help with saw purchase.

[3rdgenorange]

I am looking to buy a saw and would appreciate any information and help that you can provide. I will be cutting around 15-20 cord a year. Currently using a Husky 240e, good saw but I don't feel it was made to cut that much wood. Looking for something 60-70cc and an 18" bar. Strongly considering the Stihl Ms 362. Not looking for any brandwar conversation just thoughts and any other suggestions. Open to other types in town their is a Husky and Stihl shop. I will be cutting firewood and rarely anything bigger than 15-18 inches. Thanks in advance.

 

[Egon]

Proffesional quality in a make of your choice.

 

[Will_C]

You are on the right track, 60-70cc, 20 inch bar, and take your pick between any of the brand names-Stihl, Husky, J-red. That 362 would probably be my choice, but that's because I have a budy who is a Stihl dealer.

Will

 

[rekees4300]

Stihl is the best selling chainsaw in the world and there's a reason for that. Had mine since 1985 and it still runs like a Timex ... takes a lickin' and keeps in tickin'

 

[JohnnyW]

I recommend the Stihl MS 441, MS 260 or the Farmboss model. All of these saws are higher end and will run hard and smooth through hardwoods and soft woods alike. I certainly am a Stihl fan, but you can't go wrong.

 

[Nitro-Fish]

For 15-20 cords of wood a year I would go with a Husqvarna 372XP and run either the 18" or 20" bar & chain combo for the size wood you're talking about. The 362 Stihl would probably get the job done, it would just take a little longer. Another good choice would be a Dolmar 7900 (if you have a decent local dealer). Any of the saws I mentioned above will put a smile on your face compared to what you're using now; I have a 346XP, 357XP and the 372XP Husqvarna's and a Stihl 056 Super (along with several others, but these are the ones I use most often), the 372 is my saw of choice for the firewood chores (great power to weight ratio, they're pricey but well worth it). Be warned, if you do get the 372, don't let any of your buddies pick it up while they're helping you cut wood or they will not put it down; I was very surprised at how many people go out and buy one after they use mine!

 

[3rdgenorange]

I have decided on the Stihl 362 or the Husky 372. Anyone own either of these and can offer insight?

 

[RavensRoost]

I have decided on the Stihl 362 or the Husky 372. Anyone own either of these and can offer insight?

I have a 372XP along with several other saws. As Nitro-Fish wrote, it is a wonderful saw for firewood, smooth, powerful, and handles nice. However, I find it is too heavy for limbing (but I am over 60) -- probably all saws over 60 cc are too heavy for serious limbing -- so you will find yourself wanting a small light saw to go with it. (I know some of the PNW guys will chime in and say they limb with a Stihl 066 and 36" bar....and wrestle bears for fun.)

The 362 would be fine for firewood, but cutting 15-20 cords a year, I bet you would love either the Husky 372XP or the Stihl 441. (I do not have a 441, have an 044 which is great, and 441 is supposed to be smoother and a tad heavier than either 372 or 044/440.)

The usual recommendation for brand of saw is to pick one of the majors that has a good dealer in your area. Also, your budget affects what you can buy, so used might be a good choice for you, might not be. Personally, I like new.

Be careful, as chainsaws can be addictive: The warning I would give about Stihl 362 (or Husky 357XP for that matter) is that at 60cc both are about ideal for the "one saw does it all" compromise. However, most folks end up getting, or at least wishing they had gotten, both a smaller saw AND a larger saw.

Good luck in your choice and purchase, and don't forget to buy some saw chaps!

 

[mlh29]

I know that alot of posters have more experience than I on saws. I however have been in the same boat for awhile. In my research I looked at dolmar, husky, stihl, johnsered, makita(dolmar) and a few other less brands.

I had used stihl saws, older husky( when they were a good saw IMHO), and many cheap brands.

My wife purchased me a husky 350 about 5 years ago to cut firewood for our house( I am AD military in N NY and it gets cold) I used that husky for a little while, and in the end it was a POS. I was told it was a consumer line not to be confused with the pro saws of my past. After numerous issues sold it on craiglist.

I physically handled, inspected and used stihl, makita,(rented at home depot to see what it had) and dolmar.

I ended up with 2 stihl ms 361s( about $600ea and a ms460 rescue that I bought because it was a good deal and cool( 20 inch carbide chain, full wrap handle new $850.

I would recommend finding a dealer that knows his/her stuff and stands behind it. Stihl is everywhere.

I would not hesitate on a stihl, ms361(about $600, ms362$700ish or a ms441$850 ish ( these are my fav saws as they are very smooth and light for the power)with 16-20 inch bars, A dolmar/makita from Baileys with a 20 inch bar and the upgrade kit$less than 600( a real deal for the tinkerer and a very tough saw) Or a HUSKY xp pro style saw600+.
Main concerns are dealer support, parts availablity and what you wish to spend. Also I would look into a face mask and glasses as these saws can really throw chips of wood.

 

[Nitro-Fish]

RavensRoost pretty much summed it up, if there is any way to afford it I would recommend the 372XP and 346XP combo, or perhaps a Stihl MS 440 (or 441, but as mentioned the 441 is a little heavier than the 372 & feels more clumsy) and MS260 combo. I have run all of the saws mentioned above, but for me the power to weight ratio of the Husky combo works best; try them all & see which you like best. Also, Labonville makes excellent chaps, and they're made in USA too, just do go to their website (Labonville.com) for info (don't be taken by cheap chaps, they will only give you a false sense of security).