New guy needs first big one

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Hambone

Ain’t she pittyful
Joined
Jul 10, 2019
Messages
123
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Location
St. Louis, Mo.
Hello all new guy here.

I’m in need of some advice. I currently have a stihl 009L and a 028 wood boss. I’ve recently begun tending to a large plot of land and need bigger toys. I was considering a 291 with an 18” and a 391 with a 25”. The 291 will be replacing the 028. It’s the 391 I’m wondering about. Most of the big stuff I’ll be cutting is under 48”, but there will be the occasional 60”.

There’s a friend of mine who runs a 461 and loves it. I’ve found a place locally who still has 3 of them new. Just not sure if paying double is worth it and if it’s too much for a first big saw. By the way I’m 6’ 1” and 315lbs. Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
 
If you're anticipating cutting much Big Wood, you might consider the Husqvarna 3120XP, Dave "The Chainsaw Guy" here on the AS Tradin' Post has a Hard to beat price, $1,300 New, PHO, Shipped. I bought mine from him, and some others have as well, hd is a Reputable Seller that I would buy from again.

I like the Husqvarna "Branded" bars from GB, Alamia in Denver usually has Really Good prices on them. A 36" or 44" might be a good choice for you.

With wood that size you might get interested in CSM, and the 3120 is an Excellent choice for that.


Doug :cheers:
 
I appreciate it lol. I have a fair amount of experience with medium to small saws. However the big boys I have none. As far as size goes the trees over 48” will be limited. I just want to make sure I have enough saw if something over 48” comes my way. From what I’ve read the 391 will handle a 25” b&c just fine. I’m mainly asking if the 461 is worth double the price to get 36” capability. Also would it be too much saw for a newbie? The one thing I do know is I don’t want an m-tronic. Don’t like the idea of relying on a computer in the woods.
 
I appreciate it lol. I have a fair amount of experience with medium to small saws. However the big boys I have none. As far as size goes the trees over 48” will be limited. I just want to make sure I have enough saw if something over 48” comes my way. From what I’ve read the 391 will handle a 25” b&c just fine. I’m mainly asking if the 461 is worth double the price to get 36” capability. Also would it be too much saw for a newbie? The one thing I do know is I don’t want an m-tronic. Don’t like the idea of relying on a computer in the woods.

First off, let me address your statement about not wanting a M-tronic saw. They are really fantastic. I have had several for many years and I am in the process of converting my entire stable of saws to M-tronic exclusively.
Secondly, I would recommend you avoid the 391. It is outdated technology and extremely overweight for the power. If you want to stay in the 60cc class, get a MS 362 C-M. You won't regret it, or look back. I run mine with a 20", but it'll pull a 25". If you want to jump to the next level, look at the 462 C-M. It's just slightly heavier than the 362 and will pull a 28" without a problem.

Just my two cents.

Hope it helps.
 
The 391 will certainly cut plenty of wood. I bypassed the 391 in favor of a 362 - it's lighter, more powerful, and has an excellent anti-vibration system. Sure it's about a $200 price difference, but I am glad I put the additional money in for the 362 since it's my primary workhorse.

Really, though, it sounds like you've got the smaller sizes covered, and need something to handle the really big wood you're going to face. A 70-80cc saw would probably better address your needs.
 
First off, let me address your statement about not wanting a M-tronic saw. They are really fantastic. I have had several for many years and I am in the process of converting my entire stable of saws to M-tronic exclusively.
Secondly, I would recommend you avoid the 391. It is outdated technology and extremely overweight for the power. If you want to stay in the 60cc class, get a MS 362 C-M. You won't regret it, or look back. I run mine with a 20", but it'll pull a 25". If you want to jump to the next level, look at the 462 C-M. It's just slightly heavier than the 362 and will pull a 28" without a problem.

Just my two cents.

Hope it helps.

My only hesitation with the m-tronic saws is the reliability. I guess it’s taking that first plunge I’m afraid of. I love the idea of max power to weight. Other than have the computer reprogrammed, can they be worked on by the owner in the field and have all the bugs been worked out?

If I did go that route I’d go with a 261 and a 362.
 
There's a tendency on this site especially to go all-out big & powerful on saws. Yeah, it's cool to pick up some monster piece of power and see it work. But as someone who works with saws day to day, I carry the lightest saw I can for the work I'm doing. No need to hoist and carry some monster saw when cutting medium wood. If you cut big wood only occasionally, you can get by with much less saw than someone who cuts big wood all the time.

