Husky 346xp, 353 (or Redmax G5300), Stihl 260 PRO, Redmax G621AVS: Which one?

[SaludaRiver]

I have a small farm and these are my choices for a weekend saw.
I rarely do any felling, but I live on a small river where large old hardwoods will fall across and in the river.

I could probably get by with a Husky 450 or even a Stihl 250, but I want to get a little more saw than needed. I'm looking for that saw that will last me for 20+ years.

I am trying to stay in the $400-500 range. Any thoughts on which saw is best or any other suggestions for saws or vendors would be welcome.

 

[nmurph]

346 or a Stihl 261

 

[SawTroll]

First, you need to decide if you want a 50 or a 60cc saw!

 

[jmethodrose]

out of the saws you listed, I'd go for a 346xp

or try a MS261 I've never used one but I hear they are OK...

 

[SawTroll]

The 346xp is the obvious choise among the 50cc saws, but we still don't know what he needs.....

 

[jmethodrose]

I'm going purely on the fact that he reckons a 450/MS250 will do, and wants a bit more saw than one of those...

 

[SawTroll]

I'm going purely on the fact that he reckons a 450/MS250 will do, and wants a bit more saw than one of those...

Yes, it sounds like he wants a 50cc saw, so the larger and heavier 621 basically is out......

 

[Boskaerm]

Of the mentioned saws, I've only tried the two Husky's, and my vote goes to the 353!

Another option I have tried is the Dolmar 111/makita dcs 520. Very good saw, for the money.

Edit: don't know if that saw is still available in the Us!
Here in Denmark, at least the makita version is. The Price is about 40 % of a 346 xp.
And still a quite light saw, with mag cases, and outboard clutch!

 

[SawTroll]

Of the mentioned saws, I've only tried the two Husky's, and my vote goes to the 353!

Another option I have tried is the Dolmar 111/makita dcs 520. Very good saw, for the money.

Edit: don't know if that saw is still available in the Us!
Here in Denmark, at least the makita version is. The Price is about 40 % of a 346 xp.
And still a quite light saw, with mag cases, and outboard clutch!

Those Dolkitas are a design from the 1980s, and suffers badly from it, even though the design was good back then. The Pro versions were the Dolmar 115 and the Makita 5200.

 

[oakcutter]

I know this saw wasn't listed originally, but take a look at an Efco 152. It will be all the saw you'll need, and it costs around $330 brand new. I love mine.

 

[SawTroll]

I know this saw wasn't listed originally, but take a look at an Efco 152. It will be all the saw you'll need, and it costs around $330 brand new. I love mine.

I would forget that one as soon as possible

 

[jus2fat]

I would forget that one as soon as possible

+1....what SawTroll said...
And best of luck with the "fabulous" 5 yr. warranty you're pushing!!

J2F

 

[DavdH]

346xp

 

[jus2fat]

Stihl 260 /261 or Husky 346xp...take your pick....
Either one will serve you well!
Best two 50cc saws on the planet!!!

Go with the best dealer in your area...both parts and service...
Go in various dealers and see how they treat you...
Ask them some "loaded" questions you already know the answers to...
This will help you evaluate their integrity and if they're just in for the sale.
Finding a real quality dealer is like finding the gold "mother-load"!!!

J2F

 

[Stihl Crazy]

I have a small farm and these are my choices for a weekend saw.
I rarely do any felling, but I live on a small river where large old hardwoods will fall across and in the river.

I could probably get by with a Husky 450 or even a Stihl 250, but I want to get a little more saw than needed. I'm looking for that saw that will last me for 20+ years.

I am trying to stay in the $400-500 range. Any thoughts on which saw is best or any other suggestions for saws or vendors would be welcome.

May be the only one to reply that has owned all the saws mentioned. If a 15/16 inch bar is to be used the three 50cc saws will meet your needs. If its a 20 inch plus bar, go with the 621.

If parts being available (new or used) for 20 years matters, go with the Stihl or Husky.

 

[SawTroll]

Stihl 260 /261 or Husky 346xp...take your pick....
Either one will serve you well!
Best two 50cc saws on the planet!!!

J2F

None of the Stihls are even close, for different reasons....

 

[eat a peach]

I work for...

a couple of farms on the side and find myself picking up my 346xp more and more . Also use my 260 when I need a little longer bar(18 in). I haven't tried the 261-262 but alot of guys on here really sing their praises. If money is a concern and you occasionally need more power a 6400 or 6401 Makita might be a better buy. When we need a bigger saw I go to my 372xp but the makita might cover most anything you run across if it wasn't to heavy for all day use .jmho

 

[Boskaerm]

Those Dolkitas are a design from the 1980s, and suffers badly from it, even though the design was good back then. The Pro versions were the Dolmar 115 and the Makita 5200.

I know it´s an old design! So is my Husqvarna 55!
But I really enjoyed using the Dolmar, I tried last autumn!
Although not as super fest reving as the 353 / 346 xp.

Don´t know the price tag in the US, but with a price of 2995 DKR versus 6795 DKR for the 346 XP, I think it´s a good saw for the price.
And it would suit the average Firewood guy here, just fine.

 

[SawTroll]

Hmmm, the 115iH used to be quite expensive here.......

 

[Bounty Hunter]

None of the Stihls are even close, for different reasons....

Hey SawTroll,

I see a 346xp in yer sig...so maybe you like 'em...

But what makes it so much superior to the ms261?

Not fighting, just asking...