Rate my old saws

Well here's my "fleet". I'm not a real "saw junkie" that is they are just another work tool for me. As long as they run (well) and are dependable, I'm good. I am just a firewood cutter using about 8 ish cord a year and cut off my own land. My 044 has been my "go to" saw forever after the old 041 Farm Boss seem's to be getting a little tired. That 045 I bought new probably about 35 years ago and at the time, was my "big" saw that seemed to be powerful but it's really heavy & thirsty and now I think it has fuel line issues. That saw probably has less than 50 hours on it. The 028WB was given to me by a neighbor that pinched it in a log, and found out that you can NOT pull it free with the tractor with a rope through the handle!! I replaced the handle and now it also (I think) needs fuel line(s).
I have a top handle climbing saw (MS220 or 200??) that is not in the pic. I like it for some smaller limbing and cutting/thinning the "undesirable's" on my ground, no issues other than it seems to be "cold blooded" and slow to warm up.
Basically my situation is, I'm getting a little tired of swinging my trusty 'ol 044 around topping & bucking mostly nothing bigger than 12", and would like a lighter saw. Is the 028WB a good saw? And/or what would be a good 50-60 cc saw. While I am far from a "pro" user, my past experience is that it is well worth it to not "f" with a homeowner class saw. I have absolutely no reason not to get another Sthil, but I am open to any other saw that will give me 30 years of "fuel & oil only" cutting pleasure.
I read "PP's" thread on the Ecoh, and good things about the Makita/Dolmar.
It would be nice to use the same 72 dl chain, loose some saw weight and as little power as possible asking too much?

 

Nice saws

I think if you're looking for a light 50-60 cc pro saw, a 555 or 562 would fit the bill nicely

 

I'm a Stihl guy. Nothing against the other brands, it's just what I know best. If you're looking for a kickass 50-60cc saw my recommendation would be a Stihl MS261 which happens to be on the low side of that range. If you're looking to run something lighter than your 044 that'll comfortably keep with that 20", 3/8" bar & chain look at the 036/0360/361/362 Stihls. None of them would be a mistake and the best of the bunch is always debated. A 60cc class saw is spot on for running a 20", 3/8 setup.

Yes, the 028WB is a good saw. I wouldn't rely on it for that b&c setup, but it's a good little saw.

 

You have some very nice old saws there! A couple legends, some might say.

The 028 is a great saw. Very durable, they've been proven to hell and back. BUT, it is getting old tech and there are more powerful saws out there with less weight. Even an 026 is lighter and has about the same power, maybe a hair quicker. Personally, I would skip a 261, they're too bulky for me for a 50cc saw. Up to 12? I'd do as said above, 545 (or 550). Don't forget the Jonsered equals (2252/2253), the straight top handle makes them feel like less of a switch from a Stihl. I went with the Jonsered 2253, very happy with my choice.

If you go with a 60cc saw, you'll probably do like most guys do that already have a 70; you'll leave that 60cc at home and just end up using the 044. Save some bucks and some weight, get a 50cc. However, you probably won't be using a 3/8" chain on a 50cc, so the 72DL chain isn't going to be compatible.

 

It sounds like you want a new saw to replace your 044 that's lighter and still has plenty of power to pull a 20" bar?

562xp or 362cm. If all your cutting is under 12", do yourself a favor and sell the 044. That way you won't be tempted to use it instead of the new saw. And a decent 044 will still fetch $500, which would pay for a good chunk of your new saw. As a bonus, the 362 will be able to use the same bar and chain as your old 044... Or keep the 044, just in case, and get a new 50cc saw... 261cm or 545/550xp Husky (or 2252/2253 Jonsered). Use the 50cc, unless you come across some bigger wood, then bust out the 044. Confused yet? Me, too!

 

Not so much, really. Published weights:

044: 13#
562xp: 13.01#
362 c-m: 12.8#

I think a good 50cc saw would be the thing to acquire. I'd probably keep the 044 and sell the others.

 

If your cutting 12" mainly, get a 261cm with a 16 or 18" bar. Forget about using the same 72 dl chain.

Id be willing to buy your 044 and some chains to help fund your new saw <insert buzzard>

 

I would hand you my 261 to try out. It's a badass little 50cc saw. A 346XP and 550 are very good also.

60cc saws are certainly an option too but I think you'll appreciate less weight and not mind going to the 044 when 50cc's isn't quite enough. Besides you want to intentionally leave just enough gap in the lineup for another purchase later

David

 

Please post a picture of your top handle stihl.
We've got one in our family, it was my grandpa's saw. My parents say they should bring it down for me to have. It's the first chainsaw I ever used due to it's weight. The Mac 610 and homelite zip were too heavy, and even heavier for me to use back then.

 

How heavy is a 261? Is it lighter than an 029 farm boss?

 

Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of.

 

It'll happen. Trust me.

 

I'm looking for dependable 1st. then budget 2nd.

 

There's no way I'll ever get rid of that 44! I just want a little brother for it, even if it is a a half brother (another color/brand)

 

That saw is actually my newest saw. I bought it new about 10 years ago. Probably too new to be like your Granpappy's saw.