Finally time to upgrade from my craftsman

MS 261 CM-I've never read better reviews and I'm a review geek-I have to have one-I'd look for one of those used-they are $609-629 depending on bar length...I'd say one for 4 bills is easily obtainable in good shape...but I'm a Stihl guy, I think I've said that....again-enjoy the ride and choose wisely-Merry Christmas to all...

 

If I were you, I'd go with one of the saws from fordf150, either a Dolmar 5105, or a ps510 if you want to save a little.

 

Nicholas, I too started out with a craftsman as my very first saw. It was given to me free and I very quickly realized it wasn't going to suit my needs. I purchased a homeowner grade, plastic case Husky 450 brand new while the crapsman was relegated to limb duty w/ a 14"b/c. I got pretty serious into hoarding and came to the conclusion that I'd made the wrong decision on a new saw. Sold the 450 (about 15 cord later) and stepped up to a pro grade saw w/ full magnesium case (Husky 357xp). Huge difference! I have a buddy w/ a 455 and I think it's a turd (no offense to others intended, just my .02). Go pro grade Steel or Husky and you won't go wrong.

 

I like my Stihl 241. Very good Pro grade saw. Very light. Runs fast. Too expensive, but it was more about the dealer for me.
My closest dealer is Husqvarna, but they are too snooty for my liking. Have yet to find a Dolmar dealer near me.
Echo dealer is a hardware store, so I don't know about their service.

Go with a used Pro-grade if possible! The lighter the saw the longer you can run it!

 

If you can find a Stihl MS361 pro saw, they're going for around $400. on the used market. Great saw 59cc and will handle up to a 25" bar. I prefer a Stihl MS460 or a MS461 they'll handle most anything you can throw at them.........That's only my 2¢.

 

That deal on the PS 5105 is a awesome deal. I love the Dolmars I have. I agree with whats been said if you go new go Dolmar or Echo - something with magnesium housing. If you go used then you have other options. Either way - whats better than shopping for saws when you actually "need" one? Good luck.

 

If you're talking the 6-bills region, IMO forget the southern-German ones. Look at the Dolmar 6100, and put the bux you save into 10-packs of Bailey's chains, unless and until you lose interest in rototilling. All the Dollies mentioned so far are pro-quality and powerful.

Seriously, that Dolly 6100 will make 261s and 361s look dainty. Bud called mine "badazz" after first sampling. It still is. Of course, it does not matter what power-head you're running. First, foremost, and last you have to take best care of the chain. It is a chain-saw.

Happy hunting.

 

I'd be all over that 5105 from f150 if you want a new saw. One of my favorite saws and that's a heck of a price.

 

I also started out with an 18" craftsman.

And I also say there's some good used deals on good saws.
I picked up my Husqvarna 450 for 200bucks in very good low usage shape.
Night and day from the old craftsmans.
The 450 isn't technically a "pro saw" but there also only 400 bucks brand new.

 

Any chance you bought mine(2010 I think)?!? I sold it for $200 and it was very clean. Here's the 2 CL pics:

 

Looks good like yours, got mine on ebay?
Didn't come with a bar cover though.
Lucky me, the other half bought me the Husqvarna power box for Christmas lol

 

So I've read everyone's input and watched a ton of videos and I'm stuck between the still ms361 and the echo cs-590.....the videos I watch they both seem to look like they cut through wood like butter unlike my pos craftsman.......what to do what to do

 

CS 590 & spend the rest on other gear. I own an MS 361 btw. Great saw!

 

Other gear? Like oil and chains ? What gear do I need


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I agree on the echo 590. As far as other gear, I'm a believer in ppe (personal protective equipment). I wear a forestry helmet, chaps, good footwear, and leather gloves whenever I'm cutting more than a fallen limb. Worth the money to save a leg, eye, or life. I also have a whole bag of gear that stays with my saws, which includes;
An axe, hatchet, prybar, extra hearing protection and extra gloves, some falling wedges, a bit of rope, my timberline sharpening system and stihl sharpening "kit"(this includes the file, raker gauge, and file guide all in a nice little case). I also have a sledge and a couple splitting wedges but rarely use them.
Keep reading and watching videos to learn. That's helped me tons.


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X 2 on the 'extra gear" chaps are a great idea, just make sure they fit correctly. My trouble with chaps is it seems im always tripping because of them. So i dont wear them my bad. Wedges and something to pound them with are a must. At least 1 extra chain that is sharp is also high on the list as are a scrench, a file, a come along, some basic first aid supplies and a tow chain.

 

As mentioned above the videos can help you alot. Watching the bc fallers training vids has helped my technique and safety alot.

 

BC fallers is here

 

BC Fallers starts here:


I find this one useful too:

 

Idk how cutting down trees came about in the discussion lol