Shopping for a second saw

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Gooserider

ArboristSite Operative
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Near Lowell, MA, USA, North America, Earth
First post, I'm a mod over on **********, and have had several users there suggest looking here for saw picking advice, so I decided to check in. Heating with wood means needing to make the fuel to feed the stove, so I'm in the market for a second big firewood and felling saw.

I currently do my own wood processing, about 6-10 cords a year (this may go down once I get a couple more years ahead on the supply) and I need a second / better saw. I do some felling, but most of my wood I get delivered as log length. Almost all the stuff I get is hardwood, and most of it is oak (some white, mostly red)

My current saw is a 36cc Poulan “homeowner” grade saw - came with a 16” bar, and I didn’t find it to cut that well - I have since replaced it with a 12” bar, and learned a bit more about sharpening a chain and adjusting it - now it’s a wood eating mini-machine. Great for limbing and small stuff, but doesnt get it on the larger logs. (I still haven’t mastered the art of getting my cuts to line up well enough to deal with more than about 16” diameter logs) :confused:

My wood guy brings trees w/ up to 40” or so trunks, so I’d like to get a saw that can handle serious wood occasionally, though I’d like to stick with the usual 3-4cc per inch of bar rule most of the time. Thus what I’m considering is something in the 60-70cc range, more or less, that I will mostly run with around a 20” bar, but have the ability to occasionally swing a 26-28” bar if needed. Does this sound like a logical choice for a second saw? Is there any reason not to do the 20" bar, with an occasional swap to a big bar if needed?

I’m currently inclined towards a Stihl pro-grade, probably an MS441, or (dreaming) an MS460, but could be talked into a Husky / Jonsered, or Dolmar of similar grade (although it would take some talking to convince me that a Husky/Poulan is a good saw, after owning a Poulan)
- Other saws in that class? (I’ve seen a couple mentions of Shindaiwa?) Cost is a definite issue, but I think a pro-grade saw is probably worth it. I’d also look more favorably on a saw that makes it’s power with displacement, not revving through the ceiling… I think an outside sprocket is also a desirable feature. I’m not unwilling to go for a used saw, as long as it’s in reasonably decent shape, however I cheaped out on getting my Poulan (before I started burning) and this time I’d rather pay for whatever it takes to get a GOOD saw…

I've been reading a lot about Dolmars, and it seems that people who have them are happy with them, assuming they either do their own work, or can find a dealer. Looking at the specs, am I correct in guessing that the 6400, 7300, and 7900 are all the same saw except for the piston and jug? Is the step up between the 6400 and 7900 worth it? Looking at the prices online, it seems Dolmar is less expensive than similar sizes of Stihl or Husky, does that hold at dealers as well?

I’ve noticed there is some difference in the chain sizes the different saws seem to come with - some use 3/8”, some .325, and some .050 - Is there any real difference to make one size better than the others?

Any particularly good model reccomendations?

How about good shops (or shops to avoid) in the Lowell MA area? I’d also be interested in shops in southern NH - we get up to the Nashua / Manchester area fairly often… When is a good time to buy a saw (i.e. when are the dealers most likely to be A: Hungry, and B: Loaded down with used saws and / or last years models?

Other good places to purchase a decent used saw?

Thanks,

Gooserider
 
I sell a lot of dolmar and yes the 7900 is the way to go! However the 7300 also does very well as does the 6400. But if you can afford it do yourself a favor and go with the 7900 and never look back!
 
Go with husky 372xp or jonsered2171 same saw or 440/460 Stihl or a Dolmar 7900. They would best suite your needs.
 
If you're inclined towards a 441 or a 460, the you must have good reasons, so just get it. Local dealer support is a differentiator among the top brands, unless you do all your repair work, or you're not concerned about "down time".


The other alternative is just get a good used 440, 460 or 660.. or two of them;)
 
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I doubt you would be disappointed with any of the saws you listed. My favorite combo is a 50cc and a 70cc and you will be close to that. I cut about the same amount of wood that you do and the 50/70 pro saw combo has reduced the time I spent cutting a lot.

I think the choice between a Stihl 441 and Husky 372 has more to do with personal preference and feel. Pick them both up and try them if possible. The handle bars are bent differently, some like one some the other. They are both good saws and I would take either one.

