Which big saw?

[Hank Chinaski]

Need help from the vast knowledge pool here.

I'm in the market for a newer (used) big saw for my work in Disaster Relief.

Requirements:

_$600ish on the used, not abused, market
-new enough to get most common parts
-enough guts to run 38-42" bar
-ease to work on/maintain
-won't go obsolete quickly (ie larger production run is better)
-big aftermarket or "used market" support
-ease of work saw modding

It will be used for DR work a few times a year, and I may use it for CSM as well in the meantime.

Considering: MS660 Magnum, PS-9010, 395XPW, CS-8000 or whatever ya'll think will fit the bill. They retail around the same new, but I'm looking for the "best" of the bunch that won't give me a lot of grief or go obsolete in a year

Any and all input is appreciated. I'm more of a orange and white guy, but would consider all brands that would work and fit the budget.
If this has been covered, please link me as I searched and couldn't find what I was looking for.

 

[madhatte]

That's a good list you have there. I'd stick with the Huskys and Stihls for dealer support. You can't go wrong with the saws you're considering. Best of luck to you.

 

[Chris J.]

Based on your criteria, I don't think you would go wrong with a MS660, or a 395XPW (I don't wear brand blinders ).

 

[bigredd]

Which ever you can find a DEAL. Also look at the 390XP, which is lighter and responds well to mods.

 

[Ambull]

Which ever you can find a DEAL. Also look at the 390XP, which is lighter and responds well to mods.

395XP is a great saw, and is my personal go-to saw for the big stuff. The nice thing about Husky's is that there are a couple models in the high cc range, so you have more choices.

 

[Encore]

never used the other saws listed but the 660 is a pretty sweet saw. Tons of power.

Just hold on when you start cutting. I've seen it tug some smaller guys around.

 

[Hank Chinaski]

Between a "good" used, ms660 or 084

which would you chose and why?

I don't yet know what year models either of them are.

are the parts for the 084 still plenty available

I'm thinking I'd be better served w/a ms660, with factory MM, and a good tune w/good blades & bar, but if the parts are out there still for the 084, how does it respond to mild modding?

Thanks for all ya'lls advice/help

 

[homelitejim]

I would chose a 066-660 over a 084 unless you have a cart to carry the 084 around in. If I needed a big saw to cut big wood with I would grab my 066. If I needed a big saw with enough power to cut most anything and also had to lug it around all day with few breaks I would grab my 441. I'm sure the same thing could be said with the Husqvarna equivalents.

 

[Hank Chinaski]

The weight isn't very much of an issue or high up on priority list as we usually work within 100' or so of our trucks/trailers.

It is a good point though. Thanks for bringing it up.

 

[homelitejim]

The 066-660 is going to be easier to maneuver around in tight spots, and will use less fuel.

 

[jmethodrose]

the "best" of the bunch you listed would be either the 660 or 395 in my opinion...

however if weight is not an issue, I would have thought a 42" bar would be a bit overkill for a 660/395, so I'd be tempted to go for an 084/088/880/3120, especially if you're considering milling with it. Dunno how much those go for secondhand in the US though.

 

[homelitejim]

going to be hard to find a 088 for $600 a lot easier to get a 660 for that price

 

[JustinM]

I would chose a 066-660 over a 084 unless you have a cart to carry the 084 around in. If I needed a big saw to cut big wood with I would grab my 066. If I needed a big saw with enough power to cut most anything and also had to lug it around all day with few breaks I would grab my 441. I'm sure the same thing could be said with the Husqvarna equivalents.

Good points. the 084/088 is a beast of a saw & not really useful for "all around" cutting imho. Its great when needed though.

 

[Sport Faller]

I don't think you'd wanna tie a 42" bar on it but this might not be a bad buy

Husqvarna 385 XP Chainsaw with bar/ chain see video | eBay

 

[mdavlee]

A 660 or 395 will run a 42" bar pretty good. The ones I had weren't stock so I'm not sure about a stock saw running it. You can probably find both of them in that price range in pretty good shape.

 

[HILLBILLYREDNEC]

Saw

I would look at something like a 56 mag 2 or a 051.

 

[stihl 440]

A 660 or 395 will run a 42" bar pretty good. The ones I had weren't stock so I'm not sure about a stock saw running it. You can probably find both of them in that price range in pretty good shape.

395/394 or 660/066...cant go wrong...id go with the husky but thats just me...im a husky guy...but i run the best saws for me in all the brands...lol

 

[RVALUE]

For 36 inch, I stay with the 70 cc saws. 48" in a pinch. After that, you are ok with 100 cc, or bigger FOR TOYS!

Where we are there isn't that much great big stuff.

Just MO.

 

[BiodieselNC]

For a 42" bar, and especially if you are cutting hardwoods, I would opt for something in the 7 cube range. 084/088s may be harder to come by but they really have the balls to cut some big stuff. I have never used a 660 with a 42" bar but i would imagine some mods would be in order to pull it well.

 

[stihl 440]

For a 42" bar, and especially if you are cutting hardwoods, I would opt for something in the 7 cube range. 084/088s may be harder to come by but they really have the balls to cut some big stuff. I have never used a 660 with a 42" bar but i would imagine some mods would be in order to pull it well.

Agreed. But whats a stock saw?..lol I dont own one..lol:jester: