If You Could Only Have One Chainsaw Forever...

[HansFranz]

Add another vote for the 361. I got mine new, did a Lakeside muff mod, and love it.

Only thing I don't love is the oiler, which was replaced twice under warranty and still sucks. I may eventually replace the oiler with a high-volume 460 oiler, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

[Mike Van]

Stihl 500i

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

The Australian version of the 066 / 660. Anything over 20” is pretty much 90cc territory if you want to make any progress.

 

[echomeister]

 

[jblnut]

Ran an MS250 for 20yrs as my only saw and loved it ….. until I found this place …..

Now I’d have to saw my 044 mag hands down. Heavier than the 250 but punches way above its class when needed. The 066 is great but a heavy sob. Honestly though I still reach for the 250 when doing anything under 14”. It’s a great little saw that has cut hundreds of cord of wood with almost no issues. So it’s still the 044 but I’d give the rest of them to someone close by to borrow back lol

 

[Lil'Skeet]

Works in 3rd world jungles for decades, so why not? My 070. Just something about tools with no or very little plastic.
Just hoping Stihl has the bar & chain combo figured out this time around.
View attachment IMG_20240115_071608_177.jpgView attachment IMG_20240115_071552_810.jpg

 

[Hermio]

So far, the 500i. I have had it since 2021. Too early to tell how well it will hold up. But the power is incredible for its weight.

 

[nedsim]

What about an 015L and a box of parts for it?

I'm sure you know I was just ribbing you -- though I'd love to have a 261 my 011 is nowhere near an even trade. Your 015 is too close to what I already have. A non-running 60-70cc saw (for example 034S/036) would be tempting.

 

[user 188535]

I'm sure you know I was just ribbing you -- though I'd love to have a 261 my 011 is nowhere near an even trade. Your 015 is too close to what I already have. A non-running 60-70cc saw (for example 034S/036) would be tempting.

Oh, I know.

 

[user 122190]

A Stihl Super Magnum ms5550i. Looking forward to the push button starter, powered by an anti matter fusion reactor, and the hyper laser cutting tech that can also BBQ a dozen 1/4 pound burgers.

 

[Lightning Performance]

A Stihl Super Magnum ms5550i. Looking forward to the push button starter, powered by an anti matter fusion reactor, and the hyper laser cutting tech that can also BBQ a dozen 1/4 pound burgers.

Yes please

 

[billyboy]

OP said favorite, forever, implying “one” and listed 2. So,,,,, my favorite would be, 036 Pro, 028 super, Makita 520i, Echo 360t, Homey XL. But I only use one at a time. All bought used. Not gonna spend real money on the newest, latest, greatest. Just sayin. I do buy new jeans and shoes now and again.

 

[Mike Van]

A Stihl Super Magnum ms5550i. Looking forward to the push button starter, powered by an anti matter fusion reactor, and the hyper laser cutting tech that can also BBQ a dozen 1/4 pound burgers.

And the phase plasma blaster in 40 watt range too -

 

[NSEric]

Any reliable 50cc saw is all I need so if I could only have one that'd be it.
I have a couple 50cc saws plus a 25cc top handle and 90cc big saw just incase I need them tho.

 

[cuttinstihl]

The Australian version of the 066 / 660. Anything over 20” is pretty much 90cc territory if you want to make any progress.

What were the differences between the Australian 066/660 and the American version? Less emissions restrictions?

 

[lone wolf]

So far, the 500i. I have had it since 2021. Too early to tell how well it will hold up. But the power is incredible for its weight.

don't forget the super throttle response!

 

[grizz55chev]

What were the differences between the Australian 066/660 and the American version? Less emissions restrictions?

Better oiler, I'm guessing.

 

[grizz55chev]

My vote is the 044 early model, but the later 12mm version isn't far behind.

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

What were the differences between the Australian 066/660 and the American version? Less emissions restrictions?

They were a totally different machine. The US 660 was a dog. The Australian was a beast - one of the most loved stihl saws out here by chainsaw lovers. I’ll let someone with more knowledge on the differences chime in, I believe port timing was different and the aussi had dual port exhaust, high output oiler probably a different carby. We weren’t limited by californias crap.

 

[rms61moparman]

Poulan 3400.