Saw-- What Am I Looking For?

Currently running a MS250, looking for something bigger. I'm a big guy and expect that I could use a saw a bit bigger than the average guy and not tire out.

I would also like to be able to throw on a bigger bar for some of those big boys I come across. And if they are still too big, I want to be able to make some serious noodles and bring them down to size.

 

Husky 372XP or Stihl MS 440.Either one of those 70-71cc saws can handle 32" bar/full chisel in hardwoods no problem.

And if ya wanna go vintage,I recommend Mac PM 700 or 800/850 (70 & 82cc,respectively,those aren't easy to find now,though they're still pretty much bulletproof)

 

Help us with more info... How much will the saw be used, what type of wood are you cutting, what size wood, what is your budget and what dealer options are close by?

 

Well said.
Be careful Jack.... this is how CAD begins.

 

Poulan 3400 Countervibe late '70's-early '80's are a real powerhouse.At 56.5cc they have amazing torque for a mid sized saw.Back when Poulan made only pro saws,they'll run a newer similar sized Stihl 290 farmboss or Husky 455-460 Rancher into the ground without a problem.Still quite a few 3400's around,prices are going up now cause of demand on feebay & elsewhere.You can find a bargain occasionally however.

 

Hi Guido, nice to meet you. I'm Jack. Most of the guys on here know what I cut but it is a good idea to include that here. I am a scavenger and go from tree dump to tree dump and take the best of what I can find. A lot of times I am hacking up big trunks because that is what the other vultures left. Recently I've been cutting locust, ash, apple, maple, mulberry and a little bit of hickory. And some dead elm for Dad.

 

Oh. I forgot the how often. Once or twice a week i bring home a truckload depending on how fast I process it.

 

I know I'm going to regret this...

What is CAD?

 

Chainsaw Acquisition Disorder.

 

I've got less experience than most of these guys, but I've been fixing up old Craigslist saws for a few months and so have gotten to try a variety of saws in a short period of time. I'd say you're probably looking for something in the 60-70cc range. The 60-ish cc models I've tried, like the 034AV Super or the MS361, would be a big step up from the MS250 and probably fine for your purposes. I have yet to get my hands on a 70cc model, but I would expect it to be noticeably heavier.

 

Thanks for clearing that up. Now, what do you guys think of this?

 

CAD is Chainsaw Acquisition Disorder, or Chainsaw Addiction Disease. Its a play on ADD...

Personally for your needs, I would get a 60cc saw that can run a 25 inch bar if needed, and run a 20 inch no problem. My recommendation would be a Stihl 034Super/036/360 (same saw really), or a 361. They can be had around here in good used shape for around $350. A 70cc saw is a bit large for firewood cutting, IMO. I rarely use my 044 for firewood and it is a falling/bucking saw. It does come in handy for noodling large rounds though. For smaller rounds and most of my bucking I noodle and cut with a 361. BTW: To noodle is cutting with the grain, you get gobs of wood noodles, or curly fries.

Here is my 044 noodling in some Doug fir rounds (28 inch bar):

 

I would avoid that locked up saw. Could be crank or bearing issues. 441 is also not so well liked in the 70cc class. The 440 and 372 are better saws IMO.

 

It would take a better deal than that to make me jump on it. By the time you got the bar, a couple of chains and a top end kit you'd be into it for about $500, and you'd still have to perform the repair and hope nothing else was damaged. In my area I occasionally see running 70cc saws, with bar and chain, for less than $400.

 

CAD-Chainsaw Acquistion Disorder-Chainsaw Addiction Disease

Thistle's advice is spot on (372 or 440); but, if you are a big guy and don't mind a little more weight the 576xp (73.5cc) or 460/461 (76.5cc) will give you a bump in power with just a small weight increase for almost the same money. It all depends on how much you want to spend also. Good deals on good used saws can be found....

It sounds like you have the beginning stages of CAD already, you just don't know it yet. Good luck and saw on...

 

Buy this saw... do not pass Go:

http://frederick.craigslist.org/tls/4120358577.html

 

That is a hell of a long drive. What model is it?

 

That is a Stihl MS361 worth $350-400. See if he will ship it!

Anyone in PA/MD/VA, this is a stihl of a deal.

 

Sure be worth $40-50 UPS or FedEx etc for that if seller would OK it.

 

Waiting to hear back.