Cheapest best saw that can run 22-28” bar

[ElevatorGuy]

These types of posts are coming up more it seems. Unless you go used, Your budget and requirements are too far apart.

 

[bigbadbob]

530069290

These types of posts are coming up more it seems. Unless you go used, Your budget and requirements are too far apart.

And if you are in Canada add 30%,, gets scary for new saw . Like 1000usd is 1275 canadain.

 

[John Lyngdal]

Of all the saws mentioned in this discussion, Bob's Husqvarna saws would be on the top of my list as parts are easy to locate and keep them going for years to come. The Homelite 925 or Makita/Dolmar 6000 series saw are both solid performers, but locating parts can be a little problematic.

 

[cranman1951]

This setup would not be ideal for a 20" bar, let alone a 24".

I agree not what I would recommend, but the OP had a 20 inch bar on the 345 ( which he already owns) and a 350 is a big step up from the 345, and a 353 is a good step up from the 350, and I believe the high compression popup piston with a gasket delete would be a good step up from the 353. I prefer an 18 inch bar in .325 with 7 pin sprocket on a stock 350, I plan to experiment with the 353/350 high compression hybrid, but will not go more then 20 inch and will stay away from 3/8 chain . I just threw the swap out there for consideration as the OP would have more grunt then he has now at minimal cost. If I were going for a larger bar then 20" I would go with an over 70 cc saw....my first choice a 372 OE or a 288 xp.

 

[cuinrearview]

I agree not what I would recommend, but the OP had a 20 inch bar on the 345 ( which he already owns) and a 350 is a big step up from the 345, and a 353 is a good step up from the 350, and I believe the high compression popup piston with a gasket delete would be a good step up from the 353. I prefer an 18 inch bar in .325 with 7 pin sprocket on a stock 350, I plan to experiment with the 353/350 high compression hybrid, but will not go more then 20 inch and will stay away from 3/8 chain . I just threw the swap out there for consideration as the OP would have more grunt then he has now at minimal cost. If I were going for a larger bar then 20" I would go with an over 70 cc saw....my first choice a 372 OE or a 288 xp.

I've ran all of those combos. The differences are not as great as you think. For example, a 345 runs real close to a 45mm 350. Unless you're porting or going to a 346 top end there isn't a lot to be gained just swapping parts around. And even then you're not in 20" bar territory.

 

[Pioneer]

Anything in the Homelite XL9xx series.

 

[cranman1951]

I've ran all of those combos. The differences are not as great as you think. For example, a 345 runs real close to a 45mm 350. Unless you're porting or going to a 346 top end there isn't a lot to be gained just swapping parts around. And even then you're not in 20" bar territory.

Glad to know CU.....the only saws I run a 20 inch on are the 262's and 266. My stock 350 pulls an 18 with no sweat.....never tried a 20 on any of the 350's I've run, nor a 16....I was planning on trying a 20 on my popup 353/350 as soon as I get it broken in a bit.....that said, I've noticed a huge difference running .325 vs 3/8 chain on marginal cc saws. Also....I tried out a Craftsman 55 cc saw I repaired for a friend that was made by MTD (nice saw, but parts are unobtainable). This Craftsman wore a 20 inch bar and had more then enough oomph to swing it. My thought was a 52cc Husky couldn't be too far behind. Also I keep in mind that sometimes people just want a longer bar to keep from reaching and bending so much and have no intention of burying the saw in thick wood where the lack of cc and power is a killer. The OP didn't specify just why he wanted a longer bar...just that he did.

 

[Maintenance supervisor]

I'd go for an homelite anything 80cc or bigger, hell I bought a near mint Promac700 for 375.00 and it loves a 24" bar . I've got a few 70cc or bigger vintage chainsaws and most have needed a carb refresh and fuel line.
The blue 372xp I recently got runs equally well to its Sweden counterpart also for about 240.00 with a 24" bar ,it would make a good learner/first/loaner saw.
I bought mine as a joke for my Husqvarna buddy's, but after a OEM carburetor swap it cuts and operates very well.

 

[Hand Splitter]

I’d check CL and market place frequently. I’ve had pretty good luck. a Stihl 461 just sold for $550, I’d been all over it if I didn’t already have one.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

I’d check CL and market place frequently. I’ve had pretty good luck. a Stihl 461 just sold for $550, I’d been all over it if I didn’t already have one.

That would be nice, Doesn’t happen around me. This guy wants $800 for a 044.

https://smd.craigslist.org/grd/d/charlotte-hall-044-stihl-chain-saw-with/7244077005.html

 

[Maintenance supervisor]

That would be nice, Doesn’t happen around me. This guy wants $800 for a 044.

https://smd.craigslist.org/grd/d/charlotte-hall-044-stihl-chain-saw-with/7244077005.html

That owner is a little proud of it for me.

 

[NorinRadd]

Another budget option if you want to go new is a 60cc Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf for $400. It won’t pull a 28” bar but it will manage a 24” and it has a magnesium case and good build quality: https://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Chainsaws/CS-590-Timber-Wolf

The CS-620P mentioned above by lostone is also a good option.

I know everyone likes to push used saws (and I have plenty myself) but having something new with a five year warranty counts for a lot. Finding a good used saw that has been taken care of can be it’s own project and hassle. Most people run saws hard and put them away wet.

So many replies! But I think this is the winner. I like that timber wolf.

 

[NorinRadd]

Thank you for all the replies. I can see I got the boys all rowled up with saw talk. I think I’ll be going with the echo 590 timber wolf

 

[NorinRadd]

That owner is a little proud of it for me.

Exact same here. Even 026 are 600$

 

[ElevatorGuy]

Exact same here. Even 026 are 600$

Wow, you can buy a new 261 for that!

 

[ElevatorGuy]

Thank you for all the replies. I can see I got the boys all rowled up with saw talk. I think I’ll be going with the echo 590 timber wolf

Too bad you’re not closer. My 590 will be for sale when my 462 comes in. I had to get a 462 so I could... Run a 28” bar and chain.

 

[Maintenance supervisor]

Last time I looked at shipping a saw to Canada it was 92.00 usd , so buy a 300.00 ( still over priced saw) off a member here and save 200.00.

 

[RED-85-Z51]

Ordered this on Black Friday...came in today, was $198 shipped to my door.




Sent from my LM-G820 using Tapatalk

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

Ordered this on Black Friday...came in today, was $198 shipped to my door.




Sent from my LM-G820 using Tapatalk

No doubt worth every cent.

 

[AlterEgo]

Where in BC are you??
I have 2071 Jred with heat
181se husky
394 husky I could part with.

This thread should have stopped at this 2071...

pics?