Help with selecting my new saw!!

I am a new member here and wanted to get the consensus before I buy my new saw. I need a saw for cutting firewood of various sizes. I am gonna be pretty much a scavenger, collecting logs here and there for heating in my wood stove. The saw will pretty much occasional use maybe a few cords a year. I don't really need a pro saw but I don't want to buy one each year either. I am looking at these 2 pretty close:

Husky 545 & Stihl ms291

I know the husky is a semi pro saw and weighs 10.8 with 3.35hp and autotune
and the Stihl is a farm & Ranch weighing 12.3 with 3.76bhp w/ carb adjuster screws.
The question is weight vs hp increase vs real world experience.

I can get the husky for about $20 less than the stihl because I have a connection with a Husqvarna dealer. Thanks for the replies!

 

What about a used pro saw? Many options out there. I'm not downing the 545 at all even though I haven't run one.

 

You should buy the Husqvarna cuz that's what I have and like and I would never buy a junk saw!

Now that that's out of the way...both these saws will serve you well. It's all personal preference. I actually do like Husky better in terms of power to weight...but that's just like...my opinion...man. I haven't handled many of the new Stihls to see if they have gotten lighter. The auto tune is great so far in my experience. The 1/2 h.p. gain from the 291 won't be very noticeable, but the 2lb lighter weight of the Husky will. Depends on what you plan to do with it really. I like as much H.P. as I can get in the lightest package possible which is why I bought a 550 instead of the 545. Not much difference there, but it's my preference to have a little more power even if the cost is more. It is my "all-arounder". I have other saws for other tasks.

 

That is also a good option! Worst part about this is I used to have an ms261 but sold it off bc I needed some quick cash. I loved that saw and I fear its replacement might not live up to it. The problem is it was more than I needed and now it's roughly $180 more than I can get the other saws for.

 

The 550 is a great saw. If you want a little larger, step up to the 562xp but it comes at a cost. If you're a firewood and not planing on monster trees a 455 Rancher is a good saw that can be had reasonably priced. I had one and never had issues with it. Always remember that you can cut from both sides of the tree so diameter shouldn't be an issue. Ohhh, and the squirrels aren't timing you and posting your cut times to FHC either.

 

First welcome to the club! My name is Brad and I'm a firewood horder....

I agree with the opinions that have been shared so far. Pick what feels best to you and works best with your budget.

What size range and type of wood do you usually cut?

You say your old saw was a stihl 261. Honest queation have you ever dealt with a husky outboard clutch? I personally don't care one way or another as there are pros and cons to either inboard or outboard. Both kinds cut wood. Gooder enough for me.

Are you set on husky and Stihl or are you open to other brands?

Echo and Dolmar are two fine saw makers that make a great saw in that class. Echo 490 and 590 and Dolmar 5105 and 6100 would make my short list given your budget. Might be a good idea to fondle some more saws. I know twist your arm right!

 

Thanks for the replies. I'm gonna stick with Stihl or husky just because of dealer support purposes.
The main question is if the .4 hp increase of the 291 over the 545 is noticeable enough to warrant the 1.5 lb increase in weight and better handling.
AND are these numbers on paper even real in your experience

 

Welcome ! Out of your two options...the Husky 545 is the best option....with a 16" bar. I had the 545 and 550xp at the same time. In my opinion...the 550xp is not worth the extra $ over the 545.
It sounds like you need an "all around" saw for cutting various size trees.
If it was me....a Husky 555 would be nice !
But don't forget about Echo ! I have had a CS-590 Timberwolf...... It was a nice solid performer. And $399 or less..brand new...it's by far the best deal out there !
I like the 40cc to 55ish cc range personally. I only seek out certain size wood.....which is a nice option to have !
Good luck with your choice

 

To me..the answer is..no. And I can tell you the 545 is "zippier". But take a look at the 555 as well.

 

Bigger isn't always better..if you don't need it ! Weight and handling are big factors. It's hard to just have one saw .

 

The 555 would certainly be better but I think much higher $ over the 545

 

My advice: handle and spend as much time with the saws you are interested in. Make the dealer earn their money and get you a demo saw ti run from the distributor. A good dealer will absolutely do this! After that choose for yourself!

Not to be harsh about it but my opinion is shaded by the fact I worked at felling and power line clearing. Fuzz's opinion is shaded entirely differently. And neither will do you much good because your a different person too. Choose what feels best for you.

 

You have to decide what kind of power you need !
I think you are in the good 50cc range. I've mostly had the lower 50cc saws. I started with a Husky 350....then a 450...545...550xp. In the right hands..they can cut ALOT of wood.
You seem dead set on those two options....so my final vote is 545 !

 

Sound advice buddy ! I only cut certain size trees..so I can get away with something different !

 

If you're a scrounger, running a 20" bar might be a good idea. Everybody and their brother can clean up the small stuff and it might be harder to come by, but not many have the equipment to go after the larger stuff. You can tackle big wood with a 20" bar...it might take a bit more time, but it is well worth it in the end.

 

Ex

Exactly! And I like bringing down giant 32" hardwoods. But I don't discriminate. They all make noise eat wood and chit saw chips. Horses for courses.

 

X2 !

 

Here to muddy the water a little more....have you considered an Echo Chainsaw, say CS490 or CS500P? Great reviews and warranty (5 years) and likely cheaper.

 

It's been a while since I've been on here, but I'm sure there has to be a couple dealers lurking????

 

I think Echo is always a wise choice ! I have a cs400...and cs520 currently....and they are no slouches lol !
This one saw thing bothers me though. You gotta have 2 or 3...or 20