Expense account purchase for modern saw

[rmihalek]

Great replies guys and I appreciate the constructive criticism. I want to spend the money wisely and try to get the best saw that I can for what we need to do.

One of the main reasons I was thinking of an m-tronic or auto-tune saw is that when there is tree clearing work to do, typically the volunteer who does the sawing brings their own fuel along. Sometimes we have pre-mix in the equipment trailer, but it was whatever the previous volunteer brought along from 1, 2 or 3 months ago. I like the ideer that the solenoid controlled carburetors can compensate for a variety of variables like fuel, air filter status, etc.

The other thing I'm not 100% certain about is if all of our volunteers (well, at least the volunteers who agree to run a saw), know how to tune a saw. I had a guy a few years ago running the Craftsman screaming (way too lean). He was convinced it was the fastest way to cut. I had to back the H screw out a full turn to get it to four stroke and I think the saw was on its way towards seizing. He brought his own fuel as well...

So, I'm hoping to get some protection against events like this from the electronics. I agree that a MS290 is an almost bullet-proof option, but I think that only applies to folks like us who know how to tune a saw, clean an air filter, mix a proper fuelil ratio, etc. When relying on volunteers, that all goes out the window.

Oh yeah, if I tried to get volunteers to show up only to hand them a bow saw, I'd be SOL the next time I sent out a request for trail clearing!

 

[2dogs]

I would go with an MS261 or an MS290 and a half dozen safety chains. Also a pair of chaps and a helmet system to go with it. Then I would e-mail everyone the rules on using the saw, mostly safety stuff, and hold a training class every 6 months to a year. No safety class means no saw time.

 

[cpr]

For the scratch, I'm with the boys. Farm Boss x 2 and don't look back.


That, or a whole mess of SXLs .

 

[rmihalek]

I would go with an MS261 or an MS290 and a half dozen safety chains. Also a pair of chaps and a helmet system to go with it. Then I would e-mail everyone the rules on using the saw, mostly safety stuff, and hold a training class every 6 months to a year. No safety class means no saw time.

We have a helmet with visor and ear muffs in the trailer along with chaps. Nobody runs a saw without those on. Personal safety isn't an issue. The issue is time: almost all the volunteers have kids doing weekend sports and when the volunteer work is done, there's no thought of maintenance. It's a mad rush to the minivans to get the kids to their games.

I'm thinking if I can get the 562XP with auto-tune (I'm assuming they all have auto-tune now, correct?), then that will be the way to go. I'll see if the dealer can throw in a couple extra chains and I'll keep 'em sharp with my harbor freight grinder.

 

[cpr]

Great replies guys and I appreciate the constructive criticism. I want to spend the money wisely and try to get the best saw that I can for what we need to do.

One of the main reasons I was thinking of an m-tronic or auto-tune saw is that when there is tree clearing work to do, typically the volunteer who does the sawing brings their own fuel along. Sometimes we have pre-mix in the equipment trailer, but it was whatever the previous volunteer brought along from 1, 2 or 3 months ago. I like the ideer that the solenoid controlled carburetors can compensate for a variety of variables like fuel, air filter status, etc.

The other thing I'm not 100% certain about is if all of our volunteers (well, at least the volunteers who agree to run a saw), know how to tune a saw. I had a guy a few years ago running the Craftsman screaming (way too lean). He was convinced it was the fastest way to cut. I had to back the H screw out a full turn to get it to four stroke and I think the saw was on its way towards seizing. He brought his own fuel as well...

So, I'm hoping to get some protection against events like this from the electronics. I agree that a MS290 is an almost bullet-proof option, but I think that only applies to folks like us who know how to tune a saw, clean an air filter, mix a proper fuelil ratio, etc. When relying on volunteers, that all goes out the window.

Oh yeah, if I tried to get volunteers to show up only to hand them a bow saw, I'd be SOL the next time I sent out a request for trail clearing!

Pardon my ignorance as I have never worked on one of these (290), but could a fella pull the limiter caps off, tune the saw, then re-install the caps, thereby preventing the punters from taking it more than a 1/4 turn out of set? I Stihl think that's the way to go.

 

[Jacob J.]

We have a helmet with visor and ear muffs in the trailer along with chaps. Nobody runs a saw without those on. Personal safety isn't an issue. The issue is time: almost all the volunteers have kids doing weekend sports and when the volunteer work is done, there's no thought of maintenance. It's a mad rush to the minivans to get the kids to their games.

I'm thinking if I can get the 562XP with auto-tune (I'm assuming they all have auto-tune now, correct?), then that will be the way to go. I'll see if the dealer can throw in a couple extra chains and I'll keep 'em sharp with my harbor freight grinder.

Why do you need the 562 over the 555?

 

[excess650]

I guess I'll be one of naysayers. My MS290 isn't exactly stellar with a 16" .325, so I wouldn't consider putting a 20" on it. Besides that its heavy! If I had to lug a heavy saw, I would definitely want on that had enough balls to get the job done. No autotune, but the MS440 would get it done.

 

[Toolslinger]

Seems like a good bit of cash to put toward something that isn't going to get any love... You could get a pile of XL-12's/SXL's for that kinda money... They'll pull the chain, and they start pretty reliably... My father's XL-12 got no help/care for about 40 years apart from sharpening... Always started until the fuel line finally went... Should be good for another pile of years now...

