Saw needed with 24" bar

[mjonesnh]

After chewing on this for a short time I decided to pay my local Stihl dealer a visit today. A MS-362 followed me home along with a six pack of Stihl Ultra 2 stroke oil and some free files, a Stihl logo cap and a pair of Stihl sunglasses.
Had to exceed my $600.00 budget some but this saw should be the last larger saw I ever have to buy. Saw has a 25" 3/8 .050 bar and chain with decompression valve and something called Elastostart that is supposed to make starting easier and seems to work as it starts very easily with little pulling effort.
I would like to thank the posters to this thread for some very helpful info and tips. Decided after reviewing the posts this saw might be the smart way to go.

 

[xyz123]

I know nothing about the new strato MS362. But the saw it replaces was the MS361 59cc and it was a good runner with a 20" and sold for $589 new.

Let us know how it pulls a 24" buried in hardwoods. I hope they set you up with RSC full comp chain.

Funny thing is I just got a MS390 64.1cc in to work on carb, tune up and muffler mod for a guy. Has a 24" on it in 3/8 full comp. I hope to get some hardwood to sink the full bar in to test it.

Happy cutting and cut safe,

 

[Chilly807]

After chewing on this for a short time I decided to pay my local Stihl dealer a visit today. A MS-362 followed me home along with a six pack of Stihl Ultra 2 stroke oil and some free files, a Stihl logo cap and a pair of Stihl sunglasses.
Had to exceed my $600.00 budget some but this saw should be the last larger saw I ever have to buy. Saw has a 25" 3/8 .050 bar and chain with decompression valve and something called Elastostart that is supposed to make starting easier and seems to work as it starts very easily with little pulling effort.
I would like to thank the posters to this thread for some very helpful info and tips. Decided after reviewing the posts this saw might be the smart way to go.

I think you'll be pleased with the MS362, it's one of Stihl's better offerings in my opinion.

Sean

 

[xyz123]

Funny thing is I just got a MS390 64.1cc in to work on carb, tune up and muffler mod for a guy. Has a 24" on it in 3/8 full comp. I hope to get some hardwood to sink the full bar in to test it.

Well after running a stock MS390 with 3/8 full comp I would not want to run one in hardwoods with 24" for extend cuts with bar buried. Even after a muffler mod which helped alot, it wouldnt be my choice of a 65cc saw with 24". Oh I just ran it in some yellow poplar as the hardwoods was off limits right now.

 

[trailbuilder]

Rusty and Arrow summed it up well!
We use the Husky 372's and for big wood go to the 390. The 355 Rancher sits on the Gator and is used for unexpected downfalls on the trail. Once you use a high powered Pro Saw it is hard to go back to the little ones except for an occasional cut or hiking in a mile to get to the tree.
SAFETY COMMENT: 24 inch bar, less bending, more power needed, more teeth to sharpen and more dangerous to operate.

 

[hydro2]

I have a 372 and love it. I ran a 20" and a 24" bar.

 

[bufellucker]

hi all i'm new here .was reading this post and was shocked NOT to see the Husky 365 didnt make the grade.It pulls a 24 easy and has a cheap b/b p/c swap that makes it bigger then the 372 for $200,but i guess that's a whole other discussion.

 

[turnkey4099]

Rusty and Arrow summed it up well!
We use the Husky 372's and for big wood go to the 390. The 355 Rancher sits on the Gator and is used for unexpected downfalls on the trail. Once you use a high powered Pro Saw it is hard to go back to the little ones except for an occasional cut or hiking in a mile to get to the tree.
SAFETY COMMENT: 24 inch bar, less bending, more power needed, more teeth to sharpen and more dangerous to operate.

I use skip tooth chain on my 24 bars. 1/3 less teeth, haven't counted but I think it is less than a 20" normal chain, and cuts just as fast...or seems to, never timed it.

Harry K

 

[stihlman]

Just something to think about: I traded my 2006 MS441 in yesterday for a new MS441R C M-tronic the R means it has the 3/4 wrap handlebar along with dual spikes, roller chain catcher, bigger clutch cover to clear noodles better, stiffer anti-vibe springs, higher output bar oil pump and the M Tronic syster is the new continously adjusting carburator. I got a chance to cut with it yesterday afternoon and was really impressed. The R model is only about $40 higher than the standard and you get lots of goodies for you money. Not cheap but I really like it, the standard 441 is great also.

Steve

 

[arrow]

hi all i'm new here .was reading this post and was shocked NOT to see the Husky 365 didnt make the grade.It pulls a 24 easy and has a cheap b/b p/c swap that makes it bigger then the 372 for $200,but i guess that's a whole other discussion.

Well for a homeowner, I'd have to agree. the 365 is kind of a mongrel saw to the lineup for forestry work. If one is looking for production, you'd always go to the 372.