Ok, so I'm getting a chainsaw for myself and I know I want something more in the mid size range I suppose 55-70cc probably closer to 60-70.
I have no idea why you'd want a 70 cc saw, but that's up to you.
I've got over 70 saws and have been cutting hardwood for 50 years. Older pro-type saws were - for the most part - rugged but slow. Many saws from the 70s-80s were rugged and pretty fast. Now? I'm no expert but CAN comment on a few new ones I've bought in the past few years.
My absolute best 50 cc range saw is my Makita/Dolmar DCS510. It has been an amazing saw for it's size and it uses full profle 3/8" chain which I like. It's a 51 cc saw and will easily outcut my 105 cc Remington-Mall saw that weighs near 40 lbs. I've used it now two full springs, summers, and now - this fall. It's been flawless. I hate to say it - but with a sharp chain it will keep right up with my old Stihl 041 Super that is 72 ccs.
My favorite in a little bigger size is my Deere(EFCO) CS56. It has true professional design. Much more metal in it then any Sthil saws in the 56 cc range. Last year, they could be found new for $300 each if you shopped around when John Deere stopped selling the EFCOs. In fact I bought a pair of them from a Dealer in Georgia, with 20" bars and two chains each - for $290 each, brand new.
My favorite "big" saw is my 64 cc. Makita/Dolmar DCS6401. It will keep right up with my Stihl 045 Super that has 87 ccs. when using a 20" bar. Now -I keep a 32" bar on the 045 and only use it for huge trees or stumps. Will the Makita/Dolmar last as long as the Stihl 045 has? I guess I'll never know. I've had that 045 for approx. 25 years. I'm 60 years old. Chances are I won't get to cut wood another 25 years to see how this Makita/Dolmar holds up. But, so far it's been great and it has the decompression valve that the Stihl does not (but really needs). The only thing I do not like about it is the rim-sprocket setup. Oddly, my little 51 cc Makita/Dolmar does have a full sprocket.
Here's a comparison somebody (not me) wrote up a while back comparing the 51 cc Deere/EFCO to a Sthil MS290. Some of it is just hyberbole and doesn't mean a lot, but also some of it is relevant.
It also seems the guy is wrong about the Sthil having a plastic crankcase. I believe all Stihl saws have metal crankcases, but they are usually hidden by plastic around them. Now, Husqvarna DOES have plastic crankcases in many saws.
Both have 4.1 horsepower. Deere Efco CS56 (EFCO 156) versus Stihl MS290
John Deere has the best power-to-weight ratio in its class of all chainsaws.
John Deere has a magnesium crankcase, while the Stihl does not. The Stihl crankcase is made of molded plastic. (NOT TRUE AS FAR AS I KNOW!)
John Deere has a magnesium clutch cover, while the Stihl does not. The John Deere having both a magnesium crankcase and a magnesium cover makes the John Deere more durable and a longer life than plastic crankcases.
John Deere has a three-piece forged crankshaft and forged connecting rod for durability and strength, while the Stihl does not.
John Deere has a decompression valve, while the Stihl does not.
John Deere has a closed transfer port, while the Stihl does not. The John Deere closed transfer port is largely responsible for its progressive torque and superb power. The Stihl has an open port system.
John Deere has a wafered connecting rod, while the Stihl does not. The wafered connecting rod promotes lubrication and heat dissipation of bearings.
John Deere has a primer bulb for quick starting, while the Stihl does not.
Both have a no oil at idle. This feature reduces oil consumption and keeps the environment cleaner.
John Deere has an aluminum front handle, while the Stihl does not.
John Deere has a 2 year warranty with a lifetime on ignition, while the Stihl has a one year warranty.
