Recommendations for Search & Rescue chain saw?

Okay, looking for recommendations for a saw for use on search and rescue operations. We got hammered up here in N Minnesota, lots of people stuck in back country cabins. I spent most of Friday night wading through balls deep snow with my 576xp clearing snow loaded trees so the snow cat could get through. That saw got HEAVY! Biggest thing I cut all night was 6", knock the top (snow weight) off and the tree would stand back up.

Looking for something light, decent power from a high reving engine, preferably stick with 3/8 chain. Probably 14 or 16" bar. This would be my primary saw when I'm humping the weight, I'd have my 395 or 576 available at the truck if we get into really big stuff.

Any recommendations? I'd prefer to stick with Husqy, I have most of their specialized tools.

 

I'd go with a top handle saw fpr 6 inch stuff. I don't know huskies equivalent to a 200t but that's what I'd want.

 

540xp is a dang good top handle saw, but Husky has never built a top handle as rugged as the 200T. If you're wanting to stick with Husky, the 540xp is what you want.

 

I had a play with a 36V battery powered Husqvarna T536LiXP on the weekend and it impressed. (Top handle 12" bar) it's lighter than my husky top handle and an added bonus was just a press of a button to turn it on, the higher Amp/hour battery lasts 40 minutes the same as a tank of gas.

For the S&R you suggest I would consider the 536LiXP with rear handle and 14" bar


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I'm hesitant to go with a LiXP saw. If we were a more urban SAR I would build a charger for my squad truck and just rotate through 4 or 6 batteries. Usually we are a long ways from the trucks, last night it was 8 miles one way by ARGO.

This summer we had a large blow down in the bwca and I spent 3 days running my 576. I brought 4 qts of trufuel and several quarts of saber pro then siphoned 100LL from a Beaver to mix when ever one was convienently nearby. That trip wasn't too bad humping the saw with my pack. The snow Friday night made it much more difficult.

 

You can always get a 346XP. They are 46cc and when ported they are a but kicking little saw. With a short bar it should drop your weight down pretty good.

 

Stihl makes a 461 fire and rescue saw, not sure if it's has what you need, but it looks okay to me

 

A few saws I would look at.
Echo 361p,
Dolmar 421,
Rear handle stihl 201,
I know there are others I can't think of.

 

StihlMS461 R Rescue

 

If you want to stay with Husky. My pick would be a 346xp either oe @46cc or ne@5occ or maybe a 550xp.

 

What's your budget on this? I keep a 13" bar on my 550xp and a 8 pin sprocket with .325" chain and it's like using a light saber on 4" and smaller wood and it'll still tackle a 20" tree if need be. And it's pretty light, but for hiking for miles through the snow I'd be tempted to get a MS200 like others have mentioned just to save even more weight. Personally I'd opt for the rear handle vs top handle for safety reasons especially if you're in a rush when cutting.

But if your budget doesn't allow that I'd think something like an MS180 or Husky 435 would do. The Husky 545 is another good option at a middle price point, same weight as the 550xp and just slightly less power.

 

Forget what I said above, you need THIS:

http://www.husqvarna.com/za/products/forestry-clearing-saws/535fbx/966063201/

 

Anyone ever run a 'big bore' kit with woods porting on a 346xp? I have run top handle saws and they were a great tool for clearing mountain bike trails. But like someone else mentioned, I like the safety aspect of a rear handle.

I have up to about a grand to spend. I donate $1500 every year and my employer matches it. The squad treasurer earmarks that as my little slush fund for squad crap. $2k allocated for high angle training next spring, got about a grand left.

 

For what you explain I think one of these two would be my first choice. especially sense you have a large saw already for when you need it. both rear handle both around 8 pounds both could handle 14" tree if needed.

 

I'd forget the 3/8 chain and go with an MS 250. Yeah it is a homeowner saw but the power to weight ratio is pretty good. You can buy them for $300 new so if it gets damaged you are not out much.

 

I sharpened a chain on one for a guy and cut a little with it afterwards. I was surprised how well it cut. They cut just about as good as an 026. The 250 is probably the best value for a Stihl chainsaw.

 

That is a little talker. sounds good.
May even sound better then my 421