Chainsaw recommendation (Stihl, Husqvarna)

15 years ago

Hi,

I've read just about every message on this forum (and several others) on chainsaw choice. Think I'm more confused now than when I started so think I should just post my question.

Just some background: My wife and I have a 2.5 acre block of forest style land that we're building on in the next year. I've organised it to be cleared with the contractor initially pushing the trees over then a mate and I will cut the roots and rubbish off, then the contractor will put them in two piles - one for burning, one for keeping.

I estimate there is about 40-50 trees in the 3/4 acre we're clearing most about 8 inches diameter. There are about a dozen that are closer to 2 foot or bigger.

So I need a chainsaw to do the initial trimming of these trees, and then over time I'll be cutting them up and splitting them for firewood.

I'm looking at either a Stihl or Husqvarna chainsaw.

Spoke to the local Husky dealer on the weekend who recommended a 365 with 20" chain. Think this is in their semi-pro lineup.

Quite liked the look and feel of it but then I don't know much about chainsaws. Certainly started easily which I liked.

There's 3 things I'm not sure on:

1. Is the 365 too big for what I need. Whilst I think it will be good for the initial clearing should I be getting a smaller saw for my ongoing use over the next 20 or so years (I'm hoping in normal use it will last that long?)

2. Is the 365 a good model or should I be looking at the pro lineup with the obvious cost penalty?

3. What would be the equivalent Stihl and what advantages/disadvantages does that model offer (without starting a war...)

Thanks,

Tony

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Comments (5)

canguy
15 years ago
Stihl does not offer a pro saw (which the 365 is) in the 60 to 70cc range. They do have the MS390, 64cc, which is more for the farmer/rancher/serious weekend warrior. It is heavy but should meet your needs for somewhat less coin than the 365.
Have a look at the Husqvarna 357XP, 359 or the Stihl MS361. Each of those will handle 3/8 chain and a 20" bar without the weight penalty and will last for many years with reasonable care.
masiman
15 years ago
I'd pretty much consider the MS361 to be Stihl's pro 60-70cc range saw. Yes it is only 59 but it is close to the performance of the slightly larger saws.

I agree on your recs canguy.
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You can expand your craigslist search by typing "craigslist stihl 360" or 361. You might find a saw you like with a person who is willing to ship without having to compete against the ebay'ers. You won't get the most up to the minute results through google and some of the ads may have expired, but it can give you some good leads. I saw a couple available when I did this search. Another option, but not a for a Stihl, is if you have a HD nearby with tool rentals, give them a call to see if they have any of their Makita 6401's for sale. They are 65cc, heavier than a 361 but not quite as heavy as a 440 and are quite solid runners. Of course they are rentals and depending on the tool guys they may or may not be well maintained. But you can get these ~$450 saws for under $200. I have 2 of them. A nice part about them is that this Dolmar/Makita (same saw different color and badging) can be upgraded to a 85cc saw with a fairly simple Piston and Cylinder kit that you can get for ~$200. The 85cc saws sell for ~$600. For about the $600 (saws plus 1 p&c kit) I have put in to mine I have over $1k worth of saws. The 361 is only better in that it has a little more power and is lighter but the Makita is no slouch. The 85cc is one of the best ones available.
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bill7
15 years ago
Here is a link...

Here is a link that might be useful: stihl pro saws
johntommybob
15 years ago
On my 12 acres, I have managed quite well cutting firewood, and removing dead trees with 16" chain saws, and that's for the last 30 years. I wore out a Poulan, but it took 10 years. Right now I have another Poulan and a Husqvarna, and both are 16" saws. I don't think the Poulan saws are as good now as they once were.

But your sitiuaition is not like mine: you are going to have to get out of the contractors way. This means it's not going to be I can cut it when I feel like it job (at least not at first).

And you are going to have the hardest part to do first, the limbing & triming.

I would almost advise you to get two saws: a 16'" and a "20. Use the 20" to cut up the big trees, and then sell it. Use the 16" saw for the smaller trees and for the triming off of limbs, and keep it. A 20" saw is a good tool if you need a 20" saw. The weight works for you when you are sawing through a big log, but against you when you are cutting off limbs and on smaller trees.

Stihl & Husqvarna both make really good saws. I think my next saw will be a 18" Husqvarna. That might be a good compromise for you too.
tonydav
Original Author
15 years ago
I've decided to stick with the 365 following the advice here and on arboristsite.com. I can't afford two saws at the moment so that's out of the question.

I've also got a friend with a smaller 40cc saw who's going to help me with the initial cutting. He'll be able to handle the smaller stuff which will mean I can concentrate on the bigger stuff with the 365.

Been in and "played" with the 365 a few more times. Although I must admit I'd like something lighter it really isn't that heavy for me (I'm not a small guy).

Plus they had a good trade-in deal going giving $150 off the purchase price. Quick trip to the local junk yard and after a $20 purchase I've saved net $130 off the 365.

Thanks everyone for your help.

tony

Chainsaw recommendation (Stihl, Husqvarna)

Comments (5)

canguy

masiman

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Chainsaw recommendation (Stihl, Husqvarna)

Comments (5)

canguy

masiman

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bill7

johntommybob

tonydavOriginal Author

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