Looking for my first chainsaw: Stihl MS251 or Jonsered 2255?

[batwing]

I have never seen an Echo around here, a lot of Stihl's, Husky's and Jonsered's. I don't know how you could get a better starting or more dependable saw than my O38 stihl, I have cut a lot of wood with it in the last 30 years ?, one spark plug a couple of bars and a lot of chains.
Ron

 

[Redbug]

But I rarely see anything but Husky and Stihl in the hands of a logger. I wonder why that is?

I am not trying to start a chainsaw war. I am out in the woods a lot and see all kinds of logging. All the loggers around here use either Stihl and Husky's, too. I also have four Stihls. My favorite is my 026.

 

[TSO]

I'm looking hard now at the Dolmar 5105. I can get it for $460 shipped. 50cc, 3.9hp, 20" bar, mag casing, good features, excellent reviews everywhere I look. Anyone have experience with the Dolmar saws?

 

[Bluegill2]

I'm looking hard now at the Dolmar 5105. I can get it for $460 shipped. 50cc, 3.9hp, 20" bar, mag casing, good features, excellent reviews everywhere I look. Anyone have experience with the Dolmar saws?

Good saw, pro quality with a magnesium case. For Husq, look at the (545 550xp) (555 562xp). 50cc & 60cc pro quality with the XP having slightly more power, but basically the same saw.

 

[murphy1244]

TSO, I have ran about 5 tanks of gas threw my Echo 590 this saw is a real screamer, easy starting too. Lots of Tree Company's here use Echo.

 

[300UGUY]

I've owned 2 still saws, but I have a echo that I like quite a bit. I learned to start the Sthil 's with a little gas on the air filter. Otherwise, stating it was a chore. My MS 260 is doa right now, the stupid little tensioning wheel stripped out. Why they changed the tensioner Is beyond me. The Echo is easy to start, and very reliable. I recently bought a Echo backpack blower, local lawn guys has used one for 15 years!

 

[Bluegill2]

No Echo saws around here. My FIL had a small one and it was a POS, but I do hear good stuff about some of the models, 50-60cc.

 

[kenmac]

I'm looking hard now at the Dolmar 5105. I can get it for $460 shipped. 50cc, 3.9hp, 20" bar, mag casing, good features, excellent reviews everywhere I look. Anyone have experience with the Dolmar saws?

I have an old rancher with 20'' bar that has cut a lot of wood. It still runs great , and has plenty of compression . I would rather crank my 372 vs the 55.the 55 really needs a comp. release button. It really lacks the HP/torque to pull the 20''bar with a 3/8 chain. If you want really good power buy a husky 372xp. It's not cheap ,but I don't believe you'll run out of power. I have a 24'' bar on mine ,and it has never lacked power for any tree I've put it on..

 

[Bluegill2]

I have an old rancher with 20'' bar that has cut a lot of wood. It still runs great , and has plenty of compression . I would rather crank my 372 vs the 55.the 55 really needs a comp. release button. It really lacks the HP/torque to pull the 20''bar with a 3/8 chain. If you want really good power buy a husky 372xp. It's not cheap ,but I don't believe you'll run out of power. I have a 24'' bar on mine ,and it has never lacked power for any tree I've put it on..

A 20" bar with 3/8 chain should not be on the rancher 55. Sure it'll pull it, but not very well.

The 372xp is a classic, a fantastic saw! But not everyone needs or wants a 70cc saw. I personally prefer the 562xp for my big saw. I could do it all with one of my 346xps' though...

 

[kenmac]

well, I didn't know a lot about saws (really still don't), but know more than I did when I bought the 55. I purchased the 55 from a dealer that should have known better than I. As far as the 372, I really didn't need that size saw ,but a 372for the same price as the 562 (which was my other choice). I went with the larger saw just incase I ever have the need for a larger bar than the 24'' I'll still have plenty of power. I agree, It's probably not for everyone. I'm 56 and was concerned about the power and the weight, but so far, I've had no problems operating the saw