Chainsaw brands, full time vs. part time.....

[motownbrowne]

Power listed the same....the 291 lists 3/4# lighter. So I stand corrected.

Just assumed the 291 was a slight facelift and more EPA stuff vs the 290.

I cannot recall now weather it was the 290 or 291 that I tested. Was not impressed. Cut more like a 3 HP saw instead of pushing 4 HP. And heft in the hand felt closer to a 5 HP saw. So my conclusion was bulk / weight of a 5hp but performance of a 3hp. Not impressed.

You're right about the power to weight of that series of saws. I've never been much impressed with them either. Now, I've never ran a 291, maybe that's different. I do know that if I was spending $450 on a saw, it wouldn't be a farm boss.

On the other hand, though, those saws sure have cut a lot of wood for a lot of happy owners. They can definitely take some abuse and keep ticking. If someone gave me a burned up 029, I wouldn't mind throwing a high quality aftermarket 039 top end on it and having a little sleeper saw. That and a 16" 3/8 bar would be a fine little firewood saw.

 

[Oldpath05]

A few weeks ago, I was at a sawmill/firewood EXPO, and there were a few venders there selling 550xp's for $500.00...

Anyway, here's what I bought a while back, and I love it!

Switching it over to 3/8's chain, made a real saw out of it! lol

SR

Same as I have, 3 years old now, fastest cutting saw I ever had for the weight, very well balance fits me like a glove, it will cut circles around my son's Stihl MS 291, his saw starts good, idles good, runs good, but where's the BEEF, with Stihl if you want a fast saw, you have to buy the lead with it.

 

[Oldpath05]

It seemed to cut pretty good. What kind of power does it make?

That old Husqvarna L65 saw had fairly good power for the 70s but todays Huskys are a lot better, more balanced and the power to wieght rastio is way up now......

 

[dwitt]

To muddy the waters a little. About 20 years ago a walked into sears wanting a cheap saw when I found out they had a solo 651 in the basement they used as a demo for a tent sell. I didn't even know at the time solo made gas saws. Locally their electric saw where the only ones anyone used and had used it myself. I talked them down to 200 dollars. I went in for a firewood saw but seeing I just bought a nicer saw I took it to work also. Don't do much log work anymore so it only sees about 5-8 day of work plus home use but it use to see 40-50 days for years. It went in when it was new because it would only use half a tank and the tune was terrible. It has never been back. Boss paid for the tuneup so I guess I'm at about 10 bucks a year. It wouldn't be my first choice because of dealer support but for that price I don't mind having to wait a week for a part to show up if I ever need one.
In the market for a new saw but not to replace the 651. Just need a bigger saw.

 

[motownbrowne]

To muddy the waters a little. About 20 years ago a walked into sears wanting a cheap saw when I found out they had a solo 651 in the basement they used as a demo for a tent sell. I didn't even know at the time solo made gas saws. Locally their electric saw where the only ones anyone used and had used it myself. I talked them down to 200 dollars. I went in for a firewood saw but seeing I just bought a nicer saw I took it to work also. Don't do much log work anymore so it only sees about 5-8 day of work plus home use but it use to see 40-50 days for years. It went in when it was new because it would only use half a tank and the tune was terrible. It has never been back. Boss paid for the tuneup so I guess I'm at about 10 bucks a year. It wouldn't be my first choice because of dealer support but for that price I don't mind having to wait a week for a part to show up if I ever need one.
In the market for a new saw but not to replace the 651. Just need a bigger saw.

Solo made GREAT saws. I don't think they're available though in the US anymore, though. If you want something similar but larger, look at Dolmars. I'd look at a 6100 or 7900. Both are great German made saws with excellent per to weight ratios.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

Solo made GREAT saws. I don't think they're available though in the US anymore, though. If you want something similar but larger, look at Dolmars. I'd look at a 6100 or 7900. Both are great German made saws with excellent per to weight ratios.

I have a Dolmar 7910. Great power and a great running saw. 24 inch bar and I have yet to get bogged down.

 

[xyz123]

IMO 290 310 are pigs and under powered too.

Cant say that with the new replacement ones though IMO. Just from using firewood cutters saws that come in and tested before giving back.

I wouldnt buy any of them new. Maybe for 150-200 used but then again highly doubtful. :laughing:

 

[xyz123]

My deealer is selling 550 for $499 and 562 $609 right now. That is with the extra $50 off for a trash saw trade in.

 

[tk tom]

My Husky 266xp from 1983 would still put a whoopin on a lot of today's saws, cost per year on that bad boy?

 

[LD1]

My Husky 266xp from 1983 would still put a whoopin on a lot of today's saws, cost per year on that bad boy?

I had a 266SE that was a great saw to run. I bought it used for ~$250, it was my main saw for 5 or 6 years. Someone stole it:mur: along with all the other saws which were dolmars. I dont currently have any huskies in the stable, but if a good deal presented itself on one of the 1980's pro models....It would sure be hard to pass it up.