Which saw

[RCR 3 EVER]

Our original Jonsereds 621 is too heavy for me weighing in at nearly 20 lbs with the bar and chain and oil and gas . Except it cuts great and starts much, much,much, easier than the newer lightweight Husky saw. I have a back injury and it limits how long I work with a saw and can carry in the woods clearing trees and such,which are only hardwoods such as Maple, Cherry, Oak, Ash.
Our saws have all had adjustable oil controls so I feel that is a plus except I have never changed it, and am leaning toward Stihl. Is the adjustable oil supply geared for winter use? Stihl saws after the old Jonsereds were recommended by loggers in area and by my local tree trimmer.
MS 361 does not have oil control but MS 260 PRO does.Since I can not lean into the saw the saw has to do all the work naturally, but I do not want the saw to take forever to cut thus killing my back. In other words if a saw weighed .5 # more but cuts faster I think that would be easier than holding one that cuts slow. Is the MS440 Mag overkill for occasional tree clearing of falls and firewood?

 

[SteveH]

I used to run the older saws that had the thumb lever to add an extra shot of bar oil. Or, maybe, since I don't remember, maybe that was all the bar oil? Too long ago. Finally, in about 1990 or so, I came to the point I needed a new saw and wanted to go with what, for me, was new in the safety features department. My saws had never had any safety stuff on them.... Anyhow, I went with a Stihl, found to my surprise no oiler lever, and worried about it. But only for about a tank or two. I found that the new saws with the fully automatic [with adjustable flow] oiling set-ups, at least the Stihls I've run, which is all I've run since, work great and there is no need for anything other than the built-in oiling system. I've run upon no times I needed any more. I think you'll find it is just fine on the new saws once you get your thumb to stop automatically trying to punch the oiler lever...took my thumb quite some time. I'll let someone else address your question as to which size saw. I use an 036, same weight/power just about as the 361, with a 20" bar, and it does everything I need though I might have to work just a bit to drop a 30" tree now and then. It is not worth my back to haul a heavier saw with me to cut the very occasional larger tree. I am not in an area where I can normally drive right up to the cutting area, but in one that is steep hillsides with often dense tree growth and it means walking in sometimes a couple hundred yards. My one saw is versatile enough to do the job in those conditions.

 

[nilzlofgren]

Look into the MS260 or the Husky 346xp. Both are well respected saws on this forum. They both weigh the same (10 and a half pounds or so), can run 20" bars, but the Husky has just a smidge more power.

 

[andrethegiant70]

It would help if you'd indicate the sizes of trees typical for your cutting. I'm a big fan of the light, smaller displacement saws, but if you're wanting to go after 20 or more inch oak and the like (like they have a lot of in Michigan) you're going to need more saw. If you're talking up to 16 inches or so, Nils listed some pretty good saws.... Saws in the 40-50cc range are efficient up to 16, maybe 18 inches. Beyond that, you'd be smart to buy more displacement. Stihl 361, 044 (440,441), Husqvarna 359, 365 would be good representatives of the next "class" you might consider.

 

[Wood Hick]

If you are just cutting firewood I would say MS260. I'd get the Pro model, and use RS chains, 16" bar, and keep em" sharp. If your cutting bigger than that, MS361. I can notice the difference running 16" over 20" on saws like the 028 and 260. There is not much 16" can't do in firewood. Also, for your bad back, try to stand up straight every few minutes. Seems like for me if I stay hunched over and run through a 30' firewood pole, my back starts to hurt. If I stand up for just a minute it helps!

 

[Haywire Haywood]

MS 361 does not have oil control but MS 260 PRO does.

The 361 does have an adjustable oiler. It's a good saw.

Ian

 

[SawTroll]

MS 361 does not have oil control but MS 260 PRO does.n ....

What do you mean by that? - they both have adjustable oilers, if that's what it is about......

The 361 is the perfect replacement for a 621 (I have both) - a lot more power and chain speed, and also a lot less weight - but put a Rollomatic E on it, and not an ES, if you want to keep the felt weight down.

The Dolmar PS5100S is a very good altenative, if you want even less weight, and don't need the extra power of the 361.

Anyway, the Jonsereds 621 is an amazing 56cc saw, for its age, with an 8-pin sprocket - but a bit heavy by todays standards.....


I use mine quite often, as I just like it.

 

[SawTroll]

MS 361 does not have oil control but MS 260 PRO does.n ....

What do you mean by that? - they both have adjustable oilers, if that's what it is about......

The MS361 is the perfect replacement for a 621 (I have both) - a lot more power and chain speed, and also a lot less weight - but put a Rollomatic E on it, and not an ES, if you want to keep the felt weight down.

The Dolmar PS5100S is a very good altenative, if you want even less weight, and don't need the extra power of the 361.

Anyway, the Jonsereds 621 is an amazing 56cc saw, for its age, with an 8-pin sprocket (was standard) - but a bit heavy by todays standards.....


I use mine quite often, as I just like it.

 

[Austin1]

What do you mean by that? - they both have adjustable oilers, if that's what it is about......

The 361 is the perfect replacement for a 621 (I have both) - a lot more power and chain speed, and also a lot less weight - but put a Rollomatic E on it, and not an ES, if you want to keep the felt weight down.

The Dolmar PS5100S is a very good altenative, if you want even less weight, and don't need the extra power of the 361.

Anyway, the Jonsereds 621 is an amazing 56cc saw, for its age, with an 8-pin sprocket - but a bit heavy by todays standards.....


I use mine quite often, as I just like it.

I like what troll said about bars as balance is a very personal thing. So is feel of the saw that is why I like the feel of a Jred strait handle over a Husky angled handle. Go out to you saw dealers and find what best suits you, any modern saw 50cc and over should meet your needs.