Which saw???

[bob gresko]

I have an old josenred 621 that needs about $200 to fix it back up. At this price I want a new saw. I cut about 7 to 10 cord a year for heating my own house and do a little extra cutting helping others. Most of the wood I get is stand or down dead wood or damaged trees on state forest land, mostly oak. My question is, what saw do you guys recommend for my situation? I think I have it narrowed down to either a Stihl MS 390 @ $400.00, Stihl MS 360 Pro @ $470.00, or an Echo 670 @ 450.00. What do you'all think? If you suggest the 360 Pro over the 390 would you explain why. According to the specs the 390 has 2.6 more cc than the 360, but the 360 has .12 more horsepower than the 390. The 360 also costs $70.00 more. Is it worth it? Also the 360 weighs .7 lbs less than the 390. Thanks for your advice. Bob

 

[eyolf]

I'd question why you have narrowed your choices to those...I'm assuming you have a good reason, including being ticked at the dealer that wants $200 in repairs for the Jonny 621.

You're choosing saws that are a little larger displacement than the 621...was the 621 too small?

In my opinion, the Echo @ $450 is probably the most saw for the money, able to slightly edge the others out power wise, but you also will pay a weight penalty. After the 3rd or 4th tankful of gas, a 50cc saw will start looking pretty attractive to the weekend warrior. To be truthful, 95% of what you're probably doing (firewood, trees up to 20") will be easily handled by a modern, high-end 50cc saw. Many folks like the Stihl 026 at about $400, and the Husky/Jonsered equivalent size can be had for a little less.

It can be a lot of fun to swing that big saw around for a pickup load of wood, but when you plan to be out there all day, you get kinda thankful for the lightweight models. I've got a Jonsered 621 and a Jons 2149 (50 cc), and while the 621 has a slight edge in pure "grunt", I'd say the 2149 would put as much wood out in a day. The newer models have a couple of more CC's, so even more power on the same weight.

If you're settled on the 3 above, I'd go with the 036 Stihl. The other saw is too heavy for the power level, and the Echo is more saw than is required.

By the way, what's wrong with the 621? Wanna part with it?

 

[glens]

The 360 and 390 are designed differently.  The 390 is more of a modular saw with a plastic chassis and bolt-in motor.  I believe it's crankshaft starts out in a couple more pieces than that of the 360, and in other ways the 390 is built to a somewhat less "rugged" standard.  It does feel a little smoother in the hands, though, and you'd probably not notice much difference between them besides that and the weight.  Either one would surely do what you want to do for many years.  I've got an 036 and highly recommend it for someone who's only going to have one saw.

I agree with eyolf that the Echo is a bit more than you'd probably want to swing around very much, but the 390 is pushing it weight-wise too.  I'm not fond of either the looks or the way that the controls are spread all over the place on the Echo saws, but I understand they're typically very good pieces of equipment.

Since you seem to be focusing a bit on the Stihls (that's my preference too) I wonder if you've seen anything about the new 280?  I haven't had the fortune yet of seeing one, but they certainly sound like a good mid-sized saw.  I think they're rated at about 11½ lb. and just about 4 hp.  Sounds perfect for what you're contemplating, and I think I'd heard they were supposed to be at the $400 price point.

Choosing chainsaws is a difficult and personal task.  Of the ones you've narrowed it down to, I'd unequivocally suggest the 360.  It's a little lighter; compared to the 390 will certainly last longer (all things being equal) and it's got a little deeper voice; and it'll get the work done in very good time.  Even if you'd asked me to recommend a saw out of the blue for doing what you want to do I'd probably say the MS360, so I'm glad you mentioned it first.

Glen

 

[toolmaker]

Bob,
The 360 and 390 are two different classed saws. the 390 is a "homeowners" saw, while the 360 is a "pro" saw. Any Stihl with an even number (260, 360, 460) is a pro, odd number a homeowner. The difference is the amount of hours the saw is designed to run, plus a few other features like decompression valve, etc. Not to mention that the pro saws are lighter weight for the horsepower. I have an 026,(pre-260) 036, (pre-360) and a 460. The 360 is exactly what you want. IMHO, it is Stihl's most all-around saw. Go for it and you won't ever regret it. By the way, the pro saws also have a higher re-sale value.

 

[buckwheat]

Bob,
What part of PA are you in, and where can one find information about taking wood from State Forest land? I checked out DCNR's web site, but there is no information on that.

 

[treeclimber165]

I must concur with Toolman. Since you have experience running and maintaining saws, I'd also recommend the 036. The 029/039 saws are pretty much 'throw-away' saws designed for the same type customer that buys mechanic's tools at the flea market. That 1 pound additional weight for less power (039) will make a difference after a while and you will never stop kicking yourself if you buy the cheap saw. For the most part, the odd numbered Stihls (orange handles) might as well say 'Made in Taiwan'. They are not even in the same league as the even numbered Stihls (white handles).

 

[lync]

my 2 cents

Over the last few years I have run 3 different echo saws Two CS-8000's and a cs-5000. The are very well made and durable. kinda like a toyota corolla. There not fancy and the motors are pretty bulletproof. But if your looking for a light/ fast saw, the bigger echo's are not the ticket. They have great torque, but average speed. If you have to buck wood all day
Stihl 360 is your best choice. Dealer support should also be a deciding factor.

Corey

 

[bob gresko]

thanks

Thanks for all the info. I'll try to answer everyones comments with this shot. First Eyolf, you asked why I narrowed my saw search to the three saws (2 stihl & 1 echo). I have been hearing that the josenreds & huskys are really the same saws and that the new ones aren't as good as the old ones because many parts (bearings etc.) are made in China, and that Lowes, Sears etc. have made them cave from their previous high standards -- that is why I am focusing on Stihl -- If I knew they were built to the standards of what I am hearing about Stihl, I would buy a Jonsered or Husky. My old 621 needs points, condensor, carb re-build, and the expensive part is a new rope starter mechinism. I'm thinking about messing around with it myself and using it to power a capstan rope winch.

Buckwheat, I live in the S. Williamsport area about 2 blocks from the district forest office. I don't have the phone book by me now other wise I give you the phone number. You could call info and ask for the district forest office located on E. Central Ave in South Williamsport. If you don't have luck, hollar at me on the site and I'll look it up for you. Thanks for the info. It was interesting to learn the difference between Stihls odd/even number system.

 

[bob gresko]

Buckwheat

Buckwheat, I got to a phone book. The DCNR district office is District 12, 423 E. Central Ave, S. Williamsport, PA 17702 and phone is 570-3273450.

 

[Tony Snyder]

You are getting BSd on your Jonsered. You need to find a shop that doesn't have a $65 an hour overhead.

I would expand your search to Jonsered, Efco/John Deere, and Dolmar.

I you want just to be common, buy the Stihl 036.