TXTreeSurgeon
ArboristSite Operative
Hey guys, I'm new to the site. I am a full-time pastor who needs to make some extra money on the side to support his family. Last fall/winter a friend and I started selling firewood and we ended up selling about 30 cords of firewood. We lost a lot of orders because we couldn't keep up with the demand for firewood here in Central Texas. We plan on selling over 50 cords of firewood this year. I have an old Husqvarna saw (not sure which model) which came out of a trash pile after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and was restored by my dad. My saw has seen better days and doesn't have enough power to keep up with the amount of firewood that I need to cut this year, but it will make a great backup saw.
I plan to buy a new saw and run a 16" bar and chain for regular use. I want to be able to occasionally run about a 24" bar and chain for cutting up large trunks. I am looking for a saw that has the capability to run hard all day long and has enough power to help me do my work much more efficiently. I don't want to waste time in the field tearing down a cheap saw that gives me constant trouble when I could be steadily cutting with a higher quality saw. Needless to say, I am only interested in buying a professional use saw.
My local Stihl dealer is running a special on the MS 362 right now. With a 16" bar and chain, I can get a MS 362 for $349.99. Unless I am badly mistaken, I think this saw usually sells for over $600. Does this deal sound too good to be true or is this a normal sale price? Am I missing something here or should I go buy this saw immediately?
I was also going to look into a Husqvarna 346XP. The Husqvarna website says that the list price is $489.95. I have read about both of these saws. I know that everyone has their own opinion in the Stihl vs. Husqvarna debate, but it looks to me like they are both excellent saws and I will be comfortable buying whichever saw comes at the best price and best fits my needs. My budget limit is about $500. What saw do you guys think best fits my needs?
I plan to buy a new saw and run a 16" bar and chain for regular use. I want to be able to occasionally run about a 24" bar and chain for cutting up large trunks. I am looking for a saw that has the capability to run hard all day long and has enough power to help me do my work much more efficiently. I don't want to waste time in the field tearing down a cheap saw that gives me constant trouble when I could be steadily cutting with a higher quality saw. Needless to say, I am only interested in buying a professional use saw.
My local Stihl dealer is running a special on the MS 362 right now. With a 16" bar and chain, I can get a MS 362 for $349.99. Unless I am badly mistaken, I think this saw usually sells for over $600. Does this deal sound too good to be true or is this a normal sale price? Am I missing something here or should I go buy this saw immediately?
I was also going to look into a Husqvarna 346XP. The Husqvarna website says that the list price is $489.95. I have read about both of these saws. I know that everyone has their own opinion in the Stihl vs. Husqvarna debate, but it looks to me like they are both excellent saws and I will be comfortable buying whichever saw comes at the best price and best fits my needs. My budget limit is about $500. What saw do you guys think best fits my needs?