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wap13

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Been lurking for a while but this is my first post, great site.

To help answer my question I will give a little background. I am not new to chainsaws but I do not necessarily make my living with one. I work on a 4,000 acre ranch so there are plenty of fence lines to clear and post to cut.

I just sold my MS390 and am buying a 372xp from a buddy to have a saw that is lighter and more powerful, this will be my "big" saw. I am currently waiting on an MS261 that mastermind is doing a woods port for me and this will be my do all general purpose saw but my dad and I just acquired a small lease to run some cows on and there is probably 2 miles of fence that is in bad shape that needs to be patched/rebuilt/cleaned up, not to mention a tornado came threw a few weeks ago so there is plenty of big stuff to cut too.

I am looking for what I would call a disposable saw to clean up the fence line. There are lost of small gums, cedars, privet, etc, etc that have grown in the fence/fence line that I will need to cut down or at least limb to be able to run wire. While I know the 261 is consider a smaller saw I was looking at something like a husky 435 for cutting more overhead and smaller stuff. They can be had for $175 shipped from ebay, factory refurbished. I like the idea of a stihl 170, 180, or 192 but they seem to be more money for what I dont see as much of a weight savings.

Anyway, enough rambling. Any info or advice would be nice. Good dealer support around here is non existant for any brand and I will most likely be doing any repair necessary myself or would send it off to Randy.

Any advice is appreciated
 
wap13 said:
Been lurking for a while but this is my first post, great site.

To help answer my question I will give a little background. I am not new to chainsaws but I do not necessarily make my living with one. I work on a 4,000 acre ranch so there are plenty of fence lines to clear and post to cut.

I just sold my MS390 and am buying a 372xp from a buddy to have a saw that is lighter and more powerful, this will be my "big" saw. I am currently waiting on an MS261 that mastermind is doing a woods port for me and this will be my do all general purpose saw but my dad and I just acquired a small lease to run some cows on and there is probably 2 miles of fence that is in bad shape that needs to be patched/rebuilt/cleaned up, not to mention a tornado came threw a few weeks ago so there is plenty of big stuff to cut too.

I am looking for what I would call a disposable saw to clean up the fence line. There are lost of small gums, cedars, privet, etc, etc that have grown in the fence/fence line that I will need to cut down or at least limb to be able to run wire. While I know the 261 is consider a smaller saw I was looking at something like a husky 435 for cutting more overhead and smaller stuff. They can be had for $175 shipped from ebay, factory refurbished. I like the idea of a stihl 170, 180, or 192 but they seem to be more money for what I dont see as much of a weight savings.

Anyway, enough rambling. Any info or advice would be nice. Good dealer support around here is non existant for any brand and I will most likely be doing any repair necessary myself or would send it off to Randy.

Any advice is appreciated
Click to expand...

You might consider a small Echo. They are light, dependable, easy on gas and reasonably priced. I have one and it always starts easily and runs well.
 
Been doing a bunch of reading (before and after I started this thread)

I am leaning towards an MS170, MS180 or Husky 435.

All seem to be similar priced and I dont mind paying a litte more if I get more.

Question is how to these compare in size, weight and power? The weight seems close to on all of them but the 435 is 40ccs vs 30-32 and the power seems close too. How accurate are the specs on the dealers sites and how do these saws compare in the real world?

I do have a local Stihl dealer I like but I dont count on them for service, kind of what I ment in the original post.

Not against an echo, poulan, etc etc but but some of the smaller saws weigh what a 50cc should and I dont have much experience with echo but they seem to cost as much as a stihl or husky. Was looking at a redmax 3800 but it is more than the stihl or husky.
 
Well first off, I personally would suggest that you rethink the "disposable" aspect if you have as much cutting as you say.
A little better built saw may be cheaper in the long run than two or more homeowner saws that just weren't designed to work like you are going to need.

There are several nice homeowner saws on the market including the;

Ryobi-10532
Earthquake
Powerhorse
Homelight ZR10926
And a host of others.

The next step up would be saws like the Husky 240, Stihl MS 180 or one of the better Poulan Pro models like the 3516 or 4218. Parts for them (the Poulan Pro) are readily available and CHEAP!

Personally, I would go straight to my Dolmar dealer and pick up a PS-32.
DOLMAR - PS-32 C

The "momentary kill" switch, metal ADJUSTABLE oil pump, steel spring AV, side tensioning chain, and two bar studs would be well worth the slight extra cost to me.


Mike
 
Doesn't matter. Those will perform fine for the task you defined. Get whichever is cheapest. Sometimes 435 refurbs are dirt cheap
 
rms61moparman said:
Well first off, I personally would suggest that you rethink the "disposable" aspect if you have as much cutting as you say.
A little better built saw may be cheaper in the long run than two or more homeowner saws that just weren't designed to work like you are going to need.

There are several nice homeowner saws on the market including the;

Ryobi-10532
Earthquake
Powerhorse
Homelight ZR10926
And a host of others.

