You Stihl Gurus know your saws!

Spiffy · Jun 2, 2006

I had a 390 for several years and when it froze up, bought a MS 360. Like the 360 better. It is a pro saw and is built better. 

Between a quick view/feel and the reviews I've read, I'm at that conclusion and haven't even stuck one in a log yet, (unless it feels much different than I expect, I plan to buy it right after I give it a test).

Spiffy · Jun 2, 2006

I had a 390 for several years and when it froze up, bought a MS 360. Like the 360 better. It is a pro saw and is built better. 

Between a quick view/feel and the reviews I've read, I'm at that conclusion and haven't even stuck one in a log yet, (unless it feels much different than I expect, I plan to buy it right after I give it a test).

Spiffy · Jun 2, 2006

The chain you use is determined in a large part by what you are cutting. Clean wood? RSC. Dirty, muddy wood skidded out of the woods? RMC. These replaced the stihl chains RS and RM (chisel and semi-chisel, respectively) which your dealer may still be selling until they run out of stock. The semi-chisel will not cut as fast as the RS, but it will hold an edge longer, especially in dirty wood. Agree with staying away from the low kickback (safety) chain. 

Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif I was thinking RSC, but partiallybecause my 2006 book doesn't list the RMC in 3/8. Maybe they'll have RMC by the time I buy or I could go with the RM, but probably RSC if that's the case. Based on your input, among those 3 choices, I don't think I'd go too wrong: mostly clean, but an occasional messy one too.

Spiffy · Jun 2, 2006

The chain you use is determined in a large part by what you are cutting. Clean wood? RSC. Dirty, muddy wood skidded out of the woods? RMC. These replaced the stihl chains RS and RM (chisel and semi-chisel, respectively) which your dealer may still be selling until they run out of stock. The semi-chisel will not cut as fast as the RS, but it will hold an edge longer, especially in dirty wood. Agree with staying away from the low kickback (safety) chain. 

Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif I was thinking RSC, but partiallybecause my 2006 book doesn't list the RMC in 3/8. Maybe they'll have RMC by the time I buy or I could go with the RM, but probably RSC if that's the case. Based on your input, among those 3 choices, I don't think I'd go too wrong: mostly clean, but an occasional messy one too.

Spiffy · Jun 2, 2006

Yes great help; both on the 24" opinion and the pricing.

My experience, is a bit closer to Cottonhawk's of paying list but getting some extras (I think I even got the top of the line "comfort" double harness with the brush cutter, but been a few years so I may remember wrong).

For the price of a 361, I'd really like the case and bar/chain (the exchange on the 18" was small enough I'd like to have it on hand, but since fixing my Craftsman 20", I'm not as concerned) added in, but I'm likely optimistic. However, I still don't need it for a few weeks, so just maybe they'll have nice sale before then - yeah, I'm probably dreaming! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Spiffy · Jun 2, 2006

Yes great help; both on the 24" opinion and the pricing.

My experience, is a bit closer to Cottonhawk's of paying list but getting some extras (I think I even got the top of the line "comfort" double harness with the brush cutter, but been a few years so I may remember wrong).

For the price of a 361, I'd really like the case and bar/chain (the exchange on the 18" was small enough I'd like to have it on hand, but since fixing my Craftsman 20", I'm not as concerned) added in, but I'm likely optimistic. However, I still don't need it for a few weeks, so just maybe they'll have nice sale before then - yeah, I'm probably dreaming! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

1bush2hog · Jun 2, 2006

One of the additional benefits of the pro saws is the adjustable oiler - especially handy if you are cutting both green and dead wood. I crank my oiler all the way on the dead locust I have been cutting and my saw thanks me /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Also, regarding the plastic cases, I had one for an older 034 I had. I left the saw in the case when not using and the case held alot more moisture causing my saw to incur rust on the bar and chain. I have never had this problem with any other saw using only the standard bar scabbath that is included. Your results may vary /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Keep in mind that 24" bar will put the business end alot closer to your feet when bucking and limbing.

1bush2hog · Jun 2, 2006

One of the additional benefits of the pro saws is the adjustable oiler - especially handy if you are cutting both green and dead wood. I crank my oiler all the way on the dead locust I have been cutting and my saw thanks me /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Also, regarding the plastic cases, I had one for an older 034 I had. I left the saw in the case when not using and the case held alot more moisture causing my saw to incur rust on the bar and chain. I have never had this problem with any other saw using only the standard bar scabbath that is included. Your results may vary /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Keep in mind that 24" bar will put the business end alot closer to your feet when bucking and limbing.

kkesler · Jun 2, 2006

( Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif I was thinking RSC, but partiallybecause my 2006 book doesn't list the RMC in 3/8. Maybe they'll have RMC by the time I buy or I could go with the RM, but probably RSC if that's the case. Based on your input, among those 3 choices, I don't think I'd go too wrong: mostly clean, but an occasional messy one too. )

Doh, you are correct. I have a MS260 which uses the .325, not 3/8, and that is the one I buy most of my chains for. RM was made in 3/8, if you can still find it. I ended up going with an Oregon semi chisel chain for my saw which uses 3/8".

kkesler · Jun 2, 2006

( Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif I was thinking RSC, but partiallybecause my 2006 book doesn't list the RMC in 3/8. Maybe they'll have RMC by the time I buy or I could go with the RM, but probably RSC if that's the case. Based on your input, among those 3 choices, I don't think I'd go too wrong: mostly clean, but an occasional messy one too. )

Doh, you are correct. I have a MS260 which uses the .325, not 3/8, and that is the one I buy most of my chains for. RM was made in 3/8, if you can still find it. I ended up going with an Oregon semi chisel chain for my saw which uses 3/8".