Need advice on a larger chainsaw for an older guy.

[N80]

[mention]N80 [/mention]
Could you throw up a picture of the cutters and depth gauges of the chain? I’m very picky on a chain a fresh off the roll chain cuts like garbage it’s slow vs a ground chain.

Saw is down at my cabin so can't post pics right now. The Stihl sharpening tool tops off the depth gauges as you file the tooth so they should be fine though.

 

[N80]

With 250 acres of woodland, and a bandsaw mill. I bet you're gonna find yourself cutting up all sorts of stuff to send through your mill.

Yep. That's the point of this thread. I do appreciate all the tips to keep the saw sharp and all that. And I'm sure I could do a better job sharpening it. I'm sure my technique could be refined. I'm sure I could be in better shape. Those points are well taken and appreciated.

But I still don't feel like the Farm Boss is up to the kind of things I'm going to need the saw to do on an increasingly regular basis. I'm not an expert but I have used saws at least long enough to know when the saw is at its limits vs. a dull blade or bad technique. I've run a dull blade and I've done things the wrong way but I probably have just enough experience to be able to tell when that is the issue.

Could I do it all with the Farm Boss? I'm sure I could. But I think it would be a lot harder than it needs to be. I don't have money running out of my ears but I can afford a more capable saw. That would give me a good line up too...small, medium, large...and allow me to select the right one for the job.

I'm not going to rush into it. Once we get the band saw mill up and running and start cutting more trees I'll assess my needs.

And you guys have been a huge help and given me plenty to think about in order to make a wise and informed decision if the time comes.

 

[Skeans1]

Saw is down at my cabin so can't post pics right now. The Stihl sharpening tool tops off the depth gauges as you file the tooth so they should be fine though.

Should be and are correct are two different things there’s a huge difference in a chain with high or low depth gauges. Even with using a file guide doesn’t mean you’re sharpening a cutter to its full capability of cutting speed. There’s more to a sharp cutter then just chrome being exposed you have the angle, gullet, and hook on your round cutter.

 

[N80]

Should be and are correct are two different things there’s a huge difference in a chain with high or low depth gauges. Even with using a file guide doesn’t mean you’re sharpening a cutter to its full capability of cutting speed. There’s more to a sharp cutter then just chrome being exposed you have the angle, gullet, and hook on your round cutter.

Yep.

 

[Egon]

It may be good to get a stronger saw with the longer bar. I use a 20". But I might suggest good strong saw and a lightweight 14 for all the trimming and branches. That is where the fatigue happens. Might even try an small electric for branch work under 6". I have an EGO 14" electric. I don't favor electric yet, but it is the first one I use for trimming. No starting-stopping and is much easier to use in the branches than a large saw. Just a thought.

Yep. That's the point of this thread. I do appreciate all the tips to keep the saw sharp and all that. And I'm sure I could do a better job sharpening it. I'm sure my technique could be refined. I'm sure I could be in better shape. Those points are well taken and appreciated.

But I still don't feel like the Farm Boss is up to the kind of things I'm going to need the saw to do on an increasingly regular basis. I'm not an expert but I have used saws at least long enough to know when the saw is at its limits vs. a dull blade or bad technique. I've run a dull blade and I've done things the wrong way but I probably have just enough experience to be able to tell when that is the issue.

Could I do it all with the Farm Boss? I'm sure I could. But I think it would be a lot harder than it needs to be. I don't have money running out of my ears but I can afford a more capable saw. That would give me a good line up too...small, medium, large...and allow me to select the right one for the job.

I'm not going to rush into it. Once we get the band saw mill up and running and start cutting more trees I'll assess my needs.

And you guys have been a huge help and given me plenty to think about in order to make a wise and informed decision if the time comes.

As per many pervious questions I kinda think the OP has the situation well in hand.

 

[N80]

As per many pervious questions I kinda think the OP has the situation well in hand.

