Second chainsaw - what to get?

I've made up my mind to purchase a second chainsaw. I currently have a Stihl MS290 with an 18" bar. For what I've cut in the past, the MS290 has treated me well. I will be going on my third season of wood heating this coming winter and I'm also working on my three year plan. I was thinking of purchasing a used MS290 with an 18" bar. My thinking was 1. I'm familiar with the Ms290, 2. I can use my current set of chains on the "new" used chainsaw, 3. If one died or was damaged, I can use it for parts on the other, and 4. I could keep a small inventory of common parts I may need to replace.
What has been your experience with size of chainsaw, bar length, etc. when considering having more than 1 saw? What would be an "ideal" set of saws to have for cutting to heat a home?

 

I have the 310 which is the saw I use the most but like you when I bought a second saw (390), I stayed with Stihl so I could use the bar or chains from the 310.

 

Yours is a very reasonable approach. And I like that size saw, only oranger. Very versatile.
I’ve never really worked a Stihl.
What are you think for your third saw?

 

My second saw was a husky 435, 16". As you are thinking, the chains can be used interchangeable with my older husky 40. Also, I wasn't going to need a bigger saw, based on my homeowner usage.

I've cut many a cord with them. Both are running just fine, and I haven't missed not having a bigger saw. Maybe a very few times a bigger saw would have been nice to have, but that's what friends are for.

 

Big saws are cool.
If you do much limbing small saws are an indispensable tool that will be much appreciated.
I love my little top handle Efco with 12” bar.
I can limb “fast” and safely plus get the big saw out of a bind if needed. I never go to cut wood without it

 

I just told the wife of the "need" for a second saw. Maybe the third saw "need" will happen next year. Right now I think my third saw would be something lighter and smaller like for what Scout80 posted above.

 

I never considered bars and chains in my decision for a new saw. If they work it's a plus but not really deciding factor.
With that said, I did buy a 2nd 350 as a backup/parts saw if ever needed.
What has driven my decision on my latest purchase (288xp)was being able to rip thru larger logs than a 18/20" bar could deal with.
My stihl I picked up when thru a family member and was a freebie so I don't count that as a purchase.
It is nice for bucking though. (saws in my sig)

 

Third saw is just a good start if you hope to cover all the cutting you will need to do. 1 might protest that day so it goes into the probation area until further notice. 6 or maybe 8 saws is better if you can get them into the garage without attracting to much attention. Just my 2 cents.

 

If I were in your shoes, I'd consider a 60cc class saw or a lower 70. When you get into larger wood, you can significantly reduce the time it takes to buck the log.

 

I would agree fully with Jason here, "Big"/"small" saw combo covers most any contingency. As Scout80 said, a small limb saw/tophandle is a nice option also.
To my mind, an MS 261 & Ms 462 type combo would be a good 2 saw plan. Pick your own color as those are size/cc examples. Just be careful when buying saws, CAD can sneak up on you & then this happens.

 

Lots of great advice above from some very experienced wood hoarders.

When I was in your situation I actually went the opposite direction and purchased a smaller saw, a stihl ms170. I wasn’t in the market for one but the shop I deal with got one in on trade and the price was to good to pass up. If I remember correctly it was well under $100.

I actually find myself grabbing that saw for just about everything around the house. It normally rides in the back of my truck, Jeep or ATV when out at the family camp. Great for clearing trails, trimming branches and of course limbing larger trees. It’s also very nice having a second saw to get me out of trouble when I do something dumb with larger saw and end up stuck.


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This^^

 

We heat with wood and I have a small manual sawmill for our lumber needs plus family and friends. I'm very happy with my MS-250 with 18" bar (got it new just over a year ago) for most of my needs and to speed things up on the larger stuff I get out my MS-391 with 25" bar (got a great deal on it used with light use) with full chisel chain. I did muffler mods on both of them last winter and I'm very happy with them. Not being a Pro, I don't feel the need for the greatest equipment made. The power, weight, and performance vs. price has worked out well for me. PPE and good files are just as important as the saws as well.

 

All depends on what size wood your cutting. If most is under 20” I’d get a smaller saw for trim/limb, if you cut a lot of over 20” I’d be looking for a 70 cc plus saw.

For me the smallest I need is my 026/260, others like a smaller saw or top handle for trim/limb. Like others said the 462 is a great “big saw”.

That plan would also put you on track for a great future 3 saw plan.

 

I have a 460 Rancher with a 20 inch and an MS 250 with an 18. This combo seems to handle my needs.

 

just keep moving them around to different spots in the garage. when you get to 20 or so it is easier because they all start to blend together.

 

Keep an eye toward the future (third saw)!
Best 1 saw, 2 saw, 3 saw plan?

 

You guys are starting to make me think I need more than 2 saws. I might be coming down with something.

 

There is no cure!!