Tazman1602
ArboristSite Operative
OK, I'm sold. I still like my Husky though.....................are those calenders for sale anywhere??? (GRIN)
Another newbie out shopping
- Thread starter tharrison57
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OK, I'm sold. I still like my Husky though.....................are those calenders for sale anywhere??? (GRIN)
tharrison57
ArboristSite Operative
Okay gang, I gotta tell ya. I took my lunch hour & went to a Husky "dealer" today to check out a 346XP. Yep, Husky's on the wall straight ahead, Poulans over there. Husky's were 142's, 350's & a 353. See ya ....
Then I put in a call to another dealer. Out now, but I'm turning in an order soon, but that 346 is one heck of a saw! Tonight I stopped at a farm store. Huskys here, Stihls there. The only XP series was a 575 ..... Yowie, more than I can use ! I checked out the Stihls again. That 260 Pro wasn't bad, but that 361 felt awful nice .......
I tried crunching numbers this afternoon, $ per bhp, bhp per lb, all that kind of stuff. P-5100 came out ahead on everything but one calculation, and that went to the 361. BUT ..... longevity, repairs & feel are things that you just can't factor. And I know as well as anybody, there IS a difference between PRICE and COST ! !
Thanks for all your help, really, and when I drop the hammer, I'll make sure to report back in on what came home with me.
Then I put in a call to another dealer. Out now, but I'm turning in an order soon, but that 346 is one heck of a saw! Tonight I stopped at a farm store. Huskys here, Stihls there. The only XP series was a 575 ..... Yowie, more than I can use ! I checked out the Stihls again. That 260 Pro wasn't bad, but that 361 felt awful nice .......
I tried crunching numbers this afternoon, $ per bhp, bhp per lb, all that kind of stuff. P-5100 came out ahead on everything but one calculation, and that went to the 361. BUT ..... longevity, repairs & feel are things that you just can't factor. And I know as well as anybody, there IS a difference between PRICE and COST ! !
Thanks for all your help, really, and when I drop the hammer, I'll make sure to report back in on what came home with me.
orange fever
ArboristSite Member
A couple more to consider
Hello, I am fairly close to you here in Carlinville, IL. If you don't like the grip angle of a Husky maybe you would consider a Jonsered which is basically the same saw but with more normal ergonomics. I had a 346XP and they are very strong and nimble. I will be picking up my new Jonsered CS2153 today! Those little saws really run great and are very smooth in the cut. If you are not a HP junkie then you might consider an Echo, very well built, 5 year consumer warranty and very comfortable to operate. I'm sure Stihl builds a fine saw and the MS260 pro has a good reputation. My personal opinion of those 3 saws would be Stihl for longevity and number of dealers, J'red/Husky for sheer performance and Echo for ease of use.
Hello, I am fairly close to you here in Carlinville, IL. If you don't like the grip angle of a Husky maybe you would consider a Jonsered which is basically the same saw but with more normal ergonomics. I had a 346XP and they are very strong and nimble. I will be picking up my new Jonsered CS2153 today! Those little saws really run great and are very smooth in the cut. If you are not a HP junkie then you might consider an Echo, very well built, 5 year consumer warranty and very comfortable to operate. I'm sure Stihl builds a fine saw and the MS260 pro has a good reputation. My personal opinion of those 3 saws would be Stihl for longevity and number of dealers, J'red/Husky for sheer performance and Echo for ease of use.
SawTroll
Information Collector
I don't believe the 346xp etc have less longevity than the 260 - no proof of that have ever been presented, that I have seen......
SawTroll
Information Collector
I guess you didn't factor in that the 5100 weights a bit more than advertised...........
2000ssm6
Stihl User
The 346 will never be out that long or hold the rep the 260 has. I hate to even put them in the same sentence.......
chrispy6822
ArboristSite Operative
Common knowledge that all saws that are around for a while were originally purchased from a dealer. As in if you want it to be around for a while, find a good dealer were you can get service and parts for.
SawTroll
Information Collector
More BS and Mythology, the 346xp has been out for nine years - long enough for pros to wear out several of them.
I have read about a lot more problems with 260s than with 346xps.
2000ssm6
Stihl User
I have read about a lot more problems with 260s than with 346xps.
People use the acutally use the 026/260 for work, not cut 3 cookies and set it down for the weekend.:biggrinbounce2:
tried crunching numbers this afternoon, $ per bhp, bhp per lb, all that kind of stuff. P-5100 came out ahead on everything but one calculation, and that went to the 361. BUT ..... longevity, repairs & feel are things that you just can't factor.
I have two 026, but all your list are good saws. Ultimately, among the ones you are picking from, I think one will just 'feel right' in everything when you use it compared to the others. Logic goes so far, then it becomes personal preference.
I have two 026, but all your list are good saws. Ultimately, among the ones you are picking from, I think one will just 'feel right' in everything when you use it compared to the others. Logic goes so far, then it becomes personal preference.
