Saw advice

[silentbob]

I ope this is the right place to post this; I'm following the link for in the homeowner section for questions about saws. Anyway here is my question:

I have to do some major clean up for down and dead tree on my property. Most of the clean up will take place around the creek that runs through my property. With the high winds this past winter I've had some pretty big trees fall over and into the creek. I've neglected creek maintenance the last two years and my my wife loves to walk the creek when her boys (me and our two sons) are bugging her, but she can't get very far these days--so I have to clean about 7 acres of creek bottom up. I have a Stihl 025 w/ a 16" bar which I believe is too small for the job ahead of me, so I think I need a bigger saw. I'll take some pics tomorrow to show the size trees I have to clean up but fair number of them are larger than 16" in diameter.

I am fairly comfortable around saws, been handling them on weekend basis for 25 years so I would put myself slightly above a weekend warrior. I'm not brand loyal, I've handled Stihl's (my Dad's 08 and my 025), Husky's and Jonsereds. I have local dealers for all of these brands, but I've been looking in the local classifieds for a used saw as well. In fact I saw this add today:

HUSQVARNA 372XP CHAIN SAW
70.7CC, 5.3HP, 20-blade, 13.4-lbs, professional grade, only cut 10-cords, like new, $650.

This seems kind of high for a used saw to me but it's been a long time since I've looked for a saw.

So what size saw should I be looking for? I have ~60 acres with about 50% hardwoods, so there is always clean-up and firewood duty to pull and I think I'm slowly killing my 025. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Tom

 

[mbayer]

I would go with a stihl 362 or if you think you need a little more saw that or any 372xp would be a great saw the 362 is new and unproven but alot of good things have been siad, and the 372 is just a great saw.

 

[Rollin coal]

I have a Stihl 361 and absolutly love this saw. I keep a 20 inch bar on it but also have a 25 that I put in for those special occasions. It will turn a 25 if you don't bind down on it too much. It's a good all around saw light and pretty stout.

 

[thomas72]

If you are going to be working around a creek you are going to need a saw with a good oilier with good power and is light. I would say a 362 class saw for the smallest and a 372/441 for the larger end of the scale. I personally liked the Stihl 441 better than the 372. Cutting in a creek has very demanding conditions on a saw.

 

[SpaayDawg]

I'd go to some of your dealers and see if they have any used saws. I'm a Stihl-A-Holic so I can't comment on some of the other brands like others can, but I'd say any Stihl 290/310/390 would fit your bill. (Blah, blah, blah I know they weigh more than the 361/362) BUT, these can easily be had at a dealer used for under $300. At the other dealers see if they have any 55cc+ saws, you're going to want something that can pull a 20" b/c. Remember any saw will last you if you take good care of it regardless of brand.
















PS - GET AN MS361, YOU'D LOVE IT!!!

 

[woodsrunner]

How big are the trees? If you have 7 acres of trees to clean up in the creek bottom, I would go for a 372 or 441. That's a pretty good sized job and a pro saw is always my choice. If they are wind blown/ice storm root wadded then it will be tough work, so go for a bigger saw with some power. Also it will be tricky work, cutting this kind of stuff can be challenging, be sure and have some chaps and a hardhat.Also carry some wedges with you. Be safe and good luck. BTW, the 372 new will run you somewhere in the 750 to 800 range.

Scott

 

[jd548esco72]

i would shop around for a used 440,372xp or equivalent J-red.

or hit home depot up for an GOOD ex rental 6401 makita--

7 acres ain't much to cut really. do you know anyone that would loan you a pro saw locally?:greenchainsaw:

 

[Chaz1]

I ope this is the right place to post this; I'm following the link for in the homeowner section for questions about saws. Anyway here is my question:

I have to do some major clean up for down and dead tree on my property. Most of the clean up will take place around the creek that runs through my property. With the high winds this past winter I've had some pretty big trees fall over and into the creek. I've neglected creek maintenance the last two years and my my wife loves to walk the creek when her boys (me and our two sons) are bugging her, but she can't get very far these days--so I have to clean about 7 acres of creek bottom up. I have a Stihl 025 w/ a 16" bar which I believe is too small for the job ahead of me, so I think I need a bigger saw. I'll take some pics tomorrow to show the size trees I have to clean up but fair number of them are larger than 16" in diameter.

I am fairly comfortable around saws, been handling them on weekend basis for 25 years so I would put myself slightly above a weekend warrior. I'm not brand loyal, I've handled Stihl's (my Dad's 08 and my 025), Husky's and Jonsereds. I have local dealers for all of these brands, but I've been looking in the local classifieds for a used saw as well. In fact I saw this add today:

HUSQVARNA 372XP CHAIN SAW
70.7CC, 5.3HP, 20-blade, 13.4-lbs, professional grade, only cut 10-cords, like new, $650.

