kwhite1271
ArboristSite Operative
How about 5 ported 045 Supers.
top 5 must have saws
- Thread starter slick5o
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homelitejim
Full of Scrap
Stihl MS260
Stihl MS441
McCulloch SP81, PM850, or any 82cc 10 series.
Stihl 056MagII
Poulan 8500 or Husky 2100
The last 3 are purely for burying a 36 inch bar for the shear fun of it, you could also include any 6 or 7 cube monster here, these are just a few I enjoy running. When it comes to felling a big tree I stay with a more maneuverable saw like the 441 or SP81, and really you only need 2 and since you have a 60cc saw your next best choice would be a 064 or 066.
Stihl MS441
McCulloch SP81, PM850, or any 82cc 10 series.
Stihl 056MagII
Poulan 8500 or Husky 2100
The last 3 are purely for burying a 36 inch bar for the shear fun of it, you could also include any 6 or 7 cube monster here, these are just a few I enjoy running. When it comes to felling a big tree I stay with a more maneuverable saw like the 441 or SP81, and really you only need 2 and since you have a 60cc saw your next best choice would be a 064 or 066.
Top 5 Huskies
This is really, really hard. I think that OP was after Husky/Jred knowledge, so I will concentrate on those. All of mine are bone stock except for maybe a slight muffler mod. As much as I think the Jreds look better, I could never completely warm up to the handlebar angle. Plus, no one sells/sold them within 800mi of here.
1) 346XP - I prefer the 45cc OE as a lighter, more specialized saw, but both OE and NE are great. Haven't tried a 550XP...
2) 555 - I really like this saw, and it is very light and nimble for 60cc's. It is lighter and cheaper than the outstanding 562XP
3) 372XPW - There is a noticeable difference between this 75cc and the 71cc model, especially with longer bars. Excellent powerband; it set the standard for a 70ish cc saw IMO.
4) 390XP - Just a slightly bigger version of the 372XPW above. Smooth as silk, and very comfortable with a 32" bar.
5) 395XP - It's a bit of a pig, but very smooth and comfy with the 36"+ bar.
Honorable Mention - 2100 - What a machine. Too bad they are getting old and hard to maintain. I miss mine!
In Stihls, I'd add a 261 and a 440. A new classic and an old one. For some reason, some folks here knock the 261 - why I have no idea. I'd like to try a 461 sometime.
To me, the 395 is way more comfortable to use than a 660. I have not experienced the difficulties some have in maintaining them. The 660 is bulletproof and lighter, but it bothers my hands after a short time, but I am an old coot:msp_biggrin:. Remember to take care of your body. Avoid excessive vibes over time. I don't know any over 50 guys that don't get bothered by buzzy saws. It's kind of like when you were learning to shoot, and had to "toughen up" your ears until they got "used to" the loud recoil. Smooth = smart.
Dolmar 7900 - what a saw. Smooth, powerful, and relatively lightweight. You have to try one of these - kinda close to a 372XPW in size but more power - approaching a 390XP power wise, especially with shorter under 32" bars.
Hope this helps.
This is really, really hard. I think that OP was after Husky/Jred knowledge, so I will concentrate on those. All of mine are bone stock except for maybe a slight muffler mod. As much as I think the Jreds look better, I could never completely warm up to the handlebar angle. Plus, no one sells/sold them within 800mi of here.
1) 346XP - I prefer the 45cc OE as a lighter, more specialized saw, but both OE and NE are great. Haven't tried a 550XP...
2) 555 - I really like this saw, and it is very light and nimble for 60cc's. It is lighter and cheaper than the outstanding 562XP
3) 372XPW - There is a noticeable difference between this 75cc and the 71cc model, especially with longer bars. Excellent powerband; it set the standard for a 70ish cc saw IMO.
4) 390XP - Just a slightly bigger version of the 372XPW above. Smooth as silk, and very comfortable with a 32" bar.
5) 395XP - It's a bit of a pig, but very smooth and comfy with the 36"+ bar.
Honorable Mention - 2100 - What a machine. Too bad they are getting old and hard to maintain. I miss mine!
In Stihls, I'd add a 261 and a 440. A new classic and an old one. For some reason, some folks here knock the 261 - why I have no idea. I'd like to try a 461 sometime.
To me, the 395 is way more comfortable to use than a 660. I have not experienced the difficulties some have in maintaining them. The 660 is bulletproof and lighter, but it bothers my hands after a short time, but I am an old coot:msp_biggrin:. Remember to take care of your body. Avoid excessive vibes over time. I don't know any over 50 guys that don't get bothered by buzzy saws. It's kind of like when you were learning to shoot, and had to "toughen up" your ears until they got "used to" the loud recoil. Smooth = smart.
