Anyone else using this saw? I bought one in 2012 as my first chainsaw based on it's light weight, a few positive reviews, and low cost (I bought a refurbished unit). I couldn't be happier. I've only used a few saws in my life (a Craftsman electric and Husqvarna 235 are the others) but I'm really impressed with my little saw. It got a little bit of a workout today for an hour or so and I'd like to think it did pretty well with some 20-24" red oak. So is anyone else smitten with this thing or am I going to be blown away if I ever use something else?
That is some seriously nice oak and it looks great but aren't you missing something here? Where are the chainsaw pictures,
20-24" Oak with a 435? You are a patient man, far more so than I.... I've done medium sized trees like that with a smaller saw, not quite as small as the 435, IIRC it was a MS250 (45cc). I'm guessing you had to cut from both sides for most of that trunk. The 435 is a good machine for sure, certainly an improvement over what you were using before. But in 20-24" Oak you are indeed going to be blown away by saws with bigger engines. A 460 Rancher or a Stihl MS291, or Echo CS590 would knock your socks off in that kind of wood. And they aren't an unreasonable investment either. They all hover around $450-$480 new. You'll still use and appreciate the 435 if you own a larger saw, but you will probably only use it in smaller wood. (under 10" or so). And whatever you do, NEVER even THINK about running a pro grade saw. You'll be broke, have a dozen or more saws, and an unhappy spouse in NO TIME. Here's a demonstration -- 20" Red Oak.
Nice! Glad to hear you're happy with the saw! Nice looking wood too. How are you hauling it out of there?
Yep. I had a 435, a 435T, and a 455. Until I got my 036 Pro. Then I sold all the Husq's. But until the 036, the 435 and 455 were darn good saws. Bought both new and was impressed with the weight. Now I just want power... Weight comes second. Here is the 435 and 455 . Both good saws. I lived the 455 so much, I bought its better half, the 55 Rancher. Love that saw.
Haha. I knew that was coming. This was a last minute pic after I'd packed everything up. Next time I'll be sure to take pics with the saw included, especially on threads where I proclaim my love for said saw. Yup. I'm making two cuts for each round and the rounds gets split with a maul in the woods. MasterMech, I wish I hadn't seen that video. I'm very new to chainsaws and while I've gotten pretty comfortable and gained some experience in the past year or so, I'm probably not ready for a 28" bar. Now, a 24" bar... That might just be the ticket.
There is nothing wrong with either of those two saws! Granted they aren't pro saw material but if you take them for what they are they are a pretty nice combo that will tear up a lot of wood! Also at a rate of 4-5 cords a year I'm not sure you would ever wear them out for a long long time. My 450 still looked and ran like it was brand new 4 years later. I am guessing one year on a loggin operation saw would be the equivalent of 15 years of use the way I use them?
My buddy runs the 455 rancher boy that's a heck of a nice saw! Funny thing I opened the muff ( no baffling ) about 70% and that saw just about pulls you over the log now.
That was a civilized bar. 28" but the "light" version. It handles like a 20" on that saw. I absolutely love it. You could always buy a saw like that and set it up with a 20". Move up to the bigger bars when you're ready. Used pro saws are addicting. You can buy and sell, often for no loss of $$ and even a small profit. Then when you get into buying basket cases......
Or not sell. I'm not sure I'll ever use up my used pro saws cutting 10 - 15 cord a year. You just don't put that many hours on a pro saw cutting for yourself. Also, the hours aren't that hard.
Here she is. Cut a little more today. Still love this saw but I definitely need something with a bigger bar...
yep, bitten already You can still cut a lot of tree with a 16". Heck, I bucked a 20" pine with a 14". But I wish I had a bigger one. oh, and a bigger saw
I'm not sure a poll has been take to verify this but I would put money on at least 80% of the firewood hoarded by members of this site being cut with a 70ish cc saw with a 20-24" bar (volume of wood cut not number of saws). I always have the 50cc and 95cc saws on site while cutting and they always see some action. But, they don't see anywhere near the run-time of the 71 which would be my sole saw if I was forced to choose.
Great looking saw there ! Im a sucker for that style . 16 inch bar can get a fella far . Like I have mentioned before .....I had a 450....had a 16 inch and 20 inch bar with it . I would go out and mark all the trees that the 16 inch bar would cut in one pass with one color tape..then all the stuff for the 20 inch bar with another color . I would spend weeks or months saving my back with the 16 inch bar . Then switch to the 20 inch . That was waaaay before I knew it was socially aceptable to have more than one saw in my lineup !!! It worked then for me..and it would work now..but a lot of saws are fun to have P.S.....Not to start any trouble....but most of us fellas could do just fine having "homeowner" saws..and they would last 10 years and beyond . I dont get into the xp hype . To me..a good balanced and running saw can be in homeowner trim as well !! Thats my rant for the day....hope its enjoyed
Looking good! There is a lot to be said for smaller, lighter saws for small wood. But, --- Having a second larger saw makes a lot of sense. I take 5 with me when I cut. 12", 14", 17", & 25" bars. (I hate having to change bars & taking time to sharpen/change chains in the field.) What if one won't start or gets pinched? - At least that's my excuse. A 70cc saw is on my wish list. The Husqvarna 372 & Jonsered 2172 both get great reviews. A Stihl 441 is another good one. To me a good used saw is an option.
60cc is pretty dominant with all the 455s, MS290s and similar saws in use here. Then there a few pro saw users cutting with 359s/357s and 036s/361s and some newer versions. I can see the 555 being very popular with this crowd. There is a growing number of 70cc+ users and we are pretty loud But far from dominant. And I run the MS261 a lot more than the 441 lately. Also the 60cc class has had some real strong models introduced lately, 562XP, 555, MS362C-M so I expect 60cc to remain the dominant class.
Since the Stihl 08 is 56cc, if I am going to make a jump 70cc makes sense. But that saw with a 25" bar has dropped a lot of trees over the years.