SawTroll
Information Collector
Exactly, and that is where the 346xp and MS361 really shines - the Dolmar 5100 isn't quite there, as it mostly feels like a 361 with less power.....:jawdrop: :jawdrop:
tharrison57
ArboristSite Operative
I guess you didn't factor in that the 5100 weights a bit more than advertised...........
You are correct, I did not.
But then again, I am old, and I plan on taking LOTS of breaks !
Toyjunkie
ArboristSite Operative
Well I just got back from doing some clean up work with the 5100. Work was never this much fun!!!! The trees weren't real big, the biggest was about 16-18" but the fun factor with 5100 was! You can't go wrong.
rm17742
ArboristSite Lurker
I own a bone stock 346xp and my dad has an 026 that has actually been woods modded by a member here. I could cut him in half before and I can still out cut him now even after the mod (both with new chains). He just bought a 5100 to replace his 026. Keeping up with him is tougher now 
. Get the 346xp or the 5100s. Don't listen to the Stihl fanboys :greenchainsaw:
. Get the 346xp or the 5100s. Don't listen to the Stihl fanboys :greenchainsaw:
tharrison57
ArboristSite Operative
So here's the numbers I've found locally :
Dolmar PS-5100 18 $ 409.95
Husky 346XP 18 $ 464.95
Stihl 260 Pro 18 $ 509.95
Stihl 361 18 $ 609.95
So far I've stayed out of the big box guys, so I guess I have been reminded of something I really knew. I haven't found the Echo or Jonsered gents yet, but I'm not done yet either. I WILL end up getting there, and I do appreciate all the onfo. I just don't relish the thought of pulling out the Roper, or the big barred (12") Homelite.:greenchainsaw:
orange fever
ArboristSite Member
Cs2153
I just picked up my CS2153 Jonsered today. $450 from local dealer. I loved the power and anti-vibe of the 346xp, just couldn't deal with the handlebar angle. I am thrilled with the Jonsered version. Like one poster said they will outcut a Stihl MS260 all day long. Something else that I noticed is that the faster chain speed seems to make for a smoother cut. If you can handle $450 I think you would be amazed with the CS2153. The Echo and Stihl are both good options, but the Jonsered/Husky will outcut anything either of those 2 has to offer for the same money. If you are used to running some of the older saws I think you will like the "feel" of the Jonsered. If screaming performance is not the most important thing to you the Echos are amazingly easy to run and have that 5 year warranty. The new CS450 looks like it should be a great saw. It's 45cc weighs about 10.7 pounds and has a very easy pull to start it. My son has a CS370 and it is the easiest saw to run that any of us own.
I just picked up my CS2153 Jonsered today. $450 from local dealer. I loved the power and anti-vibe of the 346xp, just couldn't deal with the handlebar angle. I am thrilled with the Jonsered version. Like one poster said they will outcut a Stihl MS260 all day long. Something else that I noticed is that the faster chain speed seems to make for a smoother cut. If you can handle $450 I think you would be amazed with the CS2153. The Echo and Stihl are both good options, but the Jonsered/Husky will outcut anything either of those 2 has to offer for the same money. If you are used to running some of the older saws I think you will like the "feel" of the Jonsered. If screaming performance is not the most important thing to you the Echos are amazingly easy to run and have that 5 year warranty. The new CS450 looks like it should be a great saw. It's 45cc weighs about 10.7 pounds and has a very easy pull to start it. My son has a CS370 and it is the easiest saw to run that any of us own.
SawTroll
Information Collector
You can't really go wrong with any of those, but delete the 260 from the shortlist first.......
huskystihl
Addicted to ArboristSite
I'd say the 260.
Wait, the girl doesn't come with the saw?!?!
Personally, I'd probably take the 5100, 3/8, 16" B/C.
Oh yeah, good job ruling out the 361 early. You saved this thread from being 8 pages 361 priase.
The 5100 does not come with a 16" 3/8. You have to order at least an 18", trust me I tried and even had my dealer call the factory. But if you are gonna be an occasional user order the 5100 with a 20" 3/8, we added one to the fleet and it will hang with a 361 until you get into burrying the bar and then it gets passed. But still unreal power for a 49cc saw
huskystihl
Addicted to ArboristSite
I own a bone stock 346xp and my dad has an 026 that has actually been woods modded by a member here. I could cut him in half before and I can still out cut him now even after the mod (both with new chains). He just bought a 5100 to replace his 026. Keeping up with him is tougher now
The 026 is a very reliable saw but way overpriced when you have the 5100 option, and yes is not even in the same category as the 346. I would like to see the 346 vs the 5100 to see what happens.
Simonizer
Addicted to ArboristSite
The 5100 is a nice saw. I think you should somehow come up with the money to buy the MS361. It may hurt a little, I don't know your financial situation. For a bit extra, you are in a completely different league. The 361 is a Prince among pygmies.
