kswoodcutter
ArboristSite Lurker
It's time to buy a new saw and I think I have it narrowed down to just a couple and am hoping for some insight. This is going to be a big purchase for me so I need to make the right choice the first time.
I think I have it narrowed down to these four
1) Husqvarna 346xp (seems to have a good reputation for reliability/ease of modding)
2) Dolmar PS5100 (same as the 346xp sans mods)
3) Stihl MS261 (cannot remember why the Stihl is here)
4) Echo CS500 (light weight and same class as above)
An 18" bar will do just about everything I need. I cut firewood (6-7 cords. maybe more this year) all winter and also help clear land. My FIL, who I normally cut with, will have a saw in the same range.
I had initially thought about getting the Echo CS400 because it would be a great limbing saw and nice to use in my orchard, but I heard/read terrible things regarding reliability and warranty support (or lack thereof). My impression from reading is that the Echo saws run very lean which can create cylinder damage and that Echo tells you to go to h#$!. The CS500 doesn't seem to have the same bad reliability reviews and it is still light enough to use as a limbing saw. Plus, right now THD is offering great no interest financing. Still worried about warranty stuff though. If I am looking at the 50cc class, I might as well include the 346XP and ps5100 as they seem to be terrific all around saws with great reps. I think Stihl's reputation for hard cold starts turns me off of that brand. I have a hard starting saw now and don't need another.
My FIL has an older Echo CS5100 (not completely sure of the model) and it is a great saw. Better than his Tanaka, for sure. My neighbour uses a PS5100 and loves it. I do have to cut Hedge too, so wimpy saw need not apply.
Wish list
1) not on the heavy end as I am as skinny as they get.
2) easy starting. I'm through yanking on the d#$@ cord while everyone else is cutting.
3) reliable. I take care of my stuff and expect it to outlast me.
I think I have it narrowed down to these four
1) Husqvarna 346xp (seems to have a good reputation for reliability/ease of modding)
2) Dolmar PS5100 (same as the 346xp sans mods)
3) Stihl MS261 (cannot remember why the Stihl is here)
4) Echo CS500 (light weight and same class as above)
An 18" bar will do just about everything I need. I cut firewood (6-7 cords. maybe more this year) all winter and also help clear land. My FIL, who I normally cut with, will have a saw in the same range.
I had initially thought about getting the Echo CS400 because it would be a great limbing saw and nice to use in my orchard, but I heard/read terrible things regarding reliability and warranty support (or lack thereof). My impression from reading is that the Echo saws run very lean which can create cylinder damage and that Echo tells you to go to h#$!. The CS500 doesn't seem to have the same bad reliability reviews and it is still light enough to use as a limbing saw. Plus, right now THD is offering great no interest financing. Still worried about warranty stuff though. If I am looking at the 50cc class, I might as well include the 346XP and ps5100 as they seem to be terrific all around saws with great reps. I think Stihl's reputation for hard cold starts turns me off of that brand. I have a hard starting saw now and don't need another.
My FIL has an older Echo CS5100 (not completely sure of the model) and it is a great saw. Better than his Tanaka, for sure. My neighbour uses a PS5100 and loves it. I do have to cut Hedge too, so wimpy saw need not apply.
Wish list
1) not on the heavy end as I am as skinny as they get.
2) easy starting. I'm through yanking on the d#$@ cord while everyone else is cutting.
3) reliable. I take care of my stuff and expect it to outlast me.
Last edited: