Talk me (homeowner) into or out of new saw

[javadog]

I'm a homeowner with some uncleared rural property in North Carolina. I have 3 trees in my backyard on the ground thanks to Hurricane Helene. The biggest is an oak with a diameter at the base of about 24 inches.
I have a 20 year old Stihl MS360 which does OK with smaller limbs but due to the age has some reliability and performance issues. I have researched the current Stihl saws and am tempted to buy a MS400 which I saw in a shop today with a price of about $1079 . There is a chance of getting a small reimbursement from FEMA, about $219 , because my home is in a disaster area. Yes, I know the 400 is probably more than I need, and could fall back to the MS261C , or just keep plugging away with the old saw after I work on it some more, put on a new bar and chain, and so on. Thoughts ?

 

[1hp]

things you won't read here: "don't buy another chainsaw."

 

[MacAttack]

I don't know how much price difference there is but there's a lot of good things being said about the Echo saws too.

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

I'm a homeowner with some uncleared rural property in North Carolina. I have 3 trees in my backyard on the ground thanks to Hurricane Helene. The biggest is an oak with a diameter at the base of about 24 inches.
I have a 20 year old Stihl MS360 which does OK with smaller limbs but due to the age has some reliability and performance issues. I have researched the current Stihl saws and am tempted to buy a MS400 which I saw in a shop today with a price of about $1079 . There is a chance of getting a small reimbursement from FEMA, about $219 , because my home is in a disaster area. Yes, I know the 400 is probably more than I need, and could fall back to the MS261C , or just keep plugging away with the old saw after I work on it some more, put on a new bar and chain, and so on. Thoughts ?

In my opinion, I’d steer clear of the MS400—not because it’s a bad saw. In fact, everyone I know who has one really loves it. However, it’s being superseded by the MS400.1, which, in my opinion, seems underpowered. Over time, finding parts for the MS400 may become more difficult, especially compared to models like your MS261.

That said, your MS360 is a fantastic saw. Don’t overlook it just because of its age. It has an adjustable carburetor, a non-limited coil, is easy to repair, and parts are readily available. This platform ran for decades and has been tried and tested.

Save your money… Don’t get pulled in by the marketing of a new saw unless you truly need more power. If you do, consider one of the models from the ’90s or early 2000s in good condition. 046/460 066/660

 

[diver64]

If you are getting a few bucks from FEMA and considering the size of the trees that money will pay half of an Echo Timberwolf or Husky 450/455 Rancher. I'd probably go that route over a $1,000 saw for what you are describing.

 

[pdqdl]

↑↑
What he said. That 360 is enough saw for almost any tree job, providing you aren't doing it for a profit and paying someone wages. If it isn't running right, you should get any reliability problems solved whether or not you get another saw. There's a good reason why you might need two or more saws on a job.



I ran my business on a Pro-Mac 10-10s for a number of years before I wised up to bigger, faster saws. Then I bought a Husqy 3120. Holy cow! That made a big difference. (still the king of my fleet of saws, too.)
With a bit of patience, an 18" saw has no problems with a 30" tree. For $1000.00, you can spend quite a bit of time at $25/hr before you ever pay for that faster saw.

If you want to go fast with little effort, spend more time keeping your chains keenly sharp and your bar in excellent condition.

 

[coffeebrk]

All good opinions so far. However I'll be the voice of reason. Go get the MS400!! First, you want one. Second, you need one. Put your MS360 in a saw museum and jump on that MS400 today. What are you waiting for? That shop is open now, go get one. You're going to love it, so thank me later.

 

[Patrick62]

not everyone gets Chainsaw Acquisition Disorder
If the initial impulse can be ignored, then reason comes to mind.
Yeah, I want one too. But, do I need it? No.

Tinker with your current saw, is more logical.

 

[hwrdpromac7900]

Echo 590 or 620P. 5 year home owner warranty.

 

[pdqdl]

You guys & your CAD issues.

My suggestion: If that 360 has lasted the man for 20 years, this little set of new trees doesn't justify a new investment.

 

[MacAttack]

Yeah I'd get that 360 tuned up before I dropped a bunch of money on a new saw.
If all he had was a 42cc Poulan Pro that would be one thing...

 

[cookies]

for around 150 bucks you can replace a ton of parts using oem stuff on that ms360...pull the muffler and see if the piston is in good shape then using that info make a decision.

 

[hwrdpromac7900]

Life is short. If you can afford a new saw, get one.

 

[diver64]

Life is short. If you can afford a new saw, get one.

I'm fairly sure the OP showed up here for confirmation he needed a new saw. I won't tell him this isn't the place where someone is going to talk him out of it.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

If I were to buy a new Stihl saw right now it would without a doubt be the MS400. If you can wait on fixing the 360 then do that. If not buy the 400. Kinda sounds like you want the 400 from what I can tell so yeah. Do it.

 

[ZeroJunk]

Buy a new saw. I want your MS360.

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

If the 400 has piqued your interest- you lust after it- go get it, do what you have to do to clean up what is down and smile.
Fix the 360 up at your leisure and sell it to offset some more of the 400's retail cost- you do not really need both and the 400 overshadows the 360.