New guy here needs saw advice

[winchester]

Hello to all. I'm in the process of installing a Central Boiler outdoor furnace to heat my home 6-7 month per year. So, I figure I'll be cutting 2 truck loads of log length per year (about 14-15 cord). I'm looking at the 50cc class of saws with a 16" or 18" bar. Almost all of the wood from the logger I'll be buying from is 12-15" in diameter. I'll be blocking into 2 foot pieces.
I used to own a Husqvarna 51 many moons ago. It was a great little saw. So I'm 20 years behind the current saw technology.
I'm currently looking into the professional line of saws from Husqvarna and Stihl, not knowing much about Echo, Efco, Dolmar, and Jonsered.

Saws that I've been researching online:
Husy: 550XP
Stihl: MS261 and MS261C-M

Any advise/problems, pro's/con's etc. on the Husky Auto Tune or Stihl M-Tronic ?

Any advise would be appreciated as to these 3 models or another offering from any other manufacturer.
Thanks

[rburg]

I have a 550 and have run the 261 and 261cm. I haven't had any problems with the 550. I am not a saw tuner so I enjoy the AT. Any of these models you have mentioned should do a good job. If you want more power, the 60cc 555 seems to be well liked also.

[winchester]

Thanks for the reply. So since you've had opportunity to run all 3 saws, which one do you feel is the better overall saw ?  I know it's a personal preference, that's why I would like to hear your opinion.
Based on the diameter of logs I'll be cutting, I think the 60cc is a little too much. I really don't want the extra weight of a larger saw if it's not necessary.
Thanks

[sawguy21]

There is not much difference in weight between a 50 and 60cc saw. With the larger saw you will do more in less time though.

[The Diesel]

My dad has a 261cm and I have a 362cm.  They are both reliable and fast cutting.  261cm is limtied to 20" bar and 362 is 25".  Both saws are beast and you can't go wrong.

We used craftsman up until 2 years ago when we switched to stihl and it is like night and day.  My dad had 3 craftsman saws he would bring to our cabin and now it is just the 261cm.  He is 70 and LOVES that saw.

My dad would buy the extended warranty on the craftsman and he kept bringing them back and even the warranty guy said these saws are not made to cut what you are doing.  They are occasional use.

[celliott]

Blocking log length firewood, I'd want a 70cc saw or bigger. Yeah it weighs more but you will cut alot more wood faster (less trigger time is what I'm getting at) and end up less fatigued.

60cc class are great firewood saws and you might not notice much weight difference between a 50cc and a 60cc, but you probably will between a 60cc and a 70cc.

I'd look at a husky 555\562xp or Jonsered 2258\2260, Stihl's offering in that size range is an MS391 (homeowner grade) or an MS362. Echo, I believe you have a CS590 timberwolf (very good saw for the money, probably the cheapest- not low quality- new 60cc saw you can buy) or a CS620P, Dolmar, you have a 6100, which is similar to the 562 and the 362, lighter platform, Dolmar also has a 6400, which is the size and weight of a 70cc saw. Husqvarna\Jonsered also has the 365 and 2166, which are also based on 70cc saw platforms.

If you are able, run a tank of gas through a 50cc saw and one of the 60cc saws I mentioned, back to back, and see what you think. Even make a few cuts back to back. I think you gain alot of power for little weight penalty with a good 60cc saw. Blocking firewood, power is king. A 50cc saw is a perfect all around saw for lighter duty stuff, nothing wrong with one. But primary use blocking log length, a 60cc+ will shine.

Just my opinion of course 

[DelawhereJoe]

What kinda deals are around ? A great saw with a bad dealer will still end poorly, and a bad saw with good dealer support will make you appreciate the dealer and hate that saw. 

[winchester]

Thanks to all for your input. I appreciate it.

[winchester]

Blocking log length firewood, I'd want a 70cc saw or bigger. Yeah it weighs more but you will cut alot more wood faster (less trigger time is what I'm getting at) and end up less fatigued.  What you're saying makes a lot of sense. I need to stay within a certain budget at this time. The 70cc pro saws are over what I can spend.

60cc class are great firewood saws and you might not notice much weight difference between a 50cc and a 60cc, but you probably will between a 60cc and a 70cc. I'll start looking into 60cc saws and see what kind of deals I might be able to get.

