Please recommend a good firewood saw

[Happyjack]

Some good comments above. Look at the Husky 359, 353,350, also the old style 55 Rancher may be a good deal (if you can find new old stock). Stihl 025, 029 and 310.

I would go to the dealers and demo the saws to see what you like. If it's their first saw, I wouldn't buy anything too expensive. Everyone makes mistakes when they are learning. My first saw was a 3rd hand Poulan, and I killed it in a short time because I didn't know any better.

Better yet, give the boy your old saw, and get a new one for yourself! MAKE SURE you buy the saftey equip.!!!!

Let us know what you get.

 

[ontario026]

44/46 is overkill huh? I've cut more than my share of wood, and after using various saws, bigger is better. imo, the 26 is too small and anything with a 36 in the number by stihl is overpriced junk, but to each their own. I'm mid 30s 6' 195lbs, and if I need to cut, out of all the saws I own, I will grab the 046 and get the job done. I just asume that everyone else is the same, average build, and has other things to do besides play with cutting wood all day, verses a couple hours. Weight is why I suggested the 044, little better than the 046. The 26 is no longer produced, so you have to buy used, not the best option but you could get lucky, and a new 361 will run you in the mid $500s, a port job to make it run like it should will run anther $200 with muffler and filter, and you can buy a new MS460 for $750, and a new MS440 for less than that, so how does he save money by going with a smaller saw?
As far as his boys running it, I reread the man's posts, and didn't see that mentioned anywhere.
-Ralph

I totally agree with Begley, I heat my house with firewood, I bought a Stihl 044 last yr used, Added a Magnum muffler, 18" bar w/8t rim, and retuned... I also have a muffler modded 026, which I had been quite happy with before I purchased the 044, It was to be my saw for larger wood, but I don't think I have fired the 026 up since I bought the 044. The 044 is my goto saw. With a good sharp stihl RS or oregon LG chain it absolutely flys... I normally cut hardwood, up to 24" or so, occasionally larger.

 

[CNYCountry]

I like the comment above about how it feels in your hand. That's an important factor alot of guys overlook. I'm a Stihl guy. Stihls feel good in my hands. I know it could all be in my head, but that's what I feel when I pick one up, compared to picking up a different brand. If you want specific models, you could look at the MS 260 or the MS 361. Both are good saws that will more than do what you're asking them. Also the 290/310/390 series from Stihl would work too, but those are homeowner saws, and would work fine, but you mentioned the mag case, and lasting forever, so my call for the 260 or 361 stands.

Alot of other good saws mentioned in this thread. I think it'd come down to your dealer, how they treat you, and what just feels good. You're fortunate that it's fairly easy to find a saw that will handle a non-professional firewood work load.

Jeff

Completely agreed with Jeff on this, for me, it was a toss-up between the Husky 357XP and the Stihl MS361. They both had similar dealer support (Stihl dealer seems a little better), very similar performance supposedly but the biggest reason I chose the Stihl over the Husky was JUST FEEL and balance. The Stihl was more expensive. The reason Husky and Stihl were the only brands considered were that they were known to be reliable every time I would pick it up and that it would be light, safe and easy to use. Both names are known to be outstanding quality.

I didn't want the next size down pro saw from either manufacturer because I wanted to be able to pull a full comp, full chisel chain on a 20" bar in hardwood without any worry about power.

A MS361 or 357XP/359 would be great, or a MS260 or whatever equivalent Husky.

Remember that supposedly now Jonsereds are made on the same assembly line as Huskies, just a different color scheme. That is not a bad thing!

All that said, not everyone needs a Stihl or Husky/Jonsereds, but if you already have the Jonsereds you will be able to tell the difference between that and a Walmart saw!

 

[Chris J.]

Ralph, I may've missed something (I'm blessed that way), but didn't the 026 become the MS260, which is stihl in production? No, I haven't checked the Stihl site or a dealer.

Litefoot, it's sounds like the MS260 would suit you fine, but it also sounds as though you're cursed with a local Stihl stealership (thanks, OSA). If you've kept your current saw running pretty much trouble free all this time, then perhaps an internet deal might work out best for you (get a great price and keep the saw properly maintained in order to avoid dealership repairs).

On the other hand....I agree with those who say support your local dealer, but I also agree with you that 30% is a hefty premium. Will the JD dealer budge, or maybe throw in something extra to sweeten the deal?

Hope you get the saw & deal that makes you happy and productive!

Forgot to mention that someone mentioned that a lot of new saws have a lot of plastic. For the use that you describe, a quality saw appropriate for the intended use, even with the plastic, should hold up just fine.

>>>> CNY makes an excellent point in post 25 <<<<<

 

[CNYCountry]

Remember also there's a difference between having a plastic crankcase and just having plastic covers, etc.

 

[GASoline71]

?
As far as his boys running it, I reread the man's posts, and didn't see that mentioned anywhere.

He says it in the first part of his post that the boys are old enuff to cut and not just stack anymore. Remember, even a serious homeowner firewood cutter is usually not lookin' for a saw much bigger than a 029/290. Some of the 36 series Stihls aren't bad saws for a homeowner. Even if he is cuttin' 5 cords a year. I have been around saws my entire life and have used them extensively for firewood cuttin', and have never had the need to have one ported, muffler modded, or a non-stock type air filter. I'm not sayin' that it wouldn't be nice to have that extra power, but I just never needed it. Most of my cutting has been with 2 saws, an 032 AV and an 028 WB. The 032 is a dinosaur, and the 028 is my go to saw. Just my 2 cents (again, gues that would now be 4 cents)

My grandfather was a timberfaller, and when I was in my teens I used to run his 076 with 36" bar for the big second-growth stuff we used to get since my dad's back was/is screwed up. Big heavy SOB but more power than a joe-homeowner would ever need. Not everyone needs a big, or modded saw.

