Hello.
Yes i am new here. Yes i used the search function. Yes i have been doing my homework.
First off some info -- I am a broke down wrek, I have about 100 acres of woods to tend.
So i need a lite go to saw that is not scared of much. Would like to run a 20" bar.
I have it narrowed down to three choices.
Dolmar PS-5100sh - 11.2 pounds - 50.7-cc - 3.8 hp
Husqvarna 460 - 12.8 lbs - 60.3cc - 3.7 hp
JONSERED CS 2159 TURBO - 12.3 lbs - 59 cc - 4.1 hp
I am leaning heavely towards the Dolmer. It seems to be a good package for a good price.
But am conserned about replaicing the bar as they claim it uses an odd bolt size.
So what do you think?
Have a better idea?
You're fixing to get all manner of opinions, Underdog.
Welcome to the Forestry Forum. :)
When I was looking for a saw, the only thing I was told by the pulpwooders in the area was to get one with 4 cubic inch engine and a twenty inch bar. I should make my choices from Husky or Stihl. Husky had less bench time if maintenance was needed which meant that I could wait on it at the shop whereas I'd have to come back tomorrow to get the Stihl.
I ended up with a Huskey 61 and have never been sorry.
Now, that doesn't tell you which saw to buy. This happened many years ago. But, it might help to make your decision easier by cutting to the core of the problem. :)
The 5100 is the small Husky mount, not odd at all IMHO. Same as the 359 bars you are looking at.
Good luck with the decision. ...and welcome to the forum.
I can only speak highly of the Stihl MS361.
I'd suggest you select a dealer you like and can work with, and go with that brand for being the happiest logger in your woods. Having a good dealer is priceless.
I gotta go and agry with Beenthere :-\ ;D :D
Find the dealer that is the closest and has best reputation near you , go with him , all them saws are good saws , I lean a little towards Stihl myself but they aint in the equation :-\
Only advice I will give ya is , get a pro series saw . They will be a little more s'pensive but well worth the few bucks extra in the long run .
hello have been faced with the decision myself.Ive ended up with a 346 xp and a 372 XP I had a 441 but sold it and got the 372 XP.My 346 wears a 16 bar in pulls it with authority and my 372 pulls a 20 with amazing results.I'm not sure what size most or your cutting would be.a 357 XP is between them and hear its a great saw also
Husky and Jonsered are both made by the same company and many models are 'twins', just like Ford/ Mercury or Chevy/ Buick/ GMC.
The Husky 359 is the same saw as the Jonsered 2159, just for your information. This model is thought of highly on several of the chainsaw forums. I am not familiar with the Husky 460, it's a new model with no real track record yet. I don't even know if it's a pro saw or homeowner model.
Some may say that the Husky 359/ JRed 2159 isn't a true pro saw, but it has all the pro features of the XP saws and many prefer it over the 357XP.
The Dolmar 5100 is also a hot little saw, but it's a bit smaller and is considered to be in the next smaller category. It's more comparable to the Husky 346XP in size and weight. Excellent power to weight in a small package.
The Stihl 361 has been getting great reviews so far, but it still has the same problem as most modern Stihls with the anemic oiler. Stihl has gone too far in reducing oiler output (for environmental reasons) and would rather see you buy more bars and chains than allow a little more oil to flow. I would own one myself if it weren't for the oiler, and the upgrade 460 oiler is a hundred bucks. For that much money I can buy another Husky 372XP.
if you get the 372 XP you will not regret it best saw I have ever used
372xp = 700.00 and better than 13 Lbs looks like a nice saw though.
I am not handling more than Husqvarna 460 - 12.8 lbs; and it is about out of the race on weight.
The other two are alot more affordable.
So that leaves the other two.
Cut4fun thanks. I did a bunch more reading
Windsor claims they make a bar 20" in either .325 or 3/8 in .050 and .058
Oregon claims 20 in .325 and .050 and .058
So whats the big difference between .325 and 3/8 chain? i think i read the .325 takes a narrow cut.
