Cottonhawk
Gold Member
I bought a Stihl MS361 with 24" bar. I use it for my bigger stuff and it works great. My other saws are Shindaiwa 488 with 20" bar and Echo triming saw with 14" bar.
You Stihl Gurus know your saws!
- Thread starter Spiffy
- Start date
- Views: 5631
Cottonhawk
Gold Member
I bought a Stihl MS361 with 24" bar. I use it for my bigger stuff and it works great. My other saws are Shindaiwa 488 with 20" bar and Echo triming saw with 14" bar.
rb4410
Member
the stihl saw is definitely the way to go,just can't beat the power they have,i have an 044 with a 20" bar on it and it just chews right through anything i put it to,i also keep a little homelite with a 16" bar to do limbing duties and small firewood.the small saw is alot easier on the back when you don't need the mighty power of the stihl.and i don't mind doing dirty work with the little cheap saw.
good luck on you're choice,,,,,,,,,,
good luck on you're choice,,,,,,,,,,
rb4410
Member
the stihl saw is definitely the way to go,just can't beat the power they have,i have an 044 with a 20" bar on it and it just chews right through anything i put it to,i also keep a little homelite with a 16" bar to do limbing duties and small firewood.the small saw is alot easier on the back when you don't need the mighty power of the stihl.and i don't mind doing dirty work with the little cheap saw.
good luck on you're choice,,,,,,,,,,
good luck on you're choice,,,,,,,,,,
OP
Spiffy
Veteran Member
You guys do know your saws; Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
I couldn't resist stopping in while driving past the dealer tonight. He had a 24" handy, and threw it on on quick:
Sure enough, while just a little nose heavy in the hand (not a problem), it is nose heavy sitting on a flat surface [though so close, a full tank of fuel would probably have held it down].
Also pointed out that it is a few $ cheaper buying it as an 18" and getting a 24" bar&chain with it.
Of course, I really think it looks nice with the 20", and I could still fix the Craftsman as an 18".......maybe wait a while on the 24".......choices choices /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Still going to be a couple weeks before I can judge how immenent my need is for the bigger bar, so I'll be holding off on a purchase until then as well. However, anyone know what accessories they'll negotiate into the price [or better yet negotiate price?]. When I bought a brushcutter a few years ago, I think they threw in the full harness and maybe a six pack of oil, but were firm on the price.
Oh, he did tell me since I'm looking at using the length of a 24" only on rare occasions, I'd like the smooth feel of a standard chain rather than 1/2 or full skip; also, he recommended the low vibration chain over the low kickback.
I couldn't resist stopping in while driving past the dealer tonight. He had a 24" handy, and threw it on on quick:
Sure enough, while just a little nose heavy in the hand (not a problem), it is nose heavy sitting on a flat surface [though so close, a full tank of fuel would probably have held it down].
Also pointed out that it is a few $ cheaper buying it as an 18" and getting a 24" bar&chain with it.
Of course, I really think it looks nice with the 20", and I could still fix the Craftsman as an 18".......maybe wait a while on the 24".......choices choices /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Still going to be a couple weeks before I can judge how immenent my need is for the bigger bar, so I'll be holding off on a purchase until then as well. However, anyone know what accessories they'll negotiate into the price [or better yet negotiate price?]. When I bought a brushcutter a few years ago, I think they threw in the full harness and maybe a six pack of oil, but were firm on the price.
Oh, he did tell me since I'm looking at using the length of a 24" only on rare occasions, I'd like the smooth feel of a standard chain rather than 1/2 or full skip; also, he recommended the low vibration chain over the low kickback.
OP
Spiffy
Veteran Member
You guys do know your saws; Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
I couldn't resist stopping in while driving past the dealer tonight. He had a 24" handy, and threw it on on quick:
Sure enough, while just a little nose heavy in the hand (not a problem), it is nose heavy sitting on a flat surface [though so close, a full tank of fuel would probably have held it down].
Also pointed out that it is a few $ cheaper buying it as an 18" and getting a 24" bar&chain with it.