Gary

 

[Marky Mark]

Remember that supposedly now Jonsereds are made on the same assembly line as Huskies, just a different color scheme. That is not a bad thing!

They have been owned by Electralux for quite some time now, the Sered is a little more dollar wise that it's counter part Husqvarna.
This is where it all gets off track he stated he didn't want to spend alot. He's cutting about 5 cords a year. Do you feel he needs a 460 for that amount of wood??

 

[NWCS]

i dont see what all the bickering about is over the 036.. i have been running an 036 pro for 5 years now as a firewood saw, ive cut a 38" log with that 036 pro and it has never let me down.. ive owned an 044 and an 046.. they both were sold shortly after buying.. that 036 stayed with me.. what does that tell you.. if i need a bigger saw i grab my husky 181! i see no valid need for an 044/046 for firewood unless you just like to throw money around.

 

[GASoline71]

Good post Ben.

What size bar and chain were you runnin' on the 036 when you put it through the big wood?

Gary

 

[whatsnext]

If you want to PM me I have a 029 and a 290 I could make you a deal on. Both nice saws. If you absolutely need a mag case I'd part with my 028AV which never sees any use anymore but which IMO is less saw than a 29.
John.......

 

[spacemule]

i dont see what all the bickering about is over the 036.. i have been running an 036 pro for 5 years now as a firewood saw, ive cut a 38" log with that 036 pro and it has never let me down.. ive owned an 044 and an 046.. they both were sold shortly after buying.. that 036 stayed with me.. what does that tell you.. if i need a bigger saw i grab my husky 181! i see no valid need for an 044/046 for firewood unless you just like to throw money around.

I see no valid need to critisize a competent sawyer's choice. Have you ever noticed that gloves come in small, medium, and large?

 

[Ryan Willock]

A husky 346xp or a 357xp would get my vote.

 

[tophopper]

Money is an issue, but I'd still like a good quality saw. Here's the deal:

1) Present saw is a Jonsered 2050. Excellent saw, but I now have kids old enough to cut instead of just stacking. Need another saw.

2) Most wood I cut are pine blowdowns up to 18" with ocassional firs.

3) I haul about 5 cords each season.

4) I'd like a saw with a magnesium crankcase that will last forever (50-60cc).

5) Stihls feel pretty solid to me, but the orange Husky's (probably all home models) I've seen at the hardware store all feel cheap to me compared to my 12 yr old Jonsered. Have they changed that much in the last few years?

I'm not in big hurry. Is there a new "got-to-have" saw out there, or should I look for an older model Stihl, Husky or Joney.

Begley line # 1

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Ya know, as far as mag cases go, I think for a firewood saw, you can get by easily with a plastic or polymer case. That said, all of my saws have mag cases, but I'm just saying that I wouldn't make that a hard and fast prerequisite for the saw. Alot of very good saws out there with plastic cases that'll handle firewood tasks for many years. Plastic ain't what it used to be.

Take that from a guy who flies around in and works on a composite (plastic) helicopter.

Jeff

 

[Stihl 041 super]

031

Mabey an 031 av in good condition?

 

[NWCS]

i used to run a factory 24" bar on my 036 pro, did great till i got it caught in a hung up tree and put a nasty bow and twist in it.. now i run a 20" stihl brand bar. i can dog that sucker in pretty good. i will also note that with both bars i usually run stihl rapid super full skip chain. just because i was in the habbit of running full skip. (easy to sharpen for the people that cant stand to hand file, ME!) but i currently have a loop of chipper chain that i got free with nice results. (saws most recent duty is cutting creosoted railroad ties) and it still cuts like a beast! i will also note in the 5 years since i bought the saw USED, i have never rebuilt the carb or had to do any major service. just air filters. that 036 pro is like the energiser bunny.. just keeps on going!

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Mabey an 031 av in good condition?

031 was a decent saw, but if he's gonna go used, I'd still look at a used 026, 029, or 036. Parts are much less an issue for these saws. JMO.

Jeff

 

[Gypo Logger]

All saws are good for firewood, but are only as good as the woodtick behind the trigger.
A poulan Wild Thing is the hands of someone who knows how to use it is much superior to an 036 in the hands of a novice.
If your cutting wood commercialy, an 066 with a 16" bar can't be beat around the Great Lakes, but for the odd cord here and there I like the Partner 5000.
John

 

[GASoline71]

031 was a decent saw, but if he's gonna go used, I'd still look at a used 026, 029, or 036. Parts are much less an issue for these saws. JMO.

Jeff

Those old saws are neat because they are just that.... old saws. My 032AV doesn't see nearly as much action as my 028AV. Granted the 028 isn't a power monster, but it has it's perks. I agree with Jeff, a used "newer" saw would be much more beneficial. My 2 cents again. (now up to 6 cents)

Ben, thanks for the bar and chain specs on the 360.

Gary

 

[lostone]

I have been running a 036 with the muffler opened up some and have been very happy with it.