What saw would you recommend?

[dbHunterNY]

So I'm purchasing a house with over 8 acres. I've got plans of tearing through some woods. What saw do you all like or would recommend? I'm not going to be felling huge 100 year old trees by any means, only some moderate sized stuff, firewood probably, some thinning, and anything else that naturally hits the ground. I've been researching saws and think Stihl, Husqvarna, and Echo have the best options. Specifically, I'm thinking a Husky 346XP with an 18" bar and chain. So what do you all think?

[redkneck]

This was discussed not long ago.

http://www.realtree.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94582&highlight=chain+saws

[dbHunterNY]

That so? I suppose I should do some reading then. Thanks

[dbHunterNY]

Yea I remember reading most of that now. Still wondering if anyone has done research on any lately.

[redkneck]

My father-in-law would cut pulp wood when the oil field work got slow. He had 2 Pioneers that would cut circles around my Stihl wood boss. Still have the old Homelite C-51 77cc too! She's a hoss that is a real log-eater, but will kill you to carry it. Lots of good saws out there, plenty more used ones on ebay as well. Figure out what you really need, then go UP one size larger!

[dbHunterNY]

Too much over 60cc and the saw would kick my butt! at first I was looking at the 40cc range, but then went up to the 50cc range. I don't think I want to get much bigger than that, otherwise I'd be looking at pro grade saws specifically for felling and bucking the big stuff.

[Tominator]

I like my Poulan, but then again I've only handled a few different kinds.

I'd make sure to get at least an 18" bar though. My buddy has a 20" bar, and that thing is pretty sweet.

[wtnhunt]

The old stihl 024 I have has been a great saw, needs a little work on the fuel system to get it back to running like new. Have dropped some pretty good sized trees with that saw. Of the names you mentioned I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. The husqvarna's I see in lowes are sure priced right, they are a good bit cheaper than the stihls. Would probably agree with getting an 18 inch bar.

[redkneck]

I have to correct myself, the homelite is a c-72, 80cc. This post has inspired me to get the old gal out and try to fire it up, since it hasn't been used in a coon's age! She's a hoss if there ever was one!

[bfletch7441]

I've had a Husky 345 for about 10 years, and it still runs like a top. It has a 16" bar, and will do anything I ask it to, and that is a lot sometimes.

Also have had a Stihl 391 for 2-3 years, and it is a beast! It'll eat through about anything with ease, but I don't use it near as much though, as it's a bit on the heavy side.

Sounds to me like your on your way to a smart purchase.

Ben

[Jeramie]

Personally I would pickup a Stihl or Husqvarna. Both are quality tree eaters. I bought a cheap saw with a 20" bar and seriously regret it. For another $75 I could have got a HOSS of a saw.

[dbHunterNY]

Yea I've looked into them for a little while. Thanks for the feedback guys. Hey John it sounds like you could attach that Homelite to a self powered cart and give a Ditchwitch a run for it's money. It sure sounds like a beast!

[gzilla45]

I talked to the guys logging my land last weekend and they all used and raved about Husqvarnas. Being a rookie I took their advice and I ended up picking up a Husqvarna 445 with a 18" bar from lowe's for $319. My dad has been needing a new one for a long time so we got it for him for father's day. I'll let him use it once or twice before I need to borrow it. That said, I think any of the better manufacturers are going to provide you with exactly what you need though. It's just a matter of finding the right one for you at the right price.

[redkneck]

Yea I've looked into them for a little while. Thanks for the feedback guys. Hey John it sounds like you could attach that Homelite to a self powered cart and give a Ditchwitch a run for it's money. It sure sounds like a beast!

I got it out and cleaned it up. Still got to put some fresh gas to it. It hasn't fired up in 20+ years. An 80cc saw would not be my first choice, but it's sentimental to an extent, and I just wanna fire it up!

Hope you find a good saw, personally for recreational use, I'd go check out one at Sears or Lowe's. Stihl sure makes a good one, but you'll pay a little premium for it.

[LETMGROW]

We have a couple Stihl saws and have good service from both. I used to lease hunting land from a tree service owner who owned over 100 Stihl saws. He said he had owned about every make saw made and settled on the Stihl.

I bought ours from a local dealer, not a chain store. My dealer services equipment for several stores in the area and is a good repairman. I do know for fact, if I took something in to him for service, I would get preference over someone who bought elsewhere. Remember nothing breaks until you need it. The service is worth much more than a couple bucks you might save at a big box store.

Lynn

[dbHunterNY]

So I've decided to go with a Husqvarna 346XP with an 18" bar. I've just found out that a good guy i know is becoming a Husqvarna dealer. So I called him up this morning before he's made his initial order and made sure he's got one in there for me.

[redkneck]

I think you'll be happy with it. That's a good sized saw that won't disappoint you when cutting a 20" tree up. Hard to beat having a friend as a dealer too, that will guarantee some good support I would think.

PS - The C-72 hadn't been fired up in 25 years or more. I cleaned out the tank over the weekend, put in fresh gas and it cranked up on the 3rd pull. I still got to rebuild the carb, I can't get it to full throttle and it leaks gas. It's fun to have something to tinker with though

[Rhino]

Good choice. I've had a Husqvarna with a 20" bar for about 12 years now. Had to put a new pull cord on it the other day at the repair shop next to our local co-op. Charged me $5 to fix it. The repairman said nothing much goes wrong with a Husqvarna other than changing plugs and pull cords from time to time.

[dbHunterNY]

I picked it up yesterday morning, but didn't have time to cut anything with it. The 346XP is really light for having as much power as a 460 Rancher. I'm impressed with the solid feel despite it's got anti/counter vibe. It's got as many features as anything out there, including the decompression button which I don't even think is necessary. The 18" bar comes with a .325", however I'm used to a more robust 3/8" chain. It should cut even better though as long as I don't hit anything and keep it sharp. My first impressions are good, so we'll if it lives up to the rep it's got going.