TexasRedNeck
ArboristSite Lurker
You guys probably get tired of these kind of questions but I assure you I've read and contemplated before posting.
I've been a novice user most of my life before buying some forested acreage in East Texas for a weekend place and retirement home. The Poulan "pro" 20 inch saw I had for 15 years was just not up to the task of more regular use, although I have gotten really good and piecing that thing together and keeping it running.
So with the male ego fully intact, I went to the local Husky dealer and promptly bought a 372XP about 2 years ago. It is a pretty beefy and impressive machine, especially with a 28 inch bar to go with the standard 20.
Its great when I want to really get after a large oak or pine, but for what I do most, limbing and felling small (6-12 inch) trees and in tree use, its just too much saw. So I find myself going back to my small crappy saw for convenience
I'm very tempted to get a Stihl MS193 or MS201 with a 12 inch bar for day to day all around use. I'm just worried about buying too little saw after too much. And not sure if the lack of a traditional handle set up would be a hindrance when on the ground instead of in the tree.
So that brings me to the 261CM 10.8 lbs and 4hp
Or the 201 CEM 8.6lbs and 2.4 hp, although I can't figure why the increase in price over the other saws unless the electronic engine management is that expensive.
Or the Husky 450 rancher II at 11.2 lbs and 3.2hp or the 545 at 10.8 and 3.35hp
Im trying to stay closer to 10 than 12 pounds and prefer a pro level saw for longevity or a good compromise might be the farm and ranch level. I'm not worried so much about saving or spending an extra $100 but I want a great saw to do what I need.
signed, potentially analysis paralysis.....
TIA for your advice
I've been a novice user most of my life before buying some forested acreage in East Texas for a weekend place and retirement home. The Poulan "pro" 20 inch saw I had for 15 years was just not up to the task of more regular use, although I have gotten really good and piecing that thing together and keeping it running.
So with the male ego fully intact, I went to the local Husky dealer and promptly bought a 372XP about 2 years ago. It is a pretty beefy and impressive machine, especially with a 28 inch bar to go with the standard 20.
Its great when I want to really get after a large oak or pine, but for what I do most, limbing and felling small (6-12 inch) trees and in tree use, its just too much saw. So I find myself going back to my small crappy saw for convenience
I'm very tempted to get a Stihl MS193 or MS201 with a 12 inch bar for day to day all around use. I'm just worried about buying too little saw after too much. And not sure if the lack of a traditional handle set up would be a hindrance when on the ground instead of in the tree.
So that brings me to the 261CM 10.8 lbs and 4hp
Or the 201 CEM 8.6lbs and 2.4 hp, although I can't figure why the increase in price over the other saws unless the electronic engine management is that expensive.
Or the Husky 450 rancher II at 11.2 lbs and 3.2hp or the 545 at 10.8 and 3.35hp
Im trying to stay closer to 10 than 12 pounds and prefer a pro level saw for longevity or a good compromise might be the farm and ranch level. I'm not worried so much about saving or spending an extra $100 but I want a great saw to do what I need.
signed, potentially analysis paralysis.....
TIA for your advice