Considering 32" bar and big saw.

[softdown]

Have gotten by without one but the sex appeal is overwhelming. I'd like to build a "big log" log cabin some day. I kind of like sawing wood as well. Sometimes I do it as often as my body allows. The 24" bar is a bit overwhelmed at times and the engine is not strong enough for a 28" bar at my altitudes - 9000-10,000 feet. Budget is tight - as always.

Anyone bought a big saw and regretted it? I have a lot of smaller saws. Many needing a carb overhaul - stupidity hit me a few times.

 

[CentaurG2]

I own 2 395xps (one for each hand) and a 3120xp. You only really use them if you need the horsepower. Not too many trees left here that require these things. They are heavy, drink a lot of fuel and require a lot of down time to sharpen when you hit metal. Most common saw I pick up is the 562xp or the 550xp. You don’t need a canon to shoot sparrows when a BB gun will do.

 

[FlyingDutchman]

I just got a 576xp. Runs a 36" full skip alright. It's already proven itself big time as an invaluable tool for several tasks. Noodling for my 26" length cuts and big rounds, and making short work out of big wood. I expect it will pay for itself tonight on another big job I have to do. Key is, don't be too picky and patience. I looked for years and a 575xp fell in my lap for an awesome price, but was so broken I couldn't afford to fix. Then the 576 showed up also for an awesome price . The broken 575xp is going to get attention because I love the 76 so much.

 

[softdown]

Yea - never said it was essential. Sex appeal though. I'm also strongly considering clearing wooded mountain lots - professionally. Though I may have to hire some part time help at age 62. Takes a couple days to recover from really serious work.

Lots of huge fires = Lots of lot clearing needed. Many people just give up and quit paying property taxes. A cleared lot and aspen plantings get things going again so much faster.

 

[CentaurG2]

I have yet to find any female that finds owing a certain chainsaw (or any chainsaw) something that would be of interest. You might look to a good watch rolex/omega. Expensive cars. Nice clothes. Big honkin’ bank account. Even cooking skills. Chainsaws, nope.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

I kinda think of "big saws" in two categories: saws you can carry around and work with for hours at a time (7900, 385, 390, 460/461/500i), and the ones that are better used when you can drive the truck pretty close to where you're gonna be (395xp, 660).

Personally I own two ported 395s, and love them for what I use them for, which is big firewood and lowering stumps, plus felling the occasional big sonofagun. If I was wanting to dress up a saw with a 28-32 and use it all day, especially in softer wood, i'd pick a lighter saw.

 

[softdown]

I have yet to find any female that finds owing a certain chainsaw (or any chainsaw) something that would be of interest. You might look to a good watch rolex/omega. Expensive cars. Nice clothes. Big honkin’ bank account. Even cooking skills. Chainsaws, nope.

Colorado has some good pot. I think your state has better.

I'm a tool junkie. If a great tool doesn't make you stiff, check your man card on the way out.

j/k

sort of

 

[user 122190]

My 461 really proves its worth with the 32 bar. Most of what I cut the 24 can handle, but when I find a really big log, I get excited putting on the 32.

 

[Maintenance supervisor]

I have to agree with guys saying 395xp, I don't own one (yet) . For a big saw they are pretty manageable and have a great power band. I do own some bigger saws that run 32,36,41" bars but as far as clearing duty I think the ProMac800 might be my other option, my 088 and Super 1050s are mostly for dropping monsters and stumps.

 

[softdown]

My 461 really proves its worth with the 32 bar. Most of what I cut the 24 can handle, but when I find a really big log, I get excited putting on the 32.

Last I checked, Montana and Idaho still had plenty of big trees. There are not real common in Colorado. More so in New Mexico - which is, I think, 50 miles away. Thing is, if one needs a big saw right now? Certain things only a big saw will do. I just cut some trees that my 24" bar and saw struggled with. I think maybe the wood hardens long after a forest fire.

 

[BangBang77]

If a 24" bar is long enough, maybe you just need a bigger powerhead.

What saw are you running a 24" bar on that is struggling?

