Help me justify a new saw purchase

[OM617YOTA]

I'm a homeowner firewood guy. I cut 2-3 cords/yr. My current 034, 034S, and 4 stroke abomination handle this just fine. I just want a toy.

What I'm looking at:

1. Keep what I already have and works, put the money in my pocket
2. Echo 590 - basically equivalent to what I have now, just new. By the specs, my 034S should be more powerful, but it's lead a long hard life, and people who have trigger time on the 590 say it's more powerful.
3. 462 - Overkill for what I do.
4. 500i - Stupid overkill for what I do. If I was pulling the trigger today, this is what I'd do. Small enough cost increase from the 462 that I'd happily pay the extra and make the jump.

I'd probably go with a 28" light bar on the 462/500i. M tronic and fuel injection don't worry me a bit vs. carb. I'd potentially be open to a ported 462, but for the cost of porting, I'd rather just step up to the 500i.

Share your thoughts.

 

[Squareground3691]

No need to justify anything, you have one life to live so live it to the fullest and never look back !!

 

[chipper1]

I'd run them before jumping the gun.
And truth be told for a few cord a yr, you don't need a new saw, especially an expensive one, a 50cc farm ranch saw of your choosing would be a nice addition.
Now, that being said, go for the 500i, and sice you don't need it I'll shoot you a pm with my address .

 

[ammoaddict]

I'm a homeowner firewood guy. I cut 2-3 cords/yr. My current 034, 034S, and 4 stroke abomination handle this just fine. I just want a toy.

What I'm looking at:

1. Keep what I already have and works, put the money in my pocket
2. Echo 590 - basically equivalent to what I have now, just new. By the specs, my 034S should be more powerful, but it's lead a long hard life, and people who have trigger time on the 590 say it's more powerful.
3. 462 - Overkill for what I do.
4. 500i - Stupid overkill for what I do. If I was pulling the trigger today, this is what I'd do. Small enough cost increase from the 462 that I'd happily pay the extra and make the jump.

I'd probably go with a 28" light bar on the 462/500i. M tronic and fuel injection don't worry me a bit vs. carb. I'd potentially be open to a ported 462, but for the cost of porting, I'd rather just step up to the 500i.

Share your thoughts.

You only have to justify to your wife.

 

[OM617YOTA]

You only have to justify to your wife.

Zero concerns there.

 

[ammoaddict]

Zero concerns there.

Well, might as well get 2 new saws then.

 

[Karrl]

Or… you could buy something special and get it ported and still be under the cost of a 500i. A 440, 372, or even the new Echo 7310 are all non auto tune saws that are excellent with a proper port job.

Alternatively my 590 is one of my go to firewood saws, I use it 4 to 1 over my Cs 490 and alternate with one or two other saws when I’m bucking logs. That’s my suggestion if you want to save money and still get the job done.

 

[ChillyB]

I'm a homeowner. Had a Husky 350 that needed the intake clamp upgrade. Figured to make it a backup and get a new saw, so I did. A Stihl 291. Then I found a cheap 009L that I got working. Saw a deal on a 435 so snagged it. Then a 55 closed port for a very good deal. And who can resist a $50 141.

Now that I've played with a few different old saws I wish I'd never bought the new Stihl. In hindsight all I want is the 350, the 55, and a 24" bar with skip-tooth chain for the rare case where I may need to gnaw on a big log. I'm not in a race so two well kept 50cc saws would be plenty for my purposes.

The new 291 brings me no joy. Not like the veteran 55 with perfect piston. Do what makes you happy. My 291 made me happy for a bit now it just sits while I tinker on my garage rescues.

 

[hwrdpromac7900]

Echo 590 Timberwolf.

 

[Trailsawyer]

I bought myself a 462R a couple years ago. I didn't "need" it at all... but it is lighter and "quicker in the small stuff" than my 046's......
If a new saw will put a smile on your face, buy it!

 

[Goinwheelin]

CS-501P

 

[singinwoodwackr]

I'd run them before jumping the gun.
And truth be told for a few cord a yr, you don't need a new saw, especially an expensive one, a 50cc farm ranch saw of your choosing would be a nice addition.
Now, that being said, go for the 500i, and sice you don't need it I'll shoot you a pm with my address .

I just picked up a 500 for cheap compared to new . Will have the MM 461 up for grabs soon

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

Buy whatever you like the feel of more!

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

4. 500i - Stupid overkill for what I do. If I was pulling the trigger today, this is what I'd do. Small enough cost increase from the 462 that I'd happily pay the extra and make the jump.


Share your thoughts.

Stupid overkill is fine, good for the mind even.
You can drive to the store in a Prius, but if you know you have a Corvette in the garage- it just brings a smile to your face.

Your money, your choice- buy what makes you happy.
Buy what will cut your 2-3 cord and has you smiling while you do so. Don't mind the bemoaners.

 

[square1]

You need a new saw!

There you go.

 

[Dennisthemenace]

If you have not acquired a saw in 3 or 4 months it's time you did, that's my motto

 

[Jedthro]

I'm a homeowner firewood guy. I cut 2-3 cords/yr. My current 034, 034S, and 4 stroke abomination handle this just fine. I just want a toy.

What I'm looking at:

1. Keep what I already have and works, put the money in my pocket
2. Echo 590 - basically equivalent to what I have now, just new. By the specs, my 034S should be more powerful, but it's lead a long hard life, and people who have trigger time on the 590 say it's more powerful.
3. 462 - Overkill for what I do.
4. 500i - Stupid overkill for what I do. If I was pulling the trigger today, this is what I'd do. Small enough cost increase from the 462 that I'd happily pay the extra and make the jump.

I'd probably go with a 28" light bar on the 462/500i. M tronic and fuel injection don't worry me a bit vs. carb. I'd potentially be open to a ported 462, but for the cost of porting, I'd rather just step up to the 500i.

Share your thoughts.

Well, if the choice is between 3 and 4, (1 and 2 are just silly) the proper thing to do is buy them both.

No brainer.

 

[Skyhitero]

I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

 

[OM617YOTA]

Haha thank you folks. I love this forum.

 

[Sawdust Man]

You could just be mature and resist the temptation, maybe.....