Go check out some dealers. If you can find a decent dealer that actually stocks parts you might want to give them the business. Nothing is worse than needing a part the day before you are supposed to go cutting and the local dealer has to order it. It's worth a slight markup in price to support a good dealer.

Good luck, few things are more fun than buying a new pro saw. You came to the right place. Lots of people here will be giving you a lot of good info, so settle back and get ready to read.

Dok
 
Bang for the buck the 7900 is one really nice saw to run. You won't be disappointed. It has a power/weight ratio like no other. Lighter than the 441 and more power than the 460. It is hard to beat but hard to find local dealers sometimes. Didn't stop me from buying two of them.

The Stihl 361 is a just below your 60cc cut off but it is my "go to" saw and will do almost anything you ask of it. Smooth and light. I would say this saw is the best firewood saw ever made. It will handle a 20" with no problem and a 25" reasonably. A 28"+ would be a bit too much.

441 is a super smooth saw. It has a wide torque band and just begs for bigger wood. It is just a little heavy in my opinion to be used to as a limbing saw. If you are mostly going to be bucking precut logs buy it and don't look back. It handles a 25" perfectly.

440/460 are great well proven saws. Parts will be around for a long time for this pair. They don't have the antivibe of the 361/441 but some don't seem to mind.

372xp/2171 Have a great reputation. I don't own one...
 
If I was starting over, and looking for two saws to cover personal firewood cutting, and from the reading on AS, trying saws at gtg's, The Dolmar 5100 & 7900 would do the job well, provided there was an accomodating dealer within a reasonable distance to me.

Otherwise, for a second saw, based on what you are looking for, Stihl 460 and get a dual port muffler cover for it. I run mine with bars from 20"-32", in oak and for milling, no complaints.

The Jonsred 2171 is another fine saw, love the power and anti-vibe, if I came across one used in good condition, I'd buy it without hesitation.

Sharp chain is the easiest way to maximize your saws power, the better you get at it, the happier both of you will be. If you are in relatively clean wood, with the logs that come to you, then full chisel, kept sharp,( light touch-ups with a file, often), will have a load of logs cut down in no time at all. You'll be looking for excuses to run the saws.

Have fun with your search, try saws out at the dealers in wood, and it would be a good idea to have some chaps on if you don't have them already, 70cc saws are a whole 'nother animal from a trim saw.:cheers:
 
Best one saw configuration:
Stihl MS361

Best 2 saw configuration assuming dealer support is in place or not needed:
Dolmar 5100 and 7900

If you want Stihl:
MS260 and MS460 (or MS441)

If you want Husky:
372XP and 346XP

Best 3 Saw configuration:
Stihl MS260, MS361, MS460 (or MS660)
 
Well I like a local dealer, but considering that I can get 5% off just by driving north for a little while... :) I do prefer to support my local dealers, at least as long as they are reasonably competitive - but there are limits... I just replaced the tires on my snowblower, the shop around the corner that does most of my snowblower / lawn-tractor work wanted $50 each for the tires, plus tubes and labor. I got two tires on-line, w/ tubes and shipping for $84 and changed them myself.

I tend to do at least some shopping on-line to get a price point, then try local places to see if they can compete - I will give some points for local parts and service, but they have to be in the same ballpark - say 5-10%

Given the anti-online policies of Husky and Stihl :mad: it's a bit harder to find a price point on them, but I've managed to get a rough idea from a couple places. Looks like if I can't find used, Dolmar or Jonsered are the lowest on-line prices for the ~70cc range saws.

Love the quick responses :clap:

Gooserider
 
Best one saw configuration:
Stihl MS361

Best 2 saw configuration assuming dealer support is in place or not needed:
Dolmar 5100 and 7900

If you want Stihl:
MS260 and MS460 (or MS441)

If you want Husky:
372XP and 346XP

Best 3 Saw configuration:
Stihl MS260, MS361, MS460 (or MS660)

+1 to all the above (I'dd add the husky 357xp to the one saw config as an option)
 
Gooserider since your chainsaw experience so far has been limited to a puny Poulan 36cc saw, I would hold off on the 7900/460 saws for now. They are 10times the saw you are used to.

I think a Husky 357XP or a Stihl 361 will make you VERY happy and is a complete world ahead of the Poulan you are used to. These saws will also easily take down trees up to 3 feet in diameter and are great for bucking firewood.

After you get more experience running a high speed pro saw you can start looking into the really big boys, but just to get more time under your belt safely and practically I recommend a saw in the 60cc range.