And what is the difference in .050 and .058
What would be the desirable combination for a 50cc to 60cc saw
346xp - 3.7 hp - 10.6 lbs looks like a competetor. The 357XP or XPG - 12.1 lbs - 4.4 hp looks nice but the price is high.
yes but the 372 at 13,4 lbs for a few ounces diff will blow away the 460
underdog what state you in. I have a 357xp you can test drive in my presence and a 372xpw = 375. Be warned both is woods ported. Had a stock 361 and sold it cheaper then you are pricing new for. You might want to look at good used saws.
If weight is a issue you are limiting your choices greatly.
What wood size and types are you wanting to cut with a 20" and 50cc saws?
So it is coming down to.
Dolmar inboard clutch -- i like this better
husky outboard clutch
And the matter of chains and bars
The husky comes with a 20" bar
I have the fortunate fate of having a serious professional saw shop here that carries both Husky and Stihl. I am on great terms with them and usually buy trade-in saws at great prices with outstanding service (as they are used), I have purchased nearly every saw in my fleet from them used, and have been thrilled with the deals. I am only saying this to enlighten you to another option, IF you have a great dealer near by that will stand behind even a used saw it may be a way to get what you need reasonable, or in my case buy TWO.
2- 394xp's, 2-372xp's, 2-338xp's, Notice they are all pro models, that was good advice the other poster gave. I have had Stihls, they are good too, I just got bitten by the RPM bug ;D :D
Ironwood
Welcome to the forum,underdog.I have no idea about in and out clutches.Probaly as much as you will use yours,if won't matter either way.I would be more concerned about a dealer that I like.That would be the selling point for me.
Quote from: Cut4fun on August 27, 2008, 08:19:40 PM
underdog what state you in. I have a 357xp you can test drive in my presence and a 372xpw = 375. Be warned both is woods ported. Had a stock 361 and sold it cheaper then you are pricing new for. You might want to look at good used saws.
If weight is a issue you are limiting your choices greatly.
What wood size and types are you wanting to cut with a 20" and 50cc saws?
Sunbright Tennessee nearest dealer i can find is about 50 Miles away.
Shoot me a price on the 357Xp.
Yes i am a broke down wreck. i weighed all the saws i have and about 12Lbs is all i can handle.
I am trying to learn one tree from another. but mostly small to medium sized hardwoods. Alot of limbing work and firewood.
If you are that broke down, did Stihl come out with a saw that incrementally "wound" it'self . then you hit the switch and it cranks it over on it's own. ???
Ironwood
Quote from: Ironwood on August 27, 2008, 08:35:57 PM
I have the fortunate fate of having a serious professional saw shop here that carries both Husky and Stihl. I am on great terms with them and usually buy trade-in saws at great prices with outstanding service (as they are used), I have purchased nearly every saw in my fleet from them used, and have been thrilled with the deals. I am only saying this to enlighten you to another option, IF you have a great dealer near by that will stand behind even a used saw it may be a way to get what you need reasonable, or in my case buy TWO.
2- 394xp's, 2-372xp's, 2-338xp's, Notice they are all pro models, that was good advice the other poster gave. I have had Stihls, they are good too, I just got bitten by the RPM bug ;D :D
Ironwood
I am not afraid of used. Just need to figure out what exactly i am looking for.
Heck the little woman just told me the other day all my equipment is junk. Did not hurt my feelings one bit.
It all gets the job done and has no payments due.
I have never been a fan of Sthill.
I have two of those lumps laying out here so old and tierd it is hard to tell what they are.
I think one is an 041 Farm Boss and the other is smaller and has Wood Boss on it.
Ironwood
It hurts me even trying to crank the Farm Boss.
Been trying to get by with a 50cc Polan but it is just a waste of time even dragging it out. It runs good but only cuts reluctantly and you can forget about a straight cut with it.
You will be tickled with a "new" saw no matter which you pick, there have been leaps and bounds in user friendliness and ease of use. Enjoy.
Ironwood
a saw that cranks itself??? 8)
sign me up!
fill me in (i think you're joking :D )-where do i get one??
When i was alot younger :-\
There where lawn mowers simular. You cranked a handle on top then pushed a button.
Husky's are getting hard to buy.....
So we have a list of candidates.
This is about the correct order. Now to find the one i cannot live without.
