emr454
ArboristSite Member
So Im thinking about saving up for a new saw. Im looking at actually buying it around August but in the meantime I've been pouring over countless threads on here and I can't seem to make a decision yet. I've got so many model numbers, etc. in my head now that I think this is becoming an all-consuming addiction!
Here's what I want:
Adjustable oiler
rim sprocket
inboard clutch
dealer/aftermarket parts support
I'll be using it to cut firewood almost exclusively. We normally buy a couple truckloads of maple, ash, cherry, and birch logs that have ranged anywhere from 8" to 30" so I want something that can handle some decent sized firewood when it needs to. Right now my father-in-law has a Pioneer p-40 that has cut TONS of wood over the last 35 years he's owned it, but parts are scarce.
I don't really have a size class in mind but I'm leaning toward 50cc that can pull an 18" b/c no problem. I've been eying the Dolmar 420 (yea I know its only 42cc), Makita DCS510, and I've read some good things about the Husky 353 on here as well. During a recent Game of Logging class I used the instructor's Dolmar but I dont know which model. He was running semi-skip Oregon chain with an 8 tooth sprocket and it cut better than anything I've ever used before, it really sold me on Dolmar chainsaws.
I'd like to stay under $400 if possible so Stihl seems to be beyond my price range unless I can find a good used one somewhere. We've got a 361 at school that I brought home and that was a nice cutting saw. I'd love to get a ported and tuned saw, but see budget limit above:msp_smile:
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Eric
Here's what I want:
Adjustable oiler
rim sprocket
inboard clutch
dealer/aftermarket parts support
I'll be using it to cut firewood almost exclusively. We normally buy a couple truckloads of maple, ash, cherry, and birch logs that have ranged anywhere from 8" to 30" so I want something that can handle some decent sized firewood when it needs to. Right now my father-in-law has a Pioneer p-40 that has cut TONS of wood over the last 35 years he's owned it, but parts are scarce.
I don't really have a size class in mind but I'm leaning toward 50cc that can pull an 18" b/c no problem. I've been eying the Dolmar 420 (yea I know its only 42cc), Makita DCS510, and I've read some good things about the Husky 353 on here as well. During a recent Game of Logging class I used the instructor's Dolmar but I dont know which model. He was running semi-skip Oregon chain with an 8 tooth sprocket and it cut better than anything I've ever used before, it really sold me on Dolmar chainsaws.
I'd like to stay under $400 if possible so Stihl seems to be beyond my price range unless I can find a good used one somewhere. We've got a 361 at school that I brought home and that was a nice cutting saw. I'd love to get a ported and tuned saw, but see budget limit above:msp_smile:
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Eric