Pine cherry score and need new saw

Answered FB marketplace ad for some pine. When there was asked if interested in clearing some small to medium sized cherry and ash leaning from the property line. Probably a couple cords worth when it all said and done. Sweet little score I think.
When there today, my Husky 450 Rancher saw (non- pro) died m. Just before it died I hear some metal on metal sound. Was able to start it a few minutes later then it made that noise and died after running about a second. Going to take it in to get looked at. About 10 yrs old wand has performed flawlessly.
I’ve never had a back up saw, so I’ll be looking for something new soon, to replace the old or if the old one can be resurrected, I’ll have a spare.
Looking at something with a 16” bar. The 20 on my Husky was almost always too much and why have the extra weight of the saw?
Even though I’ve liked the Husky I’m not brand loyal.
Looking for thoughts ideas on a good 16inch bar saw. For reference I cut about 3 cord a year on avg.

 

Ms261c is the perfect 16” bar saw.

 

Get a MS362 and drop an 18” bar on it..

 

Husky 550xp mk2 is a light saber and will serve you much better than the Stihl.

 

Thanks for the replies. I’ll check those out.
This is probably a silly question but would you figure overall durability/longevity of the pro saws justifies the price increase from non-pro Stihl saws?. I ask bc the non pro Husky I have did the job I needed it to do, no complaints there. Just checking

 

I've owned non-pro husky saws. I cut about as much as you estimate, yearly.

The last one I bought new was the 445, 16". It has worked just fine for me.

 

the 362 will let you go up to a 28” bar. With a skip chain, you’d have zero issues taking advantage of a 24” chainsaw mill if you care to put your toe in the water.

Hi,

I'm Jon.

I’m a hoarder…

 

“”Hi John”.
(Says all the other hopeless hoarders, self included).

 

Homeowner saws can be made to last long too. If you do routine maintenance regularly, it will help. It would be interesting to know what exactly happened to your 450. If you were able to start it later, I’d guess it was some type of air leak that cause scoring, which essentially is the piston material being transferred to the cylinder wall. There are several places this could happen and without a look over, you may never know.
I have a Jonsered version of the Husky 350. It’s a plastic case homeowner level saw. I run it like I do my pro series XP’s. The cylinder was modified so it performs extra well.
To answer the question though, yes I think the price difference is justified. But if you can’t afford it, you buy what you can.

 

Thanks for the info. In truth, in the 10 yrs I’ve had the Husky, I never did maintenance on it if any kind. To plead ignorance here, what things would you recommend i do with a saw related to maintenance?

 

New fuel filter/lines, air filter, spark plug, clutch drum (if spur drive) or rim sprocket, and the oil tank pick up needs cleaned every so often. When the saw weeps oil, the oil pump lines should be replaced. A carb rebuild kit is a good preventive measure every couple years. Another major item is crank seals. After good couple years of use, it wouldn't hurt to have a qualified tech (or local hoarder/friend) replace them. If they fail and allow air into the engine, it makes the saw run lean, which over heats the piston causing it to melt and transfer material to the cylinder. Then clearances are no longer there and saw seizes up. A leak can also occur on the intake tract, so the boot that connects carb to cylinder.

 

Also take a dental pick and clean out the track on the bar channel.

first time I did that.. holy cow

 

Stihl MS261 is a pricey pro model saw, but an MS290 or 291 will suit your needs with the volume you cut. I ran only a 290 with a 16" bar for years before i got CAD. Not sure of the Husky equivalent to these.

 

I'm going to guess Rancher 455(55.5cc) and 460(60cc can run a 24" b/c).

 

That what i was guessing as my knowledge of Huskies is limited, but i am learning.
290/291/029 are 56cc's. I tried a 20" bar and it worked, albeit slow. With mostly pro saws now, those days are gone.

 

Thanks everyone for the input. Also, I’ll let everyone know what the repair shop says about the Husky.

 

Somebody already mentioned Echo but I will add I have nothing but good to say about them. I love a good Husky but I bought a big Echo and liked it so much I bought a small one as well.

 

Efco 5200

 

Keep the cooling fins on the cylinder clean. Blow them out with compressed air every few tanks. Clean the saw with soap and water. Also keep
The air filter clean. Bang it on the bench top or some other flat surface to dislodge dirt and dust. Also blow out the air filter from the inside with compressed air to free it if dirt/debris.