Looking for a saw that can handle 30" bar - recommendations???

[oifla]

Hello all,

Doing some shopping / looking around for a bigger saw (currently my one and only saw is an 18" bar). I don't have a problem with Stihl or Husqvarna but would like to also be looking, for spending purposes, into other brands that are maybe not as well known and therefore hopefully can be found at better prices.

In other words, no brand loyalty here, just looking for a saw that can handle the 30" bar and is recent enough of a model that parts are still available. Appreciate your recommendations / expertise. Thank you.

O.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Are you doing any milling or just general use?

 

[oifla]

Are you doing any milling or just general use?

No intent to mill, just have a bunch of pretty good size trees to process into more manageable sizes.

O.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Stihl 500i or 462 would run a 30” bar, can’t really recommend anything Husqvarna right now they’re having some problems supplying parts. Echo 7310 would do it but you’ll be pushing the limits of the saw with a 30” bar in my opinion. You want something in the mid to high 70cc range.

 

[grizz55chev]

Stihl 500i or 462 would run a 30” bar, can’t really recommend anything Husqvarna right now they’re having some problems supplying parts. Echo 7310 would do it but you’ll be pushing the limits of the saw with a 30” bar in my opinion. You want something in the mid to high 70cc range.

MS 460 Stihl, lots of em around as well as lots of parts available. I'm currently using one with a 32" bar for large 3' diameter black oak.

 

[Mad3400]

If you got the dough, a new or used MS 661 are awesome!

Mad3400

 

[EchoRomeoCharlie]

500i or 661 IMO

If you want to look into used saws and have parts availability, stick to Stihl and Husky saws in the 70-90+ CC range and you will generally be good to go. Most of the time though...people think those old saws are worth a fortune and after you buy them, fix them up, and get them running, you could have bought a new saw for almost the same price.

 

[Sidecarflip]

Maybe he should buy my 075? It already has a 4 foot bar and full chipper 404 chain on it...

On second thought I really don't want to sell it... Kind of a memento from my past life.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

What’s your budget?

 

[Bill G]

What’s your budget?

That is the best question

 

[Mad3400]

That is the best question

Not Relevant for Chainsaws, get another Mortgage.

Mad3400

 

[Bill G]

Not Relevant for Chainsaws, get another Mortgage.

Mad3400

It is for me

 

[Dennisthemenace]

90 plus cc's

 

[Pioneer]

Did a 575 cylinder/piston on a Husqvarna 570, it pulled a 32 inch full house chain in hardwood no problem. On the heavy side though if that's a consideration.

 

[thompsoncustom]

Farmertec 660 clone saw which is a direct clone of the stihl 660 and is very comparable but at 1/3 of the price. Good part is being a exact clone if anything does break you can just get replacement parts from your local stihl dealer.

 

[oifla]

What’s your budget?

Good question. Like most things in our world, money talks loudest.

I've seen several saws in the $1k range and, if necessary I guess I can go that high but I'd like to spend less if possible. This saw won't be an everyday too by any means.

That's why I was asking about lesser known brands, etc.


A deal or found opportunity on something used would be great.

O.

 

[Bill G]

Good question. Like most things in our world, money talks loudest.

I've seen several saws in the $1k range and, if necessary I guess I can go that high but I'd like to spend less if possible. This saw won't be an everyday too by any means.

That's why I was asking about lesser known brands, etc.


A deal or found opportunity on something used would be great.

O.

If your budget is around $1000 then a new Husky 395 is the way to go. It will last forever and you will not be disappointed.

I have bought 12 in the last 18 months.

 

[Hulpio]

Since it is only a bunch of trees I would not spend 1$. Price per cut is a thing I'd think about.
Farmertech gives you 6 months warranty for saws powerhead IF I understood their website right. This makes 660 clone very reasonable option. Their CS66699PRO is less than 350$. Ok let us assume it loses 15-20% against the real deal MS660. There still is quite a lot capacity left.

 

[Bill G]

Since it is only a bunch of trees I would not spend 1$. Price per cut is a thing I'd think about.
Farmertech gives you 6 months warranty for saws powerhead IF I understood their website right. This makes 660 clone very reasonable option. Their CS66699PRO is less than 350$. Ok let us assume it loses 15-20% against the real deal MS660. There still is quite a lot capacity left.

Find someone who utilized their warranty

 

[Hulpio]

Find someone who utilized their warranty

Is it that bad? I thought that if a company gives warranty in the US It has a real meaning.