Saw Recommendation

The saw in my signature is the only saw that I have.

I'm looking for a smaller saw...............16" bar for the "BULK" of my cutting. I've been using the McCullock with that 28" bar for everything for years now. But now that I've turned 50; I need a lighter and more handy saw....................especially since I've decided on wood heat as the primary for my home!!!

I'm not brand loyal at all; as I have no basis for it.....................just post up what y'all think.

Thanks in advance!!

 

Husqvarna 455 or 460 Rancher.If you're going to use it a great deal,upgrade to the 562xp.I've heard good things about the Echo 590 Timberwolf,its a real beast & loads of power/torque for the buck.

 

I just bought a Echo CS-450 with a 16" Bar. Plenty of power with the option of going bigger.

 

I recommend Husqvarna 545

 

Sthil 026

 

You still plan on using the Mac for bigger stuff?
I ran my ms170 w/14" quite a bit today limbing up a hickory and a big red oak - it's not going to win any bucking races, but is a very handy little saw

 

Hi MW, I don't know your budget but I just purchased my ms 241 cm 2 weeks ago and have put about 4-5 tanks through it so far, I'm just a little more than your average firewood cutter + help out a few others that don't like to run saws as much as I enjoy it. All I can tell you is for a light pro saw, once you start using it the price will justify its self. We have 4 or 5 different light saws between us (my brother and I ) But this has been the hardest one to get back from him !

 

That would be the plan!!!!

 

I really and truly shut down my 441c after a few cuts and grabbed the 170 - both are a pleasure to run, just working on a slope amongst tangled branches having the "Lightsaber", as I call it now, is worlds better than wheeling a big saw for smallish stuff. you can cut with two hands and hold the saw with one to move brush out of the way.

Now bucking logs...my old 041 grunts through cuts, the 441c rips without effort

 

For a really lightweight saw the redmax gz4000 is hard to beat. It's way more saw than most realize after a muffler mod and is super light. They can be had for a little over $200 new. I could cut most of my firewood with it. The husqvarna 545/ jonsered 2252 is the best deal in 50cc saws. Super high quality and performance for the price. They are perfect for a 16" bar. Stihl 261 is a good option as well but you would be hard pressed to find one for the same price as a 545.

 

Seeing that I've done all you've said with my current saw.....................I was being conservative by saying 16". If I could get by with 14" so be it.

I just dunno right now. All I know is that it's gonna be a learning curve. Just looking for reviews and info.

Thanks.

 

Budget?

 

I'd go ms251. I run my 291 with a 20" bar, and think it'd be real nice wearing a 16"

 

The dolmar 421 is a nice saw and is well made. I wanted one until I handled one next to a gz4000. It would feel very light and nimble compared to what you have.... but for the size and weight a 50cc would be better as they are very close in both size and weight. The redmax gz 4000 is over a pound lighter. That really makes a difference when limbing a tree top. The 421 probably has more grunt, but so do 50cc saws. That being said, I'd be happy to own a 421. I think both are a better deal than the Stihl 241. Those puppies are expensive.

 

No budget......................old saw does what I want x 10. Just looking for opinions as to what I should look for. Ain't gonna buy new.

 

I have the earthquake version of the gz4000 it is a decent saw for smaller stuff and light too.

I recently got a husky 555 for work and it is a light saber compared to my other saws. Its 60cc and may be heavier than your looking for but its not that heavy compared to the husky 372 I use or the ms650

 

If you're even thinking about either of these, give yourself a slap. Then try a Dolmar PS-5105. Way better power, priced same as 291.
Pro-quality vs brick, 'nuff said.