Best chain saw

[check 6]

I appreciate al the comments and I know it boils down to an individual thing. I have come down to three saws I'm considering The Stihl MS362 The Stihl MS 290 Farm Boss or the Ehco CS 600P all with 20" bar.

I have had a Stihl and like them but they are harder to start. The Echo is in the mix because I do basically like the ECHO CS 400 I now have as for one it is easier to start and at my age with all the arthritus I have that is a consideration. I will keep the CS 400 for smaller jobs. It appears the chain that jumped was defective as I found a rivet that was frozen and thus the chain did not ride correctly on the bar.

As an aside I really don't understand the hard starting thing on most Stihl saws as I have their trimmer (chain saw on a pole) as well as a Stihl weed trimmer and they are both very easy to start, of course smaller engines. Anyway it is one of the above three saws that will make the finals. My dealer carries both brands. So new question, any comments on theses specific saws. Thanks

 

[LD1]

I agree with the few posters that mentioned dolmar. Go to their website (dolmarusa.com) and see if you have a dealer near you. I think you are doing yourself an injustice if you dont at least look at them (if you have a dealer ofcourse).

For a small trim saw...PS350 or PS420
Midsized..................PS5105
Large saw...............PS7900:thumbsup:

I appreciate al the comments and I know it boils down to an individual thing. I have come down to three saws I'm considering The Stihl MS362 The Stihl MS 290 Farm Boss or the Ehco CS 600P all with 20" bar.

But if you dont have a dealer, and it comes down to just the ones you mention here, I'd scratch the 290 from your list. It is overweight and underpowered. And since you even list the 362, I'd assume it is in your pricerange, but for pennies more....the 7900 dolmar is WAY more saw. And you could even save money and drop to the 6400 and still be right there with the 362.

And I have heard good things of the echo's cs600 and cs670 (or 680 I cant remember)

Good luck and let us know.

the best saw i have ever used and stillown is a sachs dolmar 120, bought it back in 86. best power to weight ratio of any saw, makita make this saw now.

Do doubt that the 120 is a heck of a saw:thumbsup: Is yours an SI??

I also feel obligated to correct you as well. Makita does NOT make or does NOT own dolmar. Makita only contracts dolmar to make saws for them. That is why all makita models start with DCS and then the model #. That stands for Dolmar ChainSaw

 

[s219]

I appreciate al the comments and I know it boils down to an individual thing. I have come down to three saws I'm considering The Stihl MS362 The Stihl MS 290 Farm Boss or the Ehco CS 600P all with 20" bar.

I have had a Stihl and like them but they are harder to start. The Echo is in the mix because I do basically like the ECHO CS 400 I now have as for one it is easier to start and at my age with all the arthritus I have that is a consideration. I will keep the CS 400 for smaller jobs. It appears the chain that jumped was defective as I found a rivet that was frozen and thus the chain did not ride correctly on the bar.

Out of that list, there is no question I'd go with the 362. I wouldn't even consider the 290, since it weighs as much as the 362 and is significantly less capable and not nearly as well built. The 600P is a fine saw, but I think in that size range the pro model Stihls are more rugged.

The 362 has a decomp valve, which makes it easy to pull (you need to remember to push it in however -- I forget much of the time). You will still need to give it 3-5 pulls the first time you start it, or anytime it has been run dry or sat for a while. Stihl doesn't use primer bulbs, so pulling the cord is the only way to get fuel into the carb. But once it's been run recently, expect 1-3 pulls at the most.

Where I think Stihls can get fussy to start are the "in between" conditions, say where you run the saw and then put it down for 1-2 hours. I normally try to start without choke for a few pulls, since the SOBs will flood real easy if you choke it when you shouldn't. So on a "lukewarm" Stihl, don't choke it until you know you have to.

If you did want a lighter saw along the lines of the 290's capability, then I'd point you to the Stihl 261 -- it's right in that sweet spot of power, weight, and size. I have one, along with an Echo CS-400, and they make a great pair. I normally use the Echo for limbing and handling small trees, and then break out the 261 for felling or heavy duty bucking. The 261 is just barely usable for limbing -- it revs slower than the Echo 400, so it takes longer. I run an 18" bar on the 261, by the way, and it's ideal. Some people run a 20" on the saw, but I wouldn't.

I briefly considered the 362 for myself, and tested it extensively. It really cuts well. But I just didn't see the need for such a big saw for my own use. The 261 is plenty for what I have to do, and is a significant difference from the Echo CS-400 as it is.

Regardless of which Stihl you get, be sure to max out the oiler level. The new saws are stingy with oil due to EPA/environmental considerations. And give them a few tanks to break-in before the best performance. I thought my new 261 was pretty awesome, but after about 10-15 tanks, it's even stronger.

