Chain saw selection

[rmorriso86]

Now I know this can be a loaded question but I’m tired of buying crap that just doesn’t work. Thinking of the Stihl 261c for the autotune. I cut 1-2 cords a year ranging from early spring to late fall in Utah with elevation ranging from 5500-10000. 20-30 inch round at the most the only new one I ever bought was a echo cs400 and let’s just say it was a hunk of junk. The stihl that I’ve had was way old one from the 70’s and a 36 mag loved that one till someone thought they needed it more than me. The 36 still has the power at elevation to cut but weighed a ton. I’m just wanting one that I’m not fighting with every time I go in the mountains to get to start? Any opinions I’m not brand loyal

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

If you are cutting anything over 20” regularly I’d suggest that the 261 is too small.

What is the size of wood you will be cutting 90% of the time?

 

[rmorriso86]

If you are cutting anything over 20” regularly I’d suggest that the 261 is too small.

What is the size of wood you will be cutting 90% of the time?

Under 20 most of the time but up to 30 on occasion

 

[johnnyballs]

my favorite set-up was an old husky 385xp with a 20" bar and chain on it.... that thing was nasty.....

 

[rmorriso86]

my favorite set-up was an old husky 385xp with a 20" bar and chain on it.... that thing was nasty.....

How did they work at altitude trying to get one restarted is my biggest problem when warm on the mountain? I liked my in laws 455 rancher

 

[holeycow]

You need a 70cc saw

or maybe more

 

[rmorriso86]

You need a 70cc saw

or maybe more

Well I could always use more but my wallet and wife might not like me

 

[full chizel]

An Echo 590 will fit the bill if you liked the Rancher and can be had for under $400

 

[holeycow]

Pffft.., your wife doesn't like you anyway.

 

[holeycow]

Ha!

maybe a used 70cc saw?

I have a cs590, an ms362, and a 262xp in the 60cc size. The Echo is not quite what the others are, but for the price is a no brainer. Everybody should have one if you have to buy new.

if you buy used, you could get a nicer saw for the same money. Or you could get screwed.

the Echo NEEDS to be tuned. The factory tuning sucks, and not just with Echo's.

 

[rmorriso86]

An Echo 590 will fit the bill if you liked the Rancher and can be had for under $400

The 400 I had the chain went loose in less than a minute and would never restart when hot does the 590 have those problems?

 

[rmorriso86]

Pffft.., your wife doesn't like you anyway.

Damn you been talkin to her too

 

[rmorriso86]

Ha!

maybe a used 70cc saw?

I have a cs590, an ms362, and a 262xp in the 60cc size. The Echo is not quite what the others are, but for the price is a no brainer. Everybody should have one if you have to buy new.

if you buy used, you could get a nicer saw for the same money. Or you could get screwed.

the Echo NEEDS to be tuned. The factory tuning sucks, and not just with Echo's.

I really don’t mind spending the cash I’m looking for something I’m not spending 30 mins trying to restart every tank my arm is getting to old for that. My 400 was a lot better after I pulled the adjustment caps off

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

Under 20 most of the time but up to 30 on occasion

036 is a great saw for your needs and will be very affordable. No idea about elevation though.

 

[holeycow]

Elevation simply requires tuning. Just a light touch with a screwdriver for literally a few seconds.

 

[arathol]

I'd go with a Stihl 362 with a 20" bar. 30" rounds will not be a problem. If you don't want the weight of a 362 a 261 with an 18" bar will do fine.
I've had an Echo 680 for some time now, always starts and runs. Echo saws need a bit of tweaking but they run and cut fine. The 680 will handle a 24" bar with no problem.

The 400 I had the chain went loose in less than a minute and would never restart when hot does the 590 have those problems?

The tensioner can be a weak point. If you tighten the bar too much it can pull apart. I had it happen once, but its an easy fix. Never had a hot start issue with any of my 3 Echo saws.

 

[johnnyballs]

How did they work at altitude trying to get one restarted is my biggest problem when warm on the mountain? I liked my in laws 455 rancher

not very high altitude here close to buffalo, but she started by the 3rd pull every time...

 

[Justin Taylor]

Ms 311 would be more in budget at $519 and be at 59cc’s could easily pull a 20 inch bar and when needed a 25 inch