Stihl MS 360 Pro Chainsaw

WCarlson · Mar 25, 2003

I have to agree with Youare. Chainsaws are exactly like tractors, you always wish you had purchased the larger one. I have purchased six in the last 8 years, ranging from a little Echo on a Powerpruner to both a Sthil 029 Farmboss and a Sthil 460 Magnum. The 029 or 360's are nice saws and can be used for a lot of things. My spec sheet says the 036 weighs .7 lbs less than the 029 and has compresson release. Therefore, it would get my vote if you are set on Sthil. The big advantages of the 460 are it has a compression release, 50% more HP than the 029 (@ 1.2 lbs more than the 029) and can handle a 32" bar. It is about the minimum size to get if you plan on doing any ripping. If I were buying today, I would get either one of the Husqvarnas or the Poulan PRO 505 currently on sale at . I would have saved $300. They have a 50cc Husky with an 18" bar for $279.95 which would be about the size of the 029/360 at a very good price and like tractors, if you stay with the big names you will be fine. Good Luck
Bill

cpicton1 · Mar 25, 2003

The 025 with a 16" bar & cain is a great saw for the money. With a sharp chain it will cut your size trees with no problem. The larger saws are great too but you go up in $$$. If money is no problem and you want a pro quality saw with more power then my suggestion would be the 026Pro with 16" or 18" bar & chain. There is about a $200.00 jump in price between the two saws I mention. Either one of these saws will probably out live most of us non-professional loggers in our normal everyday use. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Anonymous Poster · Mar 25, 2003

(  Stihl MS 360 )

Man,I all I can say is...........................WHAT A SAW!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Anonymous Poster · Mar 25, 2003

I have the .029 Farmboss and couldn't be happier. I run an 18" bar on it and it handles anything I want to do on my 4 acres, including breaking down big hunks of log for turning blanks destined for my or others' lathes.

jyoutz · Mar 26, 2003

Hi, I'm a forester and am always around saws. All of our fire crews and most loggers I work with run Stihls. I own a 038 pro, which is the predecessor to the model you are considering. You couldn't make a better choice. Anything larger is too much of a logging saw and will be a little more than you need. Anything less than a pro saw will not have the long term durability. I bought mine to cut personal firewood, sometimes from 30" diameter trees. Get this saw and an extra chain, good fuel, safety equipment, and use experience, and you will be able to handle anything you want to cut. And this model is lightweight and very durable. Did I mention that I like Stihls? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

BigDave · Mar 26, 2003

First: I don't own one, but I only hear good things about Stihls, so I don't think you can go wrong by buying that brand. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Second: I agree that saws are like tractors, you always will wish you had the next larger one. I have three Husky's; 350 w/16"bar, Model 61 Rancher w/20"bar, & 372XP w/24"bar. Guess which one is the one I reach for first: the 372. After the big stuff gets cut & my arms are tired (key point) , I go get the 350 and do the small work. Unlike a tractor, you have to carry the heavier saw around. If I didn't have the big saw/little saw combo, I would go for a midsize saw like the Stihl 360. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Now before I get anyone's ire about calling the 350 a small saw when Husky has 5 models smaller than it. The 350 is the smallest saw with an adjustable oiler. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Finally, a good chain saw is like a good tractor - you will have it for many years, (my 61 Rancher is 12 yrs old & still runs like new) so like so many others have suggested here at TBN, buy your saw from a dealer that you feel will give you the service & support that you will need down the road. Some big box stores sell Husky & Stihl and I would not recommend going down that route. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

HayDR · Mar 26, 2003

Dave,
We have a Husky 55, 41, & 360 and they will walk off and do more work faster than any Farm Boss made. The Stihl is a good solid saw just runs too slow for me.

BigDave · Mar 26, 2003

I'm not that familiar with Stihls; what rpm range do they run?

BTW, I really had my eye on the 346XP which runs at 14,700 rpm, it looked to be a really sweet set-up, but CFO made that decision for me, and I got the 350 instead. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

mrcaptainbob · Mar 26, 2003

My 031AV Stihl is 'stihl' going after over 25 years of doin' some real heavy work. Wore out a few bars and cahins along the way, and one engine rebuild, but it runs great,even now. Very pleased with that purchase.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 19, 2003

go with the 360. A larger saw may be heavier but that will make you hold onto it better and if you don't hold onto a chainsaw it will BITE you. I have owned a 039 for several years and have cut a lot of wood and the larger saws cut faster and are alot safer. my 039 just bit the dust because of bad gas so I got a 360 and I am very happy with it. I also own a smaller stihl that i picked up for trimming but I never use it as it is slower and not as safe. A big saw you have to plant your feet and hold it in front of you and hold it tight. A small saw will make you try and reach out with one hand to cut a twig off and get your leg