The thread on the one, two, and three saw plans is great reading, but I am looking to transition from the one saw plan (Husqvarna 359) to a two saw plan. The 359 wears a 16" bar, and I seldom wish for more in my woods (hardwood poles, mostly 8" to 16" thinning for firewood). My BIL just pushed me along by giving me, out of the blue, a new-in-the-box 460. An awesome gift, but I don't recall seeing that combo on anyone's two saw list. In fact, there was very little guidance on the one to two transition pathway. So my dilemma: do I gently ask permission to return the 460, or keep it and swap its 20" bar with the 359's 16" bar? If I return it, which saw do I buy as a replacement to get to a more diverse two saw plan (does not need to be cost-neutral, I'm willing to make up the difference). Maybe a 550xp? Or smaller??
Are you talking about a Husqvarna 460 rancher? 60cc saw. If so, isn't the 359 the same size, but actually higher hp? Having one saw that is lighter for limbing is really nice. If the 359 handles the trees you deal with well, then there shouldn't be any need for anything bigger, right?
Yes. Now I have two very similar saws, and the 359 has worked very well for me. Many of the two saw recommendations are 50cc and 70cc. It is hard to get there from one 60cc saw (what I had, and what many suggest for one saw), let alone from two 60cc saws! I'm not looking to offend my BIL, but it is both an overly generous gift and not the saw I would have bought.
You have a dilemma for sure, but ya don't need 2 60cc saws. Go with one of these for lighter weight , not a big difference in weight between the two though . Lighter than 12.79 lbs 460 My 445 isn't a pro saw but I like it and use it a lot , it weights 10.8lbs , 18" bar
Sounds like you need a 50cc and a 70cc saw to complete your 3 saw plan. I dont have a 60cc saw, but most of my cutting is done with a 372 and 550xp and it works out just fine. If you go big bypass the 372 and go with 461 stihl, or 7900 dolmar those saws will pull a big bar if you need it.
I like and use the 50cc and 70cc plan when working or doing firewood.... My 50cc saws have up to 18" bars....my ms461 has 20"-32" bars....this has all the wood sizes I will encounter covered.... I had a ms362 (60cc), but after I got the 461, it just sat in the garage, so I sold it.... If the 16" bar is all you need most of the time, put a 20" on the 460 and you have a good insurance plan...however, if you are just "wanting" a new, bigger saw, now is the time lol!!!! Now just don't ask me why I have a lot more than 2-saws LMAO
Tough spot and depends how well it would go over with your BIL to ask him to exchange. I guess you could sell the 359 and get a 40cc (Dolmar would be my choice) but that 460 isn't as well built as your 359. Ditch the 460 if you can. I started out thinking it was a Stihl, in which case you would have had a hell of a good problem! Still a first world problem for sure. Good luck.
Flamestead sounds like you are a husky fan.. if a 60cc is big enough for ya.. I will go the opposite way of most why not get a 45cc little limb saw. you are thinning for firewood,, so you find tree you like.. drop it with 60 cc saw.. grab 45cc limb saw and cut up/off crown.. then go back and buck with 60cc saw.. added bonus I got a lot of friends that live on acre or less they like to come to country to play.. some like dropping tree some are afraid to.. I got a buddy that loves to take crowns and build brush fires.. he bought a 245? husky.... good little saw it's his idea of fun... we cut a few trees he builds a brush fire and his son (6yo) roast hodpt dogs and marshmallows.. he is a city boy but he gets to see his dad run a saw..
Flamestead, your brother in law must be one great bloke to give you a brand new saw! He probably observed that your 359 was the perfect size for your situation and decided to get you a backup not realising that a smaller saw can be advantageous at times. I say honour your BIL and put that 460 to use. It's great to go cutting with a backup saw, if you hit something and dull the chain just pick up the other saw. Foul a plug, change saws. Run out of fuel? I once went all the way out to our cutting area and forgot my fuel can, it was not a problem because I had two saws in my truck fuel'd and ready to go. Then of corse there is the dreaded pinched bar situation. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk