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

[Bluegill2]

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

The 55 is a good saw, but would be better with a 18" bar and maybe better with .325 chain.

I sold my 372xp after running the 562xp for a year. The new 562 is just so much lighter, smoother and handles better, also just as fast in smaller wood. I cut a lot of wood (15-20 cords of oak a year), but not much over 20" dia. Also do a fair bit of logging & thinning... I'm 52 and when I run a saw, it's for hours at a time and my back just likes lighter saws better.

The 372 is about $100 more here. Guess your dealer had the 562 too high, or a screaming deal on the 372?

Like I said, the 372xp is a classic, fantastic saw and it will serve you well...

 

[DeereMann]

There is one dealer here in the north metro area that has started to carry Dolmar saws. I don't know much about them other than I think I saw they are Canadian. I have 4 Stihl saws & they all run great so no reason really for me to try anything else at this point.

 

[Bluegill2]

There is one dealer here in the north metro area that has started to carry Dolmar saws. I don't know much about them other than I think I saw they are Canadian. I have 4 Stihl saws & they all run great so no reason really for me to try anything else at this point.

Dolmar saws are made in Germany and owned by Makita. Good saws!

 

[TaterinTexas]

after years of monkeying around with cheaper brands, I finally decided to get a Stihl (Farmboss 290). Wish I hadn't waited so long. Bought a larger one recently. Runs like a freight train, excellent performance.

 

[DeereMann]

Dolmar saws are made in Germany and owned by Makita. Good saws!

Interesting - have you or anyone you know run them? How do they compare to Stihl, Husky, Jonsered?

 

[xring100]

I'm in the shopping mix as well ... I had a Husq 450, bought at TSC about 1.5 yrs ago, put way more hours on that most folks ever would (cut & limbed 100+ oaks & maples, plus 25+ face cords in that time) ... finally burned out the clutch at the end of last year. Luckily, I had purchased the TSC 2-yr warranty, and low-&-behold, the warranty company bought my saw back & gave me a refund! (after they discovered that fixing it would cost nearly the same).

I was always very happy with the Husq, but since I have plenty more trees & firewood to cut, I figure I'll need to go bigger/stronger than the 450.

I'm considering the Husq 455 Rancher, the Jonsered cc2255 (same as already mentioned), the Stihl 291, the Makita dcs5121, & the Echo CS-590. They are all within $100 of eachother. TSC no longer carries the Husq, and carries the Jonsered now, so to get that extended warranty again, I would have to go with the red. I like the Stihl 291, and the Makita (Dolmar) gets great reviews too. Then again, I hear good things about that Echo !!!

It's a really tough decision... Murph, have you used your Echo much? I really like that 5-yr warranty ...

Wow for what your doing why not buy a PRO saw like a 372 xp or stihl ms361- 461 and be done with buying saws for a while. If they prove to big to limb buy a smaller pro saw. I usually run through at least 2 full tanks when ever I go out. I'd take power and weight over a light weight under powered saw any day. Pro saws have better power to weight. Stihl has dropped the ball in that category lately with newer saws. 660 still has one of highest power to weight ratios of all saws

 

[DeereMann]

after years of monkeying around with cheaper brands, I finally decided to get a Stihl (Farmboss 290). Wish I hadn't waited so long. Bought a larger one recently. Runs like a freight train, excellent performance.

:thumbsup:

Now git out there & cut that mesquite!

 

[DeereMann]

Wow for what your doing why not buy a PRO saw like a 372 xp or stihl ms361- 461 and be done with buying saws for a while. If they prove to big to limb buy a smaller pro saw. I usually run through at least 2 full tanks when ever I go out. I'd take power and weight over a light weight under powered saw any day. Pro saws have better power to weight. Stihl has dropped the ball in that category lately with newer saws. 660 still has one of highest power to weight ratios of all saws

Love the MS460 for the big stuff, MS660 is gettin' REALLY big! (not to mention the 880). The 261 is hard to beat for all around branch work, then a little dinker is a real forearm saver for the brush & branches. I have the 018.

If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing - the MS261 first for all-around, the 018 next for forearm fatigue saver, then the big hoss for the big boles.

 

[Bluegill2]

Interesting - have you or anyone you know run them? How do they compare to Stihl, Husky, Jonsered?

I have run a few and know a few guys that run Dolmars. A little heavy, but well made. The 50cc, 60cc, 64 & 79cc are all pro quality. Also less money than the big two... I like em better than the other German saw, but like the Swedes a little better.

 

[TomSeller]

Dolmar saws are made in Germany and owned by Makita. Good saws!

I did not know that.