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Thread: Saw Recommendations

  1. 08-09-2010, 07:07 PM #1
    sticks65
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    Saw Recommendations

    I am looking to get a new saw - I have a hand me down Poulan Pro that isn't going to cut it(Pun intended).

    I am in Michigan and I will be cutting around 30-40 cord a year. I am new fairly new to this, but I am trying to figure out if I should go w/ a lower level pro model or a higher end land/homeowner model.

    There are Echo, Dolmar, Stihl, Johsered and Husky dealers with in a 1/2 hour of me so I have a lot of choices. I will be cutting whatever is in front of me and I will probably only have 1 saw for a while so I need a good balance of features. I am thinking that an 18" bar would be good? I don't really want to spend any more than $500 or so - less if that is what is best for me. I have learned a lot from this site, so thanks in advance.
    .
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  2. 08-09-2010, 07:15 PM #2
    mdavlee
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    Cutting that much I would shoot for atleast a 60cc saw if not a 70cc saw.
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  3. 08-09-2010, 07:19 PM #3
    AUSSIE1
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    Try the Dolmar 7900 being probably the cheapest and everybody raving about them.
    Al



    Out back of Silverton where the movie Madmax was made
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  4. 08-09-2010, 07:24 PM #4
    longbar
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    Quote Originally Posted by AUSSIE1 View Post
    Try the Dolmar 7900 being probably the cheapest and everybody raving about them.
    x1000 that is the best bang for your buck
    I gots too many saws to use!
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  5. 08-09-2010, 07:37 PM #5
    nmurph
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    as much as i love the 7900, if you only need an 18" bar, a 7900 is too much. that is 60cc territory. a 361 is probably the best choice, though you will need to add another $100 to your budget.
    the 7900 is a great saw if you are in 20"+ wood.
    346's 357's 359's 372's for sale- PM me if you are looking

    Quote Originally Posted by mweba View Post
    Ya sounds like a guessignosis to me
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  6. 08-09-2010, 07:40 PM #6
    MuleyJ
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    If you have a good Dolmar dealer then I agree with the Dolmar/Makita. Depending on the size of wood you cut the 6400-7900 something should fit your budged and demands. There are a lot of other great saws from the manufacturers you mentioned, but not for the price. The great thing about those is that you can buy a 6400 and if later you decide you need more power or the wood gets bigger you can upgrade to a Mahle 7900 P/C for less than $200 and an hour or two of your time.
    Stihl MS660, 064AV, 046, MS361 ported, MS260, Stihl 024AV ported, Stihl 020T, MS170
    Husky 372XP ported, 346XPNE
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  7. 08-09-2010, 07:40 PM #7
    JustinM
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    Quote Originally Posted by mdavlee View Post
    Cutting that much I would shoot for atleast a 60cc saw if not a 70cc saw.
    Quote Originally Posted by AUSSIE1 View Post
    Try the Dolmar 7900 being probably the cheapest and everybody raving about them.

    I agree with both of these comments.

    If you absolutely positively have to go new, then get a 7900 - it will be your best bang for your buck and probably serve your needs quite well.

    If you dont mind looking around a little, Id strongly recommend looking at well-maintained used saws. For $500 you should be able to get one saw in the 60cc class AND at least one smaller one (it would be much nicer to limb with an appropriate sized saw vs. using your 60cc saw for everything).

    Used will definitely get you more bang for your buck and if you buy from the trading post here, you can look at members who sell a lot & buy your saw with confidence.

    To be honest, while I have bought most of my saws used, I wish I had never bought the 2 or 3 new ones I did because I realize I spent a lot more than I needed to just to be the one to devirginize my saw ha.

    Just my 2c.
    Dolmar 102, 5100, 7300, 7900, 143
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    To all the saws Ive loved before (sorry, I had to let you go...) ha:
    Stihl 056AV MagnumII (x3), Stihl 08S (x3), Stihl 084, Stihl 020av, Stihl 066 (x2), Stihl 034S, Husqvarna 262XP (x2), Husqvarna 141, Husqvarna 65L, Husqvarna 365, Husqvarna 371, Husqvarna 281(x2), Husqvarna 288(x2), Jonsered 49sp,
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  8. 08-10-2010, 12:56 PM #8
    sticks65
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    Would I be better off w/ a 20" bar?

    How often do quality used saws come up around here? I have checked, but I haven't seen anything that looks like what I think I want.

    Thanks for the input.
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  9. 08-10-2010, 01:58 PM #9
    MacLaren
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    I would look at either husqv 455 or stihl 290
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  10. 08-10-2010, 03:46 PM #10
    jack-the-ripper
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    Quote Originally Posted by hillbilly22 View Post
    I would look at either husqv 455 or stihl 290
    I think not.

    "Sticks", go with a pro saw if you plan on cutting 30-40 cord a year (thats a lot of cutting). A Husky 372, a 576 or a Stihl 441 would fit your needs. The Dolmar 7900 would be an even better option. Dealer support is another important factor to consider .
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  11. 08-10-2010, 03:50 PM #11
    MacLaren
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    Quote Originally Posted by jack-the-ripper View Post
    I think not.

    "Sticks", go with a pro saw if you plan on cutting 30-40 cord a year (thats a lot of cutting). A Husky 372, a 576 or a Stihl 441 would fit your needs. The Dolmar 7900 would be an even better option. Dealer support is another important factor to consider .
    .........500 budget?
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  12. 08-10-2010, 04:12 PM #12
    o8f150
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    look at the cs-680,, with an 18" bar like you want to run it will cut anything you want.. i have the 670 and it has plenty of torque.
    husky 346xp 16" b/c muff modded and tuned masterminded
    husky 372xp with 20" b/c muff modded and tuned masterminded
    ms170 mm'd and adjustable carb with 14" b/c



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    i may be an old fart but i can learn



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  13. 08-10-2010, 04:22 PM #13
    MuleyJ
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    Quote Originally Posted by hillbilly22 View Post
    .........500 budget?
    Dolmar/Makita 6400/6401 with a later upgrade if needed
    Stihl MS660, 064AV, 046, MS361 ported, MS260, Stihl 024AV ported, Stihl 020T, MS170
    Husky 372XP ported, 346XPNE
    Dolly PS7900 sling'r ported
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  14. 08-10-2010, 04:27 PM #14
    MacLaren
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    Quote Originally Posted by MuleyJ View Post
    Dolmar/Makita 6400/6401 with a later upgrade if needed
    Yeah, that would work.
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  15. 08-10-2010, 04:38 PM #15
    saxman
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    Visit your local dealers and pick the one that has the best dealer support, repair and parts and go with that brand. I have Stihls, not necessarily because they are the best but I have a great dealer that provides excellent support after the sale.
    MS211/MS260/MS261/MS361/MS362R/056 MAG II/MS441R C-M/MS660
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    Vintage saws: Mall 12A, Homelite WIZ, Homelite C-51, Homelite C-71,Homelite XL-12, Homelite SXL-AO, McCulloch Power Mac 6 Automatic, Poulan 361, Shindiawa 350 +2, Pioneer Farmsaw
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