Which Saw to Buy

New saw on the way! Went to the local saw shop, (Macandale Rentals) only 35 minutes away, this morning to get the new saw. I told the owner I had narrowed my choice to the 365 or 555 but expressed a concern about the 555 having less power than what the 365 had but liked 555's light weight feel. He suggested the 562xp at 13.1 lbs and 4.7 hp. This is a saw which his shop uses as a rentals. He did not have a new one in stock but could have it here by the end of the week. This is a saw that I never considered largely because there was not one in the saw display. GrJfer's post with the picture of the 562 with the 24" bar on the big round really helped in the final decision process! Thanks to all of you for your input!
A picture sure would have been a lot easier than this essay. A picture will be posted as soon as it comes!

 

Didn't you just buy a newerish saw recently?

 

Yes in May I got a Husky 390 xp with a 36"bar. This replaced an 076 Stihl with a 42" bar that died several years ago.

There are some occasions where I like a more powerful saw with a long bar for safety reasons.

Year and a half ago I purchased a new MS 170, which I use for limbing, marking rounds to length, and to cut whiskers when rounds split but just won't fall apart for the whiskers that hold them together. This saw replaced a Homelite XL2 that would not start on the first pull every time!

 

Glad to hear that you made a final decision.


Can't wait to see it in action.

 

Thank's .Will have to talk nicely to Woodwidow so she will come along and take some action shoots !

 

I'll say "pretty please" if it helps.

 

I think you'll find you've made an excellent choice campinspecter !!!! Can't wait to see it.

 

Well done campinspecter !! I am sure you will love the saw.

 

Hope the saw serves you well.

 

Good choice campinspecter

 

I have a Stihl MS261 with an 18" bar. It is almost as much hp as the 555 and nearly 2 pounds lighter! I have been using it to cut through 28" white oak and while you have to cut both sides, it does really well. Especially with an aggressive sharp chain.

But Huskies can be nice too

 

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how 'smooth' the 562 is. Very nice saws to run.

 

Glad I could help you spend some of your hard earned money.

I do truly like mine. It has done everything I have asked of it.

 

I am going out to cut in a few minutes, taking one 357, the 562 and 288. It's is cold today, the 562 is the "G" model and is pretty nice before the blood gets pumping.[/QUOTE]

That’s a trilogy!

 

Great choice! I really like mine but let me add, be patient with break in. Don’t come to judgement until you’ve put 10 tanks through it. My experience.
And take advantage of the auto tune before you go to work! There’s plenty of YouTube on how that should be done, ripping the tip along a log.
Congrats

 

Good advice. My 357 took a good while to break in. I was amazed at how much stronger it got.

 

Is that the 'powerline curve' on The Dragon in your avi?

 

I haven't been there enough times to know all the corners names! Pretty sure that is the area you're referring to though.