Chainsaw Recommendations

[kenmbz]

I wish I had bought the 590 instead of the 490, but when I bought mine I went for lighter since I was only knocking down overgrowth trees up to 60 feet tall. Now have to drop the big Ash that are dying, had to go from 18 to 20 inch bar on the 490 since they are so big. Still could use some more length on these!
Matters what you have, I have dozens of big ash to fell (and have done quite a few so far), but if you only have smaller trees and knock down one or 2 a year, the smaller saws are great.

 

[John_Mc]

Most saw manufacturers seem to wan tto sell bars that are simply too big for their saws (especially the smaller saws). I guess they think people will assume it's a better, more powerful saw if it comes with a bigger bar

If you really need an 18" bar, then the Husqvarna 440 is not the saw for you. It's a 40 cc saw. While Husqvarna says it will handle up to an 18" bar, it's really not well suited for something that large.

I would be looking at the Husvarna 450 as a more suitable saw in the Husky lineup. It's very similar to the Stihl MS271 in power and handling. Between the two, I would simply choose the one with the best servicing dealer in your area.

THe Echo 310 is completely unsuited for an 18" bar. In the Echo lineup, I would be looking at stepping up to the Echo CS-490 (another 50 cc saw).

I would recommend you consider a 16" bar. It's really better balance and handling on most 50cc saws. It's also less cumbersome than an 18" saw. It's surprising how much more maneuverable just 2" less of bar length can be. This can be a significant consideration when doing storm clean-up.

If you think you will regularly need the length of an 18" bar (i.e. regularly cutting up to 36" diameter wood) you'd probably want to step up to a 60cc saw anyway. A 50 cc saw cut with an 18" bar fully buried in the wood, but it takes a very sharp chain and a good bit of patience.A 60cc saw is more expensive, and adds to the weight. (You'd be surprised how much difference even half a pound can make.) I'm not advocating you move up to a 60cc saw, more suggesting yo consider a 16" bar on a 50cc saw.

 

[mastercraftka]

I have owned two MS 250 Stihls 18"bar and one PS510 Dolmar 20" bar; the 250 is good for light brush and small stuff but no match for the Dolmar on the big old dead mesquites that I cut. Like both but give the edge to the Dolmar.

I am about to pull the trigger on another Dolmar/Makita this time a 32" bar probably looking at the DCS6421RFG or the EA 7300PRZ. Heavy saws but want to use the small mill attachment and on the big logs let the weight of the saw do all the work.

 

[ericm979]

64cc is too small for a 32" bar. My modified MS460 (77cc) can pull a 32" but only with skiptooth chain. Milling is especially hard on saws because the chain cuts much slower in that orientation.

 

[mastercraftka]

64cc is too small for a 32" bar. My modified MS460 (77cc) can pull a 32" but only with skiptooth chain. Milling is especially hard on saws because the chain cuts much slower in that orientation.

Ya i figured it would be harder. So the 7300PRZ is 73CC is that big enough? Or what about the 28" bar for either of those?

 

[ericm979]

I don't know the 7300 but it's probably going to be slow with a 32". I wish I'd gotten a 28" for my 460 and I might get one still. I got the 32 to deal with a very large fallen tree. I had to modify the oiler to HD specs to handle the long bar. It's really happy with a 24" bar and full complement chain.

 

[xyz123]

I have owned two MS 250 Stihls 18"bar and one PS510 Dolmar 20" bar; the 250 is good for light brush and small stuff but no match for the Dolmar on the big old dead mesquites that I cut. Like both but give the edge to the Dolmar.

I am about to pull the trigger on another Dolmar/Makita this time a 32" bar probably looking at the DCS6421RFG or the EA 7300PRZ. Heavy saws but want to use the small mill attachment and on the big logs let the weight of the saw do all the work.

Get the 7900 if your going to go that route.

They pull a 32" fine.

 

[xyz123]

I made a cut with a 65cc with a 36" for kicks. 32" or so was buried in cut.

I was suprised how good the 65cc poulan did. I wouldnt want to do that all the time on a 65cc IMHO.

Get the 7900 not the 64 73 for the little more money for 79 JMO