Finally got to cut a large solid tree with the460 24" bar.

[toomuchjunk]

Since for most people, a large saw is only used occasionally, I would recommend getting one even larger than you think you need, one big enough to handle any tree on your property. However, I would suggest a decent used saw. Even a Stihl MS660 can be had for $600 used on a fairly regular basis and those are 90+ cc saws. It may take several months to come upon the right one but with what you already have and that biggun, you can take on anything you'll encounter. Bars from 16" up to 42" can be found to fit it. The Husky 395 and similar are in the same class.

It will be hard to justify a $1200 saw for limited usage but if you pay half that for a used one (and buy a good one) you can always get your money back. Even some of the old "heavy metal" saws can be useful for occasional use as you're not going to be lugging it through the forest on a daily basis.

Here's a link to a Husqvarna 272 on CL in Lansing, MI. That's a 70+cc saw for $400 or offer. http://lansing.craigslist.org/grd/4221363737.html
Not recommending this saw, just an example of what's out there...

 

[Fifelaker]

The CS2166 I believe is the same saw as the Husky 365 which is a 372XP in hiding. You can remove a baffle and have a 372. 70.7 cc which is the same as the 372.

 

[CobyRupert]

Just curious, but why is the hinge only 1/2 way across? Were you trying to spin the tree on the stump when it fell or was this from making 2 wedge cuts because tree was so wide and the backcut cut went through the wedge of one of them? Still plenty of holding wood either way.

 

[BlackRaptor]

Little of both. It was so thick I had to double cut the wedge but also wanted it to spin so I missed a young tree. Which I half failed the tree smoked the baby tree but didn't hit it with the big limbs so the tree will heal. As you can see from the pics. Also attached one showing how much lean it had so the spin only did so much. Also felling big trees I'm not as good at as I like because its rare for me to drop stuff of this size. I'm sure I cut the wedge wrong but it kind of worked. Haha

 

[turnkey4099]

I cut Black Locust regularly with a MS310 or 361 (depends on what bar is on which) with 24" or 28" bars/skip tooth chain and they do just fine. In fact with a sharp chain a 24 bar will walk through a log without any need for doggin in or need to push. Motor does not bog down one either saw

I'd far rather cut with a saw that size than horse around a big saw that is overpowered for the job.

Harry K

 

[kenmac]

I have a 55 rancher with a 20'' bar. The 20 ''bar is a little much for the 55. I needed a longer bar (at least 24'') I considered the 460 but, was concerned that it wouldn't have really enough power to run the 24'' I ended up buying a husky 372. I can tell you that this saw has no problem running this 24 '' bar. It would probably have no problem running a 32 '' bar. If it's power you want,, a 372 has plenty of it !!

 

[CobyRupert]

I have a 1997 55 rancher , was a small saw until I changed the 16" .325" bar/chain over to a 18" .375". New saw! Twice the saw as before. Great light saw you can carry all day. Never had to adjust anything on it, I finally broke down and put a new plug in it last year. Always starts on the 3rd pull (no primer bulb). For me and the range/type of cutting I do, a good chainsaw is more power/weight ratio than just power.

 

[toomuchjunk]

I have a 1997 55 rancher , was a small saw until I changed the 16" .325" bar/chain over to a 18" .375". New saw! Twice the saw as before. Great light saw you can carry all day. Never had to adjust anything on it, I finally broke down and put a new plug in it last year. Always starts on the 3rd pull (no primer bulb). For me and the range/type of cutting I do, a good chainsaw is more power/weight ratio than just power.

I've got a Husky 55 of that same year listed on the Atlanta CL right now and haven't gotten a single inquiry on it. It has an 18" bar and .325 chain. Next ice storm it'll sell. lol

 

[cqaigy2]

Little of both. It was so thick I had to double cut the wedge but also wanted it to spin so I missed a young tree. Which I half failed the tree smoked the baby tree but didn't hit it with the big limbs so the tree will heal. As you can see from the pics. Also attached one showing how much lean it had so the spin only did so much. Also felling big trees I'm not as good at as I like because its rare for me to drop stuff of this size. I'm sure I cut the wedge wrong but it kind of worked. Haha

Lol, i see what you mean about that poor little tree. That stump looked like your tree had a lot of lean to it!

 

[turnkey4099]

I have a 1997 55 rancher , was a small saw until I changed the 16" .325" bar/chain over to a 18" .375". New saw! Twice the saw as before. Great light saw you can carry all day. Never had to adjust anything on it, I finally broke down and put a new plug in it last year. Always starts on the 3rd pull (no primer bulb). For me and the range/type of cutting I do, a good chainsaw is more power/weight ratio than just power.

Agree, I had a husky 51 up till last year. 18" bar. Great saw for cutting most anything up to about 14" across. I got that one out of a pawnshop years and years ago. It got to be needed a carb kit and something wrong with the starter, etc. I gave it to a buddy who need a saw llast summer and he cut a full tank, refueled from his can,cut some more and commented it was "smoking bad" when he finished. Niether of us has been able to start it since. My guess "straight gas". He denies it but since I
had given him the saw anyway. I suggested he pull the muffler and look at all the pretty scratches.

Harry K