Stihl MS 360 Pro Chainsaw

Anonymous Poster · Mar 24, 2003

I am in the need for a chainsaw. I have some odd and end jobs that I could use a deceit saw for. I know that Stihl is one of the best names in Saws. I want something that I can use to cut stuff from 3-8 inches in size. I have heard some things and have ended up looking at the MS 360 Pro. I realize that this might seem like a little overkill but I live on 10 Acres of wooded area and have a lot of neighbors that sometimes hire me to work. What do you think about this saw? What have u heard? Any input would be great. What to buy within the next couple days.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 24, 2003

I bought a Stihl MS 250C with a 16" bar because it had some really nice features such as a primer bulb and quick chain adjuster. The quick chain adjuster is a "must have" in my opinion. It's also roughly 2 lbs. lighter than a 360. I've already got a big, heavy Poulan with a 20" bar-I gave it to my brother-in-law because I got tired to lugging that heavy sucker around. The 250C will handle the stuff your talking about with ease.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 24, 2003

My second choice would be the Stihl MS 290 Farm Boss. It is suppose to be their topselling saw. It is the right size I believe and has a smaller saw.

rancar · Mar 25, 2003

"...I want something that I can use to cut stuff from 3-8 inches in size. I have heard some things and have ended up looking at the MS 360 Pro. I realize that this might seem like a little overkill but I live on 10 Acres of wooded area and have a lot of neighbors that sometimes hire me to work..."

The Stihl MS 360 Pro is a real nice saw....even numbered series are manufactured a bit tougher for loggers/sawyers. This will hold up well over the years but your statement that this is a little overkill is an understatement. You don't need something this big to cut 3-8 inch material. You can get by with something much smaller, unless in fact you intend to help cut your neighbors' 2 foot size trees. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Then, this will do just fine.

...Bob
Stihl 044

rockyridgefarm · Mar 25, 2003

I have about 50 ac. of trees, and my 026Pro has never let me down. I am in good enough shape not to need the compression release, but still, I use and like it very much.

rockyridgefarm · Mar 25, 2003

I agree that you should look lighter. It will probably end up being safer, as you won't tire as easily.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 25, 2003

If you look at the specs the 360 Pro ways the same as the 290 Farm Boss. That is what helped me make my decision. I can get more power for the same weight. If I have to cut a big tree up that has fallen over than the power is there. That is just my thinking upon it. I am going to take you advice and look smaller.

djradz · Mar 25, 2003

I vote for the 026 Pro for 3-8" trees. I have a 023 and can easily cut these.

Youare · Mar 25, 2003

Chain saws are some what like tractors, when in doubt go for the bigger model. However, the bigger the saw the more it weighs. If you are only an occasional user the extra weight will not matter much. If you are going to be using it for hours on end then the weight becomes a big factor.

That size saw for the size wood you mentioned is a little over kill, but if there is a chance you will encounter some bigger stuff now then you will be happy with more saw. I would suggest if you go with the larger saw have them set it up with a 16" bar. This will made the saw a little lighter, or at least keep the weight centered around the handles.

The shorter bar will be easier to use on the smaller wood but still alow you to cut stuff up 30" or more. Another added feature is the saw will not have to use as much of its power to pull the added chain of an 18" or 20" bar which is what they will try to sell you on a saw that size.

The chain cost on the 16" bar is less also.

Good luck be safe.
Randy

MarkV · Mar 25, 2003

I don't know how much cutting you are planning but as others have said a big saw can sure wear you out in a day. Maybe it is just my age. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif Anyway, I have two larger saws and just got to the point where the big saws were over kill for much of my cutting. I picked up a small Echo CS 340 saw with a 14" bar and love that thing. It is only 7.5 lbs and has enough power that unless I have to drop something big that is the saw that comes out of the shed.

If I were in our situation I would buy a small good quality trimming saw for all of the 3-8" stuff if that’s what you will be doing 80% of the time. Supplement that with a larger less expensive saw for the occasional larger projects. There are some pretty good deals at places like Home Depot and the homeowner saws hold up just fine for occasional use. Oh ya, don't forget to pick up a good logging helmet and a set of saw chaps. That chain saw is about the most dangerous tool you will ever buy.

