Need a bigger saw

[peterc38]

If it's just a one shot deal, I'd consider renting a larger saw. If you are going to be in bigger hardwood all the time, thats 70cc territory IMO.

Since it ain't my money, I'd say a 372XP or MS440/460 would fit the bill :thumbsup:

 

[kdm0811]

I have a Stihl 310. I purchased a 36" bar for the saw and just recently finished cutting a 58" wide sycamore into firewood. Although the bar is about twice the normal length for the 310, I found that it had the power to cut well when the chain was properly sharpened.

 

[LD1]

If you are itching to get a new toy, and have an extra $800 or so lying around, I agree with the 70cc+ saw for what you describe. And at least a 24" bar, and a 28-32" perfered. But a 24" will do and is a good all around size on a 70cc saw.

There are pretty much 3 excellent saws to choose from, Husky 372xp, Stihl 440/460, and Dolmar 6400/7300/7900.

All are top notch.

Dont mess around with the smaller non-pro grade saws like some mentioned. No offense meant to anyone, but a MS290 or MS310 would NOT even be near the top of my list of saws to choose for what you describe.

The MS290 "FarmBoss" may indeed be the best selling saw in the world, but that doesnt make it a good saw. IMO, it is a terrible saw. Heavy and slow cutting. And by terrible, Again I dont meant to offend anyone. It IS a reliable saw and will cut wood. But when compared to others in its class and for similar money out of pocket, there is MUCH better options.

And I dont know how your neighbors are, or how you are, but I personally wouldnt loan MY chainsaw to ANYONE. It is just one of them things that, guys who run saws a lot, understand.

So IF you can still find some saws in your area, look at the models I mentioned. Anything under 60cc isnt going to be a big enough step-up over your MS250 to be worth the money.

 

[LD1]

I have a Stihl 310. I purchased a 36" bar for the saw and just recently finished cutting a 58" wide sycamore into firewood. Although the bar is about twice the normal length for the 310, I found that it had the power to cut well when the chain was properly sharpened.

That is probabally not reccomended to run that large of a bar on that small of a saw, but if it was just a one time shot and it worked:thumbsup:

But if you are specifically buying a saw to cut 36"+ wood, I doubt anyone would buy a 310 and put a 36" bar on it:confused2:

 

[xyz123]

:laughing: I put a 32" on a MS361 one time to TEST and make some softwood cuts to see if it could do it in a emergency. Ran full skip square chisel chain and it made the cuts in the softwoods. Like I said I would only do this IF had to case.
The oiler was very stingy and I dont think it would have lasted long in hardwoods cut after cut.
Just because something can do it, dont make it the right tool for the job.

 

[LBrown59]

Alright so I need some opinions/advice here.... I live in southeast mass and Irene just tore apart my town.
1*I am currently stuck on my street do to three trees down across the road with wires tangled up in all of them.
2*The storm uprooted 4 oak trees in my yard with the smallest having a diameter of 18" and the biggest with a diameter of 3 feet!

1*I don't think i'd go sawing into trees with wires still hanging in them.
2*Would be nice rite now if these trees were in the woods instead your yard wouldn't it. :laughing:

 

[Grant1994]

Unfortunately we talked to the company and they are estimating our power to be back in 3-4 days
However I thought it over and believe that I will use the saw enough with all the trees on my property that I can justify buying one. I decided to go with the ms290 with an 18 inch bar was able to pick it up today but no chance to use because wa to dark by the time I got home. Will update tomorrow on how she works!
Thanks!!
John

 

[Will_C]

To the OP- are you a "saw nut?" I am, and if I had your situation, it would be just the excuse to buy the Stihl 460 I've been oogling (although I saw the Husky 372 for $150 cheaper at the NYS Woodsmen Show.) Put a 24-25" bar on it, get a 20" bar as well, and be all set. If you would not get a thrill out of the purchase, I would try to borrow a saw or see if you could hire the work done. As others have posted, unless you move into a 70cc pro saw, I just don't se the value in buying another saw for your job.

Will

Will

 

[Grant1994]

Honestly I am in love with chain saws. I'm not to concerned about the money right now and the reason as to why I am working my way up in the size is because I am trying to build up my experience and skill before spending a ton of money on a pro saw that I don't have the experience to handle and end up hurting myself.

 

[Chilly807]

I doubt you'll have any regrets with the MS290. If you like the MS250, the 290 is like a bigger brother to it. I recently traded my old 023 for a set of disc harrows, I think I'll miss the old saw.

Most of us cut at a reasonable pace on an occasional basis. I have a smallish 242 Husky for limbing, and an 044 Stihl for bigger stuff. I got them both used as "project" saws, and neither has let me down yet.

In their day (mid-90's), both were considered "pro" saws, and were built accordingly. It's part of the reason they're both still running today. I suspect the previous owners used them a lot harder than I ever will.

Take your time and enjoy the job ahead, your 290 will get it done.

Sean