Dolmar 7900 - what a saw. Smooth, powerful, and relatively lightweight. You have to try one of these - kinda close to a 372XPW in size but more power - approaching a 390XP power wise, especially with shorter under 32" bars.
Hope this helps.
bcorradi
Arboristsite.com Sponsor
Mike - I agree with u on tractors a lot more than I do on saws. BTW: I'm going to be picking up another wd45 this week.
I've had a lot of saws in my posession at one time or another (probably more than most people on AS), but now I only have an 011, 024 (my sons), 025 (my wifes), 026, a new MS380 (I gave to my son), 044, and a 660. However, the only saw I use for just about everything is my 044. In my neck of the wood, unless i'm camping the only saw i use is the 044. To each their own, but that is what works for me.
I forgot I no longer own the 660 i built last winter i ended up trading it off on an Allis C with a belly mower.
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Of the saws that I own and use, my top 5 would be as follows.
Poulan Pro Super 380 - (60cc)
Poulan 4000 - (64cc)
Poulan 4200 - (69cc)
Poulan 5200 - (85cc)
Husqvarna 385xp - (85cc)
I use a 4000 for the majority of my cutting. I love these saws. Usually with a 20" bar, sometimes a 24".
The PP380 is a little newer design. And is my light weight saw, so to speak, is a little more handy for limbing and such. Use a 20" bar on that too.
When I get into larger trees, thats where the low end grunt and power of the 4200 & 5200 shine.
I normally use a 24" bar on the 4200, and a 28" on the 5200.
The 385xp is also used on large trees, and ocasionally milling. I use a 24" bar for milling, and 30" bar for felling and bucking.
Of the saws I do not own, and would surely love to have, is a Poulan 8500, the last in the bigger Poulan lineup. A newer version of the 5200, if you will. And a PP 655bp, would be the cats azz in my book.
I would like to add a Husky 372xp or xpw at some point also. I should give a shout out for the lowly Poulan 3400 also. At least considered by many to be that. I cut fire wood for 22 years, with nothing but a 3400. Thats what led me down the path of using Poulan saws. The reliability of that saw was tremendous!
Gregg,
Poulan Pro Super 380 - (60cc)
Poulan 4000 - (64cc)
Poulan 4200 - (69cc)
Poulan 5200 - (85cc)
Husqvarna 385xp - (85cc)
I use a 4000 for the majority of my cutting. I love these saws. Usually with a 20" bar, sometimes a 24".
The PP380 is a little newer design. And is my light weight saw, so to speak, is a little more handy for limbing and such. Use a 20" bar on that too.
When I get into larger trees, thats where the low end grunt and power of the 4200 & 5200 shine.
I normally use a 24" bar on the 4200, and a 28" on the 5200.
The 385xp is also used on large trees, and ocasionally milling. I use a 24" bar for milling, and 30" bar for felling and bucking.
Of the saws I do not own, and would surely love to have, is a Poulan 8500, the last in the bigger Poulan lineup. A newer version of the 5200, if you will. And a PP 655bp, would be the cats azz in my book.
I would like to add a Husky 372xp or xpw at some point also. I should give a shout out for the lowly Poulan 3400 also. At least considered by many to be that. I cut fire wood for 22 years, with nothing but a 3400. Thats what led me down the path of using Poulan saws. The reliability of that saw was tremendous!
Gregg,
McCulloch1-52
ArboristSite Guru
5 top saws
1 Jonsered
2 McCulloch
3 Stihl in working condition(044)
4 Husky
5 Homelite
3-10 E model would be nice.
1 Jonsered
2 McCulloch
3 Stihl in working condition(044)
4 Husky
5 Homelite
3-10 E model would be nice.
chadihman
Addicted to ArboristSite
I happen to love my 660:chainsawguy:
Naked Arborist
Hack from way back.
I changed my mind after tearing down a few MS250's these past weeks. Glad I did not buy one! They suck big PITA and leave little room to work on them. They're just not going to make the grade for me anymore. The 018 is far superior and lighter. I guess I'll have to save an 026 Pro or MS260 Pro. It would be nice to find a good or repairable 028 Super or maybe an 038 Super. Never ran an 038 S but I hear good things about them.
Has anyone hear ported a Poulan Pro 455?
Does anybody have any feedback for me on the 655 version compared to the 455?
Has anyone hear ported a Poulan Pro 455?
Does anybody have any feedback for me on the 655 version compared to the 455?
Freakingstang
Doctor Freakinstein
My Fab 5...
50cc Dolmar 5100. 13" bar. This is my "top handle" limber. Can climb with it if need be. 16" bar for optimum versatility.
60cc Modded Stihl MS360 with 18" bar or 20".
