Stihl 017

[computeruser]

I guess I just want to make sure I end up with a decent saw that will last. I am not as concerned with how fast I can cut some of the bigger stuff as I am with getting a saw that will last.

Any of the saws you are focusing on are quality machines. 55Rancher, 353, 359, it's all the same to me - they're good saws. They will last you a long time if you give them the love and attention they desire.

You raised the issue of whether the 359 would be too much saw for the sub-16" wood and I don't think that this would be an issue unless most of the wood was 6" or smaller, in which case I'd prefer a smaller, lighter saw. I find that when I'm cutting more than just a couple pieces of wood 12" or larger I tend to grab my 80cc Dolmar; for smaller wood, my 40cc Stihl or 30cc Echo are preferable. I have posted this before, but here it goes: I think that anyone who cuts wood on a regular basis should have three saws: a big saw of 70cc+, a limbing saw of 50cc or so, and a trimming saw in the 30-40cc size. This way each saw can be set up for the tasks that it is best suited for and you won't have to do light work with a heavy saw, which causes fatigue and accidents. Now if this is not an option for you and you have to get by with just one saw, then err on the side of a larger saw - something that bridges the gap between a limbing saw and a big saw. I think this is where a 60cc saw on a medium-frame shines - for the one-saw guy.

Of the saws you are considering, I would probably go with the 359. I understand that it requires a bit of extra money over the other two, but I think that it is money well spent in the long run. I've made the mistake of not buying enough saw before, thinking I'd save some money; in the end I had to buy the larger saw anyway. So much for the savings, right?

I think that the 353 is a fine saw and plan to buy one for use as a limbing saw soon, but I think that 18"+ hardwood is a lot of wood for that motor to work against. Could you get by with it? Sure sounds like it, from what you've said. But a 359 will have a much easier time of it.

Do it once and do it right.

 

[sawinredneck]

Computeruser summed it up very well!!!! I am not trying to talk you into a huge saw by anymeans, just look at you're options a little more. I made the mistake of buying the ms390 then the first tree I dropped i needed a 28' bar to stump it! I should have ponyed up the money and bought the 440:bang: :bang: What do you do We suggest the larger saw so if you do get into something larger, and if you keep doing it, you will, then you have a saw that is capable:biggrinbounce2: My reasoning for the 365 is that were selling CHEAP around here, right after I started looking to upgrade of course Just as computeruser said, look at youre needs now and future, and do it right the first time! Learn from some of our mistakes!
Andy

 

[Fish_Sense]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your suggestions. I have another question (you are going to be sick of my questions), I notice the Stihl 361 is 59CC and 4.6 hp while the Husky 359 is 59 cc and 3.9 hp. Would this tell me that the Stihl is more efficient and therefore possible a better built saw? I don't want to touch off a Husky vs Stihl debate, I am just wondering what these numbers are telling me. I really don't know a whole lot about this stuff and am just trying to educate myself.

Thanks again!

 

[046]

hey fish, 359 and 361 are not big saws. unless you compare it to 017. 60cc class saw are consider mid size and an excellent choice, if you can only have one saw.

if you can have two, then pass on 60cc size. go with 50cc and 70cc saws. but you are talking more $$$

cost is the reason I posted about my clean 359 being available.

 

[sawinredneck]

Fish: it's more of that "black magic". The 361 might have more hp, but the 359 might have more tourqe, and cutting you may not be able to notice the difference. Kinda see what I am saying? Just like the 359 wieghs less than the 390, but the 390 "balances" beter to me and feels lighter!?!?! Go figure. Go to the shops, handle the saws, get a feel for the dealer. If you don't like the dealer, leave and go somewhere else and start all over again. The brand doesn't mean JACK!!!!!! If you can demo the saw even better Feel them handle them, see what fits you and what YOU feel comfortable with. In the end you have to run it, not us!
Andy

 

[Fish_Sense]

Thanks for everyone's input. I'll have to go around looking at the various saws and see how they feel and also see how they come in price wise. I'll admit that price will be a factor but that is secondary to getting a quality saw that I"ll have for a long time.

As for my 017, I did get it oiling. I flushed the oil tank out and ureka, it works now. I am a little concerned that it may not be putting enough oil out though. It is putting out less than half a tank per tank of fuel. I just put three tanks of fuel through it, cleaning up stuff that fell through the winter. It isn't big stuff and most is pretty rotten in the centres. That couldn't have anything to do with how much oil it used, could it? I mean, the saw wasn't working very hard hard. I suspect that it should put the same out regardless but I thought I would ask. The saw worked great and didn't have any troubles, so maybe it was putting out enough. I know the general rule is .5 - .75 per tank of fuel, does that apply to these little saws?

Thanks

 

[sawn_penn]

I know the general rule is .5 - .75 per tank of fuel, does that apply to these little saws?

My 180 does about 3/4 tank of oil per tank of fuel.

 

[Fish_Sense]

Thanks, That is what I figured. I know that before it put out a little better than half a tank per fillup. It must be getting limited somewhere, maybe I'll try flushing it again.

 

[Fish_Sense]

Thanks

Thanks for all your help guys. The saw is oiling fine now. It must have been gummed up. Works like a top now. I am actually thinking I may keep it for doing some limbing. I am still shopping for a new saw, possibly a 353 or even a 55R (probably the 353 though). I am not worried as much about how fast it will cut but more the durability. Anyways, this is a great site with lots of helpful people. Thanks again!