Wanting advice on new saw

[MrFirewood]

WI'll only be using around my home and to keep fired wood cut I do know I want a 20"
But should I buy
Stihl
Echo
Husqvarna and why
Money isn't a issue just want to stay with 20" bar thank yall

 

[les-or-more]

WI'll only be using around my home and to keep fired wood cut I do know I want a 20"
But should I buy
Stihl
Echo
Husqvarna and why
Money isn't a issue just want to stay with 20" bar thank yall

Welcome to the site.
Now with a money is no object budget and 20 inch bar requirement, my recommendation is going to be to visit all three dealers and see which one you think will be the easiest to deal with. Handle all three and see which one feels the best to you, because that is what matters. I personally prefer Stihl but you may think Echo or Husky handles better, you cant really go wrong with any of them. It will come down to which you like the best and who is the better dealer.

 

[Marley5]

I agree,
Find a reputable dealer not so far from home and check them out.
20" bar you'll probably be looking at 55cc and above.
A pro level saw will save some weight without compromising power.
Echo, Husqvarna and Stihl all know how to make a quality saw, handle a few.

 

[Del_]

Stihl 261C.

 

[Bill G]

Unlike the above post recommending a specific saw listen to others. Go search out a servicing dealer and speak with them. Do not go buy a saw from a box store and yes the Stihl 261C is very much sold in box stores. Buy from the guy/gal that you feel will still be there to assist you in the future. In Nashville it might be tough to find a servicing dealer so you may need to travel a bit.

 

[firewoodmike]

562xp

 

[zord1995]

If money isn't an issue, I would go for STIHL 362, it would be best for your buck. If you want one, I can get one to you for a discounted price.

I do agree with all the comments above, get a saw that your area supports.

 

[NSEric]

You didnt give enough information.
Is the 20 inch bar for reach or for cutting 20 inch wood?
If the bar is just for reach and you're cutting smallish stuff get a pro 50cc in whatever color you like, from the dealer you like the best.
If you're going to bury the 20 inch bar in wood all the time get a pro 60cc saw.

 

[Hermio]

WI'll only be using around my home and to keep fired wood cut I do know I want a 20"
But should I buy
Stihl
Echo
Husqvarna and why
Money isn't a issue just want to stay with 20" bar thank yall

If money is no object, consider a Stihl MS500i. Though it can handle a 36" bar, I use it with a 20" bar most of the time, and sometimes a 25" bar. I just cut firewood, but the 500i gets it done rather quickly! I also recommend the Stihl RS chain. It is full chisel and not safety chain, but it cuts very fast. I normally keep it sharp with the Pferd 2 in 1 file system.

 

[Woodtroll]

If money IS an object, an Echo CS-590 is a great value for a non-professional user in the size/power range you’re after. And some pros use them in certain cases, too!

 

[EchoShindaiwaMakitaDolmar]

One of the Echo pro saws- 50cc cs501p or 60cc cs620p. Even the Echo 60cc cs590 is a great 'farm & ranch" saw worth considering.

 

[ATpro]

If you want something with say an 18 in bar I would look at the echo CS400, you can still pick up one for under $300., Drill the cat out, pull the carb limiters off and re-tune the saw, would make a great truck saw. Even though I have some much bigger saws, seem the one I grab most is the cs400, I keep it in the tool box on my truck.

 

[damifino]

Even if money is not a concern the Echo cs-590 is a great saw, great price and great reputation for what you described your needs to be.

 

[Mad3400]

WI'll only be using around my home and to keep fired wood cut I do know I want a 20"
But should I buy
Stihl
Echo
Husqvarna and why
Money isn't a issue just want to stay with 20" bar thank yall

The Stihl 261 will fit the bill no problem,

But if you want endless power for a 20" Bar,

A Stihl 661!


Mad3400

 

[ZeroJunk]

Husqvarna, Stihl, and Echo, all make decent saws. If you are even halfway literate any of them will last until you are sick of them.
Problem is, most people are not competent to operate a shovel.

So, pick the brand that the dealer convenient to you can fix.

 

[Paul Bunions]

Ask your dealer this question: when you repair my saw, will you keep it for a month while returning repaired saws to professionals in two days?

 

[EastCoastGreg]

One thing I always keep in mind is weight of the saw and your primary use of it. If you can run a bigger saw all day then buy a bigger saw and put a 20” bar on it, you will make easy work of whatever you are doing running the small bar and lots of power with a saw. Brand of saw is all about preferences and those preferences are uniquely yours. Husqvarna, Stihl and Echo are, for the most part, all good saws when talking pro grade models. Since money is not an issue, as you stated, then a 60-70cc pro grade saw would make the most sense to me. I don’t grab big saws (90cc class) unless they are needed and they are not “firewood” saws. They are made for big wood. Smaller saws (50cc) are made for limbing because they are light and nimble and are suited for it.

I agreed with the others that have said dealer support is very important, especially if you don’t work on your saws. Buy what is best supported near you after looking at your options.

 

[MrFirewood]

One thing I always keep in mind is weight of the saw and your primary use of it. If you can run a bigger saw all day then buy a bigger saw and put a 20” bar on it, you will make easy work of whatever you are doing running the small bar and lots of power with a saw. Brand of saw is all about preferences and those preferences are uniquely yours. Husqvarna, Stihl and Echo are, for the most part, all good saws when talking pro grade models. Since money is not an issue, as you stated, then a 60-70cc pro grade saw would make the most sense to me. I don’t grab big saws (90cc class) unless they are needed and they are not “firewood” saws. They are made for big wood. Smaller saws (50cc) are made for limbing because they are light and nimble and are suited for it.

I agreed with the others that have said dealer support is very important, especially if you don’t work on your saws. Buy what is best supported near you after looking at your options.

Well I am 57 but am thinking Stihl ms 311 20 I m thinking that would fit my needs.
My buddy has a Echo Timberwolf 20" and he speaks highly of it , but ireally want the Stihl ,

 

[Bill G]

I see folks say....if money was no object....
That is funny

 

[whodatschrome]

Well I am 57 but am thinking Stihl ms 311 20 I m thinking that would fit my needs.
My buddy has a Echo Timberwolf 20" and he speaks highly of it , but ireally want the Stihl ,

I used to own a MS290 Farm Boss (20" bar) that i bought new around 1999-2000. I cut cords and cords and cords of wood (maybe around 30?) with that saw for many years. I downed many trees that were 20" diameter and the saw and i both managed alright. I eventually sold the 290 bought more saws (both larger and smaller). My buddy bought his MS 310 brand new many years ago as well. He's cut many cords of wood with that saw as well. I've used his saw as well, and it had enough power to do the job. Unless you're planning on doing a LOT of cutting and want to spend more money, i would say that a 311 would work excellent for your needs. That being said, you could probably find a gently used MS362 for the same price as a new 311.