I'd look at a husky 555\562xp or Jonsered 2258\2260, Stihl's offering in that size range is an MS391 (homeowner grade) or an MS362. Echo, I believe you have a CS590 timberwolf (very good saw for the money, probably the cheapest- not low quality- new 60cc saw you can buy) or a CS620P, Dolmar, you have a 6100, which is similar to the 562 and the 362, lighter platform, Dolmar also has a 6400, which is the size and weight of a 70cc saw. Husqvarna\Jonsered also has the 365 and 2166, which are also based on 70cc saw platforms. Thanks for taking the time to inform me of all of these other model numbers.

If you are able, run a tank of gas through a 50cc saw and one of the 60cc saws I mentioned, back to back, and see what you think. Even make a few cuts back to back. I think you gain alot of power for little weight penalty with a good 60cc saw. Blocking firewood, power is king. A 50cc saw is a perfect all around saw for lighter duty stuff, nothing wrong with one. But primary use blocking log length, a 60cc+ will shine.  I wish I knew someone with both a 50cc and 60cc saw to run a tank through like you say. That would really help me make my decision for sure. Unfortunately, that's not possible. Thanks again for your thoughts.

Just my opinion of course 

[winchester]

What kinda deals are around ? A great saw with a bad dealer will still end poorly, and a bad saw with good dealer support will make you appreciate the dealer and hate that saw.

You are so right when it comes to dealer support. I've experienced this with a new car several years ago. Thankfully there were several other Nissan dealers within 50 miles. I was able to finally find a dealer who took care of me.

[DelawhereJoe]

A husky 562xp or stihl 362 c-m 60cc will out cut a 550xp or 261 c-m in any wood hard or soft, 2 lbs heavier but the weight will help it cut and both have the ability to take larger bars if needed. The other question is how much money do you want to put into the saw. On a budget the echo's seam to have the best value but less hp, jonsered are less then huskies and are made from more or less the same parts. Stihl and Husqvarna are top of the line and the prices reflect it.

[celliott]

Blocking log length firewood, I'd want a 70cc saw or bigger. Yeah it weighs more but you will cut alot more wood faster (less trigger time is what I'm getting at) and end up less fatigued.  What you're saying makes a lot of sense. I need to stay within a certain budget at this time. The 70cc pro saws are over what I can spend.

60cc class are great firewood saws and you might not notice much weight difference between a 50cc and a 60cc, but you probably will between a 60cc and a 70cc. I'll start looking into 60cc saws and see what kind of deals I might be able to get.

I'd look at a husky 555\562xp or Jonsered 2258\2260, Stihl's offering in that size range is an MS391 (homeowner grade) or an MS362. Echo, I believe you have a CS590 timberwolf (very good saw for the money, probably the cheapest- not low quality- new 60cc saw you can buy) or a CS620P, Dolmar, you have a 6100, which is similar to the 562 and the 362, lighter platform, Dolmar also has a 6400, which is the size and weight of a 70cc saw. Husqvarna\Jonsered also has the 365 and 2166, which are also based on 70cc saw platforms. Thanks for taking the time to inform me of all of these other model numbers.

If you are able, run a tank of gas through a 50cc saw and one of the 60cc saws I mentioned, back to back, and see what you think. Even make a few cuts back to back. I think you gain alot of power for little weight penalty with a good 60cc saw. Blocking firewood, power is king. A 50cc saw is a perfect all around saw for lighter duty stuff, nothing wrong with one. But primary use blocking log length, a 60cc+ will shine.  I wish I knew someone with both a 50cc and 60cc saw to run a tank through like you say. That would really help me make my decision for sure. Unfortunately, that's not possible. Thanks again for your thoughts.

Just my opinion of course 

A 70cc pro saw does cost alot, likely way more saw than you would ever need. That would be my choice for blocking firewood because I have a few of them I've rebuilt to choose from and I flat out just like to run powerful saws  ;D A 60cc saw with an 18-20" bar just seems to fit the bill though!
Budget conscious saws- The husky 555 and Jonsered 2258- they are built with the same parts as their XP\pro saw brothers (the 562xp and 2260 with a tweak less power and features. At a better price point.
The Echo CS590 is another great bargain, folks on here speak highly of them. I bet you can get one for less than a 550xp or MS261. Under $400. Home depot sells them, but I'd try to find a servicing dealer.

If you give your location, there may be forum members nearby who have multiple saws and would maybe let you try them out.
If you're nearby to Northeastern VT, I'd let you get some trigger time on some of my saws.

