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Chain saws...which one?

Started by Henry-Adams, July 22, 2004, 08:50:42 AM

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Henry-Adams

I need to pick up a larger saw. Right now I've got a 16" Husqvarna but I'd like to get something in the 24" range.

I have a few people that want to give me a number of trees but I have to take them down first. What would be your first choice in saws...without completely breaking the bank?

leweee

how bigs that husky?.... maybe all you need is a bigger bar & chain. A 20" bar will fell a 40" tree if you can work from both sides. I prefer to use the shortest bar that will do the job. cheaper to run & more control. just a thought.
just another beaver with a chainsaw &  it's never so bad that it couldn't get worse.

MemphisLogger

I fell with my Husky Rancher 55 but prefer my 372XP.
Scott Banbury, Urban logger since 2002--Custom Woodworker since 1990. Running a Woodmizer LT-30, a flock of Huskies and a herd of Toy 4x4s Midtown Logging and Lumber Company at www.scottbanbury.com

smwwoody

372XP is a great all around saw

Woody
Full time Mill Manager
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Timberwerks

I agree the 372XP is a great choice.

Dale

incognitive

Since they're (372XP) actually the same weight, I'd go with the MS460 if I wanted to carry that much around.  Don't believe me?  Walk into any shop which has both on the shelf, remove the bars/chain (only!) and weigh them dry.  Then look at the catalog specs and scratch your head with me...

qatanlison

When comparing the 372XP and the MS460 bear in mind the far more effective air-injection on the Husky vs. Intelli carb. Also, I dare say the vibration-dampening is better on the Husky.

Q

Timberwerks

Not that's it's a major issue but I like the fact that the 372 comes with 2 bumper spikes vs 1 on the 460.

Dale

Ed

yup,yup,yup, everyone got this one right! 8) 8) 8) 8)
If ya go with the Stihl, add the spikes to the cover side, dual felling spikes (aka: dull chain over-rides) are a must on a felling saw.

woodbeard

Henry, help us out a bit here-
What model do you currently own?
What size and flavor of timber are you wanting to cut?
What size bank are you trying not to break?

I have the stihl 046 ( ms460 ) and it has plenty of power for a 25" bar. I have even run a 28" on it with no problem, but usually stick with a 20". I've never had any carb issues.

Also, the Dolmar ps7900 has been getting rave reviews- more power, lower price. Worth looking into if there's a dealer nearby.

DanManofStihl

I have two saws a ms 180 for pruning and a 066 I used the 066 on everything I have a 20 inch bar for small to medium 3 inch to about 28 inch and the 36 inch for eveything above different bars are alot cheaper then different saws. Thats just my opinion.
Two Things in life to be proud of a good wife and a good saw.

incognitive

Intellicarb is about keeping the mixture right as the filter dirties and is merely a result of venting the high side of the diaphragm to the airbox instead of outside.  The exact same effect was had on my old Homelites where the entire carb was behind the filter.  I thought Elux was going to such a vent routing, too.

I've only noticed the lesser vibration of the Stihls as compared to the Huskys while running the saw outside the cut.  While in the cut there's little difference, if any.

The "air injection", "turbo", &c. do a good job of keeping the big stuff off the filter.  I've never had to stop work to knock the crud off my Stihl filters and they're all supposed to be checked daily anyway.

My production pair is 036/066.

David_c

not to start any brand wars. but i had a stihl ms460 and my husky 372, 372 i feel was a much better saw hands down. no longer have the 460. now that the 372 has been power ported 8) 8) 8)

DanManofStihl

I had a ms 440 I bought new that was an awesome saw I used it for a year and a half before up grading to a stihl 066 I love that saw and wih I had not sold it a horrible decision I love my new 066 just as much though wish I could have afforded both.
Two Things in life to be proud of a good wife and a good saw.

Ed_K

 Make doesn't matter  ;). Go to different dealers and observe their attitude  :o. If they are willing to work with you, then thats the saw to buy. Size wise get what is comfortable to operate so your not worn out. Safety first!
 I run an 345 husky, 2171 jon or 394 husky if the skidder is aruond to haul it ;D.
Ed K

Dean Hylton

If any one is interested; I have a good running  Stihl 036 pro for sale.  I am a 2 stroke tech for the Husqvarna dealer in Centralia, Wa.  I also ebay saws and parts and you can find me under klickitatsackett.  I just bought this saw this morning and will be going through it top to bottom before it goes out. It is a good running saw and expect to only have to put a cleaning to it. This saw has a 24" bar and chain. This would make a good all around saw, with out breaking the bank.  I would ship it to any where in the lower 48 for $275.  As to which saw I like best? It all depends on which one I am working on.

rahtreelimbs

I would think a 24" bar on an 036 is a bit much. These saws aren't stellar performers in the torque arena.
Nothing Like A  Modded Saw To Start Your Day!!![/SIZE]               Later, Rich.

incognitive

Look where he is, Rich.  They don't have real trees out that way (haha!)

