What next after MS-250?

If you have the opportunity, pick up and run a Husqvarna 562xp. Lotta guys put a 24" on em and they do well with it.

 

I have 24" and 20" bars for both my 391 and 362 and they are all interchangeable.

 

I have a ms 260 and love it it's a very capable saw. If I already had a ms 250 the 260 would be a step up but not near the jump it would be to a 362 or 391. A friend of mine that's run Husqvarna's for years moved into a 462 and a 261 and he is amazed at how much better they are.

 

There's a lot of good reviews on the new echo 7310. If you can find one, a saw, with a b&c combo will be about $850. Give or take depending on how long a bar you want.

 

I’d consider looking for a good used pro saw if you have the time and patience. Depends on your area, in mine I see a couple good deals a year. Like others said your in the 70+ cc range.

 

Lighter the better as far as I’m concerned. Even a big tree has plenty of branches. I’ve got a 260 and a 441 and the 260 is what I use for the vast majority of jobs. The big one is nice for bucking since the log takes most of the weight. And it is for sure fun to run. But the 260 gets a lot more work done because I can run it all day if I want to. The bigger the saw, the faster the fatigue. And with a chainsaw, “just this one more cut” after you are fatigued is when bad, irreparable things happen. A 362 might be a nice compromise depending on your build. But for an intermittent/occasional user who isn’t doing it every day and honestly just hasn’t had the time to strengthen the muscles (is there anything else that uses a left hand overhand grip for hours a day?) , lighter is better.

 

You are right on with this. My only difference of opinion in there is if I was going to buy a 362, I wouldn't, because I have read/heard that the 400 is built on a 362 frame! Like, same saw, just more powerful. More displacement, larger piston (magnesium), more horsepower, more torque, faster acceleration.

 

I didn’t know that.
I wonder if a pro tuned, ported, muffler modded 362 will outrun a stock 400 same bar,chain, & log…

(My new 362 is still in warranty. Don’t even start…)


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Since you already own a 45cc saw, I would recommend you jump up in cc more than just 5. Go for a 60cc saw or larger. Especially if you will get an occasional fat log.

 

More powa.. if he already has 3 horse, an additional 1 I wouldn't call much more. Yes it is more, and I fully understand the differences in those 2 saws. Already having 45cc, I'm surprised more aren't stepping up their call to the next class. IMO it's a natural progression.

 

Well, you asked the right person. Because I have exactly that combo. And the 400 wins, I have made this very statement. It surprised me, I figured the ported 362 would be equal but it is not, the 400 is stronger.

 

For that size oak a ms400 would be better than the 362 but in the high 8 to low 9 range

 

They’re a good saw but kinda chunky and down on power stock compared to the ms462 and husky 572

 

This is true but the cases are modified and while 80% of the saw is the same the cylinder and piston aren’t along with the cases to feed the different style transfer ports.

 

One saw, two saws, three saws, four, five saws, six saws, seven saws....more.
Like MasterMech has stated above:
" this thread is an example of why many do not last on the 1-Saw Plan. "
Sure, at one time we all started with one saw, but it just does not stay that way for long.

Hopefully you can find something that will satisfy your needs. (at least for the time being)

 

I've had a 250 for several years and with the MM and square filed chain it tackles way more than it should and handles it well. I got a 362cm a couple years ago when my 391 barfed and have been very satisfied with it after a MM, square filed chain, and 6* timing advance. One of these days it will get some surgery but I'm in no rush on that, it holds it's own for what I do. I did modify the oiler also so I can occasionally put a 32" bar with square filed skip tooth chain on it. I don't get into big wood very often so I can live with it.

Now if I was walking into the dealer to replace that 391 today, I'm pretty sure I would come home with the 400 instead of the 362. Not a huge difference in price, very small weight penalty, and MO POWA... I'm sure a nice muffler mod would make it sing. As mentioned above, it's almost the same size as the 362, just bigger bore, lighter piston...

Don't overlook the square filing option, it does make a huge difference with a small investment in LEARNING to hand file. I'll never go back to round file (till my eyes go bad)...

I'll probably end up with a large .404 saw someday, but it will have to be a great deal fall into my lap to justify getting it because as BS mentioned, it's a want, not a need...

If I get my hands on an older big Husky, I'd do that too and do some internal surgery on it... Porting and BGD is easy on those for me, but internal surgery on the newer strato saws is over my skill set without a lathe or 90* grinder head.

 

few of my big wood/milling saws. I still have the 075,090 and 066. I sold the 064 2-3 years ago but have stuff to build another also have added a basket case 076 super.

 

I'd happily put my Tree Monkey MS361 up against a stock MS400, but, it would take more than $1000 to buy it from me.

Like The Wood Wolverine says, a 60-70 cc pro saw is a real nice complement to your MS250, easily handle 24" to 32" bars respectively.