MarkV

WCarlson · Mar 25, 2003

I have to agree with Youare. Chainsaws are exactly like tractors, you always wish you had purchased the larger one. I have purchased six in the last 8 years, ranging from a little Echo on a Powerpruner to both a Sthil 029 Farmboss and a Sthil 460 Magnum. The 029 or 360's are nice saws and can be used for a lot of things. My spec sheet says the 036 weighs .7 lbs less than the 029 and has compresson release. Therefore, it would get my vote if you are set on Sthil. The big advantages of the 460 are it has a compression release, 50% more HP than the 029 (@ 1.2 lbs more than the 029) and can handle a 32" bar. It is about the minimum size to get if you plan on doing any ripping. If I were buying today, I would get either one of the Husqvarnas or the Poulan PRO 505 currently on sale at . I would have saved $300. They have a 50cc Husky with an 18" bar for $279.95 which would be about the size of the 029/360 at a very good price and like tractors, if you stay with the big names you will be fine. Good Luck
Bill

cpicton1 · Mar 25, 2003

The 025 with a 16" bar & cain is a great saw for the money. With a sharp chain it will cut your size trees with no problem. The larger saws are great too but you go up in $$$. If money is no problem and you want a pro quality saw with more power then my suggestion would be the 026Pro with 16" or 18" bar & chain. There is about a $200.00 jump in price between the two saws I mention. Either one of these saws will probably out live most of us non-professional loggers in our normal everyday use. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Anonymous Poster · Mar 25, 2003

(  Stihl MS 360 )

Man,I all I can say is...........................WHAT A SAW!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Anonymous Poster · Mar 25, 2003

I have the .029 Farmboss and couldn't be happier. I run an 18" bar on it and it handles anything I want to do on my 4 acres, including breaking down big hunks of log for turning blanks destined for my or others' lathes.

jyoutz · Mar 26, 2003

Hi, I'm a forester and am always around saws. All of our fire crews and most loggers I work with run Stihls. I own a 038 pro, which is the predecessor to the model you are considering. You couldn't make a better choice. Anything larger is too much of a logging saw and will be a little more than you need. Anything less than a pro saw will not have the long term durability. I bought mine to cut personal firewood, sometimes from 30" diameter trees. Get this saw and an extra chain, good fuel, safety equipment, and use experience, and you will be able to handle anything you want to cut. And this model is lightweight and very durable. Did I mention that I like Stihls? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

BigDave · Mar 26, 2003

First: I don't own one, but I only hear good things about Stihls, so I don't think you can go wrong by buying that brand. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Second: I agree that saws are like tractors, you always will wish you had the next larger one. I have three Husky's; 350 w/16"bar, Model 61 Rancher w/20"bar, & 372XP w/24"bar. Guess which one is the one I reach for first: the 372. After the big stuff gets cut & my arms are tired (key point) , I go get the 350 and do the small work. Unlike a tractor, you have to carry the heavier saw around. If I didn't have the big saw/little saw combo, I would go for a midsize saw like the Stihl 360. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Now before I get anyone's ire about calling the 350 a small saw when Husky has 5 models smaller than it. The 350 is the smallest saw with an adjustable oiler. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Finally, a good chain saw is like a good tractor - you will have it for many years, (my 61 Rancher is 12 yrs old & still runs like new) so like so many others have suggested here at TBN, buy your saw from a dealer that you feel will give you the service & support that you will need down the road. Some big box stores sell Husky & Stihl and I would not recommend going down that route. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

HayDR · Mar 26, 2003

Dave,
We have a Husky 55, 41, & 360 and they will walk off and do more work faster than any Farm Boss made. The Stihl is a good solid saw just runs too slow for me.

BigDave · Mar 26, 2003

I'm not that familiar with Stihls; what rpm range do they run?

BTW, I really had my eye on the 346XP which runs at 14,700 rpm, it looked to be a really sweet set-up, but CFO made that decision for me, and I got the 350 instead. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

mrcaptainbob · Mar 26, 2003

My 031AV Stihl is 'stihl' going after over 25 years of doin' some real heavy work. Wore out a few bars and cahins along the way, and one engine rebuild, but it runs great,even now. Very pleased with that purchase.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 19, 2003

go with the 360. A larger saw may be heavier but that will make you hold onto it better and if you don't hold onto a chainsaw it will BITE you. I have owned a 039 for several years and have cut a lot of wood and the larger saws cut faster and are alot safer. my 039 just bit the dust because of bad gas so I got a 360 and I am very happy with it. I also own a smaller stihl that i picked up for trimming but I never use it as it is slower and not as safe. A big saw you have to plant your feet and hold it in front of you and hold it tight. A small saw will make you try and reach out with one hand to cut a twig off and get your leg