In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Finding the right chain saw

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by Kmart0104, Nov 23, 2014.

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  1. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    I believe one is sold already, just want to clean them up and run through them. But a member has already PM'd me and expressed interest in one of them. :)
     
    DexterDay, Nov 24, 2014
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  2. Cut4fun

    Cut4fun

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    I've seen new echo 590 going in 300ish range.
     
    Cut4fun, Nov 24, 2014
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  3. bogydave

    bogydave

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    FWIW
    I've found over time, look at the top of the line & the bottom of the line
    Get somewhere near the middle & you are going to be OK
     
    bogydave, Nov 24, 2014
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  4. Kmart0104

    Kmart0104

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    Well, I stopped at my local stihl dealer today. I am leaning towards ms250 or 271.
    I saw the 311 and I that's a lot bigger than I feel I need. That's a big saw to be to be using all day.
    Talked to my friend today and his dad is giving us his husqvarna 371xp.
    So I am leaning towards a smaller sized saw. Am I right here?
     
    Kmart0104, Nov 24, 2014
    #44 Top
  5. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    There is no difference in weight between the 271 and the 291. If you are considering the 271, I'd pick the 291 if you can swing the extra cash.

    That said, if you are looking at $450 saws, you could snag a Husqvarna 545 to go with that 371 and be in wood cutting nirvana.
     
    MasterMech, Nov 24, 2014
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  6. bogydave

    bogydave

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    Good choice :)
     
    bogydave, Nov 24, 2014
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  7. bigbarf48

    bigbarf48

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    291 or 545 would suit you well. If you'll always have access to the 371, the 545 would compliment it well like MM said. If not, the 291 may be more versatile as a single saw

    If 400 is really tops of your budget, the 271 would serve you well. I'd recommend looking at the echo cs590 though as well. Those are 399 and are a lot of saw for the price
     
    bigbarf48, Nov 24, 2014
    #47 Top
  8. bogydave

    bogydave

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    Lighter weight,
    545 is 10.8 lbs
    vs
    ms271 is 12.3 lbs
     
    bogydave, Nov 24, 2014
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  9. Kmart0104

    Kmart0104

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    The 271 with a 16" bar is going for 399.
    The 291 is foingg for 459.
    Is the husqvarna 545 comparable to the 291?
    Does an extra 5 cc's make a big difference?
     
    Kmart0104, Nov 24, 2014
    #49 Top
  10. bigbarf48

    bigbarf48

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    Any of those saws will pull a 16" bar just fine IMO
     
    bigbarf48, Nov 24, 2014
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  11. Kmart0104

    Kmart0104

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    Thank you for all the great jnfo and advice. Should I be leaning towards using a "16 or should I be looking to keep with a "18? Or personal preference ?
     
    Kmart0104, Nov 24, 2014
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  12. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    If you have a 371 coming already, then there is no reason to try to make a 50cc saw pull anything bigger than a 16" bar. The 545 is much lighter than the 291 as Dave pointed out, not quite as powerful but still plenty for a 16". Also it's built in such a way that it's easier to service and or modify should you ever choose to go down that path. The 545 has one huge advantage over the 291 and that's called AutoTune. The saw adjusts itself to your cutting conditions automatically so you are going to get the best performance it can give 100% of the time.
     
    MasterMech, Nov 24, 2014
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  13. bogydave

    bogydave

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    Good question
    I asked that about the ms261 vs the ms362 at the Stihl shop a few days ago.

    Guys answer was " It all depends on how long you want to hold the saw in the cut"
    I took it to mean the more power , the faster cutting speed.

    291 (55cc, 3.76 bhp) ($459) is 12.1 lbs vs 251 (50cc, 3.49 bhp) ($409) at 12.3 lbs
    291 has a better power to weight ratio.

    345 is 10.8 lbs, 3.35 bhp ($500)
    345 not gonna perform like the ms291, but it is smaller & lighter weight

    Now which bar size?
    16" either saw is good
    18 or 20" the 291 will outshine the other 2

    I'd go with the ms291 with an 18" , full chisel RS3.
    Get an extra chain or 2 thrown in :)
     
    bogydave, Nov 24, 2014
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  14. Kmart0104

    Kmart0104

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    Can you usually try and haggle with a dealer? Price or chains?
     
    Kmart0104, Nov 24, 2014
    #54 Top
  15. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Sometimes, sometimes no. Don't expect any miracles tho. There is not a lot of markup in OPE whole goods.
     
    MasterMech, Nov 24, 2014
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  16. GRIZ

    GRIZ

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    Stihl is the way to go:yes: ms362cm/441cm/my favorite 461[​IMG] Pick the one u want and add:banana:= 1 day :cheers: 1 day=:saw: Welcome FHC buddy let me know what u do:loco: :crazy:
     
    GRIZ, Nov 24, 2014
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  17. GRIZ

    GRIZ

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    GRIZ, Nov 24, 2014
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  18. GRIZ

    GRIZ

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    :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
     
    GRIZ, Nov 24, 2014
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  19. rburg

    rburg

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    An earlier poster mentioned a used Husky 55 that he had for sale. This size Husky would be a good saw to match up with the 371. Buying used off these forums is usually better than dealing with craigslist or ebay. I have the Jonsered version of the 545 that has been recommend by some. This model will work fine in the 16-18" size wood I like to cut for firewood. Good luck in your choice.
     
    rburg, Nov 24, 2014
    #59 Top
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  20. bogydave

    bogydave

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    Like said,
    Markup is controlled by the manufacturer , dealers can
    throw in a chain or some oil.
    Get the chain type you want on the saw
    Full chisel chain is what most here like to use.

    Saw shop I deal with want your business,
    On a new saw purchase, throwing in an extra chain is normal.
    They know you'll need more stuff,
    mixing & bar oil , sharpening chain & new chains, files etc....
    A $20 chain makes the buyer feel better, probably $10 dealer cost.

    Always ask, some do some don't
    shop around
     
    bogydave, Nov 25, 2014
    #60 Top
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