

[Chris J.]

Mmmmm, I live in Colorado and the last time I checked it is in the USA.

I apologize, I thought that you lived outside of the US. My Google search indidcated that the MS241 wasn't offered in the US, but you have one listed in your signature.....I'm now very .