 

[kenmac]

I also feel obligated to correct you as well. Makita does NOT make or does NOT own dolmar. Makita only contracts dolmar to make saws for them. That is why all makita models start with DCS and then the model #. That stands for Dolmar ChainSaw

According to this Dolmar - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia they do

 

[LD1]

Yes, I guess technically makita does own dolmar. I jumped the gun on my comment.

They are the parent company, but they do NOT make the saws. Thats like back when e-lux owned husqvarna. E-lux was the owner (parent company) but they still made their own saws.

Makita does not make dolmar saws. Dolmar makes their own saws in Germany. Makita (a japanese) company is the parent company.

But even though it is listed that makita is the "owner", Dolmar still calls the shots when it comes to chainsaws. (at least in the USA).

That is why here in the states, there is NO makita versions of the 5100/5105, 7300, 7900, or the 9010. Because dolmar doesnt want the "competition" agains the dolmar name (even though they are the same).

So their relationship (makita and dolmar) is a bit strange. If makita were the outright owner, I would certainly think they would market their "makita" DCS7901 here in the states, especially given how popular the 7900 is.

Who knows. and who cares right. But makita doesnt make dolmar chainsaws. Dolmar makes makita chainsaws. And thats my story and I'm sticking to it

 

[IslandTractor]

Makita does not make dolmar saws. Dolmar makes their own saws in Germany. Makita (a japanese) company is the parent company.

I don't pretend to know the history of chain saws but I recall that Dolmar was one of the very first companies to make them. They are not as well known in the US as other European and even Japanese chainsaw companies but they have produced top notch equipment for a long time.

As noted earlier, I have been very impressed with my Dolmar 420.

 

[LD1]

Yes, they were one of the first. And yes their stuff is top notch.

I could be mistaken, but I think I remember a thread about you shopping when you got that 420? I think I reccomended it to you?? Am I remembering correctly? or just nuts?

Anyway, glad you like the saw. The anti-vibes on the PS350/420 are just amazing. Ya dont even know the saw is in your hands

 

[LD1]

Indeed it was you

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/chainsaws/192553-recommendations-14-16-chainsaw.html

So have you done much cutting with it? Or just a little here and there?

 

[Fixemall]

Everone needs three chainsaws, a cheap wild thing for a loaner saw
A Makita with a 7900 top end and a smaller lightweight like the Stihl 026 for small jobs.

 

[LD1]

Everone needs three chainsaws, a cheap wild thing for a loaner saw
A Makita with a 7900 top end and a smaller lightweight like the Stihl 026 for small jobs.

I like a 3 saw plan too.

All though I'd probabally have to say...

PS7900 for big saw
PS420 or 5105 for small saw

And big old heavy 30 pound mac or homelite for the loaner

 

[IslandTractor]

Yes, they were one of the first. And yes their stuff is top notch.

I could be mistaken, but I think I remember a thread about you shopping when you got that 420? I think I reccomended it to you?? Am I remembering correctly? or just nuts?

Anyway, glad you like the saw. The anti-vibes on the PS350/420 are just amazing. Ya dont even know the saw is in your hands

Yep. That was me. Very happy with the saw and your advice.:thumbsup:

 

[LD1]

Yep. That was me. Very happy with the saw and your advice.:thumbsup:

I am glad you like it:thumbsup: and you got a kick @$$ deal on that thing too

 

[check 6]

I have still not made a buying decision and am doing more reading on four saws

ECHO CS 600P I like my ECHO CS 400 just need a bigger saw as I am over working it. Like the easy start of the ECHO's and the warranty

Stihl MS 290 or MS 260 pro orMS 362
I know they are harder to start when cold but all my other yard portable power equipment is Stihl except my blower and I am very satisfied with the quality.
The MS 290 is Stihl's best selling saw, the MS 260 and 362 are in their pro line. The MS 260 is lightweight and the 362 is a powerhouse. these are probably all overkill for most of my uses. Disregard that logic.

The Stihl saws I listed appear to use a heavier chain then the ECHO which uses the same narrow chain the the MS 400 uses.

Whichever saw I get I will go with either an 18 or 20 inch bar and my local dealer carries both and we have a great relationship


I will say that after 40 plus years of using a cahin saw with the new saw I do plan to get some chaps and a face guard I have been lucky so far without them but I don't want ot keep pressing that luck.

 

[LD1]

I have still not made a buying decision and am doing more reading on four saws

ECHO CS 600P I like my ECHO CS 400 just need a bigger saw as I am over working it. Like the easy start of the ECHO's and the warranty

Stihl MS 290 or MS 260 pro orMS 362
I know they are harder to start when cold but all my other yard portable power equipment is Stihl except my blower and I am very satisfied with the quality.
The MS 290 is Stihl's best selling saw, the MS 260 and 362 are in their pro line. The MS 260 is lightweight and the 362 is a powerhouse. these are probably all overkill for most of my uses. Disregard that logic.

