RWEST
Gold Member
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2003
- Messages
- 479
- Location
- Windber, PA
- Tractor
- ALL J-D's: 955, X595, 6x4 Diesel Gator, CX Compact Gator, 310D Loader/Backhoe (4x4, turbo, extend-a-hoe)
May as well chime in, too, although the original question in the thread has been long answered by now. 
I have 14 saws (30 year old 014, 026 Pro, 2 - MS290's, 036 Pro, 046 Pro, a 25+ year old 056 that will start in 2 or 3 pulls, then sits there sounding evil, vibrating and dancing around like a moto-cross bike, and an 066 - all older Stihls, before they started changing the model designations every other week and 261, 357, 2 - 365's, 372 and 385 Huskys). No, I can't use 'em all at the same time, but, like I tell people, it's nice to have a choice. The 056, 066, 372 and 385 all use 24" 3/8" 0.050" bars/chains, and, except for the 014 and 357, the rest have 20" 3/8" 0.050" bars/chains, which makes for some uniformity. All are top quality, which makes a tough job fun. My favorite? The 365 Husky, without a doubt. It just feels right. That's why I have 2, in case they stop making 'em...
Except for the 014 and MS290's they're all "pro" type saws, which seem to be a bit lighter and higher revving than the equivalent sized "homeowner" saw. The lower chain speed of the homeowner saws, I imagine, is a help in reducing the frequency of kickbacks. Doesn't eliminate it, tho.., and my blood still runs cold every time I see someone cutting without proper protective gear. Tank top, shorts and sneakers aren't proper attire, just because the saws have anti-kickback chains and blade-brakes!! Wherever you get the saw, they should offer safety apparel, or look online - like here
. Get the gear, use it every time. Amazing how quickly that chain can eat flesh!! And, you'll really impress your neighbors with your fashion sense!!
Oops, how did I wander this far afield... Hmmm, oh yeah, ahem, any of the top brands (obviously I'm partial to Stihls and Huskys - never tried Jonsereds, but have heard good things), will work just fine for a REALLY long time, given reasonable care and proper maintenance.
I have 14 saws (30 year old 014, 026 Pro, 2 - MS290's, 036 Pro, 046 Pro, a 25+ year old 056 that will start in 2 or 3 pulls, then sits there sounding evil, vibrating and dancing around like a moto-cross bike, and an 066 - all older Stihls, before they started changing the model designations every other week and 261, 357, 2 - 365's, 372 and 385 Huskys). No, I can't use 'em all at the same time, but, like I tell people, it's nice to have a choice. The 056, 066, 372 and 385 all use 24" 3/8" 0.050" bars/chains, and, except for the 014 and 357, the rest have 20" 3/8" 0.050" bars/chains, which makes for some uniformity. All are top quality, which makes a tough job fun. My favorite? The 365 Husky, without a doubt. It just feels right. That's why I have 2, in case they stop making 'em... Except for the 014 and MS290's they're all "pro" type saws, which seem to be a bit lighter and higher revving than the equivalent sized "homeowner" saw. The lower chain speed of the homeowner saws, I imagine, is a help in reducing the frequency of kickbacks. Doesn't eliminate it, tho.., and my blood still runs cold every time I see someone cutting without proper protective gear. Tank top, shorts and sneakers aren't proper attire, just because the saws have anti-kickback chains and blade-brakes!!
Wherever you get the saw, they should offer safety apparel, or look online - like here
HTML:
http://www.stihl.ca/products_protectiveApparel.aspOops, how did I wander this far afield... Hmmm, oh yeah, ahem, any of the top brands (obviously I'm partial to Stihls and Huskys - never tried Jonsereds, but have heard good things), will work just fine for a REALLY long time, given reasonable care and proper maintenance.