Looking for a bigger saw to take on log- length firewood, and include some noodling on 20" pieces. I currently have a Stihl 211 (a new one with the bells and whistles) and absolutely love the saw. Starts easily and predictably every single time and for a 35 cc saw, does remarkably well IMO. So I am looking for a mid- range (I guess a 'farm' or 'ranch' saw) in the 60 cc or so range. A Stihl 390 w/ 24" bar will fit the bill nicely I think but is expensive for 5 cord of firewood cutting per year. The Husqvarna will come in at least $150 less expensive but seem comparable overall. Also, Husqvarna bars and chains are easier to get from a local big- box store while all thing Stihl come from a dealer (about 25 miles away) or mail order. I have read a large number of threads that have the Stihl upgrade to a 362, then finally a 441, 'which can be found used all over the place'. I am wary of buying a used chainsaw sight- unseen so that is the attraction to buying one new and from a local dealer who will honor (I hope) the warranty. Any advise appreciated. Brian
I'd go for at least a 60cc saw to complement your current one. A 70+ cc model coould work really nicely too.
If we're talking Stihl 391 money, I'd be real tempted to try a Husqvarna 555 or maybe a Dolmar 6100 instead. Don't get me wrong, the 391 (the 390 has been discontinued for years now. ) is a pretty decent saw. But for $500+ you can have better.
If you want to spend in the $500+ range like MM said I would look hard at a 555 Husky, great 60cc saws IMHO.... I would also look hard and read about the Echo line of saws, 590 or 600P great bang for the buck. Good Luck
590 yes. skip the 600 though. $100 more and all you really get for that extra coin is a metal wrap handle/rim drum.
budget of $500-550. I would look at 590, 6100, 555, 2258, 6400. increase that budget to $700-750 and i would add 362, 620, 2260, 2172, 7910(PHO at this price but still in budget so i included it), 7310, 2166, 562. IMO if the plan includes lots of noodling I would put inboard clutch high up on the priority list.
I suggest the MS 461. Buy a 28-32 inch bar and a 20 inch bar (good dealer will discount when you buy the saw). I bought a new one two years ago at a logging show, with the bars mentioned and have all the flexibility I need. 90% of the time I use the 20 inch set up, but when the big stuff pops up I can quickly switch out and handle with ease. I realize it is expensive, but its not like you buy a new saw often right.... I cut over 10 real cords each of the last two years and this saw has never skipped a beat.
Given your requirements and the small selection of saws I have experience with I would suggest the 576xp.
I have a 562 that I have noodled with quite a bit. The stock chain catcher makes noodling fairly slow and not too effective. Mine has the roller chain catcher and the large spikes and it noodles much better with this setup. The inboard clutch saws definitely seem to have an advantage when noodling.
If you're thinking about doing some noodling with it, I'd look in the 70cc range. My MS362c (59cc) is my go-to firewood saw, but I don't noodle with it. It's got enough power (barely), but it can't put enough oil on the bar, so my chain will get a lot of buildup and go dull quickly. If you've got your heart set on the 60cc range, I'd look hard at whichever one can output the most oil. Also, larger gauge bars (.063) have a wider groove that can carry more oil; that could give you better results as well. Also note - the "warranty" on chainsaws usually only covers manufacturer defects. Any repairs needed from regular operation are your problem. So I wouldn't necessarily let that question influence your decision.
I haven't had the same trouble noodling with my 362...but I don't do it too often. I have to crank on it pretty hard to bog it down noodling white oak.
I have the 600P and am quite fond of it, I think perhaps is a little bit heavier built saw than the 590, though both are good saws, I guess it boils down to the individual wanting to spend the extra coin now or later. One gentleman on here had to replace a broken handle on the 590 and upgraded the sprocket, I think he was in the neighbor hood of $100 by the time he did this, so it works out about the same. JMHO.........
I'd probably lean towards the Husky 555 over a Stihl 391. Unless of course you can find a used Makita 6401 at Home Depot for $250-$300.
BDF how many bars, and chains do you plan on wearing out at five cords a year? IMO, I wouldn't let proximity of such parts be a deciding factor on what you purchase. Also, as mentioned by many others here, a saw in the 60-70cc range will do everything you currently require, with ease. Just buy what fits best, both ergonomically, and monetarily.
I didn't mean to sound like it *can't* do it. It just can't do it very well IMO. You'd probably agree with me if you ever got the chance to noodle with a bigger saw.
590 and 600 are the same P&C plus all the plastic is the same, same cases. wrap and drum are the major differences. Your right though on the replacement parts. Rim drum for the 590/600 is close to $50. i forget what the wrap costs but if you upgrade the 590 to 600 specs you would probably have more money in it than just buying the 600 to start with but it also isnt much of a step up to go from the 600 to the 620 which gets you more power, mag clutch cover, daul spikes