JONSERED 2159C 12# - 59cc
HUSQVARNA 357XP 12# - 57cc
Dolmar PS5100S 11# - 50.7cc
Husqvarna 359 12# - 59cc
Solo Model 656 11# - 56cc
Thanks for thinking about this with me.
A Sexy red and black chainsaw would be very nice. "I think"
Quote from: boss hoss on August 28, 2008, 09:14:46 AM
a saw that cranks itself??? 8)
................
Not exactly the way you interpreted what ironwood said... :)
but what he said isn't a joke. Nice Stihl feature for anyone who has difficulty pulling the starter rope. :)
Search the Stihl site for the "easy start" saws...believe there are 4 to choose from. Other brands may have the same feature. The demo I saw was impressive.
Underdog (I used to work with a guy in Ohio by that nickname) -
Are you sure you need a 20" bar? You open up a lot more options, and at lighter weights if you can go a bit shorter.
The Jonsered 2152 or Husky 353 (sister saws, 51.7 cc, 3.3 HP) do a good job with 16-18" bars and weigh about a pound less than the 2159/359 you are considering. I own a 2152 with a 16" bar running .325 pitch chain. I'm happy with it. When I'm cutting larger hardwoods (over 12" or so) I sometimes wish for more power, but I sure don't miss the extra weight. I have a friend with a 353 who runs a 20" bar on it. While the specs say it will handle it, that's pushing it in my opinion, but he's quite happy with it. These are both in what Husky calls the "Landowner" category, a midrange between homeowner and pro saws. The 359/2159 are also in this category.
In the pro saw arena, look at the Husky 346XP (look for the newer models with the 50.1 cc engine. The older ones were smaller engines).
I've found the longer bars to be a false gain for me. I don't cut much that buries my 16" bar, and when I do, I'd rather carry the lighter weight, smaller saw and work from two sides. This beats carrying a heavier saw around all day for that rare occasion I need it. My friend cuts the same wood as I do. He prefers the 20" bar for the extra reach when limbing, so he doesn't have to bend over as much. I've found that reaching out to cut with the end of a 20" bar bothers my back anyway. I'd rather just bend my legs to get down to the low lying branches.
If I didn't already own a 2152/353 type saw, I'd probably go with the Husky 346XP. More power than the 2152, similar weight. I'd still run a 16" bar, but might keep a larger bar handy for those days when I knew I was going to be in larger wood.
Something to think about, anyway. Good luck in your search.
John Mc
I've got one of the Stihl easy start chainsaws. You pull the rope (as slow as you like) until resistance is felt, and the saw does the rest. I love it so much that I bought a weed wacker with the same feature. If the old gray mare just ain't what she used ta be, I highly recommend the easy start.
I said try, not buy :'( even thought the saw is still like new). To see the weight difference and power of both. It would be in your budget if I did sale though.
Wouldn't be fair though being woods ported and then you buy a stocker, the bug might bite you ;D and that would only cost you even more down the road. But that is a way to get more saw in the lighter package.
Talking about being a rpm junky, I broke out a 084 with 21" to cut up rail road ties yesterday. I dont remember them being that easy 12 years ago, with my little TH Poulan of 33cc's 8)
If you are talking $400 budget new I would get the 5100 or 359 or I would get a used 361 that you can check out close and test drive from the dealer, I just dont like the builds of the clamshell saws like the H 460 which is big brother to the 455, just a personal preference.
You know even those saws weigh 17.5 lbs when filled up ready to use and just running 16" bar and chains. So dont be fooled by the 11-12 lbs on a PHO weight no b+c and some of those weights they dont even include the clutch covers.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12882/Copy_of_357361.jpg)
24" Bar is just a preference. Will probably end up with a couple different setups after the initial purchase.
Yes i realize that the advertised weights leave alot out; But it is a good baseline.
I figured about 400 at the minimum or fair base; but do not really want to think about a 700 and better saw.
looks like i am headed for about 600 to get in.
I found some dealers up around Oneida. 2 regular saw shops; one claims to speak husky. Think i will find a Jonsered there?
All good points.
Ok you twisted me into considering a stihl. But i have never liked them. MS 361 around 600.00 Not Me!!!
The Sexy Red and Black JONSERED 2159 12# - 59cc - 3.6 cu.inch has really got me wanting to find my checkbook.