[rburg]

The 550 is a little lighter and the 261 has better air filtration. I don't think one is better than the other. I almost bought a 261c before I bought the 550, but the 261 sold before I could make up my mind. If you want to save about $100, the 545 cuts about as quickly as the 550 in the kind of cutting you have mentioned. If you get a 261, the newest version has reduced the weight. I believe the weight is now very similar to the 550. I would get the cm version of the 261 if I bought one

[winchester]

Blocking log length firewood, I'd want a 70cc saw or bigger. Yeah it weighs more but you will cut alot more wood faster (less trigger time is what I'm getting at) and end up less fatigued.  What you're saying makes a lot of sense. I need to stay within a certain budget at this time. The 70cc pro saws are over what I can spend.

60cc class are great firewood saws and you might not notice much weight difference between a 50cc and a 60cc, but you probably will between a 60cc and a 70cc. I'll start looking into 60cc saws and see what kind of deals I might be able to get.

I'd look at a husky 555\562xp or Jonsered 2258\2260, Stihl's offering in that size range is an MS391 (homeowner grade) or an MS362. Echo, I believe you have a CS590 timberwolf (very good saw for the money, probably the cheapest- not low quality- new 60cc saw you can buy) or a CS620P, Dolmar, you have a 6100, which is similar to the 562 and the 362, lighter platform, Dolmar also has a 6400, which is the size and weight of a 70cc saw. Husqvarna\Jonsered also has the 365 and 2166, which are also based on 70cc saw platforms. Thanks for taking the time to inform me of all of these other model numbers.

If you are able, run a tank of gas through a 50cc saw and one of the 60cc saws I mentioned, back to back, and see what you think. Even make a few cuts back to back. I think you gain alot of power for little weight penalty with a good 60cc saw. Blocking firewood, power is king. A 50cc saw is a perfect all around saw for lighter duty stuff, nothing wrong with one. But primary use blocking log length, a 60cc+ will shine.  I wish I knew someone with both a 50cc and 60cc saw to run a tank through like you say. That would really help me make my decision for sure. Unfortunately, that's not possible. Thanks again for your thoughts.

Just my opinion of course 

A 70cc pro saw does cost alot, likely way more saw than you would ever need. That would be my choice for blocking firewood because I have a few of them I've rebuilt to choose from and I flat out just like to run powerful saws  ;D A 60cc saw with an 18-20" bar just seems to fit the bill though!
Budget conscious saws- The husky 555 and Jonsered 2258- they are built with the same parts as their XP\pro saw brothers (the 562xp and 2260 with a tweak less power and features. At a better price point.
The Echo CS590 is another great bargain, folks on here speak highly of them. I bet you can get one for less than a 550xp or MS261. Under $400. Home depot sells them, but I'd try to find a servicing dealer.

If you give your location, there may be forum members nearby who have multiple saws and would maybe let you try them out.
If you're nearby to Northeastern VT, I'd let you get some trigger time on some of my saws.

Thanks for the invite offer. I'm located in Schoharie County NY. About 65 miles west of Albany.

[motohed]

From what your saying , 12 to 14 cords is not a lot of wood by most people's standard  . That being said you could cut that much pretty easy with the 50cc saws . I personally would chose a 60cc saw , like the Husky 562xp or the Stihl 362cm , or a couple other brands it will cut your time sawing by at least 30 % . giving you more time to do other things . If you set it up with an 18 too 20 inch bar , it will be easyer on the back , and the saw will be better balanced and feel easyer to handle . We have cut upwards of 200 to 700 cord of wood yearly . This was before an accident , that was'nt caused by being in the woods . I am getting back to work slowly now after hip , knee and back surguries . We have never used a processor . I do have a 6 way splitter with a conveyor . It's pretty easy if you do wood dayly , even at a cord per day with time off, it's pretty easy to do 300 cord a year , at one cord per day . I get 250.00 bucks a full cord . I have been pretty lucky finding low grade hardwood lots  , for house lots that are just not a good size for regular logging , so I get the wood basicly for fuel and time .  Just make sure you have good dealer support , if your not into building or repairing your own . JMHO

[danbuendgen]

For me, overall the bigger the better. My wife has a 550 with a 16" bar and 3/8's chain for firewood and bush. It works well, we have had 0 issues with it. I have a few 562's and a 390. Same goes with the 562, 0 issues. The only thing i don't like with the 550/562 is that they flood more quickly in the summer then the older type of saws. Can you guess which saw I run when we are working at the firewood pile? The 390 for sure, hands down. More power, sure it's heavier. But its much faster. When we sell firewood, its all about production. The more we can cut and split in one day, the more I make. For me, the 550 is a good brush saw. Or a good saw for my wife. Its small, light, and not too aggressive for her to operate. But I never run it. Too slow for me to even consider. Keep in mind, that cutting firewood is hard on a chain saw. It's lots of cutting with little idle time to cool off. I would go with a 562 if I was in your shoes. With a 16" bar. Don't need a big bar for just firewood. It will be less teeth to sharpen=more time cutting. The chains are a bit less $$$ also. And with a smaller chain, the saw will have more power.
Just my .02

[cliffreaves]

For me, my next saw will be the makita 6400, same as the dolmar but blue.  It's going for $500 on ebay right now new.  I would use it for felling, bucking and firewood  and keep the 395xp on the mill.