The next step up would be saws like the Husky 240, Stihl MS 180 or one of the better Poulan Pro models like the 3516 or 4218. Parts for them (the Poulan Pro) are readily available and CHEAP!

Personally, I would go straight to my Dolmar dealer and pick up a PS-32.
DOLMAR - PS-32 C

The "momentary kill" switch, metal ADJUSTABLE oil pump, steel spring AV, side tensioning chain, and two bar studs would be well worth the slight extra cost to me.


Mike
Click to expand...

Don't you guys have the PS-35 yet? 35cc, 2.3 hp but the rest is the same. There are some Dolmar dealers here on AS so you might give them a call so that they can set you up.

Alternatively I would seriously consider the Dolmar 421. A bit more coin but built like a pro saw. That would be my choice! I can see you leaving the 261 more often in the car.
Here's a link to a recent build thread from the silly monkey. http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/233295.htm

7
 
Last edited:
rms61moparman said:
Well first off, I personally would suggest that you rethink the "disposable" aspect if you have as much cutting as you say.
A little better built saw may be cheaper in the long run than two or more homeowner saws that just weren't designed to work like you are going to need.

There are several nice homeowner saws on the market including the;

Ryobi-10532
Earthquake
Powerhorse
Homelight ZR10926
And a host of others.

The next step up would be saws like the Husky 240, Stihl MS 180 or one of the better Poulan Pro models like the 3516 or 4218. Parts for them (the Poulan Pro) are readily available and CHEAP!

Personally, I would go straight to my Dolmar dealer and pick up a PS-32.
DOLMAR - PS-32 C

The "momentary kill" switch, metal ADJUSTABLE oil pump, steel spring AV, side tensioning chain, and two bar studs would be well worth the slight extra cost to me.


Mike
Click to expand...


Disposable means if it gets broke, ran over, or whatever I am losing a $200 saw, not a pro saw (read higher price tag) that I have spent more money on to port.

I have never even seen a Dolmar in my area but like the idea of an adjustable oiler. We are on the same page, maybe just saying it a different way. I could buy a $100 ryobi but would rather spend $200 on a Stihl, husky, dolmar, etc. Notice my post above about leaning towards a 180 or 435.

I guess if all the saws mentioned are too close to call I should just get the cheapest one and so far the husky 435 is $175, MS180 is looking more like $200 and the Dolmar PS-32 is $200.
 
rms61moparman said:
Well first off, I personally would suggest that you rethink the "disposable" aspect if you have as much cutting as you say.
A little better built saw may be cheaper in the long run than two or more homeowner saws that just weren't designed to work like you are going to need.

There are several nice homeowner saws on the market including the;

Ryobi-10532
Earthquake
Powerhorse
Homelight ZR10926
And a host of others.

The next step up would be saws like the Husky 240, Stihl MS 180 or one of the better Poulan Pro models like the 3516 or 4218. Parts for them (the Poulan Pro) are readily available and CHEAP!

Personally, I would go straight to my Dolmar dealer and pick up a PS-32.
DOLMAR - PS-32 C

The "momentary kill" switch, metal ADJUSTABLE oil pump, steel spring AV, side tensioning chain, and two bar studs would be well worth the slight extra cost to me.


Mike
Click to expand...

Just typed a response and lost it somehow.

I have not considered a dolmar only because I have never seen one in my area, but I like the idea of an adjustable oiler.

We are on the same page, perhaps just saying it differently. Disposable to me is a $200 saw that if ran over, broke, blown up, whatever is note a huge loss vs a $5-600 pro saw that has a $250 port job on it. The other thing I did not mention is having a saw I could lone to someone without worrying so much about it.

So far a refurb 435 is $175 shipped, MS180 is $200ish and the Dolmar PS-32 is $200 shipped. I am all about buying once and being done with it hence me looking at the saws mentioned vs something like a ryobi. Not knocking the ryobi but I would like a better saw than that for what I have ahead of me.

Thanks to all for the replies.

I wish there was one clear better saw but I guess I should let price dictate since there is not way I can handle each saw.
 
That much fenceline clearing, dang.....whatever you get, get three extra bars and a whole roll of the correct chain, and a spinner breaker kit. I aint kidding.

Oh, and a pro heavy duty brushcutter. Dont dork around all day long trying to cut out like privet and multiflora without having a long handled tool handy to reach in there. And spray behind you as you go. Saturate those stumps and areas. Maybe even a pole saw to reach in.
 
rms61moparman said:
Well first off, I personally would suggest that you rethink the "disposable" aspect if you have as much cutting as you say.
A little better built saw may be cheaper in the long run than two or more homeowner saws that just weren't designed to work like you are going to need.

There are several nice homeowner saws on the market including the;

Ryobi-10532
Earthquake
Powerhorse
Homelight ZR10926
And a host of others.

The next step up would be saws like the Husky 240, Stihl MS 180 or one of the better Poulan Pro models like the 3516 or 4218. Parts for them (the Poulan Pro) are readily available and CHEAP!

