When you buy a saw...

[Big Neb]

I was just wondering what most of you were actually looking for when you bought new saws... and I don't mean color. What features do you insist on?

-Power to weight ratio?
-Durability?
-Reputation?
-Modability?
-Decomp Button?
-Serviceability?
-Local distributer?
-Full wrap handles?
-Air filtration?
-???

 

[troutfisher]

When I buy a carving saw, It has to be feather light, and oil well. Carving bars are expensive. It also has to run well upside down. The saw I take to the woods I want power and durability, I'll carry a heavier saw to get the horsepower.

 

[Timberhauler]

I was just wondering what most of you were actually looking for when you bought new saws... and I don't mean color. What features do you insist on?

-Power to weight ratio?
-Durability?
-Reputation?
-Modability?
-Decomp Button?
-Serviceability?
-Local distributer?
-Full wrap handles?
-Air filtration?
-???

The biggest thing I am after is comfort because I spend some long days behind a saw...Power is not really a big issue for me,if I need firepower,I have it,so most of my cutting is done with a MS440,and it breaks my heart that Stihl is dropping this saw from the line-up.....I am a big fan of it's light weight to power ratio,plus the handles seem to be made for my hands.

 

[computeruser]

Power-to-weight, durability, and general reputation are probably tops. Assuming that the manufacturer got it right, the need for mods beyond muffler work is somewhat diminshed, pushed into the realm of being optional.

I would prefer a saw that doesn't require expensive new parts right off the bat (the cat muffler Husqvarnas spring to mind). Good air filtration and ease of service are nice, too. I would prefer a local distributor, but if one can't be found and the saw is good enough to justify the inconvience (i.e. my Dolmar 7900) then I guess I'll deal with the challeges of sourcing parts if/when a problem arises.

Couldn't care less about decomp - don't have one on my 044, 066, or 076, and they all start just fine. Ditto on wrap handles - don't need 'em so I don't care if they're offered.

 

[Tzed250]

The biggest thing I am after is comfort because I spend some long days behind a saw...Power is not really a big issue for me,if I need firepower,I have it,so most of my cutting is done with a MS440,and it breaks my heart that Stihl is dropping this saw from the line-up.....I am a big fan of it's light weight to power ratio,plus the handles seem to be made for my hands.

The 044/MS440 is the total package!!!

 

[Ed*L]

Another vote for power-to-weight, durability, and general reputation. I also stick with the "pro series" saws, you will pay more up front for one, but in the long run it's going to pay off.
Dealers don't really come into play for me, I've got good ones for Stihl, Husky & J-red. I would even consider a Dolmar if there was a dealer nearby.

Ed

 

[NYH1]

I was just wondering what most of you were actually looking for when you bought new saws... and I don't mean color. What features do you insist on?

-Power to weight ratio?
-Durability?
-Reputation?
-Modability?
-Decomp Button?
-Serviceability?
-Local distributer?
-Full wrap handles?
-Air filtration?
-???

For me.
-Durability.
-Reputation.
-Serviceability.
-Local distributer.
-Fit and feel of the saw.
-Power to weight ratio.
-Air filtration.

 

[DGG]

The primary concern is that the product be made by a reputable and experienced company and that support is available if a problem. These folks have something in every size and price range so selection isn't a problem once you define your goal.

 

[bookerdog]

For me if it feels good in my hands and smooth in the cut.

 

[Gologit]

Reliability is absolutely number 1. If I'm two hours from the nearest saw shop I don't have time to be running after little things that break or go wrong. I can spec saw/bar combos, I can control weight by the type of saw I use for any given application, I can control price when I buy or trade. Other than doing all the preventive maintainance I have no control over reliability...that has to be inherent in the saw itself. My Dad used to have a sign on the wall of his hangar that said "Nothing costs as much as downtime" True with any kind of machinery.