I love my 036; maybe it's atypical...


Dean Hylton

It's kind of funny to me to listen to guys talk about a 24" bar like it is big.   I have grown up thinking that a 28" - 32" was the norm.  As a kid my dad (Bruce A in here) was a cedar rat as where a couple of my uncles.  The 036 may not be my choice for a big saw, ( I like the 044, 046, 272 ) but for a medium sized saw it is a pretty good saw. As for pulling a 24" bar not a problem. If you ever had a problem though I would suggest getting rid of the double falling dogs and taking it easy, ;) but if you insist on pushing it through for an extra $75 I will do a piston and head job on it for you. ;D

DanManofStihl

If you want to run a 24 inch bar on a 036 you might want consider getting your saw walerized free up your exhust I like to run a 24 inch bar on my 044 and a 36 inch on my 066. This combo works for me if my 24 inch cant cut it then my 36 inch can and if that cant then I call my neighbor for his saw. Havent had to yet.  
Two Things in life to be proud of a good wife and a good saw.

dneiger

Henry,
     Send me an e-mail and let me know where you live, I may be able to help you out on your saw deals. I live in Luther near Cadillac, Reed City.
                                                                 Dave
                                                                dneiger@yahoo.com or 1-231-797-5261

redneckman

I have always been a Sthil guy.  When I was around 18 years old, a HUGE black walnut fell across my grandmothers fence.  The little Poulan super 250 (which is not a bad little saw) would not even come close to cutting it.

I went to my uncle to borrow one of his saws.  He was a logger.  He goes to his truck and pulls out a 064 Sthil that he used to cut timber with.  He said that it had just been rebuilt.  He also said that if I kept my grandmothers wood sawed up, that I could have it.

I am 44 years old now, and that saw is still my primary saw.  It cut thosands of feet of timber before I got it and I have cut wood, timber, and now use it in my lumber cutting business.  I will admitt that I am thinking of getting a new MS 660, but I will never let my 064 go.  It is like my old Ford tractor that I bought when I was 19.

I think he bought it in the mid 80's.  I know the saw is at least 30 years old.  I doubt any new one would last that long.  I just used it the other day.  It is a job to start it (no compression release), but it runs great.  I have a 30" bar on it.

HolmenTree

redneckman, thanks for bumping this old 2004 thread .
I never used a computer until 2006 then the next year I bought one. :D

Stihl 064 is one of my favorite saws, I have a strong running 064 I bought new in 1986 (First year introduced). My first 064 from that same year got run over by my partners skidder and still have it for parts.

I got a pic here of the 064 and a couple early 066's I have.
The 064 is so much more compact and lighter then the 066s.


Making a living with a saw since age 16.

redneckman

Quote from: HolmenTree on March 25, 2018, 10:23:38 PM
redneckman, thanks for bumping this old 2004 thread .

You know, I never even noticed that this was from 2004 when I responded.  I was just excited to tell everyone about my 064.
I took her to the Sthilership to have some minor repairs done.  I dont think some of the people there had ever seen one.  When I went to pick it up, they said it was the John Wayne of power saws.

wild262

Quote from: redneckman on March 26, 2018, 08:04:24 AM
Quote from: HolmenTree on March 25, 2018, 10:23:38 PM
redneckman, thanks for bumping this old 2004 thread .

You know, I never even noticed that this was from 2004 when I responded.  I was just excited to tell everyone about my 064.
I took her to the Sthilership to have some minor repairs done.  I dont think some of the people there had ever seen one.  When I went to pick it up, they said it was the John Wayne of power saws.

