The replacement saw I already bought was an MS 361 with a 20" bar as per the recommendation of my dealer..most of the stumps I typically do have been around 12-20 inches with the occasional bigger one from time to time. I don't use it really all that much in conjunction with the removal actually..I use it more for clearing brush, bushes and branches. I thought about buying the 460 with like a 28" bar or something to that order..but since I just spent the $575 on the 361..and I only do this part time..I'll just have to go easy on it until maybe the spring when I typically invest in my new equipment for the season. Thanx for the tip about richening up the mixture and the used saws though, I'll give em both a shot.
WolverineMarine,,,
First and Foemost,,,,, Thank you for your service to our country, My son is an active Duty Marine,,,, I agree with your assesment in your sig line,,,,
Not trying to rain on your parade but an MS290 Mid Grade/homeowner saw is not the best choice/type of saw that will hold up too stumping service
I flush cut lots of Stumps,,,,, flush cutting Stumps is extra hard on Saws because of the, extended run time, extra dirt that is hard to avoid @ times,,, 40:1 on the Mix is a good move,,,JMHO!!!! I run Stihl Ultra HP Synthetic oil,, I feel like it helps lube your moto's internals better and runs cooler,, than conventional oils,,,,
get yourself a good fallers ax and clean the bark/dirt from your target cutting area,,,,prior to beginning your cuts,,,, Plan your cuts to avoid as much dirt as possible,,, Your chain will stay sharper,,,, & last longer,,, Sharp chains are your saw's best friend,,,,,and keeps from over working the moto,,,, dont crowd the saw,,, let it feed @ it's own rate,,,, tune your saw till it just comes out of 4 stroking then fatten it up a 1/4 turn on the H screw,,,
if your saw/bar binds up on chips pull it out and rev the bar clear,,,, then continue,,, All of My stumping saws have High output west coast oilers
I like a 460 w/28/32 for stumping and an 066 wearing a 36 in reserve,,
I generally bring a couple of like saws cause its easier to grab a fresh saw/chain than to sharpen,,, and keep on rolling,,,,,
will try to find some more pix on the other computer,, here is what we do after they are flush cut,,,