Personally, I would go straight to my Dolmar dealer and pick up a PS-32.
DOLMAR - PS-32 C

The "momentary kill" switch, metal ADJUSTABLE oil pump, steel spring AV, side tensioning chain, and two bar studs would be well worth the slight extra cost to me.


Mike
Click to expand...


I agree here myself.
What your trying to do is purchase a saw to abuse cutting up a fence row with wire mesh, nails and ect. And you want a saw for that abuse only. I'd suggest that you get a saw in common that you have and use now. As an example; your 261 might have a 3/8" 18" bar. Get a saw that will work with that combo. As you mess up bars and chains, use the ones from your 261 and keep it up graded. Using disposable retail saws such as a "Poulan Wild Thing" as an example, You "MIGHT" get 1/4 of your 2 miles done from all of its plastic parts busting. That's what my old employer (dairy farm) done and it worked well for him. He has an old 034 super with an 18" B&C. The chains are about shot from cutting Rail Road Ties, tires, and who knows what else.
 
zogger said:
That much fenceline clearing, dang.....whatever you get, get three extra bars and a whole roll of the correct chain, and a spinner breaker kit. I aint kidding.

Oh, and a pro heavy duty brushcutter. Dont dork around all day long trying to cut out like privet and multiflora without having a long handled tool handy to reach in there. And spray behind you as you go. Saturate those stumps and areas. Maybe even a pole saw to reach in.
Click to expand...

That's a bulldozer and match stick! Followed by grass seed if the lease owner allows.
 
zogger said:
That much fenceline clearing, dang.....whatever you get, get three extra bars and a whole roll of the correct chain, and a spinner breaker kit. I aint kidding.

Oh, and a pro heavy duty brushcutter. Dont dork around all day long trying to cut out like privet and multiflora without having a long handled tool handy to reach in there. And spray behind you as you go. Saturate those stumps and areas. Maybe even a pole saw to reach in.
Click to expand...

Or, just a well-made straight-shaft brushcutter. I still use a 22 cc Echo from '79- works great, including as a chipper. Saves your back big-time, too. "Heavy duty" need not mean heavy. Get spare blades, too. :msp_biggrin:

On the saws, in fact the small stihls are the disposable saws, if you look at their innards. Stamped mild-steel rods! Really! Considering the long-term bang per buck ratio, I'd strongly suggest one of the small (e.g. 40 cc) "strato" RedMax saws. They are "pro" saws priced hundreds less than some alternatives.

For the saw, excellent idea to learn how to use Granberg "File-N-Joint" file guide. Constantly sharp chain makes life soooooo much nicer for chain, bar, engine. Much safer for you, too. :msp_wink:

Considering the price of the smallest non-POS saw, I'd lose the notion of disposability. Think keeper/resale.
 
Ten bucks

I guess for a brand, cheap, small, get the job done, cant beat locally sourced used poulans. Just got back from my bench with my new to looks hardly used 10 bucks including case poulan 2550 woodmaster. 42CCs, spring antivibe. All it needs is a new fuel line (falling apart, got the chunks out), and a 1/4 inch cut off the carb to bubble bulb line because it was pinched, and I cleaned the carb. Started and ran on a prime just swell. I will muffer mod it as well and tighten up the bottom mount bolts.
 
Echo CS400 MM'd is the perfect fit for this bill personally. or a dolmar 420....but for the price i'd take a cs400. if price isn't an issue i'd get me a MM'd 420 dolmar and teach that fence a lesson:D

i'll tell you though my PP4216AV is my knock around saw and that little thing just keeps on going. i've done everything imaginable to that saw cause it was a trash pick and didn't cost me anything except the time for the MM. for fun i cut a 32" red oak with it and with some VXL on it the thing makes you forget the ugly orange color and how "cheap" it is.
 
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really? Going to throw upwards of $300 on a saw that is going to get abused? How big are these fence posts? Are we talking 20" plus or somewhere around 4" or 6"? I have witnessed a Poulan wild thing harvest 4+ cord of firewood a year for 8 years before it gave up and that last year it really didn't want to start. I think one should last for a fence row or two. I see them slightly used go for around $60 which will leave plenty for a good brush cutter and extra bars and chains. The Echo cs400 is a great saw with suburb air filtration and an adjustable oilier but new in the store are around the $300 mark and new online around $200. I can understand why you would not want to use a brand new ms261 that has been worked over for such dirty work, it would be hard for me to put that much abuse on that kind of money. I also wouldn't recommend any of the old mag saws as they tend to get hot and boil the fuel when dirty and the temps are above 70*. I ran into this problem using a Homelite Super EZ on a warm summer day limbing firewood for extended periods. The Stihl ms170 would be the best bet if you want to stay with one brand but your bars and chains on your 261 will not work on it and the small Huskys are just re-branded Poulan's for more money. You could spend a few extra bucks and get a Poulan Pro for the added cosmetic improvements and better colors and still have a saw that you won't mind replacing after a few years and getting your moneys worth.
 

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