 

[young]

......Sometimes we have pre-mix in the equipment trailer, but it was whatever the previous volunteer brought along from 1, 2 or 3 months ago. I like the ideer that the solenoid controlled carburetors can compensate for a variety of variables like fuel, air filter status, etc.

auto-tune or m-tronic can fix water in the fuel or incorrect mix ratio or no oil.

 

[Anthony_Va.]

Why do you need the 562 over the 555?

I'm with JJ. Why spend all the extra cash on the 562xp, when the 555 is pretty much the same size saw, and has Autotune also. I would'nt buy such an expensive saw that will be abused anyways. JMO.

 

[Jacob J.]

auto-tune or m-tronic can fix water in the fuel or incorrect mix ratio or no oil.

That's re-assuring.

 

[cpr]

auto-tune or m-tronic can fix water in the fuel or incorrect mix ratio or no oil.

OR NO OIL? My dealers love you right now. I'm buying stock in the bearing suppliers and crank forges.

 

[TK]

auto-tune or m-tronic can fix water in the fuel or incorrect mix ratio or no oil.

Guys I'm pretty sure he meant can't, or is joking

There is only one system that can fix incorrect ratio or no oil, and that's the Husqvarna cutoff saw with OilGard. It won't let the saw run without the right mixture.

 

[RipRap]

My advice is to start out with making sure that whoever is using a chainsaw in you organization has been certified as a sawyer through the UDSA chainsaw and crosscut saw course. They should also have both CPR and First Aid certifications.

You need to keep the saw and PPE equipment under lock and key to ensure that they are signed out and returned properly and in good condition. Whoever uses the saw brings their own freshly mixed fuel, the organization provides the bar oil/ 2-cycle oil. When the equipment is returned, whoever uses it MUST take perhaps 10 minutes to empty out the remaining fuel in the tank, take a brush and clean the saw dust off of the saw, paying attention to the air filter and sprocket/ oiler / bar areas. Loosen the chain and then they wipe the saw down making sure that the saw is clean and in good condition looking for anything that is loose and/ or any missing bolts.

You can't have a disorganized whoever-wants-to-walk-in-and-grabs-the-saw policy. That would just encourage peoples irresponsibility.

When y'all are maintaining the trail, I assume that the shovels, axes, picks, mcleod's, etc. are provided and stored at the same place. I would think that after those tools are used, the people who use them, do clean them off and sharpen whatever is needed with a flat file. It takes just a few minutes and a little effort.

The saws that are needed for most trail work are folding 13'' up to a 24" length. Get a couple 2-man crosscuts, it only costs about $30. to have them sharpened when needed. Go to the local fire department and ask for a section of old fire hose to cover the teeth with. You'll be helping them out with the disposing of it.

If you "have to buy a new saw", I would suggest purchasing a Stihl MS250 with a 16-18 inch bar for $300. They are inexpensive, dependable, lightweight and powerful enough to do what is needed in your situation. For those times that require a larger saw, the crosscut will do the job.

Be safe!

 

[naturelover]

Hmmm, one could buy 18 Earthquakes @ $40 for the same amount.

Not a recommendation, though, just a thought.


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

 

[roberte]

Oh yeah, if I tried to get volunteers to show up only to hand them a bow saw, I'd be SOL the next time I sent out a request for trail clearing!

by definition, volunteer, would imply that you would want to be there. So bring your own saw or heres a hand saw. And what is the liability of supplying saws?
Plus you can only have so many cooks in the kitchen, somebody has to muck the brush.
My .02

 

[CTYank]

Seems to me you're looking for a saw that's idiot-proof for cubic dollars. Not likely.

People take care (sometimes) in how they operate and maintain their own equipment. Other peoples', not so much. Even the liability insurance could be a problem if insurors knew. :rolleyes2:

Maybe you could establish a prestigious job-title: "power-sawyer." With a list of required quals re operation and maintenance, including hand sharpening. Such persons would leave the job-site 15 min. early to clean/check/sharpen saw and sign off on its condition. (You do not hit rocks/dirt with a saw that you're gonna sharpen by hand, if you've a brain.)

Mess up, and you crank a bow saw. That's one way you filter the "idiot" part. :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[makguy]

Buy some makita dcs6421 saws. If they hold up to rental usage at most Home Depots nationwide, they should hold up to a few different volunteers. I would be more concerned about making sure that whatever saw you buy, you have a good procedure in place to guarantee your gas is always mixed right, or blow a ton of money on some trufuel cans.

 

[SawTroll]

Are all 562XP's fitted with auto-tune?

Yes + 555, 550xp and 545. I believe the obvious compromize you want are among those models - but trail use and storm cleanup really demands two different saws, if the storm cleanup is mainly about 20"+ trees.

The only Stihl CM model on the US market by now is the 441CM - and hardly suitable for trail use. That one (like the 576xpAT) should be well suited for storm cleanup though...

The 241CM also exist (but not yet on the US market). That one would have been nice for trail use, but is too small for storm cleanup, at just 42cc.

 

[SawTroll]

I'm with JJ. Why spend all the extra cash on the 562xp, when the 555 is pretty much the same size saw, and has Autotune also. I would'nt buy such an expensive saw that will be abused anyways. JMO.

For this use I agree, but not if it was for personal use. :msp_sneaky: