Need help picking the correct saw for me.

[HillmanMike]

Hi All.

I just moved to northern Michigan and am looking for a chainsaw. I have a wood stove in my house and use it to heat at least 95% of the time. I am looking for a saw that will handle my demands of cutting fallen trees (in the spring with cut permit) and pulp cords. I will use it probably two days a week stocking up for next year. If I can't pick the pieces up to load them in my truck I wont cut it, so I guess a 18" bar will work? Also I am on a limited budget so what's the best bang for the buck on the market?

Thanks
Mike

 

[jropo]

Husqvarna 346xp and never look back.
They have the same power as a 460 Rancher 60cc's(455 Rancher's big brother) in a small little 46cc firewood saw package, for a little more than a 455 Rancher. And I'll bet you'll cut more than you think once you get a saw that you enjoy running.

But I'm a Husky guy any saw in the 40-50cc range will do for our woods.

 

[fearofpavement]

Well, if i were you I would probably buy two used saws. something like a Stihl 026/MS260, Stihl 039/MS390, Stihl 029/MS290, or other versions in the 50/60cc class. In Husqvarna the 55, 455, 346, 350 etc would also do the job.

There is a ton of info on this site that you can search (or ask questions) if you have a particular saw in your sights.

If there is dealer support in the area you're at, there are also other brands to be considered.

I'm sure other opinions will be coming and soon you'll be outfitted with a Husqvarna 372xp in one hand and a Stihl MS660 in the other...

 

[husqvarna89]

husqvarna 555

 

[mitch95100]

Well someones gotta say it MS660
you can always run an 18" on it lol

 

[Sagetown]

Mike, with limited budget, a Poulan will get the job done, and will last as long as you if properly cared for, but you'll know you've had a hold of it too. The more favored brands cost more, have anti-vib features, and are of better quality.

 

[Fifelaker]

There was a guy in hillman with some saws on cl.

 

[HillmanMike]

Jropo, Wow I just check that site with videos and the 346xp 18" is awesome

fearofpavement, Why 2 saws and what's the pros of your recommendations?

husqvarna89, Why the 555?

I am just trying to understand peoples logic. jropo gave facts to support his recommendation. (I hope no one is offended by my question/comment):smile2:

Mike

 

[sunfish]

Husqvarna 346xp and never look back.
They have the same power as a 460 Rancher 60cc's(455 Rancher's big brother) in a small little 46cc firewood saw package, for a little more than a 455 Rancher. And I'll bet you'll cut more than you think once you get a saw that you enjoy running.

But I'm a Husky guy any saw in the 40-50cc range will do for our woods.

That would be 50cc, the old one was 45cc, but I completely agree with ya on the rest! :msp_smile:

 

[HillmanMike]

Does anyone know anything about the "Poulan Pro 20" 50cc Gas Chain Saws PP5020"

 

[z71mike]

Stihl 290. All the saw a first timer needs, with a 2yr warranty for about $340.

 

[jropo]

Jropo, Wow I just check that site with videos and the 346xp 18" is awesome

fearofpavement, Why 2 saws and what's the pros of your recommendations?

husqvarna89, Why the 555?

I am just trying to understand peoples logic. jropo gave facts to support his recommendation. (I hope no one is offended by my question/comment):smile2:

Mike

The 346 is probally one of the most favorite saws to modify are you sure it wasen't "ported"? They really scream out of the box!!! But they are getting like the 49' Merc's you can't find one that is stock.


Once you get hooked there is always a reason for another saw!!! :hmm3grin2orange:
But having two saws is not a bad idea specially if you cut alone in the middle of State Land! (might need to cut out your pinched saw)
Its nice to have a back up. I used an ol' duffer for awhile that was a little bigger so If I had a little bigger piece of wood instead of sitting in the cut for a long time I could cut, load up, and get home!
Then it seemed like I was using my "bigger saw" all the time, then I found this site and haven't been right since!

P.S. Welcome......... RUN!!!!!!

 

[jropo]

That would be 50cc, the old one was 45cc, but I completely agree with ya on the rest! :msp_smile:

Oopps!!! My mistake just going off the top of my head.

 

[jpankey]

Stihl , will last the hunkyjunkas dont one cylinder ring revs but dont last.

 

[Somesawguy]

I'll have to recommend the MS290. It's all the saw I've needed so far. Used ones can be had for around $200, at least around here.

 

[Bursch]

Jropo, Wow I just check that site with videos and the 346xp 18" is awesome

fearofpavement, Why 2 saws and what's the pros of your recommendations?

husqvarna89, Why the 555?

I am just trying to understand peoples logic. jropo gave facts to support his recommendation. (I hope no one is offended by my question/comment):smile2:

Mike

I like to always have 2 saws. Just in case you get 1 pinched or quits on you. A spare small cheaper one will do.

 

[Yooperforeman]

Stihl MS290 will get the job done.

 

[HillmanMike]

Wow, Sensory overload!!!:msp_ohmy: I think I have gathered thus far a 45cc is minimum and I should go with an 18 inch bar? Now it comes down to brand, model and price. I don't think I want a used saw for fear of it's past (I am Irish and I have luck just bad:hmm3grin2orange. Please keep the recommendations coming along with the reasons. I do know I am going to buy from a dealer not one of those super stores.

 

[Fifelaker]

Lot's of things to consider Your age, the shape your in, how much and how big of wood. I was 44 good shape needed 10 cord mostly larger wood so I went 70cc and 20"and 24" I can still use it for all my cutting needs but am thinking a 50cc is in my future for the smaller stuff. If it was me and a one saw plan 60cc seems to be a good place to start.

 

[sunfish]

Wow, Sensory overload!!!:msp_ohmy: I think I have gathered thus far a 45cc is minimum and I should go with an 18 inch bar? Now it comes down to brand, model and price. I don't think I want a used saw for fear of it's past (I am Irish and I have luck just bad:hmm3grin2orange. Please keep the recommendations coming along with the reasons. I do know I am going to buy from a dealer not one of those super stores.

Best thing you can do, no matter the brand! :msp_smile: