If you could only have one saw what would it be?

[Wood Doctor]

Stock MS361 or stock 036 Pro. But, If I had more muscle and didn't mind throwing it around, my Makita/Dolmar 6401 with a Big Bore Kit would be the saw that I would keep. It's versatility is enormous.

 

[toolfreak]

OK, since no context was provided, let's change the question: The economy has tanked badly and fuel is expensive. You've had to sell off a lot just to get by, including saws, but you need wood for heat. Spare parts and paying someone else to do service is mostly out of reach. Now what saw do you keep?

Run the 359 till all the fuel was siphoned out of all the vehicles! Then switch to horseback, 2 man bucksaw, ax, and pure American guts!

 

[RAS61]

Any quality 50cc class saw of your choice. Light enough for limbing, powerful enough to buck most logs.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

OK, since no context was provided, let's change the question: The economy has tanked badly and fuel is expensive. You've had to sell off a lot just to get by, including saws, but you need wood for heat. Spare parts and paying someone else to do service is mostly out of reach. Now what saw do you keep?

How did you know? I gotta stay off the 'net.

 

[old-cat]

 

[Chris-PA]

The scenario I described is exactly what I'm expecting. For my purposes an 18" bar is sufficient for most of my firewood gathering. The most common bar & chain combo is lo pro 18" 62DL with an A041 mount. That fits my GZ4000 & clones, as well as my old Craftsman/Poulan 42cc (basically a Wild Thing with A/V). I'd want to keep one of the strato GZ4000s as they are light, powerful and efficient, and I do have a fair amount of spares, but otherwise parts will be hard to come by.

The 42cc Craftsmans are everywhere and more will be crawling out of the woodwork in that scenario. They are not that efficient, but not too bad. They are simple, reliable and decently powerful. Therefore I will always have one of those around and it would be the last saw I'd get rid of.

I'd probably be better off getting a newer 42cc Poulan Pro with a strato engine, as those are very common too and more efficient.

View attachment 379852

Eventually that will be the norm again, but not yet. Especially while we all live in our isolated nuclear families and there isn't enough manpower available. That will change as kids cannot afford to move out on their own.

 

[TheLazyBFarm]

Stihl MS 362 CM

 

[old-cat]

Chris-Pa
I've been thinking "gas mizer" saws and I think you've got it nailed real good! The Husky 350 fits my mentality much better.
I'm afraid gas is going to be a real problem when that time comes, so the picture above is what it might be.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

I always keep a Husqvarna 350 in my arsenal of saws. They're nice saws for occasional use around the farm..

 

[Dilly]

Ported 372xpw or in stihl version a 440/460 hybrid ported!

 

[snoozeys]

My small 028av is a keeper even if I had to sell me others

 

[kz1000]

If you could only have one saw what would it be?
The twenty three year old Blonde that I "SAW" down the street, wood will be supplied.

 

[porsche965]

A solid 70cc saw with a 20" and 28" bar. Stihl or Husky would be fine.

 

[Tired Squirrel]

Despite the new rules... Still gonna keep my Jred 2171. Or if Orange is the only color in the "new world" Husky 372xp

 

[lone wolf]

If you could only have one saw what would it be?
The twenty three year old Blonde that I "SAW" down the street, wood will be supplied.

Does she have some nice Ash?

 

[jeff taswelder]

I would sell my petrol lawnmower and get a reel mower ,
Then I would keep my 064.
Not to much weight with a 20in bar and perfict with 24-30in bar.
Dam saw will most likely stihl be spitting wood chips long after I'm in the ground

 

[Freakingstang]

372..

 

[Wood Doctor]

By good friend down the street says that his Husky 353 is the only saw he will own for the rest of his life. However, he has never run my Stihl MS361 nor my Stihl 026 Pro. I have a feeling if ever ran either of them, he would change his tune. Remember that physical strength of the operator has a lot to do with the choice.

 

[MountainHigh]

my 562xp with a nice light weight bar for great balance:

however, when I get into my 70's in a few years, I'll likely want an even lighter saw (550xp) if/when doing a full days work. My plan is to keep working out with weights in the off season, to make sure I don't have to give up fav pastime of felling, bucking and packing home/splitting wood

 

[a. palmer jr.]

That's a tough choice, I like a lot of them. I did enjoy running my Husky 359 this summer though...