Bucking Saws

Ha. I'd imagine there are threads all over about similar topics. I have watched videos and read other threads. Let's start another

Currently been running an Stihl MS270 that I think I have had since 2009 or so. It has been a really good saw, that I don't plan to part with until it implodes: as a back up saw and to do light tree cutting, limbing, etc.

But, starting a small firewood business, I have been purchasing and plan to purchase truckloads of logs and would like to purchase a bigger saw to speed up the bucking process.

I had my eyes and heart settled on an MS362, or perhaps a 362C-M. But just like when I was purchasing the tractor, I have now been doing research on the the 70cc class pro-saws (MS462 and 572XP). What I don't like about the 70cc class is that they are about $4-500 more than the 60cc.

Primari use for the saws would be standing in one spot bucking logs.

Is the 572XP heavy? I see that it is about 1.3 lb heavier than the MS462 and 2.2 lbs heavier than the MS 362. There is a used 572xp for sale locally that is only 3-4 months old for a reasonable price.

Will I see noticeable improvement/value of 70cc saw compared to a 60 cc saw?

Typical log diameter is 12-20". Not typical for logs over 20".

I'd love any advice anybody might have!

 

Go for the 572xp and dont look back.

 

I've ran both. I have a 462 and a good friend has a 572. The Husqvarna 572 is heavier than the stihl. I really like both, and I'm sure you would be happy with either one. If your only cutting 20 inch wood a 60cc saw would handle it easily.

 

What does he want for the used 572?
70cc is a noticeable jump in power over 60cc. Either would be fine in 20” logs though

 

$725. 5 tanks of gas apparently.

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Fair enough.
You can get into a new one for $750 with a warranty

 

For logs under 20" I would use my MS361. It's a lot lighter than my 461. You could get a premium 60 cc saw and have it ported for less than the 70 cc. This is my saw after porting by Scott Kuntz, a.k.a. Tree Monkey. and

 

Oh really? I thought they were closer to $1k. I haven't actually stopped at a dealer though. Good to know.

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I believe that HL Supply is running a 20% off on Husky saws, but I think it ends tomorrow. Picked up a Husky 55xpg mk2 with 18" bar, but haven't run it yet. I've been running an older Husky 365 special and the newer 562xp. You can do a lot with 60 cc's if you are only running 20" bars.
Do you know anyone in your area that will let you run some saws to get a feel for them?

 

Spend the extra cash & get the 70cc saw, put an 8 pin sprocket on & slap a 20” LW bar on it. If you happen to get a load of larger logs then you have the saw to take care of them with out working the smaller saw like a rented mule.

As far as weight of the Stihl saws I am not sure where you got your weights but my 462 is 2.6#’s heavier than my 261, I would think the difference of the 462/362 would be somewhere in between.
pic #1 is of my 261 full of fuel & oil

Pic #2 is of my 462 full of fuel & oil

 

Can't recommend the MS 362, mine just lacks the power I thought it should have. I have an XS 036 pro that will just rip, it'll run with a stock 046. My main bucking saw is a ported 044 by Mastermind & then reworked a bit by huskihl . Either saw will handle the work you describe with speed & comfort. I'd go 60cc class ported if it were me.

 

If you look at both of JimBear 's pics you'll notice the stickers from the porting guys. A ported saw punches well above it's weight class.

 

Unless you have a good Husqvarna dealer close I'm not so sure a 572 is a good buy. You need it hooked up for a reset if that situation presents itself.

20" logs...a 462 is a hell of a firewood saw and doesn't feel much different than a 60cc saw...

 

All of the weights I have been going by are from the manufacturer website literature, powerheads only, I'm assuming dry.


Ms261<ms270<ms362<ms462<562xp<572xp (as far as weight goes)




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I appreciate all of the comments. I have both a Husky and Stihl dealer locally, which is nice. I will have to stop in and check out a 462 in person at the Stihl dealer. Or watch for a used one.

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Run both and judge for yourself.

While I agree, porting does add an extra $300 to the price.

 

huskihl Can you do your sausage magic on an M-tronic saw or does it have to be straight carb?

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Mtron and autotune both adjust fine by themselves

 

I guess I could have asked a clearer question, with an assumption you port saws. Can you port a M-tronic?

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Kevin can put extra sausage in either.