An 80cc saw for your first pro saw is overkill and a half
 
For cutting hardwood, the popular choice seems to me to be a 460 with a 20" bar. Should run it just fine. 24" bar would be doable, maybe slower but still functional.

I personal gave up a 460 for a 75cc 372xp. Its lighter to me, where I can run it with a 24" bar (Softwoods, at high altitude) and not get tired when I limb and buck a big doug fir.

I want to try a Dolmar 7900. They run well from what I hear, and put a bit more power than a 460 or a 7900. I think its the same weight as a 372xp, maybe lighter. If its lighter, I'd say its easily a one saw job when it comes to bucking up firewood.

Choose on your dealer support, and how you feel about the dealer. Mines an idiot. No Dolmar or Husqvarana (Or Stihl, ha!) support. I go with whatever I can dredge up on the internet.

I will vehemently push firewood guys looking for firewood saws towards 75+cc saws. If you have a limbing saw, if you feel you need a limbing saw, get a little one. When you cut a 60' tree at 16'' intervals, thats a lot of bucking cuts and more power makes the day go faster. It also makes it more enjoyable to me. Your mileage may vary.
 
Gooserider since your chainsaw experience so far has been limited to a puny Poulan 36cc saw, I would hold off on the 7900/460 saws for now. They are 10times the saw you are used to.

I think a Husky 357XP or a Stihl 361 will make you VERY happy and is a complete world ahead of the Poulan you are used to. These saws will also easily take down trees up to 3 feet in diameter and are great for bucking firewood.

After you get more experience running a high speed pro saw you can start looking into the really big boys, but just to get more time under your belt safely and practically I recommend a saw in the 60cc range.

An 80cc saw for your first pro saw is overkill and a half


Good post. Would you give your 6 year old kid a 250cc dirt bike? start low and work your way up. They are also a little cheaper. lol. You can always sell of your saws if you get hooked on buying to get the next biggest thing. But I am willing to bet the you will be more than happy with these couple:

I hear the 361 is all the rave. The 357xp is a great saw. The 359 is an ok saw, but needs a muffler mod at the minimum to run decent. The dolmar/makita 6400/6401 is a good saw too, but very heavy for the power. It is the heaviest of the bunch, and all the weight you aren't used to will not make it fun the first couple times you have to use it.

But, buy all means, if the 16 year old has to have a vette, get a 70cc saw. All the good ones have been mentioned already.
 
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I didnt mention the 359 because I was watching my old man use his today on some frozen oak and it wasnt pretty. My 55 would spank that saw it is so lean. I keep begging the old man to let me at the 359 and open its potential but he wont let me. That saw has run like crap since day one.
 
I didnt mention the 359 because I was watching my old man use his today on some frozen oak and it wasnt pretty. My 55 would spank that saw it is so lean. I keep begging the old man to let me at the 359 and open its potential but he wont let me. That saw has run like crap since day one.

I hear ya. They are anemic stock. But with just a muffler mod, they are respectable for what they are. I mean, it isn't a 372, but it is a good cutting saw. Most people that cut firewood around here either have an 046 or a 55/350 husky. Not much inbetween. The 359 fills that gap, imo. Maybe I wouldn't think so low of the 359, if I wouldn't have ran the 357xp first. It runs really strong out of the box.
 
If you are inclined to go with the 441 I would do it just take your time getting used to a big saw I only weigh 125 pounds and I truly believe that you get less fatiged with a saw that is well matched to the work I love my 441 and would definetly purchase again have had it buried in 30 in dead black oak for the last 2 days really does well and just asks for more

I would definetly get a set of saw chaps no matter what saw you buy and I higly reccomend the stihl helmet system

as for doing your shopping online with a purchase of this caliber I dont think that is wise when you buy a saw from a stihl dealer they set it up, fuel it, test run and make proper adjustments it also allows you to become aquainted with the person who should stand behind the product and will provide parts and service as well I like to shop online as well but know the facts helmet systems cost about 55 on ebay wheras they only cost 40 at the dealer so be sure to check it out

my 441 cost 749.95 + tax w/20 bar i you buy it you wont regret it
 
Yip

I sell a lot of dolmar and yes the 7900 is the way to go! However the 7300 also does very well as does the 6400. But if you can afford it do yourself a favor and go with the 7900 and never look back!

+1

:cheers: eh?
 

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