Of course, I really think it looks nice with the 20", and I could still fix the Craftsman as an 18".......maybe wait a while on the 24".......choices choices /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Still going to be a couple weeks before I can judge how immenent my need is for the bigger bar, so I'll be holding off on a purchase until then as well. However, anyone know what accessories they'll negotiate into the price [or better yet negotiate price?]. When I bought a brushcutter a few years ago, I think they threw in the full harness and maybe a six pack of oil, but were firm on the price.
Oh, he did tell me since I'm looking at using the length of a 24" only on rare occasions, I'd like the smooth feel of a standard chain rather than 1/2 or full skip; also, he recommended the low vibration chain over the low kickback.
I couldn't resist stopping in while driving past the dealer tonight. He had a 24" handy, and threw it on on quick:
Sure enough, while just a little nose heavy in the hand (not a problem), it is nose heavy sitting on a flat surface [though so close, a full tank of fuel would probably have held it down].
Also pointed out that it is a few $ cheaper buying it as an 18" and getting a 24" bar&chain with it.
Of course, I really think it looks nice with the 20", and I could still fix the Craftsman as an 18".......maybe wait a while on the 24".......choices choices /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Still going to be a couple weeks before I can judge how immenent my need is for the bigger bar, so I'll be holding off on a purchase until then as well. However, anyone know what accessories they'll negotiate into the price [or better yet negotiate price?]. When I bought a brushcutter a few years ago, I think they threw in the full harness and maybe a six pack of oil, but were firm on the price.
Oh, he did tell me since I'm looking at using the length of a 24" only on rare occasions, I'd like the smooth feel of a standard chain rather than 1/2 or full skip; also, he recommended the low vibration chain over the low kickback.
jgh
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2000
- Messages
- 492
- Location
- Goochland & Fluvanna Counties, VA
- Tractor
- NH TN90F; B3000 Kubota; Bobcats 430 & A300; Liebherr 621C, Exmark laser Z, 2 sawmills
20060524
I've got 2 Stihls, an MS 360 and a smaller tree surgeon model. Both are great once started, but for some reason are **** to get started when cold! About half the time on either one, I have to pull the spark plug because of flooding. Hot starts no problem. They are powerful when running, but I have invented new words when trying to start them cold.
I follow the "release everything after one firing sound" dictum, but it just fails about half the time.
What kind of experience do you have?
J
I've got 2 Stihls, an MS 360 and a smaller tree surgeon model. Both are great once started, but for some reason are **** to get started when cold! About half the time on either one, I have to pull the spark plug because of flooding. Hot starts no problem. They are powerful when running, but I have invented new words when trying to start them cold.
I follow the "release everything after one firing sound" dictum, but it just fails about half the time.
What kind of experience do you have?
J
jgh
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2000
- Messages
- 492
- Location
- Goochland & Fluvanna Counties, VA
- Tractor
- NH TN90F; B3000 Kubota; Bobcats 430 & A300; Liebherr 621C, Exmark laser Z, 2 sawmills
20060524
I've got 2 Stihls, an MS 360 and a smaller tree surgeon model. Both are great once started, but for some reason are **** to get started when cold! About half the time on either one, I have to pull the spark plug because of flooding. Hot starts no problem. They are powerful when running, but I have invented new words when trying to start them cold.
I follow the "release everything after one firing sound" dictum, but it just fails about half the time.
What kind of experience do you have?
J
I've got 2 Stihls, an MS 360 and a smaller tree surgeon model. Both are great once started, but for some reason are **** to get started when cold! About half the time on either one, I have to pull the spark plug because of flooding. Hot starts no problem. They are powerful when running, but I have invented new words when trying to start them cold.
I follow the "release everything after one firing sound" dictum, but it just fails about half the time.
What kind of experience do you have?
J
OP
Spiffy
Veteran Member
I like tools that work right, so I generally look at a true professional tool first, but would often get satisfactory results with the best Craftsman had to offer (my faith there is waning, I doubt I'll ever buy another "outdoor power tool" there......the saw mentioned here, however, has paid it's dues and I did decide to fix it, but I'm not sure either way whether I'd had better value buying a Stihl back then).
