In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Decisions... decisions.....

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by MikeInMa, Jul 27, 2019.

  1. MikeInMa

    MikeInMa

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    Well, I find myself with the task of buying a new saw!!

    My older Husky 435, has some scoring on the cylinder wall, that is visible through the spark plug hole. The saw was having issues with hot starting, and this is what the Husky dealer told me. He also said it wasn't worth fixing, as it would be half the price of a new saw.

    I come home and tell my wife about it. She says "well, your birthday is next weekend, go buy yourself a saw". I'm happy to get her off the hook for a b-day present!!

    So now we come to the decision. Which shade of orange. I'm open to Stihl, if I don't just stick with husky. There's dealers of both, that are local.

    Data points -

    I don't need a longer saw.

    I don't think I need a professional saw. I cut 3-4 cords a season, for personal use.

    Both my existing saws at in the 40cc range. I'm open to a larger powerhead, staying with a 16" bar. If I get a long bar-n-chain later, then that'll be an option.

    I'd like to take a look at a Stihl model, that takes the same chain as my husky's. I've bought Stihl chains in the past. the Oilomatic 23rs 66 chain. 66link/.325/.050. I just need to figure out which models that chain works with.

    I know.. some may think it's silly, but I like having saws that take the same chain. It just makes my life easier, not having to keep them separate.

    So, what "stihl-ers" out there can help me with Stihl models?

    My husky dealer has the 435 for $279.

    I like having problems like this ~smile~ Once I get my new saw, and if the scored 435 can be fixed by someone for short money, then so be it. Otherwise, it'll become a parts saw for someone.
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2019
  2. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    Make it simple Mike. Go with the closest or best dealer. They both make good saws.

    I cut with a 16" bar for many, many moons and you can cut a large tree with it if the saw has enough power and you keep the chain good and sharp. To me, the only reason for going with a longer bar and bigger saw is first, it depends upon what you will be cutting as to what size saw and bar you need. Second, a longer bar can save a lot of bending when you are bucking up the limbs.

    Many times a pro saw is well worth the dollars but yet the other line has good saws too. I've used both and prefer a good pro saw but geeze, that 290 I had was a great saw too and I always ran a 16 bar and full chisel chain and it did great. I cut up to a 30" or 32" diameter tree with no problem. I did cut a much larger ash one time but cutting larger than the 30" diameter makes you use some tricks to get it done.

    So go with the dealer and what your heart says will work best for you.
     
  3. MikeInMa

    MikeInMa

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    Thanks, Dennis. I'll probably go to the local Stihl dealer on Monday and see what they have to say.
     
  4. jo191145

    jo191145

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    In my experience husky and stihl use different amount of links. There may be some that are equal but I wouldn’t know.
    There’s a brand new 550xp cutterhead only on FB marketplace. Think they were asking $450.
     
  5. GrJfer

    GrJfer

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    Don't overlook the Echo saws. 490 or 501 would be a 10cc upgrade to your current 435
     
  6. Chaz

    Chaz

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  7. M2theB

    M2theB

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    I’d suggest the 550xp also. My favorite stock saw if it doesn’t have the AT-7 carb. So you’d want to know the year of manufacture. Pre 2017 is a gamble. The off idle bog with the 7’s is parallel to the plastic clip intake on the older 350’s through 346’s.
    And there are some real stand up mechanics on this site and on other sites that offer born agains at a very reasonable price. An option to consider.
     
  8. SOS Ridgerider

    SOS Ridgerider

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    That’s my ad. The saw is in the classifieds here as well. I’ll be happy to answer any questions about it.
    I’ll include a bar and chain for anyone here.
     
  9. jo191145

    jo191145

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    Ohh, I want to know more about this. Bought mine around 2012-13 so I’m guessing I have one of these AT-7 carbs you mentioned.
    Can they be replaced? With what?
    I mean heck it’s a great saw as is. Does bog a little when first started cold. As much as I like the saw I never mind improvements. It’s my go to saw. The one I grab that can do just about anything and more importantly never gives me an attitude. Can’t always say that for all my other saws. :)
     
  10. jo191145

    jo191145

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    Cool. Nice saw ridgerider. I’m gonna give MikeinMa a chance to buy it. If not wrap it up for me. I’ll jump on it.
    I thought that muffler looked modded when I saw it.
     
  11. SOS Ridgerider

    SOS Ridgerider

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    Great! It’s modded. It has a larger outlet on it and a more open screen, and the can is much more open throughout.

    If MikeinMa wants it it’s his, if not it’s yours. PM me and we’ll set it all up.
     
  12. M2theB

    M2theB

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    I’ve two.
    I bought one new in 2017 and haven’t had a problem and I haven’t opened it up to really know what the carb is.
    I bought another one, 2014 I think, from a really angry owner. I got it and two other huskys for $50 from the same owner. I have a thread in here some where that goes through it. Stand by to see if I can find it.
     
  13. M2theB

    M2theB

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    550XP Auto Tune Diagnostic Reults
    Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by M2theB, Nov 29, 2018.

    I’m bad at this, but here’s the thread title
     
  14. jo191145

    jo191145

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  15. M2theB

    M2theB

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    The punchline is or was

    The original owner straight gassed it,
    The At 7, I couldn’t get past the off idle bog,
    New p/c and AT-12 carb- pound for pound my favorite saw.
     
  16. SOS Ridgerider

    SOS Ridgerider

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    This is the saw and what comes with it.

    FE08FD44-DB2A-4C04-886C-10827201844B.jpeg
     
  17. M2theB

    M2theB

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    Looks like a newer model with the cap vent hole.
     
  18. MikeInMa

    MikeInMa

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    Thanks for giving me first shot at it, but I'll probably head in a different direction. If you want it, go for it.
     
  19. SOS Ridgerider

    SOS Ridgerider

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    It has a build date of late 2017. Should have all the latest updates, and carb.
     
  20. jo191145

    jo191145

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    Looks like I’m a winner :)
    Heading for Virginia in a couple minutes if I can get the other half moving ;)
    I’ll send another pm Tuesday and we will set this up. Thanks.