What Saw(s) Should I Get?

[svk]

As a warning, I strongly advise never running a ported saw for the first time if you don't plan on buying one. I even more strongly advise against three different ported saws running square file on the same day. I made the mistake of running @MustangMike 's excellent representatives from Mastermind and Smitty last Friday.

I parted ways with my old Husky and little Johnny very recently. The Husky needed to be torn down and the little M36 just wasn't ever much of a saw. The proceeds from those will buy me a nice bar and chain for a new saw anyhow.

With the 550 I've got the limbing and small bucking arena coveted. I guess I'm thinking of adding a larger saw, perhaps 372 and ship it down to Tennessee. I'd also look to pick up a used small saw as a beater to ride in the truck/loaner saw/something for the kids to learn on.

Thoughts? I prefer Husky orange but will honestly consider all brands. Figured I might start by trolling the classifieds here to see what might pop up.

 

[Deleted member 83629]

echo cs 620pw

 

[bryanr2]

288xp ported. bullet proof and stupid strong w bananas.

 

[svk]

echo cs 620pw

That's definitely the cult saw of the year judging by the buzz in its own thread.

What is the hp rating?

 

[Deleted member 83629]

you can buy a 365 have it shipped to TN and it will be a lot meaner than some ported 372's i have seen.

 

[Deleted member 83629]

That's definitely the cult saw of the year judging by the buzz in its own thread.

What is the hp rating?

around 4hp and has no problems pulling a 27'' bar

 

[svk]

you can buy a 365 have it shipped to TN and it will be a lot meaner than some ported 372's i have seen.

Especially if you get the one that is a factory detuned 372. That's definitely a consideration.

 

[nnero]

Dolmar 7900/10

 

[svk]

around 4hp and has no problems pulling a 27'' bar

No offense but that's not much more than a stock 550.

 

[svk]

Dolmar 7900/10

Talk to me about this. Is it cheaper to buy the 7900 or buy the smaller model and put in a BBK?

Also I don't see too many modded Dolmars. Is there a reason?

 

[Four Paws]

576xpat

 

[nnero]

It depends on what you can find. A lot of people buy a 6400 or home Depot makita 6401 and then upgrade with a 7910 p and c. I would go oem for getting it ported.

I was lucky and got my 7900 for $25 Ina box and pieced it together with the help of members here. I always heard about the high praise they got and have been impressed but mine is stock. I've run a 372 and 044 and prefer the dolmar. Shes a beast and i love it. It just seems to have more torque and holds rpm better in the cut. Very smooth too. That's MY experience. Stock air filtration isn't the best but the HD filter upgrade is top notch.

Dolmar just doesn't have the market share. They're not as popular and so u don't see as many stock or modified. They do seem to be good performers stock. Kind of like solo. I think it's a shame they aren't as well known outside sites like this. I've grown tired of the stihl vs husq crap and enjoy having something different that just as good (if not better in some ways) than the big 2. But that's just my opinion.

I would like to send my 6100 and 7900 out but I don't think that would fit well on the wedding registry lol.

Sorry for the wall of text. I tried to break it up and not rant too much haha

 

[bryanr2]

Talk to me about this. Is it cheaper to buy the 7900 or buy the smaller model and put in a BBK?

Also I don't see too many modded Dolmars. Is there a reason?

fordf150 is the guy to talk to bout the 7910. his prices are unbelievably good.

 

[Jon1212]

Well, if you have a 550 you really like, and you are going for just one more saw, I would agree with a 7900/10, or even a 385XP or a 390XP. Skip that 70.7cc business.

 

[Hinerman]

Here is your Huckleberry. May have some in stock, ready to go. You are welcome:

http://wickedworksaw.com/husqvarna.htm

http://wickedworksaw.com/jonsered.htm

 

[HuskStihl]

MS391. Baddest saw ever. You won't have to get it ported, cause it's such a badass. It'll pull a 42" bar thru oak all day. Anyone who would recommend any echo saw has never run a 391. Echo's suck donkey balls, unless they happen to be a backpack blower, Stihl MS391 for the win. It's the same saw as the 291, but more stronger!

 

[cgraham1]

7900. Nuf said.

 

[MustangMike]

Glad you liked the saws! A ported 372 is a mean saw, but this 046 looks to be in great shape and is already ported, a deal IMO.

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/stihl-046-mm.282831/

 

[Big_Wood]

fordf150 is the guy to talk to bout the 7910. his prices are unbelievably good.

damnit man, don't you think they could be better? they ain't gonna get any better with that kind of talk just when i've been eyeing the dolmars too

 

[Jon1212]

MS391. Baddest saw ever. You won't have to get it ported, cause it's such a badass. It'll pull a 42" bar thru oak all day. Anyone who would recommend any echo saw has never run a 391. Echo's suck donkey balls, unless they happen to be a backpack blower, Stihl MS391 for the win. It's the same saw as the 291, but more stronger!