Anyway, both the BIL and FIL have a FarmBoss Stihl (029?); one is likely running at any given time. That said, both were well used when purchased, neither has a case [so they get kicked around sometimes], and the BIL sometimes has something apart....then forgets to get around to it.
With the 20" bar on my saw (much lighter and narrower [height not thickness] than even their 18" Stihl bars, thus great for handling - even if poorer built) I could about perform surgury [in a tangled mess] compared to them. However, despite the same CCs I think they had a bit more torque at cutting RPMS - even at that I could usually cut logs better with my saw too, but that had much to do with sharp chains and again I had a better "feel" for mine. It was pretty obvious however that the Stihls were better built, though a bit crude (I am very impressed with the 361's look and feel).
A slightly poor comparison, but I do think it fits the respective design philosophies:
We have a Craftsman Trimmer and a Stihl BrushCutter: the former has great starting directions and (given a sharp pull) starts great every time.....except the first time of the year, and assuming the cord doesn't bind - both situations /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. The latter, while not a first pull machine, just seems more consistant. It also vibrates much less (the Craftsman seems to be getting worse each year; 3 years now), has less fatique despite more weight [full harness, so not a fair comparison], and certainly has more torque (despite about the same CC) and same age or maybe a year more. Trimming the house, garage, driveway, and several trees has taken it's toll on the Craftsman (the Stihl gets about 3 times as much on the farm) - for someone with half as much area; I'd say it'd been a 10 year tool; it can last a couple more around here, but the farm would have killed it in a year.
I have a little old Poulan, and have played with all kinds of makes at one time or another, but will say that I've seen more thoroughly abused Stihls still running than the others (of course, in professional Saws, they have more dealerships around here too).
If I didn't mention earlier, it's farm use, so chainsaws can sit several monthes, only to be tortured for a while than stuffed away again, or used lightly almost every day for a month straight, or any combination in between. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Anyway, both the BIL and FIL have a FarmBoss Stihl (029?); one is likely running at any given time. That said, both were well used when purchased, neither has a case [so they get kicked around sometimes], and the BIL sometimes has something apart....then forgets to get around to it.
With the 20" bar on my saw (much lighter and narrower [height not thickness] than even their 18" Stihl bars, thus great for handling - even if poorer built) I could about perform surgury [in a tangled mess] compared to them. However, despite the same CCs I think they had a bit more torque at cutting RPMS - even at that I could usually cut logs better with my saw too, but that had much to do with sharp chains and again I had a better "feel" for mine. It was pretty obvious however that the Stihls were better built, though a bit crude (I am very impressed with the 361's look and feel).
A slightly poor comparison, but I do think it fits the respective design philosophies:
We have a Craftsman Trimmer and a Stihl BrushCutter: the former has great starting directions and (given a sharp pull) starts great every time.....except the first time of the year, and assuming the cord doesn't bind - both situations /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. The latter, while not a first pull machine, just seems more consistant. It also vibrates much less (the Craftsman seems to be getting worse each year; 3 years now), has less fatique despite more weight [full harness, so not a fair comparison], and certainly has more torque (despite about the same CC) and same age or maybe a year more. Trimming the house, garage, driveway, and several trees has taken it's toll on the Craftsman (the Stihl gets about 3 times as much on the farm) - for someone with half as much area; I'd say it'd been a 10 year tool; it can last a couple more around here, but the farm would have killed it in a year.
I have a little old Poulan, and have played with all kinds of makes at one time or another, but will say that I've seen more thoroughly abused Stihls still running than the others (of course, in professional Saws, they have more dealerships around here too).
If I didn't mention earlier, it's farm use, so chainsaws can sit several monthes, only to be tortured for a while than stuffed away again, or used lightly almost every day for a month straight, or any combination in between. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
OP
Spiffy
Veteran Member
I like tools that work right, so I generally look at a true professional tool first, but would often get satisfactory results with the best Craftsman had to offer (my faith there is waning, I doubt I'll ever buy another "outdoor power tool" there......the saw mentioned here, however, has paid it's dues and I did decide to fix it, but I'm not sure either way whether I'd had better value buying a Stihl back then).
