Help me choose my next saw!

So my wife shocked me by saying, "Why don't you get a new saw for your birthday?" Can't question logic like that! Let me give you some background. I cut mostly Oak and Live Oak, 4-6 cords a year. My main saw is the MS440 with 28" bar. I have a 13yo and 21yo son who help me cut. They use the 346XP and 350 Huskies.

I have a MS660 but it doesn't get used very often. Every couple of years I'll go up in the mountains and cut up a big Lodgepole or Ponderosa for kindling and shoulder wood.

My only complaint with the 440 is the vibration. If I run it all weekend, my hands will be numb for several days. I am okay with the weight but wouldn't want to go much heavier. On the one hand, I work out five days a week and still have plenty of strength. On the other hand, I'm 56 so can I sling this saw another ten years?

Knowing all of that, I am thinking about either a 60cc class or 70cc class saw. I don't know a lot about the current models. I have dealers for Husky and Stihl somewhat close, so those are the only brands I am interested in. What do you think? What would you suggest? Appreciate the feedback everyone!

 

I just turned 76 and picked up a new MS362 a couple months ago

 

Husky 562xp or 572xp. Stihl 400c.

 

Husqvarna 562XP with a 28 " bar did these logs no problem .

 

Get an MS362 or else the MS500i

 

Stihl 462C. I have one and like it, very lightweight for 70cc. Avoid the aftermarket muffler Kool aid, they add power but too loud for me.

 

4-6 cord a year....I wouldn't get a new saw. I know saying that is unheard of here, but if you have two boys helping you cut, and you already have plenty of saws....then you only cut about a cord and a half a year a piece. Not much at all. But if you just want a new saw, then I agree with the 462. It is a very nice mid size saw.

 

My life goals right there! I hope I can get a new saw on my 76th.

 

The Stihl MS 400 seems really well liked and is light. Barcroftb has one and really likes it.

 

Those are all on my list to check out on Saturday.

 

Did Stihl improve the antivibe over the MS460/440 era?

 

Yes, the newer ones have spring AV. If you like the 440, I would get the Ms400 or 462. The Ms362 needs to be ported to be a useful saw IMO.

 

The 500 is interesting, I swear it weights the same as my 440. I have no idea how they did that.

 

If you end up getting a 500, I imagine your 440 will get parked. If money isn’t an issue, get the 500 and don’t look back. Maybe even send it to huskihl for the XS treatment at some point.

 

Cutting the rounds is a small part of the process. The back of this property is overgrown and thick brush, Live Oak and Manzanita. We cut all the brush back and then down to the ground and haul it up to a burn pile. The end goal is to clear all of the brush back there for wildfire safety. We cut the downed or standing dead oaks and larger Live Oaks as we go. If I just need firewood there is plenty of standing dead around that is easy to get to. You are absolutely right though, I could make do with what I have for sure. This is a hobby and I enjoy running and collecting saws.

 

If antivibe is important, run a 562/572/592. They are butter smooth.

 

The way I'm feeling I'll be happy to be alive at 76

 

I made a couple cuts with his personal ported 500 yesterday. Oh my......

 

Is bar compatibility a thing for you ? A 400 or 462 is gonna be your best bet if it is. All these new saws are smooth, they all have springs.

 

My vote is for the 462c. I love that saw for lightweight, balance and power. Mine is super easy to start too.