What saw should I buy?

[blitzking]

Hello, I am a new member. I recently purchased 17.25 acres of timber in central illinois. It was logged out this summer and the tree tops were left. I was told that 130-140 trees were taken. I need a good saw to cut the treetops into firewood. The diameter of most of the treetops is about 16" or less. I will also be using this saw to cut out undesirable trees later. I will buy either a husky or a stihl but I am unsure of what size I need to buy. I have heard that the huskys perform a little better than the stihls, but the stihls are more readily available at the stores around here. I want a medium sized saw that is light weight but has plenty of power. I figure a 20" bar will be more than enough for cutting treetops but I want a little extra length in case I need it in the future. Please recommend a good saw for me. Thank you

 

[TonyM]

I've done a lot of cutting in tops, and your back will thank you for using around a 50cc saw for that task, as there is a lot of reaching and cutting above waist height. I would suggest any of the following, Stihl MS260, Husqvarna 346XP, or the Solo 651 (not 651SP). The Stihl has issues with the fixed jet carb, but is a great saw when equipped with the adjustable carb. The Husqvarna is smooth and quick and has excellent hop up potential via Dozer Dan, but it has the inboard sprocket design yet. The Solo is not as readily available, and has slightly more vibration, and a traditional behind the bar chain tensioner screw, but is a very competetive saw for it's power. Of the three I have used the 651 and an older O26 Pro, but I think if I had to choose now, I'd probably get the 346XP. I also use a bigger saw (372XP) for those occasional large pieces near the ground and for ripping and felling. If you wanted to save a little versus buying a couple saws, you could have the 346XP massaged by Dan and have a fast, light saw.

 

[Crofter]

First dont buy the longer bar because you may need it some time in the future. Depending on the saw you buy, an 18 inch may even give better balance. You don't want an overly heavy or unbalanced saw for cleaning up tops . Unless you are a large person and used to heavy work, dont buy a saw that is too much over ten pounds power head weight. Forget about performance superiority of one professional quality of saw over the other. Buy the one with the most dependable dealer. Unless money is very scarce, spend the extra 100 dollars or so to get a professional rather than the homeowner quality saw. I would say Stihl 360 or Husk 357 xp. if they are your brands of choice.

Frank

 

[TonyM]

Oh, I forgot to suggest, 16" bar, maybe 18" at the most.

 

[Jacob J.]

If you go with the models Crofter is suggesting then you can always add a longer bar later for falling, especially if you're fairly new to falling, having a bar long enough to go all the way through the tree is better for beginners, so they can see what's happening.

 

[NeTree]

For your use, I'd say the Husky 55 Rancher. Plenty enough saw, still not that heavy in either weight or price. About $300 new, online.

 

[Jacob J.]

lol

 

[MasterBlaster]

I am hoping that you are asking what saw is best because you are allready familar with chain saw safety/operation and merely are interested in gleaning something from everyone's experience here. I see no mention of that in your post.

Just a thought. :angel:

 

[MasterBlaster]

Ah, I see ya beat me to it, Brian!


Did you notice the difference in presentation on the same subject? Mine has a little more tact, and does not require an apology.

The politeness factor.

 

[blitzking]

Thanks for the advice

Thanks guys, I have used a chain saw quite a bit in the past, therefore I don't think I will burn up my first saw. I am familiar with what to do and what not to do with the saw as well as how to maintain the saw correctly. I am willing to pay for a proffessional grade saw. I work in the construction trades and I always buy industrial grade tools. This saw will be no different. I have decided that my new saw will be a Husky but I am still unsure of what model to buy. I am going to look at the 346XP and the 357XP as well as the 55 Rancher. Thanks

 

[tony marks]

then just call or email dozer dan.
it ll be a new experience for u.
for what u are talking ,id get the 346xp
souped up dan style. but u really better know how to handle a saw safely.
good luck to u.
ps theres others here that soup up saws,and really know their stuff. but i have first hand knowledge of
dans work. so id advise just buy new from him and get him to fix it for u.
good luck.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

If you can, go for the Dan Henry PP346XP. I have had one for about a month now. It brings a smile to my face everytime I run it. Definitely worth the added cost!