Anyway, both the BIL and FIL have a FarmBoss Stihl (029?); one is likely running at any given time. That said, both were well used when purchased, neither has a case [so they get kicked around sometimes], and the BIL sometimes has something apart....then forgets to get around to it.
With the 20" bar on my saw (much lighter and narrower [height not thickness] than even their 18" Stihl bars, thus great for handling - even if poorer built) I could about perform surgury [in a tangled mess] compared to them. However, despite the same CCs I think they had a bit more torque at cutting RPMS - even at that I could usually cut logs better with my saw too, but that had much to do with sharp chains and again I had a better "feel" for mine. It was pretty obvious however that the Stihls were better built, though a bit crude (I am very impressed with the 361's look and feel).
A slightly poor comparison, but I do think it fits the respective design philosophies:
We have a Craftsman Trimmer and a Stihl BrushCutter: the former has great starting directions and (given a sharp pull) starts great every time.....except the first time of the year, and assuming the cord doesn't bind - both situations /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. The latter, while not a first pull machine, just seems more consistant. It also vibrates much less (the Craftsman seems to be getting worse each year; 3 years now), has less fatique despite more weight [full harness, so not a fair comparison], and certainly has more torque (despite about the same CC) and same age or maybe a year more. Trimming the house, garage, driveway, and several trees has taken it's toll on the Craftsman (the Stihl gets about 3 times as much on the farm) - for someone with half as much area; I'd say it'd been a 10 year tool; it can last a couple more around here, but the farm would have killed it in a year.
I have a little old Poulan, and have played with all kinds of makes at one time or another, but will say that I've seen more thoroughly abused Stihls still running than the others (of course, in professional Saws, they have more dealerships around here too).
If I didn't mention earlier, it's farm use, so chainsaws can sit several monthes, only to be tortured for a while than stuffed away again, or used lightly almost every day for a month straight, or any combination in between. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Anyway, both the BIL and FIL have a FarmBoss Stihl (029?); one is likely running at any given time. That said, both were well used when purchased, neither has a case [so they get kicked around sometimes], and the BIL sometimes has something apart....then forgets to get around to it.
With the 20" bar on my saw (much lighter and narrower [height not thickness] than even their 18" Stihl bars, thus great for handling - even if poorer built) I could about perform surgury [in a tangled mess] compared to them. However, despite the same CCs I think they had a bit more torque at cutting RPMS - even at that I could usually cut logs better with my saw too, but that had much to do with sharp chains and again I had a better "feel" for mine. It was pretty obvious however that the Stihls were better built, though a bit crude (I am very impressed with the 361's look and feel).
A slightly poor comparison, but I do think it fits the respective design philosophies:
We have a Craftsman Trimmer and a Stihl BrushCutter: the former has great starting directions and (given a sharp pull) starts great every time.....except the first time of the year, and assuming the cord doesn't bind - both situations /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. The latter, while not a first pull machine, just seems more consistant. It also vibrates much less (the Craftsman seems to be getting worse each year; 3 years now), has less fatique despite more weight [full harness, so not a fair comparison], and certainly has more torque (despite about the same CC) and same age or maybe a year more. Trimming the house, garage, driveway, and several trees has taken it's toll on the Craftsman (the Stihl gets about 3 times as much on the farm) - for someone with half as much area; I'd say it'd been a 10 year tool; it can last a couple more around here, but the farm would have killed it in a year.
I have a little old Poulan, and have played with all kinds of makes at one time or another, but will say that I've seen more thoroughly abused Stihls still running than the others (of course, in professional Saws, they have more dealerships around here too).
If I didn't mention earlier, it's farm use, so chainsaws can sit several monthes, only to be tortured for a while than stuffed away again, or used lightly almost every day for a month straight, or any combination in between. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