It is real close the 4cu.inch Tom recomended.
When I said 359, I meant the 2159. I ran a Ken Dunn modded 2159 and it was quite a work saw. I really like the handle layout on it. But that is a personnel preference.
Underdog,
I have a 5100 with a 16" .325 bar. It does cut very well, but I think with the 20" 3/8 chain you may be less impressed with the preformance. This is kind of reach for a saw with this power, but if you are not often going to be using the entire 20" bar you may be ok. I go to a 372 with a 20" bar for the big stuff, but I think you have already ruled out this big of a step up.
Quote from: Cut4fun on August 28, 2008, 02:08:51 PM
If you are talking $400 budget new I would get the 5100 or 359
Last I checked a couple of months ago, around here a 359 was $509 with bar and chain. You migh twant to check if Jonsered's "bag it and drag it" sale is still going on. They'd give you $125 off most saws if you brought in any chainsaw for trade, running or not... it could even be in pieces, it just had to be complete. This brought the 2152 down to $389 w/16" bar and chain, and the 2159 down to about $485 w/and 18" bar and chain.
John Mc
Man your not kidding on prices going up are you :'(. Seems like just the other day the Dolmar 5100 was $325 - $350, the Husky 357 was $469-$499, 359 $409-$429, Dolmar 7900 $529-$569. Gas was $1.29 just a couple of years ago too.
Guess I better reevaluate my saw pricing, if I ever decide to get rid of some of them ::).
Now 5100 $409, 357 $569, 359 $479, 7900 $669, Gas $3.69 :-X
Where are you finding those prices? Those are great compared to what I'm seeing at local dealers here in Vermont. I just found my notes on a quote from a few weeks ago: A 357XP was $735. A 359 was $517 (both with bar and chain). Calls to a dealer in New Hampshire yielded similar prices.
These are up from the prices I had a few months ago: the local dealer wanted $659 for the 357, and $509 for the 359. Strange that one saw is up so much, and the other is almost unchanged. I even had him double check the 357 price for me.
If I could get a 357 new for the price you mentioned, I'd be doing some serious talking to the dealer. If that price included a bar and chain, I'd already own one.
John Mc
The Dollar is just is not what it used to be :-\
What i am trying to figure out is there marketing geniuses.
You cannot buy a Stihl or Husqvarna via internet. I guess they are trying to protect there brick and mortar sales.
But that is a proven wrong business model. They are two different customers.
And Husqvarna is even slaughtering its brick and mortar end. Solo sell thru ace hardware? Guess that solved there distribution problems; but what a way to get a little known model out.
Seems like there should be some place where they sell chainsaws all chainsaws. Anyway u would like it. Walk in or internet.
Knowledgable sales and service with a parts catalog that has every part known available.
One stop shopping is the new business model.
Quote from: John Mc on August 28, 2008, 12:16:55 PM
Underdog (I used to work with a guy in Ohio by that nickname) -
That has been my CB Handle for about the last 18yrs.
Underdog
(https://forestryforum.com/board/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rhinoforums.net%2Fimage.php%3Fu%3D372%26amp%3Bdateline%3D1174782187&hash=d4fd179084b261763bb8ba6c01c872475feacae0)
Hero or end of the stick.
You decide ;D
I HAVE A J-RED.IT'S 42CC'S AND ONCE I GET HER GOING-SHE ROCKS(JUST LIKE MY OLD GIRL FRIEND).I'VE USED IT NOW FOR A YEAR AND LAST WEEK I THOUGHT IT WAS TIME TO CHECK THE AIR FILTER---DA.... .
ANYWAY-I PULLED IT AND IT WAS CLEAN!!W.T.H.??
IT'S WHAT THEY CALL THE TURBO MODEL-AND APPARENTLY THERE'S AN AIR FLOW THAT BLOWS ACROSS THE CARB AND HELPS TO KEEP THE FILTER FREE OF CHIPS.
YA KNOW WHAT--IT WORKS.
THE MAIN REASON THAT I BOUGHT THE SAW WAS THAT THE ENGINE IS SUPPORTED BY SPRINGS-AND IT IS.MINIMAL VIBES-NO INVOLUNTARY SHAKES WHEN THE DAY IS DONE.
