Need advice on a larger chainsaw for an older guy.

[JimRB]

I have a Stihl 310. Seems heavy to me. With a skip tooth full chisel it cuts pretty good for my amateur use. The 362 on the comparison chart show 1.34 pounds lighter and .4 more HP. I use the Stihl light bars. When I got that 310 from the pawn shop is had some sort of Stihl heavy solid bar that was quite heavy. I think the light bar was a pound lighter.

By the way I am 61 and do not work outside enough. Carrying the 311 around always makes me want a 362. Then as little as I use that 311 I come to my senses wanting the 362. I use my tiny 210 for most things when I can as it is 4 pounds lighter. Of course less HP than the 311 and it cannot do those 24" deadfalls as quickly as the 310.

No idea about correct saw for milling.

 

[JimRB]

Note that the current Farm Boss is a 271, 311 and 391. All with different HP.

 

[airbiscuit]

60cc professional grade Husqvarna or Stihl with a full chisel chain. I actually prefer not going overboard on bar length, so 16" -18"bar, 20" if you must.

 

[plowhog]

What kind of sawmill?

 

[N80]

What kind of sawmill?

I guess I should have clarified. Not a chainsaw mill. I ordered a Woodland Mills HM126 band saw mill on a trailer.

 

[N80]

Note that the current Farm Boss is a 271, 311 and 391. All with different HP.

I honestly don't remember which one mine is and I'm not at the cabin to look and see. Probably the 271. But it is 4 years old so the models may have changed.

On a side note, it appears there is only one type of chain that will fit my Farm Boss and it is an anti-kickback chain. Both Stihl and Oregon list all of their non anti-kickback blades for that saw as no longer available. It is 0.325 pitch, 0.063 gauge with 81 links. But I know nothing about the various chain types. Maybe you can get different chains by going with a different bar and/or sprocket???

 

[oosik]

When I was young and in my prime - I fell the pines on the property here for firewood. I had a large Stihl - 24" bar and a small Stihl for limbing. I fell ancient Ponderosa pines up to and including 38". Soon learned that trees this big were just a real PITA to handle. Cut the smaller pines for firewood and had some of the larger pines selectively logged off.

We really enjoyed those years - heating with firewood. We didn't enjoy all the bugs, dirt and volcanic ash that the firewood brought into the house. Went to pellets and now electric heat.

My suggestion - mark the trees that you will be able to reasonably "mill" in a given time period. 3 months - 6 months - a year. Whatever works for you. Have your son come out and fell them. Then with a smaller saw - you can limb - cut to length - haul to your new mill - etc, etc. Divide and conquer.

 

[stuckmotor]

Light weight and power dont really go that well together. The engine is most of the weight on a saw. You can get “light” versions of the bar which I do recommend. I am a stihl guy myself, but husqvarna is a solid choice. For bucking you will still want to stay with 2 cycle engines. For that bar length look at 60cc+. I have a 25 on my 362, its about as long as I would go on that saw. I would also recommend a pro saw, as they have a better power to weight ratio. The 500i is a great choice if you have the $$$.

https://www.stihlusa.com/WebContent/CMSFileLibrary/downloads/Chain-Saw-Comparison-Chart.pdf

The only pro saw I can speak for is my Husquvarna. It's easier to work on than the homeowner models I have.

 

[4570Man]

The only pro saw I can speak for is my Husquvarna. It's easier to work on than the homeowner models I have.

I can’t think of a single advantage of a homeowner saw vs a pro saw other than cost. Claiming otherwise is just a justification for not having one.

 

[IH3444]

I'm older than you and run an MS661. Not a problem. It was on sale at my dealer 5 years ago for $960, 28" bar. Couldn't pass it up. Big brother to my O64. Bought it on sale for $600, 25" bar.

https://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/professional-saws/ms500i/

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/list/category/1186/outdoor-power-chainsaws/manufacturer/stihl/model/ms-500-i

Looking at either a Stihl 462 or 500i

I currently have a Stihl 441RCM running a 25" bar that is about 7 years old. No major issues at all with it, except if you put it down while idling and pick it up, it will die but always starts right back up, doesn't happen everytime. Not checked that out yet but guessing something is out of...

www.arboristsite.com

462, 500i or 661? Going stihl shopping this week!

I have gone back and forth on getting either the 462, 500i or 661 for about 6 months + ( this isn’t a rushed off the cuff purchase). The reason it’s so tricky is because I don’t have any need for another saw, yes I blame this forum!!. That said, I have worked my butt off and want to enjoy...

www.arboristsite.com