Hi folks,
I needed a new power saw. While I was searchin' the web for info on a saw, I ran across this site. I lurked for a while and learned a little. I was deciding between some 50cc and some 60cc saws. I decided on a Stihl 362. There is a dealer close who I know pretty good, so I decided to give him my business. Most of the pros around here run Huskys. I've always liked
the look of Stihls. My old saw is a Jonsered 590. Good saw. I've had it for about 23yrs or so. I almost bought another 50cc saw, but then decided to get the baby big saw instead.
The 357xp was gonna cost $100.00 more than the Stihl ms362 in these parts, so it was a no brainer for me. And I got the "wood pro" kit with it, so that's another 85$ or so retail value over the Husky. A 346xp was gonna be almost as much as the 357.
I ran a tank of gas through it today to fall and buck several 8" trees that were threatening a powerline on the farm.
My quick review: The 362 is just a little heavier than the 590. Not a big deal, it's still pretty lightweight. The 362 is maybe a little bulky for a small saw, but not too bad, it still handles and feels nice in the hands with an 18" bar. It has decent power and apparently will get stronger, so it will be good for me. It revs quick and clean and I wanted a responsive motor. The powerband is quite a bit longer than the little Johny and torquey too. My kind of power, as I am not highly skilled. I don't have to be quite as careful with the throttle. I don't do much other than clear trees off fencelines, cut a little firewood, and take down snags here and there before they wreck a fence or building or something.
Anyway, I LIKE the tethered flippy caps, and don't understand the problem some have with them. It starts pretty easily (once you get the procedure figured out for a cold start) and, given a little warm-up time (like any motor likes) it just rips right along. The clear fuel tank is nice. The decompression button is great. The side chain adjuster is also a nice touch. It is smoooth running and actually decently quiet. I'm guessing it will get even smoother and just a little louder as time goes on. I'm quite happy so far.
The 50cc saw was perfect most of the time, but is tiresome in larger (14" and bigger) trees.
It's nice to have a new powersaw! I hope it works for the next 20 years for me. That's why I bought a pro model. I want it to last a long time and to be totally rebuildable along the way. And I like good tools.
I will be mostly just lurking around. Thanks to the site for helping make the right decision for me.
I needed a new power saw. While I was searchin' the web for info on a saw, I ran across this site. I lurked for a while and learned a little. I was deciding between some 50cc and some 60cc saws. I decided on a Stihl 362. There is a dealer close who I know pretty good, so I decided to give him my business. Most of the pros around here run Huskys. I've always liked
the look of Stihls. My old saw is a Jonsered 590. Good saw. I've had it for about 23yrs or so. I almost bought another 50cc saw, but then decided to get the baby big saw instead.
The 357xp was gonna cost $100.00 more than the Stihl ms362 in these parts, so it was a no brainer for me. And I got the "wood pro" kit with it, so that's another 85$ or so retail value over the Husky. A 346xp was gonna be almost as much as the 357.
I ran a tank of gas through it today to fall and buck several 8" trees that were threatening a powerline on the farm.
My quick review: The 362 is just a little heavier than the 590. Not a big deal, it's still pretty lightweight. The 362 is maybe a little bulky for a small saw, but not too bad, it still handles and feels nice in the hands with an 18" bar. It has decent power and apparently will get stronger, so it will be good for me. It revs quick and clean and I wanted a responsive motor. The powerband is quite a bit longer than the little Johny and torquey too. My kind of power, as I am not highly skilled. I don't have to be quite as careful with the throttle. I don't do much other than clear trees off fencelines, cut a little firewood, and take down snags here and there before they wreck a fence or building or something.
Anyway, I LIKE the tethered flippy caps, and don't understand the problem some have with them. It starts pretty easily (once you get the procedure figured out for a cold start) and, given a little warm-up time (like any motor likes) it just rips right along. The clear fuel tank is nice. The decompression button is great. The side chain adjuster is also a nice touch. It is smoooth running and actually decently quiet. I'm guessing it will get even smoother and just a little louder as time goes on. I'm quite happy so far.
The 50cc saw was perfect most of the time, but is tiresome in larger (14" and bigger) trees.
It's nice to have a new powersaw! I hope it works for the next 20 years for me. That's why I bought a pro model. I want it to last a long time and to be totally rebuildable along the way. And I like good tools.
I will be mostly just lurking around. Thanks to the site for helping make the right decision for me.