Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => Equipment => Topic started by: Scratch on May 01, 2018, 06:20:07 PM

Title: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: Scratch on May 01, 2018, 06:20:07 PM
Looking to buy a new chainsaw and hoping to get some suggestions.  I want it to be new, lightweight, powerful and have a 16" bar. 

I had a Husqvarna and was very happy with it but am considering a Stihl also... Open to others.

Any suggestions?

Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: mlappin on May 01, 2018, 07:15:53 PM
Like my Stihls which replaced a pair of Sachs Dolmars.

I’m not up on the newest models but I do have a 023 with a 14” bar i’ve cut a lot of wood with, the other two start out at a 25” bar.


Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: Scratch on May 01, 2018, 07:42:39 PM
The reason I want to stick with a 16" is that I have a bunch of 16" chains already, as well as my brother and next door neighbor does also.
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: RSI on May 01, 2018, 10:12:39 PM
What model Husqvarna you have? How was the weight of it compared to what you are looking for now?
Are your chains 3/8" or 5/16" pitch? All 16" saws don't use the same length chains. Do you know how many links your chains are?
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: schoppy on May 01, 2018, 10:51:01 PM
RSI is correct in that all 16 inch saws don't take the same chain. The question is what saw will this be for you, limbing or your main saw? My main saw is a Husky 562XPG with a 20 inch bar which absolutely screams. My limbing saws are Echo's with 14 inch bars and a CS361P my favorite. Light weight, revs good, fuel efficient and comes with a 5 year warranty. Less money than a Stihl or Husky and lighter than comparable saws. Bought mine when Echo was having Echo days and got 20% off to boot.
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: Scratch on May 02, 2018, 06:30:38 AM
I don't have my saw any more, It was a Husqvarna though.  I haven't cut for a few years. This saw will be a main saw, not for limbing.  I just want it lightweight because it's easier to handle and I'm willing to pay for it.
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: racnruss on May 03, 2018, 09:01:53 PM
The Echo Timberwolf is a 59cc. mid sized saw and can be had for less than $400 shipped to your door.

I don't personally have one but know a few people that do and they are happy with them.

In my arsenal I do have an Echo 355t, two Echo Power Pruners, Echo hedge trimmers, and an Echo blower. All run great and dependable.  Plus 5 year warranty.

Happy cutting :)
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: wreckit87 on May 05, 2018, 11:59:27 AM
I'm extremely happy with the Stihl 261. 16" and .325 chain, that little bugger really cuts and feels very lightweight in comparison to my 291. It's about 4 years old so I'm not sure they make them anymore, but I love it
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: MattyNH on May 15, 2018, 07:26:21 PM
Ive been happy with Jonsered. Used them for years now..They are a sister of Husqvarna..Good luck on your search!
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: Elguano on August 08, 2018, 07:39:35 PM
Am also looking to replace my Stihl, the 290 feel underpowered cutting thru hardwood logsof 14-16”...

I was thinking of the ms362 but went i went to the Stihl dealer who got me unsure now... He recommended the ms441 magnum... And now looking at it the ms461 is about same weight but more hp...

Any recommendations?

Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: Pointblank on August 09, 2018, 08:00:27 PM
Am also looking to replace my Stihl, the 290 feel underpowered cutting thru hardwood logsof 14-16”...

I was thinking of the ms362 but went i went to the Stihl dealer who got me unsure now... He recommended the ms441 magnum... And now looking at it the ms461 is about same weight but more hp...

Any recommendations?

I've had my 440 now for 14 years and put up close to 200 cord with it. Never had a single problem with it. I will say, that saw flat out rips.

However.... Its a LOT of saw for general firewood cutting.  Limbing and brushing gets tiring and that aggressive of a saw is not very forgiving.  You got a smaller saw for limbing?
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: shepherd boy on August 10, 2018, 05:18:53 AM
Been  running a 044 Stihl for last 20yrs or so.I guess the 440 took it's place or maybe the 441. Really like that saw. Had several 064"s before that. Just a little heavy but the 044 feels good.
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: mlappin on August 10, 2018, 09:51:14 AM
Am also looking to replace my Stihl, the 290 feel underpowered cutting thru hardwood logsof 14-16”...

I was thinking of the ms362 but went i went to the Stihl dealer who got me unsure now... He recommended the ms441 magnum... And now looking at it the ms461 is about same weight but more hp...

Any recommendations?

I won’t swear to it, but I’ve think on several other forums people claim a 441 will output a 461 because the 441 revs higher? Might be wrong on that. Best suggestion is to find somebody that has both and try em or see what they say.

I like my 362 and my 460. Still use the little 024 a LOT though topping and limbing.
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: Bud Man on August 28, 2018, 06:27:50 PM
Can't say about the 362 but, I have a 361 that I've had for years with no problems and that thing ROCKS!
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: Scratch on September 24, 2018, 09:29:11 PM
I think I have it narrowed down between the Stihl MS 362 and the M391.

My brother has the MS 441C and I got to try it out yesterday.  It cuts nice but. It sure I need that big of a saw.

I'm trying to decide if the MS 362 is worth the extra 190.00 or not.  It's a little over a pound lighter, and has just a touch more power, but is a little smaller engine.
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: kjw58 on September 25, 2018, 02:23:36 PM
I would get the 362 your back will thank you later, My 362 is my favorite saw, never had a lick of problems out of it.   :thumbup:
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: Scratch on September 25, 2018, 09:34:47 PM
Am now debating between the Stihl MS 362 C-M, or the Husqvarna 562XP.  Pretty much identical when it comes to power, features and price.
I'm going to write out what I consider to be the pros of each, more just to help me figure it out, feel free to give your input if you have any.

