Need new saw

nelsthorn

I cut 30 to 40 face cords of firewood per season. I have had an Echo CS 400 for a couple years that works great for anything under 12 inches. I need more speed, want to get a new saw based on speed and price, and for that bigger then 12 inch hardwood. What are your recommendations based on my cutting needs.

Thanks all!

ScottyAFoster

Well Mate them is a deep question. Dealer bought is normally the best path,future parts or repair, advice. How good are you at fixing things,if a all thumbs person then dealer is required,if a handyman then you got other choices. You need to buy a 50CC pro built saw. Me brand is not the top thing in my purchase,a good dealer is my first choice when buying a new saw. I am semi retired logger and only buy Stihl,they last a lot of year when treated with care and are maintained right. The new strato 261 is a ok saw. The big reason to stick to one brand is parts sourcing is easier.

nelsthorn

Thank you! I am a handyman, or at least would like to think so. I think I can handle most anything with a chainsaw. I have owned a lot of saws over the years, but never a Stihl, and yes, I am seriously looking at finally getting one this time. I am looking at the M290 or M311. I am not sure how much bang your getting with the 311 for all the extra money over the 290. Like I said though I anything but made up my mind yet for a purchase.

thanks again

ScottyAFoster

The 290 is good a 390 is better.

Paul Toivonen

The new huskys are worth a mention.
Lighter, more powerful.

ScottyAFoster

Around here you only see box store junk Husky saws. Stihl is better supported in my area. You get a saw there had better be a dealer close they break dont yaz know

KevinE

Dolmar/Makita 6421; pro saw with heaps to offer for less $$$ than a Stihl or Husky home owner saw.

Rob Chace

i would go a Stihl 361/362 (036/360) or 441 (044/440).

I personally prefer the 440 i use mianly that and a top handle for work with the odd 260 thrown in for good measure too. but the 361 gets a fair run when working firewood (not the tree service).

Paul Toivonen

Dont forget the Jonsered saws too, if husky is not to your taste.
If you repair yourself, most parts can be bought online. (Much easier than for motor vehicles)
Only problem with dealer servicing is you need to get it done when they arent busy.
A recent experience had us waiting over a month for a machine that was not repaired anyway.
They said we will need to buy a new one after they did not even attempt a repair.

nelsthorn

Thanks for the replies guys, I am looking into all of them, it's good stuff. I have been cutting firewood for 25 years and this time I am going to buy a REAL saw, one that will decrease the amount of time it takes to pile wood up.

ScottyAFoster

If I was a wood burner I get the legendary Stihl 044 with a 3/4 wrap and dual dawgs a 28" ES light bar and full skip chain. Check on line on local classified ads and the flebay for older saws. The one saw that is worth a mention is 272xp Husky. 70 CC is worth a look,you already have a limbing, tiny wood/trim saw.

ScottyAFoster

To the op I just check the craigs-list adds in lansing wow lots of good saws.

nelsthorn

Ok I looked in to everything mentioned here, some interesting saws, like the Makita. But after a lot of research on the best bang for the buck based on what I need, I am really leaning on the Stihl MS 311 with a 20" bar right now. It has all the latest and greatest in air filtration, 59cc'c, 3/8 chain, 4 1/2 hp. I am thinking this is the one for me.

ScottyAFoster

The 311 is a good choice. Get some good PPE and get out to the woods,make sure to bring a big you will drool after getting a more powerful saw. You will need a bigger saw soon

jakers

im really impressed with the 290 myself. its alot lighter than the 311 and with a muffler mod and .325 chain it cuts faster too. but i also have an 036 that has never let me down and i would say is the perfect size saw for all around use. now i bought a 441 so for be stuff i use that, small the 290. great combo. in your situation i would recomend the 361 or 362. very proven saw thats put alot wood into the stove

nelsthorn

Your post brings up a very good question. The main reason I have leaned toward a 311 vs. a 290 is the 3/8 chain. I read this post and it brings that question back, some say .325 cuts faster, others say 3/8 is the way to go. To be honest I have never cut with a 3/8 chain, always .325. The 3/8 chain is the primary reason I have decided to go with the MS311 even though the 290 is just about as much saw with the chain being biggest difference. The 290 is $100 bucks cheaper also. So really, is there any diff in the chains cutting abilities?

ScottyAFoster

Your dealer can order a 290 setup for .325 Pitch or .375 pitch. The extra CC's of the 311 with a 20" bar and full house chain is a nice firewood setup. .325 is not well liked in the PNW. .325 has one minor advantage for sub 60cc saws and it is kerf width, it wider then .365 pitch and and a wee bit narrower then .375 pitch.

nelsthorn

Thanks RNTK'er, this keeps my mind on the current direction of the MS 311. I am working on a deal with a dealer right now for the 311, a spare chain, and a case. Trying to see what kind of package deal I can get because I WANT IT.