Help me choose please

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orange fever

ArboristSite Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2007
Messages
68
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Location
Carlinville, IL
I am in the market for a good strong 20" chainsaw. I don't need anything over 20. I would consider Stihl, Husky, Jonsered, John Deere, etc. Dealer support is a big deal, money is not. I want a good dependable saw. I am leary of the Stihl "intelli-carb". It seems to me to be an extra expense and a chance for more down time. MS361, 357XP, Deere CS62?
 
Stihls intellie carb is nothing to be scared of. Nothing electrical or tricky about it. It simply vents the air side of the carb diaphragm to the air pressure inside the air filter instead of ambient air thus adjusting the air fuel mixture depending on how plugged the air filter is.
 
The "BEST"? right now it's a toss up 361 and 372, if you have a good dealer, move on up to the Dolmar 7900 and never look back.

NOW................. The true best, if you can find a N. O. S. Husky 262xp, but............................
 
I don't consider anything less than a 70cc saw as a strong saw for a 20" bar. The 361 feels underpowered with a 20" bar in wood like hickory that is larger than ~15".

I'd go with whatever saw you can find that fits your budget and hands the best. I'd be looking for a 372, 441 or 7900 myself.
 
If dealer support is a big deal then buy the saw from the dealer you think is the best. Explain to your chosen dealer what you want the saw to be able to do and see what he offers up. Then start cutting and don't second guess yourself for at least a year.

BTW I have a Stihl MS361 and a Husqvarna 357XP. I won't try to talk you into one brand over the other. Both will pull a 20" bar fine. I say that from personal experience.
 
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Dealer support is key, I am a STIHL man and I say the 361 or the 441.
The intellicarb works great with no problems. They have been using it for years.
Welcome and good luck with your decision.
 
I am in the market for a good strong 20" chainsaw. I don't need anything over 20. I would consider Stihl, Husky, Jonsered, John Deere, etc. Dealer support is a big deal, money is not. I want a good dependable saw. I am leary of the Stihl "intelli-carb". It seems to me to be an extra expense and a chance for more down time. MS361, 357XP, Deere CS62?

The 357 and 361 are both good saws, I'm not familiar with the Deere. Try out the saws. Start them, see how they feel, cut a cookie or two with each saw. See which controls you like. Then pick the one YOU like.
 
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My votes for the 361 or 441, excellent saws with great dealer support.
Welcome to AS
 
The "BEST"? right now it's a toss up 361 and 372, if you have a good dealer, move on up to the Dolmar 7900 and never look back.

NOW................. The true best, if you can find a N. O. S. Husky 262xp, but............................

+1
You have 4 dolmar dealers within 60 miles of you
 
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Who makes the John Deere?

Emak makes the JD. They are crap, stay away from them. They are the same as the Cub Cadet Commercial saws.

I think they are actually made by Efco, imported by Emak.

Good saws for the money, but look for the parts network to fail in the next few years. Typical with JD chainsaws!
 
I think they are actually made by Efco, imported by Emak.

Good saws for the money, but look for the parts network to fail in the next few years. Typical with JD chainsaws!

Yeah, I think your right. The saw says Emak, at least they did, but made in Italy same as Efco and Oleo-Mac.

For the money, I think you will agree, you would be better off with an Echo. The cub cadets would run great, the motor was very reliable. Everything else broke on the saws, assembled very cheaply, which would result in just as much down time.
 
Yeah, I think your right. The saw says Emak, at least they did, but made in Italy same as Efco and Oleo-Mac.

For the money, I think you will agree, you would be better off with an Echo. The cub cadets would run great, the motor was very reliable. Everything else broke on the saws, assembled very cheaply, which would result in just as much down time.


Sounds about right
 
+1

The "BEST"? right now it's a toss up 361 and 372, if you have a good dealer, move on up to the Dolmar 7900 and never look back.

NOW................. The true best, if you can find a N. O. S. Husky 262xp, but............................

There's lots of dealers in IL. Stop with the "IN" crowd and step up to the plate brotha. I got'em all, nothin' runs like the Dolmars. I'm truly addicted to them. I'm gonna have 3 of'em before i know it, lmfao...

:cheers:
 
I don't consider anything less than a 70cc saw as a strong saw for a 20" bar. ....

I agree, mainly 20" bar is 70cc + territorey, even though some smaller saws can do reasonably well with it.

Get a 372xp while you still can!! :)


...or the even stronger Dolmar 7900, if you have a good dealer around.
 

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