Lol, :D  That's not big deal redneckman, heck I probably would have done the same thing, lol.  I'm sure Holman doesn't mind.  I think that's funny about the John Wayne of saws and mostly true.   Well built pre-EPA flagship of the Stihl line.  Many of the 1990's Stihls are still going today.  Those 064's are keepers for sure.  Enjoy'em men.   ;)  

John Mc

Quote from: HolmenTree on March 25, 2018, 10:23:38 PMthanks for bumping this old 2004 thread


Is it just my imagination, or have we had a whole lot more of that going on lately. I've noticed a several threads that have been dormant for 5-10 years suddenly coming back to life. Some of them are ones I had posted in during their first time around. It's interesting seeing what I was thinking back then.
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.   - Abraham Maslow

Gary Davis

I like my sthl 460 with the rap around handle and a 32 in bar , It was a hand me down from a friend  that's a logger when up graded to the 660,  don't know any thing about husky there isn't any serious husky dealers around me to compare  

HolmenTree


Quote from: John Mc on March 28, 2018, 10:04:14 AM
Quote from: HolmenTree on March 25, 2018, 10:23:38 PMthanks for bumping this old 2004 thread


Is it just my imagination, or have we had a whole lot more of that going on lately. I've noticed a several threads that have been dormant for 5-10 years suddenly coming back to life. Some of them are ones I had posted in during their first time around. It's interesting seeing what I was thinking back then.



Yup, when I look at posts I wrote years go when I first starting using a computer I sure didn't  "say it very well" :D
Making a living with a saw since age 16.

gaproperty

I own a 562xp  huscavarna and old 560 johnsered and a ms 261 sthil.  All are good saws but I find sthil has some annoyance like the gas covers and the oil cover and there is an oil cover guard which collects dirt. Every time I put chain oil in the dirt goes into the reservoir.  I kinda like the handle ergonomics on the Johnsered best but man that huscavarna is smooth and has great power.  I have an 18 inch bar on it. I suppose you could get away with 22 but that is as much as I would like to go with any 60 cc saw.  
Ray
lostcaper.com
youtube.com/c/LostCaper

HolmenTree

Still have my 562XP and for the first time today I stuck a 24" b/ c on it.
Had it converted over to .325 for the last few years but decided to run 3/8" again.
I got a good collection of 24" bars in both Husky and Stihl 3003 mount and a pile of half used 3/8" chisel chains.
So I thought a half filed back 3/8" chain will cut a narrow kerf like a new .325 chain so let's give them a try on the 562XP.
Well today I got some work from a customer to fell 8 large spruce around his cottage.
The 562 impressed me with the 24" half used chain. But when I tried a new 3/8" 24" chain on the 562 I was not so impressed  :D

My new little MS261CM I used today also and that saw is developing  more impressive power every new day I use it. With a max 20" b/c it's a keeper.
Making a living with a saw since age 16.

knuckledragger

Every time I read a post that boasts about how impressive a 064 is I smile inside. Truly one of the best saws ever manufactured. Mine was manufactured in '92 or at least that is when I bought the saw. The saw is still a beast of a saw, a beast. Twenty years from now I would put it against any saw of the same cc. Anyway, I was reading this thread and couldn't help myself

HolmenTree

Yep love my 064 too. My first year 1986 model pictured here. I put a 084 carb on it 30 years ago.

In 1988 I entered it in a lumberjack competition on the west coast of B.C.
Ron Hartill 7 time Hayward Wisconsin World champion was there with his 100cc Poulan 655.
I had my 064 modded up real nice in stock appearing form.  Didn't have the 084 carb on yet. I did that later on in the year.
But anyways at this time in 1988 the 064 and 084 were making head waves in the logging industry. As my last pic shows with the perforated fire code muffler front, one of the judges at this event Husqvarna dealer Bob Walker owner of Walker's Saw Shop  Nanaimo B.C. stepped in and tried to ban me for having holes in my muffler when I was up warming up my saw. :D
I did of course have an extra outlet under that perforated muffler cover but it was still stock appearing.
The guys could see I wasn't priming my carb with a primer bottle and my choke was still functional, so it was go ahead.

