40cc chainsaw favorite for $300-$350?

[svk]

Don't overlook the Makita 3601 either. Lighter than the 40's and stock it has similar power to all but the high end 40 cc saws.

 

[Termite]

In an old thread fordf150 weighed Makita3601 at 9.4lbs.

Redmax 4500 is 9.6lbs.

I will take .2 pounds and 9cc all day long.

Echo cs400 10.1 lbs. from their site.

 

[Brian72]

Seems like good options in this class. I only have experience with the echo so I can't comment on the others.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[svk]

In an old thread fordf150 weighed Makita3601 at 9.4lbs.

Redmax 4500 is 9.6lbs.

I will take .2 pounds and 9cc all day long.

Echo cs400 10.1 lbs. from their site.

(Stock) 3601 is rated at 2.4 hp versus 2.5 on the Redmax. You can add .1 HP at the cost of .2 LBS and the Redmax costs more.

I would like to run a Redmax against my 3601.

 

[fordf150]

for comparison on current models under roughly $350.
echo 400 2.4hp
echo 490(this would also apply to the CS500P) 2.8hp
makita 3601 2.3hp(also listed as 2.4hp)
makita 4300 2.9hp
stihl 251 2.9hp
stihl 250 3.0hp
husky 235 2.2hp
husky 440 2.4hp
husky 445 2.8hp

obsolete models
redmax 4000 2.4hp
redmax 4500 2.5hp(also found it listed as 2.7hp)

edited the 3601 to add the other hp rating listed in literature

 

[svk]

for comparison on current models under roughly $350.
echo 400 2.4hp
echo 490(this would also apply to the CS500P) 2.8hp
makita 3601 2.3hp
makita 4300 2.9hp
stihl 251 2.9hp
stihl 250 3.0hp
husky 235 2.2hp
husky 440 2.4hp
husky 445 2.8hp

obsolete models
redmax 4000 2.4hp
redmax 4500 2.5hp(also found it listed as 2.7hp)

I had to double check that 3601 rating. It shows 2.4 in the "features" and 2.3 in the "specs". Maybe split the difference
https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/EA3601FRDB

 

[mountainlake]

echo 490(this would also apply to the CS500P) 2.8hp

With a simple muff modd and tuned right they run like a 3.8 to 3.9 hp saw plus have a wide power band. Plus they are light Steve

 

[moondoggie]

Jonsered 2245 sometimes it's on sale for$260 at TSC. Same saw as the Husqvarna 445

 

[svk]

Jonsered 2245 sometimes it's on sale for$260 at TSC. Same saw as the Husqvarna 445

That's a great deal. Aren't they like 329 or 339 msrp?

 

[moondoggie]

That's a great deal. Aren't they like 329 or 339 msrp?

Yes sir something like that.

 

[svk]

echo 490(this would also apply to the CS500P) 2.8hp

With a simple muff modd and tuned right they run like a 3.8 to 3.9 hp saw plus have a wide power band. Plus they are light Steve

Despite the 49 model number they are a 50 cc saw though so deserve to be compared to their peer group and not the true 40 cc saws.

 

[Chris-PA]

I would like to run a Redmax against my 3601.

Probably if you gave them both muffler mods you'd find the 3601 was quite overwhelmed. I don't put too much stock in advertised hp.

Still, my impression is the OP was looking at new saws, which leaves the older RedMax saws out. The 3601 would be a decent choice, even with less displacement.

 

[Termite]

Probably if you gave them both muffler mods you'd find the 3601 was quite overwhelmed. I don't put too much stock in advertised hp.

Still, my impression is the OP was looking at new saws, which leaves the older RedMax saws out. The 3601 would be a decent choice, even with less displacement.

It seems a shame how a lot of older saw become obsolete and the newer ones are not quite as good. The 361 Stihl comes to mind and I am not a Stihl guy.

 

[mainewoods]

I would add the Husky 435 to that list also. 2.2 hp, 9.2 lbs. Impressive little saw for $200 or less.

 

[TBS]

The 543xp is a great saw too once its broke in( may take 20+ tanks-oh-fuel) but they are pricey.

The 543xp is probably overpriced because it says hoskaverna on and not redmax/zenoah.

Those craftsman 42 & 46cc zenoah design saws are nice runners and inexpensive, but they are heavy at 13lbs.

 

[svk]

Probably if you gave them both muffler mods you'd find the 3601 was quite overwhelmed. I don't put too much stock in advertised hp.

Still, my impression is the OP was looking at new saws, which leaves the older RedMax saws out. The 3601 would be a decent choice, even with less displacement.

Hard to tell without trying. With all things equal, it should favor the higher cube saw.

 

[svk]

The 543xp is a great saw too once its broke in( may take 20+ tanks-oh-fuel) but they are pricey.

The 543xp is probably overpriced because it says hoskaverna on and not redmax/zenoah.

Those craftsman 42 & 46cc zenoah design saws are nice runners and inexpensive, but they are heavy at 13lbs.

I have only seen one 543 in person and only heard of a handful more from all of the folks on this forum. They really are smoking crack if they think the saw is fairly priced at the current MSRP.

 

[TBS]

That 529$ msrp is ridiculous for something that only gained a mag oil tank as part of the case and a slightly redesigned cylinder that interchanges with my cheap old zenoah/ryobi.

 

[Dieseldash]

That's a great deal. Aren't they like 329 or 339 msrp?

I think I got mine there for around $300 on sale. It's been a good little saw. Feels stronger than the listed 2.8hp.
The x-torq must have a broader torque curve or something. Sips gas too. I like my Husky 350's a bit better because they're so easy to mod and you can find a builder saw for cheap.

That Makita 4300 sure looks tempting.

 

[Dieseldash]

I would add the Husky 435 to that list also. 2.2 hp, 9.2 lbs. Impressive little saw for $200 or less.

My brother has one of these as his trail saw. Nice light little limbing saw. The 440 would fit the bill too.