Best saw to buy for firewood?

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When one get's into Stihl's Pro Series, chain saws or anything else, that's about as good as it gets. And you will pay a little more for a Stihl Pro. The MS261 c-m is a Pro series saw.

Although I could, I simply just don't have the time to fix some things. When I buy something I expect it to start and run like a scalded dog every time I use it. The MS261 c-m does do that.
 
What I want to know is why the OP wants to cut down a bunch of 20-36" oak trees in the first place. I love to see my saws throwing chips like a snowblower as much as the next guy, but that's just WRONG! (Is there a tree-hugging emoji here on the site?)

And if the OP is dead set on cutting down these trees, why not make LUMBER out of them, not firewood? Jeez Louise, it's like using gold ore for driveway crush-and-run...
 
1. The dealer that told you the 271 is a better saw than the 261 is nuts. Find a better dealer or a different person at that dealer.
2. Get the 261. Fantastic firewood saw if you can afford a $600 saw.
3. Don't put a 25" bar on a 261. 25" bars do not belong on 50cc saws. If you honestly need a 25" bar regularly, get a 362.
 
My vote is for the non M-tronic MS261. Echos are good saws for the money, but part prices are unreal high and there is very little used and none aftermarket available. A plastic bar cover is $50 for an Echo and no choice but to pay.
 
My pick for you OP is a husqvarna 562xp, I have one and let me tell you its no slouch and its a pleasure to live with day after day.

I was at a get together yesterday cutting red oak.

We had a pile of saws there.

I ran my 562xp for most of the day.

Why? Not because its the fastest saw I have but because it does most things well, it sips fuel, is fairly light and its as smooth as a saw can be.

Anyone who runs my 562 is always impressed with it.

BUT all that being said I wouldn't only have 1 saw.

Big saws have their place but they are heavy. I cut several 36" oak logs yesterday. I put the 562xp away for those. The 394 got pulled out.

Small saws are light but they limit production if you are bucking and can easily be blown up if you try and use them like a big saw. But they limb like its going out of style.

So if you only can have 1 saw I say buy a 70cc saw like a 372xp and call it a day. Thats as good of a 1 saw plan as you can have.

You still will need other saws if you get serious about cutting.
 
Hehe, 562XP for firewood.
Yeah if you have a money tree in your garden and the money is just filling up your bank account to the brim so you need to spend some to make place for some more - that might be suitable :D
How is the price compared to a 555 I wonder, you think that would be a bad choice for a luxury bigass firewood saw?
Most guys around here use 40-45cc saws :)
 
Hehe, 562XP for firewood.
Yeah if you have a money tree in your garden and the money is just filling up your bank account to the brim so you need to spend some to make place for some more - that might be suitable :D
How is the price compared to a 555 I wonder, you think that would be a bad choice for a luxury bigass firewood saw?
Most guys around here use 40-45cc saws :)

I got lets see, $300 worthless canadian dollars into my 562. Bought it blown up and built it myself.

I only cut firewood and the most expensive saw I've ever bought was my 576xp. That one cost me $450 worthless canadian dollars.
 
I have never owned a Husqvarna but been around chainsaws enough to highly respect this brand name. These are very good saws. Then when I consider buying a Husqvarna I picture myself at a Lowe's or Home Depot standing there while I hear an intercom saying " A customer requires service in Aisle 10". And then I stand there for an hour waiting.
 
I got lets see, $300 worthless canadian dollars into my 562. Bought it blown up and built it myself.

I only cut firewood and the most expensive saw I've ever bought was my 576xp. That one cost me $450 worthless canadian dollars.

Well, overkill is just an expression anyway isn't it ;)
 
I have never owned a Husqvarna but been around chainsaws enough to highly respect this brand name. These are very good saws. Then when I consider buying a Husqvarna I picture myself at a Lowe's or Home Depot standing there while I hear an intercom saying " A customer requires service in Aisle 10". And then I stand there for an hour waiting.
Buy online. I have bought 2 Husqvarna chainsaws and a backpack blower online. No problems.

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In the woods I use a gas chainsaw, when I get a tractor load of wood on to my lawn and use a wood cutting crutch(?) to cut it to fire wood I use a 2kw 220v Husqvarna saw.
It's superior in practical use to any gas chainsaw, it don't loose effect when the rpm slows down, quite on the contrary it's like a diesel engine - just gives more power the more it is loaded. It dont stop turning for anything.
And it starts every time you pull the trigger and stops every time you let it off, very practical indeed. 16" inch bar and cuts like butter through anything. Neighbor friendly too.
 
Hehe, 562XP for firewood.
Yeah if you have a money tree in your garden and the money is just filling up your bank account to the brim so you need to spend some to make place for some more - that might be suitable :D
How is the price compared to a 555 I wonder, you think that would be a bad choice for a luxury bigass firewood saw?
Most guys around here use 40-45cc saws :)
Chainsaws are inexpensive tools in the bigger scheme of things.

So you like running an extension cord over the hills and through the woods? Lol alright then. BC it's clear you are a pretty much just a troll looking to kill time and add zero valuable information. At least you're not insulting to others, so it's entertaining.
 
Chainsaws are inexpensive tools in the bigger scheme of things.

So you like running an extension cord over the hills and through the woods? Lol alright then. BC it's clear you are a pretty much just a troll looking to kill time and add zero valuable information. At least you're not insulting to others, so it's entertaining.

Thanks.
 
I think what he said is that he runs gas in the woods and mains electric (220v, which is excellent) when in the yard.

other than the annoyance of a cord, this sounds like a great idea to me..one which I never really considered, but is likely far superior to rechargeable saw shenanigans.
 
I agree,the best saw for you would be a husky 562xp. Assuming you are only planning on having one saw.

I just bought a 550xp ( not mk2) with an 18" bar and it ripped through 30" oak yesterday like it was nothing. Quite impressive if you ask me. I do not have one saw. If you're going with the one saw plan, 562xp all day. I've used the ms362 and I wasn't impressed.

I am fortunate as I have husky and Stihl dealers at my disposal. If I did not,I would have no issue buying the 261cm. I actually was considering it but where I bought the 550xp they carried both. Ultimately,I got the husky for $519 and 5 year warranty for buying 3 cans of fuel. That on top of my preference for husky it was a no brainer.

The Stihl 261cm is a fine saw. I would have no issue buying one. The Echo 590 is another great saw at an amazing price. Two HDs by me have them for $399.

The Dolmars are good recommendations but dealers are usually rare as hens teeth.

I'd skip the ms271,281,311,391
 
If it was a single saw you’re owning and you’re wanting to cut that size of tree, I’d suggest the 362 especially if you want a 20-25” bar. Father has one and it’s a great saw. I have used the 260 a number of times when I was back in the uk and it’s a fantastic firewood saw and I never felt it lacking, but in the Uk trees are generally less than 16” dia. If you are cutting up to 30” dia the 261 isn’t ideal. Of course you can come from both sides, but I think you may regret it.
 
Professional firewood sawyer yes? That means you make your living on making firewood at lest 8 hours a day?

I'm web troll yes? Alrighty then, that kinda sets the agenda doesn't it? I am "whatever" you want me to be, don't forget it.
 
I personally don’t cut firewood but do fall timber or should say I use to fall timber. That said the little 562xpw I have has been a great little saw with enough power to run a 32” bar out here on the west coast or wet coast whichever you prefer it’s light and the anti vibe makes for a smooth little saw. One thing I do agree on is get some chaps, ear plugs, safety glasses, and a hard hat I prefer a full brim tin or aluminum hat.


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