Chainsaw Durability

[JHBC]

If you could answer for me what changes happened to the 066 and also the 394 ( aside from the couple of points of cc's, and carb size) before they became 660 magnums, and 395's.  Of the four mentioned I've used a 066 a lot. I've run a 395 a few times, and thats it.  Never used, or handled the older big Huskys. 
Aside from 385's the 066's, 660's, 394, 395 are about the most common saws around here, but I'm not in full time need of one, most of my cutting is with a 28", but I would like some info on what improved or got worse with the 7ish Hp saws, since there are so many used ones available.  For example.  I have no problem taking an older 394 in to Walkers to be done up, if I get one for the right price, but is it a better saw than a much newer 395 ?  And some guys are running their new 660's and saying they're the top saws they've ever used. ??

[JHBC]

Replying to my own question.  Not much difference from what I was told.  Side adjuster on the 394, and different intake, doesn't really justify equal cost for older (more use) equipment.   Similar for the 066/660 right, emissions changes is about it.  It's strange how people love certain saws like the 394, great saw obviously.  But I guess I'd look for basically the same thing, for the same price, with way less hours on it.

[Ken H]

Hi again,
Thanks guys for the thumbs up on grabbing up a 372. I probably will.  I also can't help wanting to track down a 576 and try it out.

Holy s**t, my apologizes for some early confusion, mostly to saw troll. My 38(five) is old, but just over ten years.  I typed in 380 about fives times too. Sorry for the mix up.  I've got to get my eyes checked, or spend more time reading what I've written.

I did have an old 041av that I used for a couple of years, but I haven't even seen a saw from that era for a while. I also have two P61, P62 Pioneer, and Poulan saws from the eighties?  I have used them on and off for firewood, but not for a long time.

Yeah, ha, the guys that went over to the Stihls were using 372's, 3120's, and 385's.  Why the moisture problems, I don't know.  Maybe all in the head.  Or just time for new gear.

I don't come across Dolmars, Jonsereds, or anything other than Echo and Solo.  Except the obvious two.  So I have no knowledge of those.  But my options right now are the new 372, or a used 395.  Both great.   

[Al_Smith]

Well personal preferences aside it comes down to basic facts .Just about any saw of a praticular size group will cut about the same as any other .The main difference is what features interest some  people .On that however some like and some do not .

[John Mc]

Well personal preferences aside it comes down to basic facts .Just about any saw of a praticular size group will cut about the same as any other .The main difference is what features interest some  people .On that however some like and some do not .

I agree. Biggest differences are weight, anti-vib (and other comfort/ergonomic issues), how long it will last (assuming you take care of it properly), and how hard it is to repair when it does break.

If I were cutting competitively, the differences within a class of saws might seem more noticeable to me.

John Mc

[Al_Smith]

Well lets say 0-80 class .Stockers will make the three in around 8-9  seconds give or take .I've got old 10 series Macs that do in 10 .So in a days cutting in the woods you really wouldn't see much difference except in the anti vib systems .They all weight just about the same so that doesn't enter into the picture .

Big ones,100 plus cc's .The Stihls and Huskies dominate the races but in a day in the woods again on 36" and larger you don't see much difference than say a large Mac or Homey .Again they all weight just about the same --all heavy ---

[shelbycharger400]

just have to chime in,  out of the fleet of 7+ saws,     a 1970's stihl 034?,  an early 80's black craftsman (pouland) 20 in bar,  '95 craftsman with 24 in bar 65 cc?, the 79 craftsman 917, the 1980 deere 50v.  some newer pole wood green poulands, and one 2005? husky 455 .

the husky 455, was a pta right out of the box,  i wish stepdad would have returned it. Came with a 20 in bar,  should have had a 16, it dosnt have the power needed.  it was bought for a BIG! job. 44 in maple. didn't workout as planned.
major vapor lock,  hard start, easy floods out ect.   i spent more time cutting with the 2 craftsman saws,  the 1995 one, ran better with the 20 in vrs the 24, partially due to it jack'd up the bar from an issue with the oiler ( now fixed), but had enough compression to rip the cord right back out of your hands first pull!, dose it every time.  2nd best is the 80's craftsman, and 3rd is my craftsman 917.        from my perspective, cuttin anything 12in and bigger, its nice to have the power of the 60 cc +.
I wish they would bring back the manual oilers on all the new saws.

[Al_Smith]

I don't think the EPA will let them put the manual oilers back on the saws .Be nice if they did though .