Morning all. I have been searching the forum for a couple of days to research which saw I was going to buy to replace my old saw. My debate was Stihl 260pro or 361. I NEED a 260, but I WANT a 361. This isn't another 260 vs 361 thread. I have read enough of those to help me make up my mind.
I have decided on the 361. I just cut firewood for my home and shop-maybe 7 cords a year, so not a big user. Many will think the 361 is overkill, but I like nice things. My debate is what bar length and chain style is best for my type of cutting.
Most of my firewood is either fallen or standing dead wood. I probably only drop 10 dead trees a year. The rest are already down. I'd assume this wood is dirtier than the standing wood. There are years' worth of windblown and beaver cut trees for me to cut up. In almost all cases, I don't even know what type of wood they are, as they are mostly limbless and barkless. My old saw would stuggle on dead wood but cut green wood well. I don't cut anything that I can't lift into the truck, so I generally have stopped at 18-20" diameter. I might go a bit bigger with a real saw now and just drag the splitter to the field to halve the bigger pieces for loading.
I have gotten along with a 16" bar so far, but thought I would go up to an 18". Is this a good length for saw balance on a 361? I know it will pull more but best balance is the key here. I don't have need for longer. Also which chain for the wood as described above? Maybe RSC or RM? I'm picking up a couple with the new saw. My old saw would go through two chains an hour or so on dry wood, but cut all day on green wood.
I appreciate the help. Sorry for the long winded post, but I wanted to give enough information so that you could make a better suggestion. Looking to pick the 361 up this weekend.
I have decided on the 361. I just cut firewood for my home and shop-maybe 7 cords a year, so not a big user. Many will think the 361 is overkill, but I like nice things. My debate is what bar length and chain style is best for my type of cutting.
Most of my firewood is either fallen or standing dead wood. I probably only drop 10 dead trees a year. The rest are already down. I'd assume this wood is dirtier than the standing wood. There are years' worth of windblown and beaver cut trees for me to cut up. In almost all cases, I don't even know what type of wood they are, as they are mostly limbless and barkless. My old saw would stuggle on dead wood but cut green wood well. I don't cut anything that I can't lift into the truck, so I generally have stopped at 18-20" diameter. I might go a bit bigger with a real saw now and just drag the splitter to the field to halve the bigger pieces for loading.
I have gotten along with a 16" bar so far, but thought I would go up to an 18". Is this a good length for saw balance on a 361? I know it will pull more but best balance is the key here. I don't have need for longer. Also which chain for the wood as described above? Maybe RSC or RM? I'm picking up a couple with the new saw. My old saw would go through two chains an hour or so on dry wood, but cut all day on green wood.
I appreciate the help. Sorry for the long winded post, but I wanted to give enough information so that you could make a better suggestion. Looking to pick the 361 up this weekend.