This seems kind of high for a used saw to me but it's been a long time since I've looked for a saw.

So what size saw should I be looking for? I have ~60 acres with about 50% hardwoods, so there is always clean-up and firewood duty to pull and I think I'm slowly killing my 025. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Tom

$650 for a 372 with 10 cords under it's belt is a good buy(That's if the seller is being honest) That saw is barely broken in. You actually could buy that saw, do your cleanup, and decide if this is a saw you want to keep or to buy something else. You could easily get the $650 or darned close to it, after you finish your work. Very, very nice chainsaw. I'd say buy it.

 

[FarmTough]

Go get yourself a Husky 372xp and have some fun.

 

[Farmertim]

+1 on the 372. I recently bought one used that was in great shape and couldn't be happier! For $650 I would want the saw to be mint! I payed $470 for mine and it has good compression runs great and has no cosmetic damage (no cracks, no paint chips etc.) Good luck!

Tim

 

[nmurph]

that might be a skosh high, but not too out of line. new that saw was ~$750. you will like it.

a 361, 362, 440 or 441 will do nicely. whatever you do, don't read up on the dolmar 7900 or about buying a 6401 from home depot for $200 and putting a $200 79cc top-end on it. i repeat, don't do it!!!

 

[silentbob]

Thanks for all the replies. I have to resize the photos so I can attach them but just walking around there are at least 50 trees in or around the creek plus another 50 or so in the woods anywhere from 8-30" in diameter, 20-80' in length.

I have ear and eye protection but have been foolishly negligent on leg protection. Any suggestions on a good set of chaps? Thanks again for all the help.

 

[Rudedog]

Thanks for all the replies. I have to resize the photos so I can attach them but just walking around there are at least 50 trees in or around the creek plus another 50 or so in the woods anywhere from 8-30" in diameter, 20-80' in length.

I have ear and eye protection but have been foolishly negligent on leg protection. Any suggestions on a good set of chaps? Thanks again for all the help.

Another member sent me these which I'm going to order.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200395705_200395705

 

[Gypo Logger]

It sounds like your main concern is the access to the woods to create recreation for your family, if so you could just cut your way thru so you have trails.
That sounds like alot of wood on the ground. Is it of any value as saw timber or veneer?

If you're just cutting your way thru the slash your 025 should be ok. I can't see much point in buying a 372 if your just going to block everything into firewood and leave it to rot on the ground if that was your plan.

However, it sounds like you might have at least 30 cords on the ground. If you can sell it as firewood or even logs it will more than pay for any saw you want.
Gypo

 

[fishercat]

650 is high for a used 372.

I can get them new for about 700 with tax.

I have one for 400 but shipping might make it pointless.

 

[Rudedog]

I can get them new for about 700 with tax.

I have one for 400 but shipping might make it pointless.

Double wall box it and send it USPS. It doesn't cost much at all. Remove oil and gas and pay the extra $10 to insure it. That would not be a deal breaker.

 

[lmalterna]

A saw I have not seen mentioned here would be the currently available crop of Husky 365 Specials... Just a step slower than the 372Xp but quite a bit cheaper and a top quality saw. I was going to order one but found a like new MS440 for a good price.

I use sthil chaps but would like to try Lobonneville next.

2Door

 

[SpaayDawg]

1 Vote for Labonville Full Wraps

Get the Labonville Full Wrap Chaps from Bailey's. They're great, kneeling down in he snow my legs didn't get wet and with the straps they stay where they're supposed to as well.

LINK

 

[huskystihl]

Husqvarna 359! Pro qualiies without the price tag, cuts with a 361 and proved to me they last. We used a pair at the woodpile for years cutting hardwood and using bigger bars than we should have. What can I say? we were broke and the dealer gave us a screaming deal on a pair of them and they went through hell and back twice and not once did they ever not start.

 

[silentbob]

It sounds like your main concern is the access to the woods to create recreation for your family, if so you could just cut your way thru so you have trails.
That sounds like alot of wood on the ground. Is it of any value as saw timber or veneer?

If you're just cutting your way thru the slash your 025 should be ok. I can't see much point in buying a 372 if your just going to block everything into firewood and leave it to rot on the ground if that was your plan.

However, it sounds like you might have at least 30 cords on the ground. If you can sell it as firewood or even logs it will more than pay for any saw you want.
Gypo

I don't know what kind of value it might have. I would use it for firewood and I thought about taking some of the maple and cherry taken to the local mill. Unfortunately I have very little oak but I do have a decent amount of black cherry, which is 95% standing. I've thought about having my property selectively logged but after our hunting property was "selectively" logged I'm a little concerned about making a mess of my land.