From what you're describing, a 72cc saw will serve you well. (My Dolmar 7900, 79 ccs, the biggest saw I own, mainly sits on the floor waiting for the rare occasion when I need it.)
 
Hello all new guy here.

I’m in need of some advice. I currently have a stihl 009L and a 028 wood boss. I’ve recently begun tending to a large plot of land and need bigger toys. I was considering a 291 with an 18” and a 391 with a 25”. The 291 will be replacing the 028. It’s the 391 I’m wondering about. Most of the big stuff I’ll be cutting is under 48”, but there will be the occasional 60”.

There’s a friend of mine who runs a 461 and loves it. I’ve found a place locally who still has 3 of them new. Just not sure if paying double is worth it and if it’s too much for a first big saw. By the way I’m 6’ 1” and 315lbs. Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Get the 461 while you can, it costs double what a 391 because it's twice the saw. I work with a friend that runs a 461, this guy could break an anvil without trying but his 461 is going on 3 years and still running great. The 461 will feel great with a 24 or 28 and will run a 36 when needed, don't look any further. By the way I'm not a stihl guy, I run dolkita or husky.
 
Funny situation. I was there with you just recently. I was given an 011av, needed more. My firefighter buddies told me to buy a pro saw. 362 or 461. What did I do? Bought a heavy 391 and actually had severe buyers remorse!

Returned the 391, took a small hit on restocking fee and ordered a 461. The 462 was in stock but felt compelled to get the 461 as I like the idea of being able to tinker. Whatever.

Best part of all this, it’s more saw than I’ll ever need but “just in case” I’m covered. This is largely in part of good old internet forum influence! Haha
 
There's a tendency on this site especially to go all-out big & powerful on saws. Yeah, it's cool to pick up some monster piece of power and see it work. But as someone who works with saws day to day, I carry the lightest saw I can for the work I'm doing. No need to hoist and carry some monster saw when cutting medium wood. If you cut big wood only occasionally, you can get by with much less saw than someone who cuts big wood all the time.

From what you're describing, a 72cc saw will serve you well. (My Dolmar 7900, 79 ccs, the biggest saw I own, mainly sits on the floor waiting for the rare occasion when I need it.)
My 7910 is the same way. Feel bad looking at it sitting there but in wood 20" or less it not far enough ahead to make the extra 2 pounds worth swinging over my ported 60. I agree with the lightest saw that will get the job done is the one to grab.
 
Buying both a 291 and 391 is dumb - they are two different displacements built on the same chassis, right? Those two saws $$$ together will easily get you into a 362 or maybe 461.

461 with 18” and 25/28” bars would be a good setup for all but the very biggest of trees, where 660/661 would be the proper tool.

If you are intent on replacing the 028, a 261 is the proper choice.
 
Funny situation. I was there with you just recently. I was given an 011av, needed more. My firefighter buddies told me to buy a pro saw. 362 or 461. What did I do? Bought a heavy 391 and actually had severe buyers remorse!

Returned the 391, took a small hit on restocking fee and ordered a 461. The 462 was in stock but felt compelled to get the 461 as I like the idea of being able to tinker. Whatever.

Best part of all this, it’s more saw than I’ll ever need but “just in case” I’m covered. This is largely in part of good old internet forum influence! Haha

Exactly, I like the idea of being able to fix my gear on the tailgate of my truck, no laptop required.
 
Buying both a 291 and 391 is dumb - they are two different displacements built on the same chassis, right? Those two saws $$$ together will easily get you into a 362 or maybe 461.

461 with 18” and 25/28” bars would be a good setup for all but the very biggest of trees, where 660/661 would be the proper tool.

If you are intent on replacing the 028, a 261 is the proper choice.

The 291 will replace my 028, I was debating on the 391 or 461 to run a 25” b&c on a regular basis. With the occasional need of a 36”.
 
Buying both a 291 and 391 is dumb - they are two different displacements built on the same chassis, right? Those two saws $$$ together will easily get you into a 362 or maybe 461.

Sthil changed things up with the xx1 series of farm and ranch saws. The 271 and 291 share the same chassis and the 311 and 391 are on the same chassis.
 

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