chainsaw recommendations

[walker450]

I too have a 361 ................ That thing still purrs, and starts within about 5-6 pulls even after sitting for almost a year on untreated ethanol fuel.

I know what you mean. My 039 is that way too. 4 pulls full choke. 2 pulls half choke, starts every time. No matter the fuel (ethanol vs non-ethanol), no matter the temperature, no matter if it has been siting 1 month or 6!

This has turned into "I love my Stihl saw" thread lol.

 

[dwhite]

I'll be the lone Husky voice here. I just looked at 60cc commercial/pro grade saws and bought the Husky 555. I don't recall the Stihl model number but it was a comparable saw. It weighed more, had less HP, and cost $100 more. I've used the new saw one day and love it. My other saw is a consumer grade 35cc Husky. I don't aim to change your brand. It seems you have been happy with Stihl.

 

[mikehaugen]

I have really only heard good things about husky, they are just hard to find around here, except the mid-level at the box stores. Stihl is everywhere.

 

[DieselnHooters]

Echo makes reliable, easy starting saws. They are not hi-performance banshees like those Stihl and Husky pro models but they cost a bit less. Dolmar and Jonsered are also top notch but their dealership network are lacking.

 

[Angus]

You can certainly find most parts for that saw. Look online. Specifically ebay. I just recently finished up a crank-out restoration on a late 60's, early 70's 041av...sounds like the dealer wants you to buy new...which is fine, but just be aware of your options.

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

just curious after seeing your post i have an 041AVe that is starting to have ignition issues and am wondering if you had to deal with that on your restore and if you know of parts places with parts for it or and upgrade to the system on these saws(i searched and didnt come up with anything), its been the best darn saw ever and just now starting to die/not restart hot and i dont want to have to give up on it as the rest of the saw is indestructible so far (even after having dropped trees on it,try that with a newer saw)

if i ever have to replace it it'll be a Stihl

 

[nspec]

dwhite: I'll keep you company on the Husky side. I've used both and while the Stihl generally seems more 'refined', it is also awfully heavy. The new 4-mix engines seem to have a lot of power, but they don't rev up like an old 2-stroke, so it is very deceiving. They're also a b**ch to start.

My husky has never let me down. Starts easy, lightweight, plenty of power, and rugged enough for anything I'll do with it.

 

[kg7il]

I have loved my MS311 for the three years that I have owned it.

I had a 20" bar installed at the time of sale, I have 20 acres and have cleared many stump and brush piles left my the commercial selective logging by the previous owner.

2nd time Stihl owner since 1972.

What this says is that they last forever.

 

[mikehaugen]

dwhite: I'll keep you company on the Husky side. I've used both and while the Stihl generally seems more 'refined', it is also awfully heavy. The new 4-mix engines seem to have a lot of power, but they don't rev up like an old 2-stroke, so it is very deceiving. They're also a b**ch to start.

My husky has never let me down. Starts easy, lightweight, plenty of power, and rugged enough for anything I'll do with it.

Are you sure they use 4-mix on the chainsaws? I thought they were still regular 2-stroke.

 

[TomSeller]

I too have a 361 with 25" bar that I bought from a government auction. It appeared to be pretty well used up, and I got it cheap. That thing still purrs, and starts within about 5-6 pulls even after sitting for almost a year on untreated ethanol fuel.

I also have a 015L, it is a top-handle and I love that saw. Has to be about 30 years old or more, and I can still get parts for it. If it ever dies (which I may not live to see) I will buy a 201t or whatever replacement is out at the time. Never thought much of it, but having a top-handle saw is very handy and now that I have one, I don't think I would want to be without one. There is also a 192t that is considerably less money.

I agree that I would not be without a small top handle. Very handy for small work, I even can clear brush with mine. HOWEVER, they are VERY dangerous to the careless or untrained. They can kick back like you would not believe with their rpm, particularly if using with only one hand. Even with two hands your hands are so close together the tendency to kick back is greater. Having said all that, I still use my top handle more than the larger saws.

 

[ChristianHF]

I'll toss my opinion into the ring. I have a Stihl MS290 farm boss, 20" bar, more than enough ***** to get the job done. Great for felling, and bucking large tree's, a little heavy for limbing but a great all around saw IMHO. It is certainly a two stroke, the only 4 mix engines I am aware of on their current product line are the trimmers. There may be a 4 mix saw or two but I am nearly certain all their pro/mid grade saws are pure two strokes.

Chris.