rreidnauer
ArboristSite Operative
This thread is about compatibility and value for the homeowner, nothing else!.
After being on this forum for several weeks now, there is lots of advice to potential new chainsaw owners given. Much of it is good; however, a lot of it is overkill.
What I mean is that I don't even think I can count as high as how many times I have read others suggesting new homeowners go out and buy a $600 Stihl ms361.
Yes, they are fantastic saws, no qualms there, but for the "occasional" user who may just cut down a few modest sized trees or a few cords of wood per year, these people really don't need to spend more than $298 for a fantastic brand new saw that is very *compatible* for what threy are doing with it.
The saw I referring to is a Husqvarna 350, plain and simple. This is a very powerful saw (by homeowner standards), producing 3.2 hp...[more than powerful enough for firewood cutting], and is also VERY light @ just a tick over 10 1/2 lbs.
A 3.2hp saw, weighing only 10 1/2 lbs and costing only $298.00 is proportionally about as good a ratio as the Dolar 5100 producing 3.8hp, weighing 11 lbs, and costing around $400. These are just fantastic specs!!!
Some members may suggest to get the husky 353 over the 350, but in reality, the only difference is the magnesium vs plastic case and around $50-$75 more money!.
While magnesium may be stronger than plastic, don't forget the main theme of this post.......that being COMPATIBILITY!!. Magnesium is used on PRO level saws that see many hundreds if not thousands of hours on them. If you are a "homeowner", ask yourself...."am I a PRO??". "Am I going to be cutting a few hundred cords of firewood this year? or maybe just 3 or 4??.
What I am really trying to say is that in my opinion, too many people are buying "PRO" level saws and spending much more money than they have to when a high quality "homeowner" saw like the Husky 350 will work out perfectly for many, many years.
Now don't get me wrong, if you have the cash and desire to by a top of the line saw like a Stihl ms361, then by all means do. The only purpose of this post is just to let the "average" occasional user know that there are certainly other options that will accomplish the same goal for a lot less money.
For the occasional user who needs to cut down a few modest sized trees a year or several cords of firewood, go out and take a look at the Husky 350. It's there best selling saw for a reason as for the price, power, weight and value, it is one of the best "bang for the buck" saws you can buy..
I'm impressed MSH, you've proven my early assumptions of you wrong. Your post is very fair and well thought out. I completely agree with your views that many here are hyper-critical of non-pro saws. Nice job proving me wrong!