The Stihl is a pound lighter than the Husky.
The Stihl has 2 piston rings as opposed to one on the Husky.
The Stihl seems to have more parts availability locally.

The Husky has a faster acceleration and chain speed which cuts a little bit faster.
The Husky has just a teeny bit more power.
The Husky has a primer bulb.
The Husky has an aluminum handle as compared to the plastic handle of the Stihl.
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: Crow on September 27, 2018, 04:34:03 PM
Tough choice. But I will say I have a Stihl 291 with a primer and don't use it, don't think it makes a difference.
Aluminum vs plastic, ones colder than the other, neither stand up to getting run over by a tractor. Doh!
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: Scratch on October 05, 2018, 09:48:50 AM
Well this was a surprisingly tough decision for me. I've done so much research on these two saws over the past few weeks it's crazy!

I liked the lighter weight of the Stihl, but I like the stronger handle of the Husqy.
I like the higher fuel and oil capacity of the Husqy, but I like the quarter turn caps of the Stihl.
I like the primer bulb for easier starting of the Husqy, but I don't want to have to replace it when the rubber goes bad.
From a long term service issue, (of the very few problems I've heard of from both) I've heard that the Stihl has more "minor" engine problems, but the Husqys have more major engine problems.
I like the two piston rings of the Stihl, (Husqy has one) but I like the more power of the Husqy.

In the end, I had to make a decision, and it was a tough one, but one that I felt wouldn't be a bad decision either way. I feel they are both excellent saws and decided to base my decision on three things that one brand had a slight edge on over the other.
Weight, cost and dealer support. The Stihl had the edge here...
1. It was just over a pound lighter which was very important to me.
2. My local dealer, which has an AWESOME reputation for customer service, is only 4 miles from my house and only carries Stihl.
3. They were having a 10% off deal so I ended up getting it for 674 and change.

I went with the 20" bar and I also got some oil, a spare chain and a new pair of chaps all with 10% off my new purchase.

I think I'm on my 6th tank of gas right now and I love it. I'm very glad I went with the lighter saw as it was one of my highest considerations due to my health.

Because I'm sure that nobody here has ever seen a Stihl chainsaw before, here's a pic of my new toy!
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: Roger2561 on October 05, 2018, 10:06:45 AM
Well this was a surprisingly tough decision for me. I've done so much research on these two saws over the past few weeks it's crazy!

I liked the lighter weight of the Stihl, but I like the stronger handle of the Husqy.
I like the higher fuel and oil capacity of the Husqy, but I like the quarter turn caps of the Stihl.
I like the primer bulb for easier starting of the Husqy, but I don't want to have to replace it when the rubber goes bad.
From a long term service issue, (of the very few problems I've heard of from both) I've heard that the Stihl has more "minor" engine problems, but the Husqys have more major engine problems.
I like the two piston rings of the Stihl, (Husqy has one) but I like the more power of the Husqy.

In the end, I had to make a decision, and it was a tough one, but one that I felt wouldn't be a bad decision either way. I feel they are both excellent saws and decided to base my decision on three things that one brand had a slight edge on over the other.
Weight, cost and dealer support. The Stihl had the edge here...
1. It was just over a pound lighter which was very important to me.
2. My local dealer, which has an AWESOME reputation for customer service, is only 4 miles from my house and only carries Stihl.
3. They were having a 10% off deal so I ended up getting it for 674 and change.

I went with the 20" bar and I also got some oil, a spare chain and a new pair of chaps all with 10% off my new purchase.

I think I'm on my 6th tank of gas right now and I love it. I'm very glad I went with the lighter saw as it was one of my highest considerations due to my health.

Because I'm sure that nobody here has ever seen a Stihl chainsaw before, here's a pic of my new toy!

Nice looking saw.  Congratulations! 

I think all I have ever owned are Stihl chainsaws.  I purchased an MS311 a few years ago and it goes through the log pile very well, until you hit a pebble that got stuck in the bark.  My dealer is approximately 20 miles away but always very helpful when I needed it.   
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: mlappin on October 05, 2018, 02:13:17 PM
I have a 362, never had any issues with the handle
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: cbofei on October 08, 2018, 05:42:30 PM
What did you go with.  I purchased the 391 couple years ago to upgrade the arsenal.  I have been cutting with a hand me down 031av for all my life and decided it was finally time to get a new saw.  Though I like the 391 I don’t feel all that extra weight presents that much more power.  Maybe I should have stepped down to the 291 but actually I still prefer my good old 031
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: Scratch on October 08, 2018, 06:49:44 PM
What did you go with.  I purchased the 391 couple years ago to upgrade the arsenal.  I have been cutting with a hand me down 031av for all my life and decided it was finally time to get a new saw.  Though I like the 391 I don’t feel all that extra weight presents that much more power.  Maybe I should have stepped down to the 291 but actually I still prefer my good old 031
Look a few posts above yours.
Stihl 362Cm
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: Elguano on October 13, 2018, 10:22:58 AM
Just got my 462 (had to buy it from Europe) only thing i could say is WOW, same weight as my 290 but power is crazy , eat thoses hardwood 20 inch logs like butter.
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: mlappin on October 13, 2018, 09:30:00 PM
You’ll notice for the next 4-6 tank fulls it only gets stronger
Title: Re: Suggestions for new chainsaw
Post by: Elguano on October 14, 2018, 08:03:15 AM
So far am on the second tank, and didn't really notice a difference, i wounder since it's the new M-Tronic if I will feel the difference after. I guess it will be time to get rid of the old 290 farmboss :)