You Stihl Gurus know your saws!

Yalerider · May 24, 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.

Yalerider · May 24, 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.

kkesler · May 31, 2006

( 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.
)

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.

kkesler · May 31, 2006

( 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.
)

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.

rk246 · May 31, 2006

I have the 361 with the 24" bar and love it, great saw, lots of power, and remember with bar length its not all about how big of wood you are cutting, but how far you want to have to bend over to cut stuff on the ground, the 24" inch bar is a real back saver, I had the 20" but it is too short. The 361 runs the 24" with absolutely no problems and is easier on the back. I am convinced the pro saw is worth the extra money for the weight and power, and the longer bar is definetely the way to go. I called around and there were a few different prices, but my favorite shop matched the lowest price. I can't remember what I paid but it was much less than what they had it listed for. hopefully this helps. let us know.

rk246 · May 31, 2006

I have the 361 with the 24" bar and love it, great saw, lots of power, and remember with bar length its not all about how big of wood you are cutting, but how far you want to have to bend over to cut stuff on the ground, the 24" inch bar is a real back saver, I had the 20" but it is too short. The 361 runs the 24" with absolutely no problems and is easier on the back. I am convinced the pro saw is worth the extra money for the weight and power, and the longer bar is definetely the way to go. I called around and there were a few different prices, but my favorite shop matched the lowest price. I can't remember what I paid but it was much less than what they had it listed for. hopefully this helps. let us know.

Garrabo · Jun 1, 2006

Stihl = superlative.
You cant go wrong /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Garrabo · Jun 1, 2006

Stihl = superlative.
You cant go wrong /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Cottonhawk · Jun 1, 2006

You've done real well for paying less than list. My Stihl dealer always charge me the full list price. He may throw in few small items but no discount.

Cottonhawk · Jun 1, 2006

You've done real well for paying less than list. My Stihl dealer always charge me the full list price. He may throw in few small items but no discount.