[gspren]

   You haven't mentioned your age or physical condition so here's my experience. Up through my 40s I did all my cutting with an 041 or 044 Stihl or even bigger OLD Homelites. In my 50s I used the 044 for blocking but had a smaller saw for limbing, now in my 60s I use my 261 for anything under about 18". I still have the bigger saws but really like my 261.

[John Mc]

I'm a big fan of using the smallest saw practical for a job (though everyone's idea of what is "practical" differs). I get a lot of use out of my 50 cc saw. However, if you are bucking up 12-15" hardwoods (especially the premium firewood hardwoods) with a 50 cc saw, it will take some patience, particularly at the larger end of the size range you mentioned.

For what you describe, which seems to be cutting up logs delivered to a specific location (as opposed to lugging a saw through the woods all day), I'd be looking at 60 cc saws.

When my Husky 357XP finally bites the dust, I'll likely replace it with a 555 - pro construction, without the full-pro price. (I'd like the 562XP, but don't really need the "rev boost" feature. For me, the 555 strikes the better price/performance ratio.)

[RIDE-RED 350r]

I wholeheartedly agree with those who recommended 60-70cc saws for what you are looking to do. I think a solid 60cc saw is a great choice for a firewooder's one saw plan, especially when talking about blocking 2 truck loads a year.... Ten-wheeler loads I assume???

I own all Husky, a 346XP/NE, (50cc), 357XP (56cc which is 60cc class) and a 372XPW (75cc) are my main three saws I run. I have a couple others, but these are my go-to saws. I use the 357 and 372 most frequently. Like you, I am a firewooder and probably process about the same amount of wood you are planning to take on, only smaller lengths as we use indoor woodstoves.

All of that said, if I had to go back to having just one saw it would be a tough decision between the 357 and the 372 for what I do. I run a 550xp at work and own a 346xp, both are terrific saws no doubt.. But for what I do, I would want a bit more for a one saw plan than they can offer. I think 60-70cc class is the better choice in that scenario.

Are you against looking at good used saws?? I know of a 372 for sale from a reputable person for a very descent price (less than a new 550xp if memory serves). But he is active on another saw forum.... If you are interested in finding out more about it, PM me.

[welderskelter]

066 stihl. I am 66 and got chemo. Dont want to spend my time going ying ying ying. She is heavy but will last for years. Mine is 12 and she cuts about 11 to 12 cord a year for the house and then for maple syrup. Go big.

[danbuendgen]

I know a old time logger in my area, and he always says, "the bigger they are the better they run". And I think its true. We were working on firewood orders today, and I know we have not run the 550xp for a long time, so I tried it out, burned one tank of fuel, and went back for the bigger saw. 50cc saws are good for brush, and tiny wood, but for blocking fire wood, 60-70cc or more is much more productive. Saw fuel/bar oil is cheap, time is not. Go big.

[winchester]

   You haven't mentioned your age or physical condition so here's my experience. Up through my 40s I did all my cutting with an 041 or 044 Stihl or even bigger OLD Homelites. In my 50s I used the 044 for blocking but had a smaller saw for limbing, now in my 60s I use my 261 for anything under about 18". I still have the bigger saws but really like my 261.

I'm 53. Pretty good condition. The 261 you use would be similar to the 550 XP
Earlier today I had the opportunity to run an Echo CS-490 from a dealer about 25 miles from. Seemed like a great saw. It had an 18" bar, .325 chain. Priced at $349.99
I may just give this one a try since most of the logs will be 12 inches.

[DelawhereJoe]

Drop the extra $50 and get the cs 590, you will be much happier.

[Spike60]

Well, if your just up in Schoharie County take a ride down to Ulster County. I've got all of the Huskys and Jonnys in one place to look at. Pick them up and see how they feel in your own hands. And there's a Stihl dealer a short ways down the road if you want to check out his stuff.