The Stihl saws I listed appear to use a heavier chain then the ECHO which uses the same narrow chain the the MS 400 uses.

Whichever saw I get I will go with either an 18 or 20 inch bar and my local dealer carries both and we have a great relationship


I will say that after 40 plus years of using a cahin saw with the new saw I do plan to get some chaps and a face guard I have been lucky so far without them but I don't want ot keep pressing that luck.

I'd stay away from the 290. I know it is their best-selling saw, and that alone is probabally why it continues to be. Because there is nothing about the saw that is impressive to me. It is heavy and slow. It is a good step up from a box-store saw, I'll give it that. But for the money (especially since you dont appear to be brand loyal) there are far better saws to be had IMO.

Echo's are good too. You wont go wrong with either the cs600 or the MS361. But to have a good two saw plan, you need a pair of saws that are a good bit different is size and power (cut speed). And if you get the 261 or 290, I dont think that is enough of a step up over you cs400, and I see you always leaving one of them sit. But that is just my opinion. With already having the small light limbing saw, I thing you need a saw with a good 4-4.5HP and 60ish cc's. Ms361, Echo cs600 or CS680, husqvarna 357xp, 359, or dolmar 6400 would all be at the top of my reccomendation list:thumbsup:

 

[check 6]

I'd stay away from the 290. I know it is their best-selling saw, and that alone is probabally why it continues to be. Because there is nothing about the saw that is impressive to me. It is heavy and slow. It is a good step up from a box-store saw, I'll give it that. But for the money (especially since you dont appear to be brand loyal) there are far better saws to be had IMO.

Echo's are good too. You wont go wrong with either the cs600 or the MS361. But to have a good two saw plan, you need a pair of saws that are a good bit different is size and power (cut speed). And if you get the 261 or 290, I dont think that is enough of a step up over you cs400, and I see you always leaving one of them sit. But that is just my opinion. With already having the small light limbing saw, I thing you need a saw with a good 4-4.5HP and 60ish cc's. Ms361, Echo cs600 or CS680, husqvarna 357xp, 359, or dolmar 6400 would all be at the top of my reccomendation list:thumbsup:

Very good points. So now I am down to two saws the ECHO CS 600 or the Stihl MS362. The ECHO CS 400 I have is a good trimming saw for light to mid size limbs and my Stihl HT 100 is great for those high limbs meaning no ladder to fall off of with a live saw.

 

[s219]

The 600P shouldn't have a narrow picco/safety chain (or low profile bar) like the CS-400. At least in my area, all Echos from the 450P on up come with wider chain and a standard bar. I think the 600P will have a bar/chain setup comparable to the Stihl 362 (though I do believe Stihl has better quality bars and chains for sure).

Based on what you're saying, I'd lean towards the 362 myself. It's a great saw.

By the way, they don't make the 260 Pro anymore. That was the saw replaced by the 261. The 261 is about 0.75 pound heavier, but it's significantly more capable than the 260, so it's a fair trade.

As for chaps, I think they are a good idea and always put them on for any heavy work. Not only do they give a nice margin of safety, but they work great to protect my legs from brush when I am doing clearing or forestry work, or when I have to kneel down to low-cut a stump. The only time I don't wear them is in summer when it's super hot.

I use a helmet/mask/ear-muff combo for ground work, and like it a lot. But if I am doing mostly felling or getting on/off the tractor a lot, I use a full-brim aluminum helmet, safety glasses, and earplugs-on-a-string. That gives a little more freedom to move around and a lot more visibility to look up while making tricky or hazardous cuts. The only downside is that I often forget to put the earplugs in. I'll probably go deaf someday from all the racket.

 

[check 6]

one more question. Anyone have thoughts on the ECHO CS 530. Not quite a powerful as the CS 600 but also lighter. I looked at one at my dealers yesterday wit ha 20 in bar. Also are the oregan chains that much better then the ECHO ones? Thanks

 

[LD1]

I havent heard much on the 530. And echo doesnt list HP specs so it kinda makes it hard to compair. ~50cc saws can range anywhere from about 3HP up to almost 4 HP. And trust me, there is a pretty good difference between a 3.0HP saw and a 3.9HP saw

As to the chain, oregon chain that has the blue cutters is good. I dont know how it compairs to echo chain, because echo probabally doesnt make chain, rather they have chain made for them. Most likely by either oregon, windsor or carlton.

 

[s219]

I am pretty sure Echo runs Oregon bars and chains on their stock setups.

The 530P is a smaller saw, and has been replaced by the 500P. I'd pick a Stihl 261 over either model.

 

[rekees4300]

I'd really like to have a Stihl MS362 but checked on price - $700 OUCH!