I never have yet but maybe this time will be the one. ;-)

I'll give an update once I decide to get a bigger saw or not.

 

[MossRoad]

I never have yet but maybe this time will be the one. ;-)

I'll give an update once I decide to get a bigger saw or not.

I picked up a very lightweight 72" saw this weekend. Needs some work, though.

 

[ericm979]

I picked up a very lightweight 72" saw this weekend. Needs some work, though.

Oh that's going to be some work all right.

The way I look at it, having the right tools for dealing with trees means I don't have to hire tree services to deal with them (except the risky trees or ones that involve climbing- my tree climbing days are over). The rates they charge around here are not cheap. Pretty much anything within reason that I spend on saws or gear will save me money in the long run (yes that's valuing my time at $0 but I consider it recreation). If your 250 acres are even just moderately forested that's a lot of tree work just keeping the roads and fences clear. To me that at least justifies a pro level saw. They weigh less, make more power, have better anti vibration, and are just nicer to run.

I don't know the size of your trees, but if you want to run no more than a 18" bar I'd recommend a Stihl MS261. For 18-20" a 362 or 400. The 362 can pull a 24" bar but it's slow and the oil pump does not put out enough even on max. I use that bar on mine only as a backup. The 400 has the same pump but more power. There are higher output pumps available. For consistent use of 24" or more I'd go with a 462 or 500 or used 440 or 460. You can get a decent used pro Stihl through careful shopping. I would not recommend the Chinese clones of older model Stihls unless you like fiddling with saws a lot. Even then they're just not as nice to run as the controls are not as good and they vibrate more due to heavier pistons. Of course other companies make good saws but I know the Stihl line the best.

 

[Martin Roper]

I'm 58 years old and I'm in decent but not excellent physical condition. Average strength I would say.

I am not a chainsaw guy. In other words, I've been using decent consumer Stihl chainsaws all my life but I don't know anything about cc's, chain types, tuning, modding etc etc. Primary use has been yard and property cleanup as well as cutting firewood. I have the proper safety gear and a solid understanding of basic chainsaw safety.

But now I have ordered a saw mill. It should be here in a few weeks. It can handle up to 26" diameter trees.

My primary saw is a Stihl Farm Boss with a 20" bar. I don't remember which one but it is about 3 years old, bought new and was the larger of the Farm Boss saws. In my mind I'm thinking 350 but it might be a 271. I don't even know if the Farm Boss came in a 350. Anyway, it is a decent saw. I suspect it is a consumer level saw with a "farm" designation for marketing.

This weekend I felled several pines that were around 12 inches in diameter. The Farm Boss was okay but not great. I also recently cut up a much larger oak blow down (probably 25ish diameter) and the Farm Boss struggled a lot.

So I am going to be felling larger trees than 12" pines in the near future. My son-in-law will be there most of the time (we'll own the saw mill together). He has a big tuned pro-level Stihl. He has a good bit of felling experience. But I feel like I need a bigger saw for myself. I'm thinking 25-28" bar.

I'm not really looking for brand recommendations.

What I need to know is what I can get for this job that is: 1) Reasonably light. (Again, I'm 58). 2) Appropriately powered for cutting down large but not huge trees. 3) Reasonably safe for my age and experience and 4) What type of chain for my age and experience from a safety vs efficiency standpoint.

Any basic advice much appreciated.

P.S.: Not too interested in modding or tuning a saw.

The size of saw is always difficult, the big saw's are great but not for all day use and a compromise is always a compromise. Some one has already suggested a MS461 (or a 361) which is a great saw with good power but how about a 261 to back it up. I would advise keeping to the forestry range rather than the farm/domestic.

 

[N80]

I picked up a very lightweight 72" saw this weekend. Needs some work, though.

View attachment 721240

We had one of those when I was a kid. We thought it would be fun and we begged dad to take it with us to get firewood. We were mistaken. I don't think it has been used since then.