Newbie looking to buy a new saw!

[BlueHD]

Hey guys, got another opinion question for you, I have recently bought a house with a fireplace (finally), anyway I am getting into cutting my own wood, along with wood for friends. I am looking into buying a new chainsaw, I am obviously looking for the most bang for the buck, I have been doing my research and am iterested in what some experienced people have to say, I have narrowed it down to 5 saws, all have been recommended to me. Here is what I'm looking at.
1. Husky 359 -3.9hp, 12.1lbs, 59cc
2. Husky 346XP -3.7hp, 11lbs, 50.1cc
3. Stihl MS280 -3.6hp, 11.7lbs, 54.7cc
4. Stihl MS361 -4.4hp, 12.3lbs, 59cc
5. Dolmar 5100S -3.9hp, 11.2lbs, 50.4cc

Well there they are, interested in hearing what everybody has to say about them, comparissons, etc...
Like I said looking for most bang for the buck, cost is not the main factor here but if one of them happens to be cheaper/more expensive and is the best saw, I will buy it. Looking to use an 18inch bar.
Thanks, Joe

 

[nmurph]

if you have done your research here you would not be posting this question. see that little word "Search" at the near the top of this page? click and type in any of those saws, you will have days and days of reading.

 

[smilin possum]

I'm a Stihl head but I don't like the 2 you have picked out. I run a 359 Husky and It does a real good job. I've also run the 346 and it is a quick little saw. Both well made. There is a 346 on the Trading post that I know from running it it is a real screamer and will put a lot of bigger saws in there place.

 

[biggenius29]

Hey guys, got another opinion question for you, I have recently bought a house with a fireplace (finally), anyway I am getting into cutting my own wood, along with wood for friends. I am looking into buying a new chainsaw, I am obviously looking for the most bang for the buck, I have been doing my research and am iterested in what some experienced people have to say, I have narrowed it down to 5 saws, all have been recommended to me. Here is what I'm looking at.
1. Husky 359 -3.9hp, 12.1lbs, 59cc
2. Husky 346XP -3.7hp, 11lbs, 50.1cc
3. Stihl MS280 -3.6hp, 11.7lbs, 54.7cc
4. Stihl MS361 -4.4hp, 12.3lbs, 59cc
5. Dolmar 5100S -3.9hp, 11.2lbs, 50.4cc

I own the 346, and ran the 361. I absolutly love my 346. The 361 is just a flat out fun saw to run.

I say look at your numbers. look at the HP along with the weight of the saws.
The 359 is 3.9hp 12.1lbs, the 5100 is also 3.9hp, but 1 lb lighter.
The 346 is 3.7hp while the 280 is 3.6hp. The 346 is just a #### hair more HP, but also lighter.
The 361 has 3/4 more HP than a 346, but also over a lb heavyer.

Out of those 5 My choice would be between the 346 and the 361. It all depends on your needs. If you are looking for just one saw, then i would say go with the 361. But if you were looking for a smaller saw, along with a larger saw I would say get the 346 for a small saw and then a MS460 or a 372XP for a larger saw.

Out of your choices, and I had to chose 1, 361 hands down.

 

[biggenius29]

I'm a Stihl head but I don't like the 2 you have picked out. I run a 359 Husky and It does a real good job. I've also run the 346 and it is a quick little saw. Both well made. There is a 346 on the Trading post that I know from running it it is a real screamer and will put a lot of bigger saws in there place.

That is true. Get the best of both worlds, get the power of a 361 in a 346 body. Sling'r makes a awsome saw (I have one) If I didnt have a 346 already I would have gotten ole' Joats saw from the trading post already.

I say send Joat a PM, thats a good deal on his 346.

 

[superduty5.4guy]

Buy a 361 and dont look back. You will be extremely pleased with this saw and has all of the best professional features and quality. Only way I would say go with a husky is if a stihl dealer were way too far away and a husky dealer was close, other than that just get the 361 I promise it a great saw and will never dissapoint you.

 

[BlueHD]

nmurph, damn, I didn't need a chewin from ya, like I said I'm new on here and new to the chainsaw world. I know I can find info on the individual saws on here, i am looking for opinions and comparissons between them. Also if you have and recommedations for saws I am up for those too. Thanks again.

 

[smilin possum]

Welcome to the site I forgot that in the other post.
If you are looking for a good small saw check out the little 026 or 026 pro Stihl. I've found that little critter to be a great small saw. We have one and I'm looking for more of um all the time. The one we have was and sthil is in mint condition. I think I picked it up for $135 and it has payed for itself many times over. Just something to ponder. A good saw for not alot of cash.

 

[Javelin]

Well I am bias but of those listed the 5100 is the buy of the bunch!