We were doing cold start hands on the log with 3 cuts through a 16" round cotton wood. Opposite to me was top contender ? Herlihy with his 2100 Husqvarna.
By the time I got into my 3rd cut Herlihy was just starting his 2nd.
The 064 was motoring, I was about an inch left at the bottom when I tried to push my saw through. Being my first time cutting wet western cottonwood the chain jammed up with chips in the bottom of the last cut.
Instinctively I rocked up the 24" b/c to free up the chain but I lost close to 2 seconds on my time.
Ron Hartill joked later I almost got a haircut :D

In this level of competition 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th place was decided in 1/100ths of a second. I didn't make 5th ;D Came in 6th.
So later on back home I was going to make a comeback with a vengence by putting on the 084 carb for the 1989 Sayward, B.C. 100cc and under event.
But I never made it, summer of 1989 Stihl hired me and my plans were out the window. :)

Making a living with a saw since age 16.

redneckman

I have a modified muffler on mine, but that is all.  For trees up to 24", I would put it against any saw. It will cut a 12" poplar in about 2 seconds with a sharp chain.  The balance is awesome. The Shtilership says that the new 661's are a great saw.  I would like to buy one.  However, I doubt any saw made now would come close to lasting as long as that 064.   In fact, the dealership that I was talking too was trying to talk me into trading it in.  He really wanted it for some reason.  But, it has some sentimental meaning to me.  I call it my old friend.  I will never part with it. 

knuckledragger

Now I know with out a doubt I would make a pest of myself if I were living near you holmentree. Also, I can't imagine ever parting with mine. I've lived as much of my life owning the saw as I have without it. To sum up my opinion, if I could only have one saw for the rest of my life it would be a044. However, recommending a saw is a different matter. In this case sir I would recommend a ms640/660, unless of course you could purchase a 064. If you could do that I recommend you do so.

HolmenTree

Well knuckledragger you can bother me any time you want :D
I still have my 064 and may even convert it back to factory stock, but then that might be hard to do.
But I just rebuilt my 066mag red light and I may just still put a 064 rewind housing and flywheel on it.
Make it feel like a streamlined 064.
Making a living with a saw since age 16.

mad murdock

It has been good readings through this revived thread. I have a lot of old 10 series macs that run real well and my PM700 is about ounce for ounce every bit the saw my 372XPW is in a smaller more easy to handle package. My 395XPW will be around in 30 years. That is one awesome saw. If EPA or CARB don't prevail and kill 2 strokes all together, there will be s lot of creamscicles and huskys around in 30 years. 
Turbosawmill M6 (now M8) Warrior Ultra liteweight, Granberg Alaskan III, lots of saws-gas powered and human powered :D

knuckledragger

372xp manufactured in '00 is the largest husqy I own, I've got bigger grave yard husqy but I don't count them. I'm almost as fond of my 372xp as I am with my 044 manufactured in '94. The 372xp as I see it is one of, if not the best saw husqy has manufactured over the past two decades. I still have trouble believing it will be discontinued. If in fact the rumors are true. The 372xp is another saw that I would recommend to anyone with extraordinary cutting needs. Mine has been very consistently dependable. A real blue collar, tenacious saw. It is a reflection of the type of people who provide for families with a chainsaw. A 372 is just a good honest saw.

TIDE-HSV

Quote from: incognitive on July 22, 2004, 09:55:09 PM
Since they're (372XP) actually the same weight, I'd go with the MS460 if I wanted to carry that much around.  Don't believe me?  Walk into any shop which has both on the shelf, remove the bars/chain (only!) and weigh them dry.  Then look at the catalog specs and scratch your head with me...
LOL! I just bought a 372xp. After I mounted a 24" bar and chain, I picked it up and went "whoa!" I weighed it and it was 20 lb even. Looking at the powerhead weight, it would have had to have almost 5 lb in the bar and chain. I ended up buying a 20" TsuMura lightweight bar for it... 
"I would rather live my life as if there is a god and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is." Albert Camus

beauj5

A new saw without breaking the bank?  That is all relative, honestly. I wouldn't buy a homeowner saw, ever, but, I use the tar out of my saws and ask alot of them, so my advice is that of someone looking to buy a saw that will last a long time under hard use.  Of those small saws, I have an 034 super mag: an 044; and a Husky 562.  I love all of them and they all eat wood, but if I was to buy another new smaller saw, I'd buy another 562 without a second thought.  The sound of that little motor increases my heart rate and it's a little monster. I mated mine with a 24 light weight bar, absolute perfection. And as a disclaimer, I have far more German saws than Swed.  Nothing against the Stihls, but their strength is the 460s and above...just my experience and preferences.
When the road forked, I went straight.

T540xp, 562xp, 034 super mag, 044, 460, 576, 056 super mag, ms460, 066, ms880, 090.

knuckledragger

Well stated sir. That is why I read this forum. Diversification of knowledgeable people who make a living with a saw. Makes me wanna run out and buy a 562.

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