Hello everyone been reading for awhile and just decided to come in ask a question. I purchased my first saw about a year ago for around the home tasks (MS 250). However, I have always wanted to remove a swath of trees on my family property that cuts right through the middle. The biggest one is probably around 3' in diameter. Now I don't think that the little MS 250 is up to this task as there are about 500+ trees to cut down of varying sizes. This project is still off by a few months but I wanted to go ahead and purchase another Stihl (sorry i didn't like the way huskys felt) to do this job. What would be the next useful upgrade do you think?
What should I upgrade to?
- Thread starter proclive
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Former Saw Builder
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If money is no object I would say the MS441 should work just fine for you.
Welcome to the site
Welcome to the site
SawTroll
Information Collector
Husky 372xp or Jonsered 2171, unless you want an unwieldy and overly heavy Stihl (441).
spacemule
The Peanut Gallery
For a 3' diameter tree and several hundred more, I would want a 361 at a bare minimum and preferably a 441 or a 460.
Former Saw Builder
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3' diameter is the largest and not all of the trees are that size. Most are only about 2'. Then of course there is the smaller stuff and brush that has grown around all those trees.
ericjeeper
Addicted to ArboristSite
Let me be the first
To welcome you.. Then suggest a 7900 Dolmar
To welcome you.. Then suggest a 7900 Dolmar
spacemule
The Peanut Gallery
2 foot is still pretty big. I would want a 70 plus cc saw.
Husky 372xp or Jonsered 2171, unless you want an unwieldy and overly heavy Stihl (441).
It's not that I have to have a Stihl. It's that the dealer is less than a mile away and when I bought the 250 he was very helpful is showing me on how to operate and take care of it. Today he sharpened my chain for free which is always nice. As far as Jonsered I wouldn't even know where to buy that.
Slamm
Addicted to ArboristSite
Get a 660, a 24"ish bar, and be done with it.
Sam
Sam
I would go with a MS460. It is a good all around saw and should have the power you need. If your dealer is just a mile away, maybe just ask him if he could stop bye and look at your what you are planning to do. He could then suggest a saw to buy. Use the search button if you find yourself looking for information on a saw, there are tons of information on 372s, 460s, 441s, 440s, 7900s. Also, if you keep looking on here, you will most likely buy more than one saw. It's a hard disease to stay away from
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SawTroll
Information Collector
Ok then, get a 460, not a 441 - if vibes and so-so air filtraton is OK, it is OK if you know what you do - or do much better and get a Dolmar 7900.
Or just get a 372xp/2171, and be happy ever after, even though they doesn't have the same power as the 7900 - everything else is right on those...
spacemule
The Peanut Gallery
Come on guys, he specifically mandated Stihl. Why even make any other recommendation? Seems asinine. 
hornett22
Addicted to ArboristSite
sounds like a good guy.maybe give him your business.
that is close and not everyone gets that lucky.i am in the same boat but my guy sells stihl and husky.
when i lived in Michigan,there wasn't alot of choice close by.had to drive a while for anything.there are dealers there now but they suck.for both brands.when i go home and have to stop in,i realize how lucky i am.one of the few good things about Connecticut is the great dealers around.
i even go to far away dealers when i can.i know a guy in eastern CT that is not close to me at all but he is a great guy and takes all the time in the world with you,has alot of parts on hand, and great prices and selection.hard to find that these days.
that is close and not everyone gets that lucky.i am in the same boat but my guy sells stihl and husky.
when i lived in Michigan,there wasn't alot of choice close by.had to drive a while for anything.there are dealers there now but they suck.for both brands.when i go home and have to stop in,i realize how lucky i am.one of the few good things about Connecticut is the great dealers around.
i even go to far away dealers when i can.i know a guy in eastern CT that is not close to me at all but he is a great guy and takes all the time in the world with you,has alot of parts on hand, and great prices and selection.hard to find that these days.
If you are only going to get one, I would say go with the 361, unless you are rushed for time or something. Sure the bigger saws will be faster on the big stuff, but the 361 will be easier to tote around, easier on the gas, and perfect for the bulk of the work. I would rather spend a little more time on the big 2-3' trunks than have to heft a 46 around limbing stuff up and cutting brush and small trees.
Or you could get a 260 and a 66, that would be a great combo...or..
....of course what you really need is a "golf bag" with your 200, 260, 361, 441, 460, 660, 880 so you always have the perfect saw for the job.
spacemule
The Peanut Gallery
Dude already has a 250.If you are only going to get one, I would say go with the 361, unless you are rushed for time or something. Sure the bigger saws will be faster on the big stuff, but the 361 will be easier to tote around, easier on the gas, and perfect for the bulk of the work. I would rather spend a little more time on the big 2-3' trunks than have to heft a 46 around limbing stuff up and cutting brush and small trees.
Or you could get a 260 and a 66, that would be a great combo...or..
....of course what you really need is a "golf bag" with your 200, 260, 361, 441, 460, 660, 880 so you always have the perfect saw for the job.
I doubt it will get used much after the upgrade, unless he goes big on the new saw.
bluequill56
ArboristSite Operative
70cc+ for 24"+ hardwoods. One vote for the 460. Power to rip through your bigger stuff, yet still handles good. Perhaps a bit steep on $$, but well worth it IMO if you can justify the cost.
If you are only going to get one, I would say go with the 361, unless you are rushed for time or something. Sure the bigger saws will be faster on the big stuff, but the 361 will be easier to tote around, easier on the gas, and perfect for the bulk of the work. I would rather spend a little more time on the big 2-3' trunks than have to heft a 46 around limbing stuff up and cutting brush and small trees.
Or you could get a 260 and a 66, that would be a great combo...or..
....of course what you really need is a "golf bag" with your 200, 260, 361, 441, 460, 660, 880 so you always have the perfect saw for the job.
Haha I know what you are talking about. I do carpentry work and I have 6 different nailers/staplers for the right occasion. I have 4 circular saws and 2 tables saws and multiples of various other tools. Variety is the spice of life right?
ButcherGY54
ArboristSite Member
Another vote for the MS460!!!
Get a Dual Port muffler and a Maxi-Flow air cleaner. You will be set to reek havoc.
David
Get a Dual Port muffler and a Maxi-Flow air cleaner. You will be set to reek havoc.
David