LAST WEEK END-I PUT HER TO THE TASK OF 20" LOGS AND SHE BUCKED EM UP-NO PROBLEM.
SHE WAS STILL READY TO GO (LIKE MY OLD GIRLFRIEND)-BUT MY BUTT WAS WOOPED AFTER 7 HRS OF BUCKING UP LOGS.
THE WOOD PILE LOOKS GREAT-------AND SO DID SHE. 8)
GO RED-GO BLACK.
Quote from: John Mc on August 28, 2008, 09:03:27 PM
Where are you finding those prices? Those are great compared to what I'm seeing at local dealers here in Vermont. I just found my notes on a quote from a few weeks ago: A 357XP was $735. A 359 was $517 (both with bar and chain). Calls to a dealer in New Hampshire yielded similar prices.
These are up from the prices I had a few months ago: the local dealer wanted $659 for the 357, and $509 for the 359. Strange that one saw is up so much, and the other is almost unchanged. I even had him double check the 357 price for me.
If I could get a 357 new for the price you mentioned, I'd be doing some serious talking to the dealer. If that price included a bar and chain, I'd already own one.
John Mc
Use your search function ;) Google or whatever.
I should not drop names here.
But i found two places listing: Husqvarna 357XP = 630.00
For comparison, the MS361 Stihl 20" at the local dealer was $579 last week. Their MS260 was $470.
> yes but the 372 at 13,4 lbs
Ummm... I posted it two weeks ago, but, my Husky 365 without a bar was 15.2 or 15.6 pounds, I forget which. I measured on a digital postal scale. Same as the Husky 272.
I start my saw purchases by how much can I afford to spend, then work my way backwards from there.
For a small cheap saw with an 18" bar, I have been happy with my MS-250 as a backup, limbing, and light duty firewood saw.
I have an older Husky 272XP, a even older Husky 257, and a new Dolmar 5100S.
The Dolmar is the smallest displacement saw of the lot but has the fastest chain speed, 15,500 RPM, and is the lightest of the three. I paid just under $400.00 for it with a 16" bar and 3/8 pitch chain.
This little saw cuts like a champ. I like it alot
The Husky 257 even at 12 years old is one tough saw and I will grab it before I grab the 272XP. This saw is rated at 14,500 RPM and the weight is around a pound more than the Dolmar. I believe the displacement of the 257 is about half a cubic inch more than the Dolmar also.
The 272XP has been a good saw especially for the bigger hardwood. It is a little heavy for me to limb with if I am going to be cutting all day. I paid just under $600.00 for that saw new about 10 years ago. I saw a 372XP power head for sale last week for $695.00 so they have not gone up too much in price.
I have had good experiences with all three saws so far. I bought the Dolmar mainly for a limbing saw, which it works very well for. I recently bucked up a 2 cord pile of logs firewood with the 5100S. A tank of fuel lasted a long time and I had some maple that took the whole bar length th get through without a hesitation.
Randy
Quote from: underdog on August 27, 2008, 07:47:08 PM
372xp = 700.00 and better than 13 Lbs looks like a nice saw though.
I am not handling more than Husqvarna 460 - 12.8 lbs; and it is about out of the race on weight.
The other two are alot more affordable.
So that leaves the other two.
Cut4fun thanks. I did a bunch more reading
Windsor claims they make a bar 20" in either .325 or 3/8 in .050 and .058
Oregon claims 20 in .325 and .050 and .058
So whats the big difference between .325 and 3/8 chain? i think i read the .325 takes a narrow cut.
And what is the difference in .050 and .058
What would be the desirable combination for a 50cc to 60cc saw
346xp - 3.7 hp - 10.6 lbs looks like a competetor. The 357XP or XPG - 12.1 lbs - 4.4 hp looks nice but the price is high.
The Husky 460 is not a pro saw, and doesn't compare to the others in quality - forget that one!
Regarding the specs, the 357xp/2156 and the 2159/359 weights a lot more than advertised, and the 5100 a tad more as well.
It sounds like the 5100 is the right saw for you, but are you sure you
really need a 20" bar?
If so, go with a .325 setup.