 

[bytehoven]

My order of preference:

4. Stihl MS361 -4.4hp, 12.3lbs, 59cc
2. Husky 346XP -3.7hp, 11lbs, 50.1cc
5. Dolmar 5100S -3.9hp, 11.2lbs, 50.4cc
1. Husky 359 -3.9hp, 12.1lbs, 59cc
3. Stihl MS280 -3.6hp, 11.7lbs, 54.7cc

PLUS: there are a couple of good ms361 deals in the classifieds.

 

[banjobart]

If I could only have one of those I would take the 361 in a heart beat.

The others are great saws but the 361 is an all around saw like no other.

 

[Javelin]

It is also the most expensive one of the bunch and with the exception of the 359 the largest.

 

[bytehoven]

There is a "near new" ms361 in the AS classifieds for $450. That's a great deal if still available.

It's listed by someone in DE and I would be happy to check it out if the buyer had any doubt.

 

[nmurph]

nmurph, damn, I didn't need a chewin from ya, like I said I'm new on here and new to the chainsaw world. I know I can find info on the individual saws on here, i am looking for opinions and comparissons between them. Also if you have and recommedations for saws I am up for those too. Thanks again.

a search for threads on any of those saws will enevitably lead to a mention of nearly all of the others, save the 280, and the pros and cons of each.

you mention bang for the buck, meaning power and weight at a given price point, that title belongs to the 5100, but that doesn't mean it is the best choice. if you only plan to own one saw, then get the 361. if you are thinking of adding a second, larger saw at a later time, then get the 346, or if you are looking to save a few bucks, the 5100. if you find a bargain on a 359 it would be an ok choice. be aware that its true weight is about 13lbs.
the member who is selling the modded 346 in the trading post is a stand-up guy and the person that did the work is top notch. that saw will cut like a 70cc (or more) saw.

 

[BlueHD]

Going to the local shop tomorrow to check out some saws, keep the opinions coming.
Joe

 

[cpr]

What others have said, for the money, joat's Sling'r built 346 on the Tradin' Post is the best deal going. That saw will make people's eyes fall out...

 

[TreeClimber57]

Hey guys, got another opinion question for you, I have recently bought a house with a fireplace (finally), anyway I am getting into cutting my own wood, along with wood for friends. I am looking into buying a new chainsaw, I am obviously looking for the most bang for the buck, I have been doing my research and am iterested in what some experienced people have to say, I have narrowed it down to 5 saws, all have been recommended to me. Here is what I'm looking at.
1. Husky 359 -3.9hp, 12.1lbs, 59cc
2. Husky 346XP -3.7hp, 11lbs, 50.1cc
3. Stihl MS280 -3.6hp, 11.7lbs, 54.7cc
4. Stihl MS361 -4.4hp, 12.3lbs, 59cc
5. Dolmar 5100S -3.9hp, 11.2lbs, 50.4cc

Well there they are, interested in hearing what everybody has to say about them, comparissons, etc...
Like I said looking for most bang for the buck, cost is not the main factor here but if one of them happens to be cheaper/more expensive and is the best saw, I will buy it. Looking to use an 18inch bar.
Thanks, Joe

Well you are comparing 60cc and 50cc saws together here. If you ONLY have one saw, and can afford it get the 60cc saw. Not too much heavier than the 50cc saws, and more hp for when the job demands it.

There are only 2 60cc saws in list:
1. Husky 359 -3.9hp, 12.1lbs, 59cc
4. Stihl MS361 -4.4hp, 12.3lbs, 59cc

Of these two my vote would be the 361. I have stated for a while that if anybody only ever has one saw, the 361 would be my pick.

Actually although not a 60cc saw, of those listed the 2nd one would actually be the 346XP and not the 359.

Now if the Husky 357XP were in list, that would contend for top spot.
6. Husky 357XP -4.4hp, 12.1lbs, 56.5cc

Of those you listed go for 361.

 

[nikocker]

First of all - Welcome to the Site!!

1. Husky 359 -3.9hp, 12.1lbs, 59cc - Good All Round Saw Pro level but not sold that way

2. Husky 346XP -3.7hp, 11lbs, 50.1cc - Probably the "Most Fun Saw" to run In the world

3. Stihl MS280 -3.6hp, 11.7lbs, 54.7cc - Good all round saw also

4. Stihl MS361 -4.4hp, 12.3lbs, 59cc - Cosidered by many as the best "Only" saw to own

5. Dolmar 5100S -3.9hp, 11.2lbs, 50.4cc - Nice Hot Rod and the best buy of the bunch

I think all of them will do what you like - go handle them and see which feels the best and which dealer seems the best!

Al

 

[Walt41]

WARNING to newbie, you are about 6 posts from the beginning of the onset of CAD, that trip to the local saw shop may speed up the process. If you keep going on this dangerous path, 6 months from now you will own at least three saws and be topping your pancakes with 2 stroke oil scented syrup...mmmmpancakes!

Welcome anyhow!

 

[Wild Knight]

Best bang for buck = 5100
Best saw on your list = 361

If you plan to mod it, then get the 361. It'll keep up with a 70cc saw when modded.