Not ignorant, you pose some very realistic questions!!!
A little catch up for those not in the know:
Here is where I am at, I used a Husky 350 for years and it did everything I asked of it. I wanted something larger so I bought a Stihl MS390, it was great!!! But the first tree it wasn't large enough and I had to hire a guy to stump it for me. I picked up a Husky 262xp at a sale, LOVED it!!! But had nothing but relability issues with it. It did however run circles around my 390, and was lighter. I ended up selling the 262 and 390, I bought the 046BB woods port, and got a 346xp. I LOVE the 046, bu have yet to run the 346 and be even close to happy!!!
So, do I get the light, nimble 5100 and hope it will do what the 346 was suposed to do, get a 361, a little more weight, go gonzo with the 7900, or just get it done with the 880?
The 660 is pretty much out with me, the 046 does that job with less weight, and yes it screams!!! But the fuel usage is high, and it's overkill for most of what I cut.
Does that help any?
Yes! Thank you. I read the thread linked in your signature line too. And I see the
GO ECHO!!! thing had already been done :deadhorse:
Excerpts below:
The thing about the 7900 is not just the hp. It's the powerband. Comes right off of idle strong already. Powerband is so flat it makes me grin even though I've been running two for about a year.
And way smoother in the cut than a 460. (No flaming please,the 460 is a great saw for sure.)
Don't know about right off of idle but it seems to have a very flat top end Torque curve (spec.s, I've not run one), the displacement would cover the bottom end in moderate sized wood though anyway. Sounds like a real screamer with displacement if that's what you want. Probably like the 460 stock, but with a stronger top end. Would cut 14" very well no doubt!
WELP, the 5100 would be a nice little saw, nimble and powerful.
The 361 is a flawless performer, and just about the right size for what I am thinking about.
5100: similar performance curves as 7900 with less displacement. Top end saw.
361: as above, except 460 (not 7900). A little more lugging ability.
Nothing against the 440 and 372's, but I'd rather have the 7900. Problem with the 7900 is I already have the 046BB, and do I need two saws that size? But the 7900 is a lot lighter, and that is appealing to me
70cc class is probably perfect if you want less fuel consumption, manouverability, and enough power.
7900 & 046BB probably is quite similar. You said yours was a screamer, so I believe is the 7900. And that the porting makes it similar in Power as 660 though I would not think the same in lugging ability as 660.
The 880, well it's just the WOW factor, put on an 18" bar, and trees will fall in sheer fear!!!
IF the 660 or even 650 modified is out; I like the sound of this approach! Your call though.
Now, not sure about the practicality of this, but the 346 on alchy, or nitromethatne? with a pipe, that might be fun!!
Or.............................???????????????????????????
Not my cup of tea.
And that is part of the conudrum!!! I want a small light powerful saw and without having something built, I am not finding it unless I get something much larger.
I think a bigger thirstier saw gets the job done much faster and with much more satisfaction if your'e up to it. Production is about getting in and out with time for the next job. Not saving a litre of fuel.
Sounds like what you've got is perfect! If the 046BB is big enough for any task go smaller. If it's not, go bigger!!
My suggestions:
460 stock (future parts maybe)
880 stock (with shorter bar)
But it's your'e call, I wouldn't go on a poll alone.
[where's that rep Lakeside53]
:jester: 