 

[bookerdog]

Reliability is absolutely number 1. If I'm two hours from the nearest saw shop I don't have time to be running after little things that break or go wrong. I can spec saw/bar combos, I can control weight by the type of saw I use for any given application, I can control price when I buy or trade. Other than doing all the preventive maintainance I have no control over reliability...that has to be inherent in the saw itself. My Dad used to have a sign on the wall of his hangar that said "Nothing costs as much as downtime" True with any kind of machinery.

so true

 

[SawTroll]

For me.
-Durability.
-Reputation.
-Serviceability.
-Local distributer.
-Fit and feel of the saw.
-Power to weight ratio.
-Air filtration.

Not a bad list, but you left out anti-vibe.......

 

[OLY-JIM]

Not a bad list, but you left out anti-vibe.......

Isn't it up to him what he leaves out or puts-in? Although...AV is a good one.

 

[SawTroll]

The 044/MS440 is the total package!!!

Yes, complete with bad air filtration, and bad anti-vibe.......:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[SawTroll]

Isn't it up to him what he leaves out or puts-in? Although...AV is a good one.

Yep, it is - I just added my wiew on it......:biggrinbounce2:

 

[bump_r]

1 - intended purpose (indicates to bar length requirement)
2 - intended wood (along with #1 leads to powerhead requirements)
3 - quality dealer of quality equipment (prefer local, but may sway to mail order under certain conditions)
4 - available funds

I don't see the logic in picking a powerhead then posting "what bar should I get?". Too much of a cart before the horse situation for me.

I don't whine about power-to-weight formulae or fuel efficiency. My work is so sporadic that my tool has to do the job, and a few pounds here or there or minutes of operation per ounce of fuel use is insignificant.

 

[IchWarriorMkII]

My biggest concern, mostly was/is power to weight ratio.

I think any Stihl/Husqvarna Pro is built to run well enough for little ole me. Reliability, AV, Air Filtration, all of that is built to keep loggers and arborist happy. Im sure, some are better than others, being model specific, but the worst still isn't bad (IN MY OPINION!)

So I tend to be attracted to saws with the most power for the least weight, because Im a little guy and I'd rather save myself for loading all the wood I cut.

 

[Bowtie]

Rule of thumb...look for something made by Stihl!........... I know, Im fueling a fire...happy Friday the 13th everyone!

 

[XJWoody]

Reliability is a must... A saw (or any tool) at least needs to start, work, & not break right away. I'm not too good for 'disposable' tools... but I don't include OPE in that category.

I bought my 029 Super based on the salesman's recommendation (as an 'upgrade/upsize' from my little Husky 41) and brand recognition. At that time we only had Stihl & Husky down here. I needed a larger saw for some removals & light firewood duty, and didn't want to spend up on a pro saw. It was (and stihl is) the best choice at the time for my needs.

The 361 I got based on reputation/recommendation on AS, plus price, and memory. A long-ago buddy of mine had a ported 036 Pro and it was badazz. (at least according to him it was) I'm certain he'd nod approval to a 361. Especially once worked over. I didn't "need" one, but figured I'd better get it while my mind was made up on getting it. Now I want another one just like it "for later"


My next new saws will be determined similarly to the 361. (going off reputation and recommendation mainly) I'd like to get a few cuts in with some 'strange' before finalizing, but for the most part, I think there is enough quality feedback to be found here to make some good choices between all the good brands available.

I'm spoiled with having a couple good dealers nearby (Stihl, Husqv, Dolmar Shin, Redmax at one, Stihl, Husqv, JonnyRed, and Shin at the other) plus have a relative who works at yet another Stihl store.

 

[NYH1]

Not a bad list, but you left out anti-vibe.......

You're right, specially since I've ran my 365 and now know what a smooth running saw is!

So here I go again.
-Durability.
-Reputation.
-Serviceability.
-Local distributer.
-Fit and feel of the saw.
-Power to weight ratio.
-Air filtration.
-anti-vibe.