70cc Husky 372. modded of course. 20" bar or 24" if the need arises
80cc Dolmar 7900 with a 24" bar
100cc +or- modded Stihl 660 or 084.
50cc Dolmar 5100. 13" bar. This is my "top handle" limber. Can climb with it if need be. 16" bar for optimum versatility.
60cc Modded Stihl MS360 with 18" bar or 20".
70cc Husky 372. modded of course. 20" bar or 24" if the need arises
80cc Dolmar 7900 with a 24" bar
100cc +or- modded Stihl 660 or 084.
Freakingstang
Doctor Freakinstein
038 S is an awesome runner with loads of torque but packs the weight of a 660 getting ready to give birth to a 261...
Naked Arborist
Hack from way back.
Thanks for the heads up. I have an 038 laying under the bench with a smoked top end. Just wounder how they did for all that weight. Feels about the same as an 044 or 460.
I think it will be better to go lighter and squeeze more out of the 028 S if I can find one. I like everything about the 260 Pro but it just lacks grunt. Screams like my 200T with and a bit more weight. It pulls a 20" good but I want more grunt! The one I ported does have some serious chain speed. I think it is sold to an AS member who wants to use it for limbing. I sent him a video of it in action.
How do I post up a video of it to this site without going to Utube?
Freakingstang
Doctor Freakinstein
photobucket is the only other hosting site i use.... don't think you can attach videos through AS
Mastermind
Work Saw Specialist
50cc
I must be missing something here... But why are people choosing the 346 over a MS261?
Not talking a ported saw just stock. Is it the weight? Prefer the husky brand?
From what i have read the MS261 is newer tech and better spec'd for a similar price...go figure...
I must be missing something here... But why are people choosing the 346 over a MS261?
Not talking a ported saw just stock. Is it the weight? Prefer the husky brand?
From what i have read the MS261 is newer tech and better spec'd for a similar price...go figure...
BloodOnTheIce
Addicted to ArboristSite
50cc
I must be missing something here... But why are people choosing the 346 over a MS261?
Not talking a ported saw just stock. Is it the weight? Prefer the husky brand?
From what i have read the MS261 is newer tech and better spec'd for a similar price...go figure...
Primarily due to Husky bias on this site.
Stock or ported I'll take a MS261 over a 346.
Especially my step dads ported MS261
[video=youtube_share;0bKuzORyLQw]http://youtu.be/0bKuzORyLQw[/video]
cpr
Addicted to ArboristSite
My list is closest to JP's (go figure, lol).
1. SP125/101b
2. 797
3. PP655
4. 2100 (Homie, not Husky)
5. 288XP
I love the Macs more than anything (a 1-72 with an MC-10 head almost displaces the 2100), but if I had to live with just one of them, I take the 655. I know, right?
1. SP125/101b
2. 797
3. PP655
4. 2100 (Homie, not Husky)
5. 288XP
I love the Macs more than anything (a 1-72 with an MC-10 head almost displaces the 2100), but if I had to live with just one of them, I take the 655. I know, right?
TommySaw
ArboristSite Guru
550xp
562xp
372xp
Dolmar 7900
390xp
Lucky for me I own or have owned all of the above. Honorable mentions to 346xp, 260pro, 028wb, 361(w/euro cyl.), 6401, 365 special (which in my reality, gives a 6401 all it can handle), 440/460, 385xp, 660. All very nice saws I have time on.
562xp
372xp
Dolmar 7900
390xp
Lucky for me I own or have owned all of the above. Honorable mentions to 346xp, 260pro, 028wb, 361(w/euro cyl.), 6401, 365 special (which in my reality, gives a 6401 all it can handle), 440/460, 385xp, 660. All very nice saws I have time on.
KenJax Tree
Terraphobic
rms61moparman
Addicted to ArboristSite
50cc
I must be missing something here... But why are people choosing the 346 over a MS261?
Not talking a ported saw just stock. Is it the weight? Prefer the husky brand?
From what i have read the MS261 is newer tech and better spec'd for a similar price...go figure...
There are myriad reasons.
Weight is a biggie.
Cost is another. Depending on where you buy, the Stihl can be about $150.00 more.
Handling is yet another. If you want a limbing saw the Husky just does it better. The Stihl has a slight advantage as an "all around" firewood saw and is better suited to felling and bucking than limbing.
Being able to buy parts online is a BIG one for me.
There are more but I'll stop now.
Mike
I have come into possession of a 361 and a 046 mag. I'm currently hunting a 394XP low profile for my 90cc. Which I hope stumpy will work his magic on when I find it.
I just hope I can stop after 5 saws, I just saw a 090av and want one as well !!!
I just hope I can stop after 5 saws, I just saw a 090av and want one as well !!!