Get a shorter setup as the main one, and use the 20" only when needed.
Try to avoid the chains that usually come standard on the Dolmar, wether it is .325 or 3/8".
Ask for Oregon LP or Stihl RSC (not RSC3).
Personally I prefer the NE346xp to the 5100S, but that's another story.....
QuoteIt sounds like the 5100 is the right saw for you, but are you sure you really need a 20" bar?
If so, go with a .325 setup.
Get a shorter setup as thye main one, and use the 20" only when needed.
Try to avoid the chains that usually come standard on the Dolmar, wether it is .325 or 3/8".
Ask for Oregon LP or Stihl RSC (not RSC3).
Personally I prefer the NE346xp to the 5100S, but that's another story.....
I totally agree.
When I purchased my 5100S it was sold with an .325 pitch 18" bar. I asked to have a .375 pitch 16" bar put on instead. I ended up with an Oregon bar and LP chain, I like that chain better. If I was going to use a bar any longer than 16" I would have stayed with the .325 pitch chain.
I do run the Stihl chain on both my Huskys and when the Dolmar needs one it will be a Stihl also.
Randy
Ok :P now we are getting down to it.
HUSQVARNA 357XP 4.4 hp 12# - 57cc = 600.00
Dolmar 5100S 4 hp 11# - 50.7cc = 400.00
Then lets try and see where this one fits in-- Solo 656 11.7# - 4.4 hp - 56cc = 530.00
Anyone have an opinion on this saw??
See its all about wants and needs ;D
Yes both of these fit my needs. both have been getting high praises. Would be nice to test drive each.
All agree 18" and 16" bar are a good match for either saw.
boss hoss: That was a good story.
Underdog do you need a sales and service type saw dealer? If so take in to consideration how far they are and if they are dependable to work with. I drive past a stihl dealer close by to go to one twice as far to get people that understand. or are you going Internet?
How far is the Stihl dealer? Husky? Jonsered? Dolmar?
If you are going to pay $600 for a new 357 you better test drive the stihl 361 too, just to see the likes and dislikes (you will find them like I did). I sold my used one for $375 and it only had the 3 hole muffler mod and was a screamer compared to other 361's I have ran.
Those are two very nice saws. I suspect the 357 is significantly more saw than the 5100S, but I've never had the chance to use a 5100S. Be forewarned: the 357XP is heavier than the specs indicate (but still a nice, maneuverable saw). If you are at a Husky dealer looking, pick one up, and then pick up the 346XP or the 353. Both of the latter are spec'd at 11 lbs. When I picked them up at a show, and then a 357XP, it sure seemed like a LOT more than 1 lb. difference (of course, the 346 had a 16" bar, and the 357 had an 18 or 20" on it which would make a little difference).
Have you given up on the 346XP (the "New Edition" with the 50.1 cc engine)? It's probably a closer match to the 5100S you are considering. 346XP: 11.0#, 3.7 HP, 50.1 cc Reportedly has a nice torque band. Seems like a popular saw, both here on the forum, and in my local area.
John Mc
If you dont need dealer support. Have you tried Solo? The 651 I tried cuts just like a 5100 IMO, now I was just test cutting. Then you have the 656 also, both in the weight and below your price range.
Somebody said something about Ace Hardware stores and saws. I bought a HD Stihl filter at a Ace Hardware store the other day. Stihl also sells in Gander Mountain stores too.
Dont forget the Efco. Really good prices and $6.95 shipping on saws. Plus , UPS Ground, take an extra 5% discount at checkout on orders over $300.00. Just trying to get you more saw for less money.
http://www.psep.biz/store/efco_chainsaws.htm
what ever you do don't go to a big box store. saws are like women find one that's as good to you as you are to her. i've been running a husky 359 etech 6 days a week for the last 3 yrs and never had a problem & you can run 20 or 24' bar. i run both. the decompression valve is great for us old folk. the only thing i find it won't cut is rocks maybe i need a diamond tooth chain. weighs in at 13 lbs full & great balance. the best advice is like everyone said find a good dealer you trust & do all your business with him chains,bar oil,service,odds & ends. because he will know it and it will pay off in the long run. happy cutting cheyenne