Uglyhat
ArboristSite Lurker
Greetings - first post but I'd like to get right to the point.
I'm needing a good firewood saw for between about 7000 and 9500 feet in elevation. Years past I used a slightly modded 044 with a 30" bar and full chisel chain at lower elevations in Oregon - wish I still had that one but I don't. So I'm accustomed to a decent amount of cutting power.
The new saws have me rather confused, and now that I'm cutting wood again I'll get my chainsaw reeducation in due time, but I'm hoping for the voice(s) of experience to expedite my saw and firewood acquisition.
'been looking at the new Stihls - not terribly brand loyal but where I live the best shops service and sell Stihls. I'm told the EPA regs now have the adjustability limited and saws crippled, but don't know how true this is. Sales folk tell me they run fine at altitude and can still be adjusted 'a little bit'. Some Stihls have the 'Intellicarb' compensating thingamajig supposedly for altitude and filter clogging, but the "NEW!" Stihls say nothing about compensating carbs.
I have no problems buying an older saw which I can jet down and otherwise tinker with, but I don't know how far back parts are readily available for various models and brands. I can spend the $$ on a new saw, but would hate to learn after the fact I shoulda got an older hot rod saw.
Weight is somewhat of an issue; I'm thinking a 20" bar will be sufficient but the wife will get grumpy if she has to wait long for me cutting to carry wood back to the truck. I'm looking in the 272 to 362 range, at least as far as Stihls go.
Thanks heaps and awaiting your responses ...
I'm needing a good firewood saw for between about 7000 and 9500 feet in elevation. Years past I used a slightly modded 044 with a 30" bar and full chisel chain at lower elevations in Oregon - wish I still had that one but I don't. So I'm accustomed to a decent amount of cutting power.
The new saws have me rather confused, and now that I'm cutting wood again I'll get my chainsaw reeducation in due time, but I'm hoping for the voice(s) of experience to expedite my saw and firewood acquisition.
'been looking at the new Stihls - not terribly brand loyal but where I live the best shops service and sell Stihls. I'm told the EPA regs now have the adjustability limited and saws crippled, but don't know how true this is. Sales folk tell me they run fine at altitude and can still be adjusted 'a little bit'. Some Stihls have the 'Intellicarb' compensating thingamajig supposedly for altitude and filter clogging, but the "NEW!" Stihls say nothing about compensating carbs.
I have no problems buying an older saw which I can jet down and otherwise tinker with, but I don't know how far back parts are readily available for various models and brands. I can spend the $$ on a new saw, but would hate to learn after the fact I shoulda got an older hot rod saw.
Weight is somewhat of an issue; I'm thinking a 20" bar will be sufficient but the wife will get grumpy if she has to wait long for me cutting to carry wood back to the truck. I'm looking in the 272 to 362 range, at least as far as Stihls go.
Thanks heaps and awaiting your responses ...