Suggestions sought. Next Stihl?

[PlankSpanker]

Gents, I'm looking to buy a 2nd saw for personal woodcutting use. I've been using a Stihl 029 Farm Boss that I bought new about 18 years ago. I struggled with Homelites before that. I would like a professional grade saw that is at least as light as the 029 (18" bar), yet still enough power to fell and buck some beefy hardwoods. I cut and burn 7 to 8 cords a year, and do a lot of limbing and clearing as well. I know my limitations with a chainsaw, but I'm looking to upgrade beyond homeowner status. Suggestions and/or snarky comments welcome...opcorn:

 

[kwhite1271]

Ms261, same power less weight. Or MS362 if you need a little more power.

 

[NPKenny]

I suggest an MS361 on the used market. Fits your description perfectly.


If your leaning new, than see the 261, 362 post above.

 

[stihl waters]

Ms261, same power less weight. Or MS362 if you need a little more power.


A 261 will eat an O29, buy a 261 they are a great saw. I run one most everyday,lotsa bang for your buck !!!!

 

[XSKIER]

A MS441CM R with 25" would be the minimum to make you feel like your dominating those "beefy" hardwoods. If you can wait a little the MS461 looks promising too. And then there's "everything else" to keep you distracted. Good luck in your saw hunt!

 

[kwhite1271]

My 261 is only three weeks old so im sure I haven't seen it's potential. It also seems to have tons of torque. If I were just cutting firewood, and had to pick one saw, this one would be right at the top of the list.

 

[lone wolf]

A used in good contion 038 Magnum.

 

[old-cat]

I bought an MS 290 for cutting firewood with a 20" bar 3/8" pitch and it worked fine until I tried cutting Fir. Not enough power! Now that saw is retired and replaced with an MS 361, WOW!
These saws are easy to find for under $400, they weigh slightly less than the 290 and the quality is 100% better. It cuts that Fir like the 290 cuts Maple, the chips just fly!!

 

[PlankSpanker]

I want to buy new. Sounds like I may have to get 2 saws...:msp_unsure:

 

[kwhite1271]

I don't really see your issue? Two saws are better than one, besides it never hurts to have a good backup!:msp_rolleyes:

 

[NPKenny]

I want to buy new. Sounds like I may have to get 2 saws...:msp_unsure:

If that's the case, skip the 60cc saws altogether. 261 and 441/461.

 

[kwhite1271]

261/461 would be an awesome set of saws.

 

[PlankSpanker]

261/461 would be an awesome set of saws.

Any idea on best case scenario on price for both saws?

 

[kwhite1271]

$480 on the 261 and $980 on the 461. That is list, try working them down from that.

 

[OH_Varmntr]

I liked the MS360Pro I had, but it sat a LOT because I went to my 026 first, every time.

My 026 is muffler modded and I have it tuned perfectly to where I can bury the 20" 3/8 .063" setup in ash and it cuts great.

The MS360Pro weighed too much for the little extra power it had over my 026, so I traded it off for a Jeep.

If my 026 won't do it, I pick up my 088.

My advice? Find people in your area with the saws you're interested in and take them for a test drive. :msp_wink:

 

[PlankSpanker]

$480 on the 261 and $980 on the 461. That is list, try working them down from that.

I'll let you know how it goes...

 

[Roll Tide]

I'll let you know how it goes...

Your alittle off my friend the 261 list around $550 and the 461 is around $1000

 

[kwhite1271]

Not in my area

 

[kwhite1271]

Oops ms 261 w/18" is 549.00. And the 461 w/20" is 979.00

 

[indiansprings]

We cut approx 350-400 cord a year in a small firewood operation, to replace a 029/290 I'd take a 261, we love ours, we had a Husky 346xpne and when we bought the first 261 ithe 346 hit the road and we picked up another 261, lots of torque, more rugged imho, the 346 is a good saw but in our operation the 261 just fits our needs better, with a 18" bar it will cut with or slightly outcut a 310. We also use a woods ported 460 which spanked our stock 660. If I had to just cut back to two saws it would be the 261 and either a 441 M-tronic or 460. Our 361 has been a fantastic saw, it alone has to be approaching close to 375-400 cord in its life, never had a hiccup. We primarily cut oak and hickory tops and just can't say enough good things about the 261. Husky makes excellent saws, we just don't have a dealer worth a darn close, and have been buying Stihls at the same place for over 30 years and he treats us extremely well. You cannot find a bettter air filteration setup than that on a 261.