 

[softdown]

If a 24" bar is long enough, maybe you just need a bigger powerhead.

What saw are you running a 24" bar on that is struggling?

The bar was on the short side a couple times. My Makita 6400 is powerful at sea level. Being over 9000' means a loss of ~33% in HP.

My average cut is around 9000' altitude. The powerhead I am considering weighs 21 pounds - not bad.

Not getting a professional Stihl for a saw that is not expected to see heavy usage.

Now I wondering a bit if a 28" bar would be a better choice though. Lighter and cheaper chains.

 

[BangBang77]

If you like the 6400 controls, ergonomics, and general layout, but want to step up to something bigger, take a look at a 7910. They are a very solid saw that comes in at a reasonable cost. Heck, you can even order one from Amazon.

 

[user 122190]

Last I checked, Montana and Idaho still had plenty of big trees. There are not real common in Colorado. More so in New Mexico - which is, I think, 50 miles away. Thing is, if one needs a big saw right now? Certain things only a big saw will do. I just cut some trees that my 24" bar and saw struggled with. I think maybe the wood hardens long after a forest fire.

We got this one in July. 4+ trailers worth. Usually to much to handle trying to get it out of the forest, but his one was right on the side of the road. It was still no easy job as most of it was off the road when it landed. Dropped perpendicular, so some of it was easy, but 75% of it was challenging.

 

[BangBang77]

For the record, you stated you wouldn't invest in a Stihl Pro saw that will see very little use. There is no free lunch buddy.

To go above a 6400, you'll have to go with a pro model. They don't make homeowner or farm saws that can even hang with a 6400, much less something bigger.

 

[softdown]

For the record, you stated you wouldn't invest in a Stihl Pro saw that will see very little use. There is no free lunch buddy.

To go above a 6400, you'll have to go with a pro model. They don't make homeowner or farm saws that can even hang with a 6400, much less something bigger.

Never said I was getting a Stihl. I'm still evaluating getting a bigger saw. So I started this thread.

 

[softdown]

We got this one in July. 4+ trailers worth. Usually to much to handle trying to get it out of the forest, but his one was right on the side of the road. It was still no easy job as most of it was off the road when it landed. Dropped perpendicular, so some of it was easy, but 75% of it was challenging.

That is one big tree. Makes that saw look small. No way that saw is small.

 

[BangBang77]

Never said I was getting a Stihl. I'm still evaluating getting a bigger saw. So I started this thread.

Understood man. You said you were NOT getting a Stihl pro saw.

I stated you would have to get a pro saw in that size and no where in my posts did I even bring up going with a Stihl. There are other pro saws out there.

My reading comprehension is on point although yours appears to be lacking. I wish you luck in your endeavor.

Have a good evening.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

The bar was on the short side a couple times. My Makita 6400 is powerful at sea level. Being over 9000' means a loss of ~33% in HP.

Now I wondering a bit if a 28" bar would be a better choice though. Lighter and cheaper chains.

You could swap top ends for the 79cc Makita p&c and gain 15ccs. Even better if it's ported. That'd be a very powerful saw. Just swapping with a stock top end would be a pretty cheap way to get a big power bump compared to buying a different saw. Problem is that you don't get to add another saw to the lineup that way.

You lost me on the chains being cheaper and lighter with a 28" bar vs 24". Generally speaking, bars that length run the same types of chain. Anything available for a 28 could also be spun up to for a 24" bar (skip, full comp, semi chisel, etc.).

 

[softdown]

Understood man. You said you were NOT getting a Stihl pro saw.

I stated you would have to get a pro saw in that size and no where in my posts did I even bring up going with a Stihl. There are other pro saws out there.

My reading comprehension is on point although yours appears to be lacking. I wish you luck in your endeavor.

Have a good evening.

Like where you referred to my Makita as a Stihl?
Me: My Makita 6400 is powerful at sea level.
You: If you like the 6400 controls, ergonomics, and general layout, but want to step up to something bigger, take a look at a 7910.

We all make mistakes. No need for the subsequent attack.