Need a 50cc or 60cc pro saw.

[midwestguy1]

I ve been working trees all summer long for company doing removals trimming. I ve done my own small side jobs off and on for years but this year really enjoying it and want to pursue more outside work. Was in retail Sporting Goods for too long. Company only uses all Stihl saws but seems like the couple newer saws 261 180... are always waiting for repair. I bought a new echo timberwolf which has been amazing for side projects but looking for another midsized saw definitely a pro saw. Which saw (maybe a husky) is dominating that class?

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[n240sxguy]

You just bought the best saw for the money in that class! I'm just a homeowner who loves echo products, so someone else will be along shortly to talk about the more expensive stuff.


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[rwoods]

Unsubstantiated opinions and arguments will predominate so press for facts. Ron

 

[blsnelling]

IMHO, you can't beat the latest MS261C. It's a full pound lighter and a fantastic all around saw.

 

[row.man]

If you want a bit smaller, I'm very happy with my CS490, almost as much power as the 590, not as much weight.
For the money I don't think you can beat the 590

 

[CoreyB]

Lots of great 50 and 60cc saws. Echo will be coming out with a 501p in the US soon and it is a really neat 50cc saw. Husky 545 and 555 is overlooked to often for the 550 and 562. Dolmar has some great saws. But in reality you 590 has the 60cc covered I would look towards a lighter 40-50 cc saw. Dolmar 421, echo 501p, dolmar 5105 husky 545. See if you can go test some out at local dealers. Any of those saws should last you years and be able to handle tons of work. Just make sure you have a check list of needs like AV, inboard clutch for easier chain swaps ect.

 

[Full Chisel]

Find yourself a 346xp and never look back...

 

[svk]

Muffler mod your saw and it will run with/close to any of the top 60 cc saws.

If you still want a second saw I'd then go for a 50 cc so you have a lighter limbing saw. 545/550 would be my first choice only because the 261 version 2 costs more.

inboard clutch for easier chain swaps ect.

??? Is changing a chain on a saw with outboard clutch difficult for some folks?

 

[Red97]

Echo 490, limiters removed, and a muffler mod, then get the 590 ported with the cash you saved buying the 490 over the others.

 

[Full Chisel]

I find chain swaps to be faster and less clunky with an inboard clutch saw, especially one with a cover mounted tensioner like the 372. But an outboard clutch makes swaps only slightly more difficult. Sprocket swaps are definitely easier with an inboard...no clutch removal.

 

[Full Chisel]

I guess we should ask what you plan to do with the saw predominately. Will it be used mostly for limbing or as a ground saw for bucking medium sized logs? A smaller, lighter and nimble saw like a 346 or 545/550 would be better for limbing. Your 590 is best suited for bucking.

 

[CoreyB]

Muffler mod your saw and it will run with/close to any of the top 60 cc saws.


??? Is changing a chain on a saw with outboard clutch difficult for some folks?

Agreed.
And yes it is. I have guys come into the shop and pay me $5.00 just to swap their chain. It is ridiculous and I walk them through it every time but every week they come back. One is our city water department another is a large electrician company. So hands on guys. But hey 5 bucks for 2 min at most. That is good pay, so I should love outboard clutches I guess.

 

[Blackbruin]

Jonsered 2253/2260 or its orange friends....I have a 2252 I wouldn't call in inadequate either for $400. Opened the muffler up and it is noticeable more than just to the ears.

 

[7sleeper]

I must admit your info on your requirements has been spotty. As far as I understand you want a pro saw in the same range.

My next question is, what for?
The 590 with slight modifications, that anyone who can use a screwdriver should be able to perform, will catch up quickly to the pack of top performers! If I have money to waste ok, why not buy a few more pro saws in the same size class, that makes it easier on the job, no more time wasted by refueling or resharpening...

What will your requirements REALLY be?
Do you need a lighter smaller saw for quicker ground work?
=> I would check out the Echo 400, Dolmar 421, Stihl 241, Efco 4400, Hitachi CS40EA, Husqvarna 543

Do you need a stronger larger saw for quicker felling work?
=> I would check out the Echo 680, Dolmar 7901, Stihl 441/461, Husqvarna 372/576(or Jonsered equivalent)

Do you want to render your 590 as "spare saw for the job"?
=> 50cc class? => Echo 490/501, Dolmar 5105, Stihl 261, Hitachi CS51EA, Husqvarna 545/550(or Jonsered equivalent)
=> 60cc class? => Echo 590/600/620, Dolmar 6100, Stihl 362, Husqvarna 555/562(or Jonsered equivalent)

Last question, do you need the "feel good" attributes associated with the big names in the game that you want a "pro saw"?
If yes then get what you want and "feel good" about your purchase.

A lot of pros, that have to buy their own equipment over here in the german speaking forums, mention that at the end of the day the top pro 50/60cc saws "fabulous" speed increase is so marginal that there is about no gain. Many prefer the 545 or 555 over the 550 or 560(562).

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[svk]

Agreed.
And yes it is. I have guys come into the shop and pay me $5.00 just to swap their chain. It is ridiculous and I walk them through it every time but every week they come back. One is our city water department another is a large electrician company. So hands on guys. But hey 5 bucks for 2 min at most. That is good pay, so I should love outboard clutches I guess.

That is absolutely bizarre! Takes all kinds I guess.

 

[Lowhog]

Love the power and weight of my new ms261cm. Not much less in power of the older 360-361 but much lighter.

 

[7sleeper]

Love the power and weight of my new ms261cm. Not much less in power of the older 360-361 but much lighter.

Just stick it into larger hardwood with a >20 inch bar, then the difference will quickly become clearer...

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[midwestguy1]

Love my timberwolf! Was looking for an equal or better. I have a few smaller saws new echo cs352, stihl top handle 193 and Poulan 42cc for back up. New 261 was what I went to buy when I purchased timberwolf. Couldn't be happier with it.guess looking for wickest midsize saw can find. How can I mod timberwolf. Or who can in kc?

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[midwestguy1]

None of saws I own except are saws I set out to buy. Timberwolf was just great buy. Others I ve bought of websites like offers.com and find half of retail price or better. Just no 261 or husky pro's on it.

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[midwestguy1]

Echo 490, limiters removed, and a muffler mod, then get the 590 ported with the cash you saved buying the 490 over the others.

I m single father who is working if not with my daughter at all times. Where can I look for someone who does this work on saws if I cant?

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