Time For A New Saw

[ArborView]

I don't want to start another "which saw is best" discussion, because there are almost as many answers as there are people answering. But anyways, my 034 is getting pretty tired. It's at least 15 years old and has seen a lot of work in the last several years. It's still got some life left but needs some work and money put into it, so I'm going to use it as a backup saw and also for some other work such as cutting brush, etc.
I want something a little bigger (more cu. in) and something that will handle a bar up to 24" if I need it. I already have a 335xpt for climbing which I've been pretty happy with. Only problem with Husky is the nearest dealer is a good half hour away, which isn't too big of a deal. There is a local Stihl and Jonsered dealer, who I don't particulary like, but there's also a couple more not too far away.
My first thoughts are Sthil 036, Husky 357 or 372. Although the 372 would probably be more than I need. I basically need a ground saw for a private tree company and a fair amount of firewood cutting. Most trees I get into are less than 2' diameter, sometimes bigger but not too often. I would also consider Jonsered but know very little about them. There is also a local Dolmar dealer, but know even less about them.
I'd like to keep it $500 or less, preferably less.

 

[chainsawworld]

arborview,
the 357xp is the same cubes as the 034 but lots more power at $480.00. the 372xp is bigger but also a goody at $559.00. these prices are the grand total. marty

 

[sonny]

Go for the 036. At least 98 percent of the parts will be interchangable, with your 034.Just in case the saw jumps out of the tree & breaks some thing.

 

[high life man]

Sounds to me that a 70cc saw would be a good fit for you. I like my 044 very much, but weighs in at $650US. Haven't looked lately, but a Jons 2171 would probably be less. Jonsered makes excellent saws IMHO.

When I bought my 044, I thought at first that it might be too much saw. Once you get used to having it around though, you'll appreciate the speed and extra grunt when it's called for.

 

[ArborView]

Wow, Sonny I hadn't thought of that. They're that interchangeable even with an older 034 and a new 036? I just bought a brand new Stihl 20" bar too. I'll seriously take that into consideration.

 

[toolmaker]

I vote for the Stihl 036 Pro at $499.00. One heck of a saw.

 

[rbtree]

I have one 034 Super and two 036 Pro's. Same power, but the 036 is heavier. The 357 can probably be head for a bit less $ than the 036, it is 1/2 lb lighter, same pwr at 4.4 hp, and is smoother to run, plus has air injection. I like my 036's but the 357 is a clear winner. However, believ e it or not, the saw that specs the best is the Efco 962 C,( Olympyk) abt same weight as the 357 but 0.3 more hp! A full pro saw for sure, and can be had for $380-$400!!!
Dealer network is horrible, maybe better in your area. It also is known as the John Deere 62, same pro quality. If you can afford it, get the 372XP, it is the best saw I've ever run, and I've run a heck of a lot of saws!! $559 from Marty is a heck of a deal!!

 

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

Hey AborView, I'll bet you could talk John Walker out of a Walkerized 357xp for not much more than the $500, just a little. Can easily handle a 24 " bar, if you need all that. 70cc's sounds like a waste of saw to me. 50cc range would be more like it. do a search on dolmar (top of page) and look at the power to wt ratio thread. rbtree posted this link:

http://www.dolmar.com/Prod/0260e.htm

One progressive, beautiful saw, imlbo, really like the rounds. Dude ask that Dolmar dealer about prices on these saws, wt, ect. And get back with the list. That 64 cc would probably be "da tool" w/20" bar. ya'll be careful up there

 

[stihltech]

new saw

The o44 would give you the extra power for the 24 inch bar. I t all depends how much you need to use it. The fuel tank, side cover, cylinder shrouds, and handlebar will fit. After that displacement differs, so carb may be too lean for larger cylinder.
Do not expect a large power increase, those old 034's were kind of amazing power wise.

 

[woodsjunkie]

chainsawworld,
Those seem to be good prices, I didn't realize you wear a dealer.
I got a flyer from Baileys today they have 372( power heads only )on sale for $519.
ArborView, If you want to stick with a stihl I have a "nice" 046m with walkerized muffler up for sale

 

[davefr]

My first thought was Stihl 044 but that's outside your price envelope. How about the Husky 372XP from Baileys. I got their flyer in today's mail and the 372XP powerheads are on sale for $519 w/half wrap handlebar and $529 for full wrap.

I'd also consider Dolmar. They have some saws that put Stihl and Husky to shame but their channel marketing/dealer network is the pits.

 

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

I'm sure you've seen this link?

don't know about the price on these saws

 

[ArborView]

Went to the Stihl and Dolmar dealer today.
036 Pro w/16" bar is $499.95

Dolmar PS 6000i w/ 18" bar
60 cc 13.2 #
$499

6400
64 cc
$559

7300
73 cc
$644

7900
$705

The 6400 looked pretty sweet. For $60 more, I'd probably go with that one over the 6000.
I haven't gone to the Husky dealer yet. The Dolmar dealer is only a mile away so that's a big plus for me, plus he's got a good reputation.

 

[ArborView]

What do you guys think about the above Dolmar prices?

 

[high life man]

Don't know about the Dolmar prices, no Dolmar around me. But I will say this: If you have a good dealer only 1 mile away, buy it from him if he carries quality stuff like Dolmar or Stihl. Your shopping the best brands on the market.

I have a Husky dealer about 2 miles from me. They treat you like a red-headed stepchild if you don't buy a new Toro lawnmower and a ski-doo every two years. They close weekdays at 5:00 right on the nuts. Closed weekends. They sell only safety chains.

A Stihl dealer is about 10 miles away. He just talks out of his a**. "Jons & Husq are junk", etc.

I drive 55 miles to my favorite dealer who handles all three. Huge parts inventory, friendly, fair prices, occaisional freebies, and excellent service.

Dealer makes the difference.