Adding another saw - Need advice please

Hoarders,
I need/want another saw. I would like to get up to 30 inches for a possible occasional chainsaw mill in the future and because I often have larger trees to buck. Also, I know nothing about mills. This will be a future discussion after I do a little research on this site.
I currently have a Stihl ms271, it will run a 20 inch bar, but I run a 18. I also have a ms193 for limbing. In hindsight, I should have bought the ms261 (lighter) and a plastic spoon in place of the ms193 (not even 4 months old). So now I'm stuck with yet another decision. I don't care if the new saw is a Stihl or Husky, but only those two brands are being considered unless you guys can give me a good reason to look elsewhere. What do you say, can you help a fellow hoarder out on this? Thanks in advance.
Holland Dell

 

If you have a local power shop that is good, then I'd suggest buying the brand they carry.

 

I run a 261 (replaced an old 290 last Summer) and a Stihl 460 (77cc) for firewood. Normally run a 28" bar on the 460, but also have 20" & 36" bars for it. Rare occasion i use the 36".
The 461 is an updated more fuel efficient version of the 460 and its my understanding no longer manufactured but you may be able to still buy them new. The 462 replaced both the 441 and 461. Ive never milled with my saw, but believe its powerful enough to do so with the correct chain.
IMO, I would look for a new 461. Keep in mind its a $1000+ saw.
Ive used Stihl since 1985 and they have given me good performance with no issues other than basic maintainence so im loyal to the brand. Husky is a great brand too and a lot of guys on here love them.

 

395 Husky

Heated seats and handles.
Auto start.
Auto cut.
Auto sharpen.
Auto split and stack.
12” digital display to view FHC

I know you will choose wisely. I can’t say enough good about my 395 but my friend has the 461 and I am impressed.

 

This. Especially good on taking your side when it comes to needing warranty work.

The local guy I had started using because he sold Echo (he's the local Stihl dealer too) just lost a $1000+ sale because he gave me such a hard time about wanting to buy a 20" bar for my 50cc saw. Basically told me he wouldn't honor any warranty on the saw if I ran a 20" bar on it, a size the manufacturer sells the saw with. Whined, got upset, and argued with me over it. After spending a couple thousand dollars over three years in this guy's shop decided that was the last penny he'd ever see from me and was certainly not going to count on him to back me up if I have an issue with a saw I'm gonna use to mill with. When I went to the Husky dealer they were thrilled to sell me whatever I wanted and brought up that the saw I bought would even be good for milling even though I never brought that subject up. Time will tell, and hopefully I'll never find out who's better at getting their product warranted, but I'm thinking if I do find out it's gonna be the Husqvarna dealer.

 

I wasn't aware the Husky 395 came with all those options.


Sign me up!!


Welcome aboard Holland Dell


No experience with the larger saws or chainsaw milling.

I know that Scotty Overkill and Mag Craft both do some milling. There are others, but their names escape me at the moment.

 

I am a husky guy admittedly but I looked really hard at the Dolmakita 7900. Lot's of people really like that saw and it wakes up really nice if you need.

Honestly if you have a couple saw shops around stop in and grab a hold of some of the bigger saws. Check the balance and the feel. Bigger saws usually meaner bigger trees and having something that feels good in your hands should equal to more safe operation. Lot's of good saws out there.

 

Holland Dell
Here's a link on milling for your perusal.

Bought a chainsaw mill

Oh, and if you wanna call out a member specifically, use the @ symbol followed by the first three or four letters of the username.

 

If you plan to use the mill even somewhat regularly, you should buy the biggest saw possible. Most tend to suggest a minimum of 90cc for a mill. Something like a Stihl 661, a Husqvarna 395, etc. You need a lot of low end grunt, and although the 70-80 cc saws are fast and cut great, they are not ideal for milling. My personal recommendation would be to try and find a used Husky 395.

 

An older Stihl MS660 or 066 would be good for milling. I ran a chainsaw mill with an 066 on it, and it was adequate for the job. I probably wouldn't consider anything smaller. Be prepared for sticker shock - a new 90+cc saw will set you back over $1000 and that's not counting a $100+ bar and ripping chains.

 

Stihl 460/461/462 will handle your cutting needs with the occasional 30” tree no problem. I have no experience with a mill, but others prefer a 90cc saw (Stihl 660/661) for milling.

 

Geez! and i was happy to get the cup holder accessory with my 261!

 

+1 on dolmar/makita 7900/7910

 

Aren't you supposed to mill the other way ?

 

Eaiser to mill free hand that way!

 

Crackers? Any dip?

 

No, spent all my money on the dolkita.

 

well you sure are getting nice flat cookies

 

Keep in mind the 7900/7901 are only recommended to run up to 28" bars.

To run long bars, you need a lot of low end grunt and an oiler that can keep up to the bar length. If you truly want to mill 30" logs, you need at least a 32" bar. While a 7901 could run a bar that size occasionally in normal bucking situations, milling requires extended periods of run time and the probability of a lot more heat build up. I think you'd be unhappy with the results.

I've had a 7900 bought new in 2009, and as I said its a great saw, but for milling I think a Husky 395, a Stihl 660, a Dolmar 9010 would be the minimum I'd use. Could even argue using a 880 or 3120. That occasional milling may turn into a weekly occurrence if you enjoy it. Buy once, and buy the right tool.

 

Is it L&S, and are you in Avl? If so, mind PM or posting which Husky dealer you went with? Thanks!