The 50cc saws mentioned will do what you want as long as the log loads don't get bigger than what you mentioned. There's an old timer in Roxbury who runs a firewood business and cuts everything with a Jonsered 2253-16", (Jonsered 550). The loggers take care of him and give him primo logs in the 10-12 inch range.

But your logs will run a little bigger than that, and I think the 555/2258 might be a better fit for you as long as you don't object to a little increase in weight. What you definitely won't object to is the slight increase in price. The 555/2258 are only $25 more than the 550/2253. That's a lot more saw with more capability for just $25. Either of those with an 18" bar would be just the ticket on a 12"-15" log pile.

I was up in Schoharie just the other day, so it's not that far away. And it's all beautiful country for a ride.

[Spike60]

Earlier today I had the opportunity to run an Echo CS-490 from a dealer about 25 miles from. Seemed like a great saw. It had an 18" bar, .325 chain. Priced at $349.99
I may just give this one a try since most of the logs will be 12 inches.

Is that the shop on a farm in Middleburgh on Route 30? That shop has been there for many years and they know Echo saws better than anyone.

[winchester]

Well, if your just up in Schoharie County take a ride down to Ulster County. I've got all of the Huskys and Jonnys in one place to look at. Pick them up and see how they feel in your own hands. And there's a Stihl dealer a short ways down the road if you want to check out his stuff.

The 50cc saws mentioned will do what you want as long as the log loads don't get bigger than what you mentioned. There's an old timer in Roxbury who runs a firewood business and cuts everything with a Jonsered 2253-16", (Jonsered 550). The loggers take care of him and give him primo logs in the 10-12 inch range.

But your logs will run a little bigger than that, and I think the 555/2258 might be a better fit for you as long as you don't object to a little increase in weight. What you definitely won't object to is the slight increase in price. The 555/2258 are only $25 more than the 550/2253. That's a lot more saw with more capability for just $25. Either of those with an 18" bar would be just the ticket on a 12"-15" log pile.

I was up in Schoharie just the other day, so it's not that far away. And it's all beautiful country for a ride.

I guess I need to take a ride down your way and take a look at what you suggest.

[winchester]

Earlier today I had the opportunity to run an Echo CS-490 from a dealer about 25 miles from. Seemed like a great saw. It had an 18" bar, .325 chain. Priced at $349.99
I may just give this one a try since most of the logs will be 12 inches.

Is that the shop on a farm in Middleburgh on Route 30? That shop has been there for many years and they know Echo saws better than anyone.

Yes, it's the same place. He mentioned he's been selling Echo's for 45 years ?

[rburg]

If Spike is close, a trip there would be well worth your time.

[winchester]

Drop the extra $50 and get the cs 590, you will be much happier.

I'll look into the 590. Thanks.

[Walt]

Find a dealer your comfortable with, pickup every saw you can and ask questions. If you don't find it move on. I would buy the biggest and best saw you can afford that feels right in "your" hands. When you find it in time it will become your friend.. I'm 62 and like a hefty saw unless I'm cutting limbs or felled cleanup. A 290 with a 18 inch bar feels great to me. My 461R with a 20 inch bar came from above, I love this saw.  With a 28 inch bar its a beast for felling. We buck about 20 cords a year and these are "my" buddies....My shoes may not fit or feel right on your feet. Regards Walt

[celliott]

Ditto on making a trip to Spike60's shop. I've only ordered parts from him, but have heard nothing but good about him and his dealership.

[CTYank]

Do listen to what Spike60 says- if you want it straight-up.

IMHO, for bucking delivered log-length wood, first you want to research procedures & tactics for doing that without getting maimed/killed. It can be very dangerous.

Again IMHO, saw choices should include Dolmar PS-6100 and overall look like (IMHO), not in order:
Echo 590- great price ($400), decent performance, durable
Dolmar 6100- vg price ($550), excellent performance, pro-quality
Husqy 562- ($750 or less), excellent performance, top pro-quality (check discounts)
Stihl 362- pricy, over $800+, gotta get dealer-quote, excellent performance, pro-quality

Some say you should be dealer-dependent. Routine care will primarily involve chain filing- go DIY. Feed it fresh mix with best oil, keep chain SHARP, it'll live long & prosper. Learn from others inc. Spike.

[winchester]

Thanks for all the replies. Yes, I need to get more saws in my hand to see what feels right.

[XP_Slinger]

Many have said it but I'll say it again...If you have the opportunity go see Spike60.  VERY knowledgeable and won't feed you any BS to influence your purchase in his favor.  As evident by him saying "there's a Stihl dealer down the road if you wanna check out their stuff."  Have fun shoppin.