Decisions, decisions...

[kw1980]

I have $400 to spend. I need to cut 4-6 cords of wood a year. Diameter of trees-roughly 18-20 inches. Need a new saw-looking at ms280 Stihl, or 353 Husqvarna. Both dealers are close. Make up my mind for me!! :bang:

Please don't tell me I need a 361 Stihl.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

You need a 361.

(You asked for that.)

The 280 is a decent saw, but should not be confused with the 028 which was a great saw. I don't know about the 353, but I think alot of guys would recommend that over the 280.

What about a 359, isn't that about $400?

Welcome to AS.

Jeff

 

[MOA]

Dolmar 5100S if there is a dealer worth going to around you. What about the MS310? Just recomending it cause I have one and it runs great. Of the ones you want I would go with the Stihl, I have heard the huskies are peaky.

 

[Foghorn]

I cut about the same as you and use a 280; I find it more than adaquate!

Can't comment on the Husky...

 

[WVhunter]

I think the MS270 and MS280 are nice firewood saws, have friends that have both and love them. Don't forget the Dolmar 5100 they say that is a great saw, I want one myself. Good luck and Welcome!!!!!

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

I forgot about the 5100.

The 290 series are a fine series of saw for firewood. I had a 310 myself, but I think they weigh a bit more than the 280. But they're worth a look if you're into firewood.

 

[thompson1600]

I had an MS270 until my dad tried it and now I can't get it back from him. He loves that saw for firewood cutting.

Tom

 

[blis]

353 or 357 would be great on that sized wood...

 

[woodfarmer]

or look for a nearly new jonsered 2171 with a 20 inch bar, now your cutting

 

[NapalmDeath]

I have a MS270 and love it. I too only cut a few cords a year. Used it numerous times in 18"-22" red oak and hickory and have no complaints. Sure, I'd love a 361 but if I had a budget of $400 and had to do it again I would still go with the MS270/MS280 for sure.

 

[zzrcanuck]

I cut a lot with a 353 the last three years.I highly recommend it. There's very little vibration in the handles,it's very light with good power.I haven't tried the Stihl ms280 but the two stihls I have are quite buzzy

 

[SawTroll]

You need a 361.

(You asked for that.)

The 280 is a decent saw, but should not be confused with the 028 which was a great saw. I don't know about the 353, but I think alot of guys would recommend that over the 280.

What about a 359, isn't that about $400?

Welcome to AS.

Jeff

359 or Ps5100S, if the limit is about 400 USD, the 353 is not up to it imo, even though it is a very nice saw.

For that size wood, I would also take the MS280 over the 353, more cc and power output, even though it isn't a full blown pro quality saw.

Does anyone know the price of the Emak 62 cc and 56 cc saws (Efco, OleoMac, John Deere).....

 

[rb_in_va]

Does it have to be new?

 

[Erick]

If it were me.....

I would seriously look into some of the used saws that are around, the local dealers (if you can trust theme), ebay, etc. and some here. There is a 360 pro listed here that would be perfect for your intended purpose (If my wallet wasn't still recovering from Christmas it would not still be for sale). You could find a nice 044/440 046/460 w/ a 20" bar for that money that would rip through that size wood faster than you could move to the next log, and would handle the bigger stuff you'll run into from time to time.

Think about it ms460 20" bar 8 pin, you could back home on the couch in time for the game.

E.

 

[rb_in_va]

I would seriously look into some of the used saws that are around, the local dealers (if you can trust theme), ebay, etc. and some here.

Zactly! That's what I did. If you're not in a hurry you can get a good deal. Put a "saw wanted" ad in the trading post. You'll get lets of replies! For $400 you can pick up a nice saw!

 

[asb151]

For 18-20 inch wood I'd personaly want more saw than a 353. With 4-6 cord you could get by but it is very marginal. I'd agree with the 359 or 5100 recommendation from Sawtroll.

I just picked up a 5100 and I am very impressed with it.


If you can stretch the budget a little a 361 or a 365 would be perfect.

 

[wayne s]

I just got a PS-5100 for christmas and love it. It's right in your price range @ $409.00. If there is a dealer in your area I highly reccommend checking it out.

 

[SawTroll]

....
If you can stretch the budget a little a 361 or a 365 would be perfect.

Not a 365, too heavy for its power......

 

[skytow]

359!

I had the same dilemma and budget 6 months ago. Also cut mostly hardwood up to ~ 28". I'm no pro! Just a wood cutter.

Let me second (or 3rd, 4th?) the 359. It fits right into your budget if bought on line.

Plenty of power with 18 inch bar and so far is very reliable and LOW vibration. All metal crankcase.

To say I'm pleased with the saw is an understatement!

Jeff

 

[asb151]

Not a 365, too heavy for its power......

For only 4-6 cord a year an extra pound does mean much and should not be a big factor.

It has a very wide power band which is helpful for a part time user.