with a Saw

luvacampfire

I really am confused by all of the different ideas and opinions on the net about different chainsaws.I own a 10 year old Echo with a 16" bar that works great for small trees and trimming limbs, also a 4620 Poulan pro that has bit the dust and a Stihl with an 18" bar, the Stihl goes through chains faster than any saw I ever used.
I cut about 2-3 cords of oak per year to use for campfires and during the year some Youpons and Pine on my home property. My local repair shop recommended I try the 510 Dolmar but after doing research on the net I'm leaning to the Dolmar 5100 with the 18" bar.
Do anybody have some suggestions for the right saw to purchase?

Bruce Hopf

Why is the Stihl going through so many chains? Are you sharpening your chains, or is someone else doing the sharpening for you? Thanks. Bruce.

__________________
McCulloch chain saws
1- Pro Mac 60, 1- Pro Mac 700, 2- Mac 10-10 Automatic's, 2- Mini Mac 30's, 2- Mac 110's,
2- Mini Mac 35's, 1- Mac 140 with Automatic Chain Sharpener,
1- Pro Mac 10-10, 1- Mac Cat, 2- Eager Beaver
2.0's, 1- Mac 1-10
Stihl chain saws
2- 044's, 2- 034's, 2- 024's, 1- 064, 1- 084,
Strunk chain saws
1- Busy Beaver, 1- SpeeDemon Special
Stand Back, I Have A Very Extreme Case of CAD (Chain Saw Addiction Disorder).

Thdaoub

In fact, what's wrong with it?

windthrown

Heck, I just bought another MS310 after modding and flipping another 029 Super. I like running Stihl saws, and they sell really well here used. I have had several Echos, and they just did not hold up over time like my Stihls have. Nor did they run as well for me cutting in the woods. I have owned a lot of Stihls, and I am always looking for more of them.

I dunno why you would go through chains just cutting a few cords of firewood per year. The MS310 I just got would be a good economy saw for you if that is all you are cutting. It came with an RM chain and a 20 inch bar. The chain has 75% of the life left on it. I would imagine that the chain will last for cutting about 20 more cords of firewood. The bar will last far longer than that. Tuned with a drilled/modified muffler, the 310 will almost keep up with an MS361. I have shipped several of them to NZ and Oz, and I have gotten a lot of positive feedback from the buyers of the 310. Sadly they are not available here in the US any more though, or soon will not be. They have been replaced with the 311, a heavier, more expensive and less powerful saw. The 260 would be another good saw to get while they are still available. They are being replaced soon with the 261. Not as wound up as a Dolmar 5100s or the Husky 346, but they are tried and true, and bulletproof. They will last you a lifetime. The Husky 346xp (late model version) is another good saw from my experience using them. I would get one of those before the Dolmar. With Dolmar here the issue is support. Few dealers carry them in the PNW. Far more Husky dealers, and far far more Stihl dealers here.

htpd43

Hi luva,
what's the biggest round you'll be cutting? From the info you gave I would suggest a mid to high 50 cc saw. My personal preference in saws is Jonsered. I have several, starting at 35 cc and up to 65 cc. My favorite is probably my 2054 turbo. Both of them . In that range I also have a 2150 which is nice as well as a stihl 026.
I think the biggest thing you will need to think about is support. A great saw will do you no good if you can't get support. My jonsered dealer is fantastic. He also sells dolmar and echo but will work on any brand. I know that if i have a problem or need a part it can easily be taken care of.
I hope this helps if you are still looking.
Lou