Need HELP - FAST!!! 395xp or MS660

[headleyj]

ok fellas, found a dealer who is going out of business and can get the following saws new w/ fact warranties and they're the same price:
MS660 or 395XP (I can get any bar for either)

Now - do I need a saw this big, no...a 75cc would do, but I can get either of these for $50 more than the best deal I can find on a new MS460 so:

1. Should I go this big? (have a 5 or 6, 36-40", 6-10' long oak to cut up) for firewood...I only cut firewood ...~ 10 cords a year
2. Which one?!! I won't be able to try either of these

I doubt they'll last so I need to decide TODAY (IMO).
I run Stihl now, but will be upgrading my MS290 to a MS361 very soon.

Your advice is greatly appreciated. THANKS!!

PS: Here's the thread where I received previous advice...
http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=109325

Also I was gonna wait til the IN GTG to decide so I could run a few different ones, but highly doubt these saws will be around after the GTG. I hate to miss a damn good deal that won't come around again.

 

[MS460WOODCHUCK]

I had the 660 and was not too impressed. I think I would go with the 395. JMO

 

[Kwdog75]

Toss a coin? I have never used a Stihl but i have a few Husqvana's and like them. My 394 is great no matter how big the wood is to cut, never seems to run out of power.

 

[Evan]

i think id get the 660. as much as i like both brands the stihls feel better in my hands

 

[SkippyKtm]

I have both a Husky 394 and an MS660. I like 'em both, but my vote goes to the Stihl in this size class (about a pound lighter than a 394/395). In the smaller stuff though, I definitely prefer the 372.

 

[Tzed250]

Both....












BTW....you know you just kicked over the hornets nest...




.

 

[RRSsawshop]

ok fellas, found a dealer who is going out of business and can get the following saws new w/ fact warranties and they're the same price:
MS660 or 395XP (I can get any bar for either)

Now - do I need a saw this big, no...a 75cc would do, but I can get either of these for $50 more than the best deal I can find on a new MS460 so:

1. Should I go this big? (have a 5 or 6, 36-40", 6-10' long oak to cut up) for firewood...I only cut firewood ...~ 10 cords a year
2. Which one?!! I won't be able to try either of these

I doubt they'll last so I need to decide TODAY (IMO).
I run Stihl now, but will be upgrading my MS290 to a MS361 very soon.

Your advice is greatly appreciated. THANKS!!

PS: Here's the thread where I received previous advice...
http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=109325

Also I was gonna wait til the IN GTG to decide so I could run a few different ones, but highly doubt these saws will be around after the GTG. I hate to miss a damn good deal that won't come around again.

Lets be realistic here,you only say you have 5 or 6 trees and max.dia.40" and they are 6' to 10' long,right??? I take it they are on the ground already???You dont need a 395 or 660 for BUCKING 6 TREES!!! Buy the 361 like you plan its more for you!!!!IMO NOT worth it for 6 trees on the ground a 20" bar will cut a 40" tree!!:chainsawguy:

 

[mdavlee]

I would get the 660. I have one and don't think its much different in handling than a 460. I handled one 395 and thought it was very bulky.

 

[headleyj]

Lets be realistic here,you only say you have 5 or 6 trees and max.dia.40" and they are 6' to 10' long,right??? I take it they are on the ground already???You dont need a 395 or 660 for BUCKING 6 TREES!!! Buy the 361 like you plan its more for you!!!!IMO NOT worth it for 6 trees on the ground a 20" bar will cut a 40" tree!!:chainsawguy:

this is exactly what I thought, but then the other side of me says - this deal will never come around again. I could always get my $ back out of it too. Also I'm interested in milling....if I end up with a mill, this size would be perfect I think.

 

[headleyj]

Both....


BTW....you know you just kicked over the hornets nest...


.

Yeah I know, but I gotta decide soon, so hope no one gets stung

 

[headleyj]

I gotta run and help a buddy hang some siding...I'll check back around lunch...thanks fellas. I greatly value ya'lls experience and opinion.

Josh

 

[Turkeyslayer]

I have a 395 and really like it. I have not ran a 660 so I cant comment on them. IMO a good 2 saw plan would be 660/361 or 395/357. I find I run the 395 for anything down to about 20" then comes out the 2156. Once you run a big saw I think you will really like it, heavy but makes fast work of the trees.

 

[Evan]

i realy think the 460 fits in best here.

the 361 will leave him wanting more saw in the bigger then 10" wood:biggrinbounce2:

 

[smokinj]

i realy think the 460 fits in best here.

The 361 will leave him wanting more saw in the bigger then 10" wood:biggrinbounce2:

+1

 

[redlinefever]

i would go for the 660!!!!!!! but muff mod it because they r breathing threw sucha little hole!

 

[BloodOnTheIce]

I own a 395 and have owned 660's, and would buy a 660 over a 395.
The 395 while smooth, in the hands feels like a boat anchor compared to the 660.

 

[andrethegiant70]

I can't say first hand because I've never compared the two. However, there are threads on here (one in particular was QUITE good, maybe 2 years ago?) that gives a very nice comparison.

In my opinion, everything I have read on here is that the 395 has the power advantage over a 660, stock. Modded, everything changes and will change according to how you mod them. I feel that, with a muffler mod, the 395 would still pull it out (again, this is just me remembering the threads).

The 660 is a bit lighter and has a more compact powerhead. If the saw is for occasional use or milling, however, who cares? Honestly, they are both excellent saws, I doubt you would be disappointed in either.

I absolutely notice that used parts are more available for the 066/660 than the 395. To me, that actually makes a lot of difference. The big saws are expensive to fix, and if you mill, you will probably end up needing to do work on it.

 

[RRSsawshop]

this is exactly what I thought, but then the other side of me says - this deal will never come around again. I could always get my $ back out of it too. Also I'm interested in milling....if I end up with a mill, this size would be perfect I think.

Well if your looking to mill thats another story!!! But just for bucking 6 logs its over kill!! I use my 372 more than my 395 and I cut for a living!!!:bang:

 

[Scandy14]

395xp

My vote is for the 395, but in reality, there is no wrong choice, IMO. Both are excellent saws, so it's a win win choice.

 

[7sleeper]

get an 880 or 3120!

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