lt1nut
ArboristSite Member
Bear with me, I'll try not to ramble here. Thank you.
After spending hundreds of hours here I have narrowed it down to three saws: 5100; NE 346, or; 260.
5100:
Nearest "stocking dealer" is 45 minutes away and stocks the 510 instead of the 5100. I have not visited his shop. No known dealers near my camp up Nort (Forest County, WI). Assume full list price to purchase one... I am drawn to this saw because of it's power and price.
NE 346:
Nearest stocking dealer is 10 minutes away and the same shop I use for my ZTR mower, brush cutter/trimmer, etc. He does not have one in stock but can have one w/in days for ~$60 more than the 5100. I am not worried about needing parts up Nort as someone would have them or a loaner saw if push came to shove. I know, doesn't sound "fair" vs. what I said about the 5100 parts situation. I have read about how well this saw handles and that, along with weight and power/torque/rpm is one of the main things that draws me to it.
260:
Same dealer as the 346, has one in stock for ~$20 more than the 346. I held the saw and it felt fine, did not run it. This saw seems to be as well regarded as the 346 and admittedly has a higher resale value if my boy decides to sell it when it goes to him after I die (I'm only 40). I asked if he's run both the 346 and 260 and what he thought. He said the 346 is wider and has more power. IF I got this one it would be stored in one of the Husky "boxes" provided it fits, call it sacrilege or whatever, I like the box.
The largest wood I cut is ~20", most are ~12". I do this for the fireplace at home which is used primarily when it is above 25*F and is not the main source of heat. Figure 1 to 2 cords (not face cords) a year. I have a very bad back (2 fusions so far), that is the reason for not getting a 357 or 361 and why the apparent handling aspect of the 346 is so enticing.
In all honesty I'm leaning towards the 346 and replacing the cat/muffler after it's broken in. I don't know, I guess I kind of root for the "underdog" sometimes but also believe that Stihl has been trading on their name for a while.
Am I thinking strait? Have I figured out all aspects of the decision? Am I over-analyzing this (YES!)? Personal opinions from those of you who have worked with at least two of these? I DO NOT WANT TO START A BRAND WAR.
Tell me whatcha'll think please.....:greenchainsaw:
After spending hundreds of hours here I have narrowed it down to three saws: 5100; NE 346, or; 260.
5100:
Nearest "stocking dealer" is 45 minutes away and stocks the 510 instead of the 5100. I have not visited his shop. No known dealers near my camp up Nort (Forest County, WI). Assume full list price to purchase one... I am drawn to this saw because of it's power and price.
NE 346:
Nearest stocking dealer is 10 minutes away and the same shop I use for my ZTR mower, brush cutter/trimmer, etc. He does not have one in stock but can have one w/in days for ~$60 more than the 5100. I am not worried about needing parts up Nort as someone would have them or a loaner saw if push came to shove. I know, doesn't sound "fair" vs. what I said about the 5100 parts situation. I have read about how well this saw handles and that, along with weight and power/torque/rpm is one of the main things that draws me to it.
260:
Same dealer as the 346, has one in stock for ~$20 more than the 346. I held the saw and it felt fine, did not run it. This saw seems to be as well regarded as the 346 and admittedly has a higher resale value if my boy decides to sell it when it goes to him after I die (I'm only 40). I asked if he's run both the 346 and 260 and what he thought. He said the 346 is wider and has more power. IF I got this one it would be stored in one of the Husky "boxes" provided it fits, call it sacrilege or whatever, I like the box.
The largest wood I cut is ~20", most are ~12". I do this for the fireplace at home which is used primarily when it is above 25*F and is not the main source of heat. Figure 1 to 2 cords (not face cords) a year. I have a very bad back (2 fusions so far), that is the reason for not getting a 357 or 361 and why the apparent handling aspect of the 346 is so enticing.
In all honesty I'm leaning towards the 346 and replacing the cat/muffler after it's broken in. I don't know, I guess I kind of root for the "underdog" sometimes but also believe that Stihl has been trading on their name for a while.
Am I thinking strait? Have I figured out all aspects of the decision? Am I over-analyzing this (YES!)? Personal opinions from those of you who have worked with at least two of these? I DO NOT WANT TO START A BRAND WAR.
Tell me whatcha'll think please.....:greenchainsaw:
so ms260 it was (only 5 mi) . 
