Replacement saw for stihl 056

wood monger · April 21, 2010, 01:05:30 PM

Hey everyone,
I'm trying to decide on a new saw. If you are a forumite you've probobly seen my posts about the problems with my old 056. Well that saw is gone and I need (want) a new one. I had narrowed the decision to a Jonsered 2171, a Husky 372, or a Stihl MS441. The problem came about when the guy who got my old 056, brought over his Jony 2171. I had one piece of firewood left that I missed when splitting. It was soft maple, when I dug in the dogs and went into the cut it didn't seem to have the power I'm looking for. This could be just because I'm not used to the saw, or other factors. Higher RPM,s lower torque compared to lower RPM,s higher torque. I'd like to get some input from you guys and gals, on this. Thanks in advance for any input you have.

stonebroke · April 21, 2010, 02:31:52 PM

I would think a stihl 660 would be more of a direct replacement for a 056

Stonebroke

Al_Smith · April 21, 2010, 03:58:17 PM

Well I'm not so sure you would praticularly pleased with a brand new Ms 660 because they just aren't the power houses they were in the past .

One of the trimmers of whom I do some saw work etc . for had a nice old 066 stolen and the new replacement is a poor excuse for the older one .

Actually all the saws you listed will get the job done for you just as fast it's just a different way of doing things than that high torque lugging power of the 056 . FWIW though I've heard good reports on the 372 Husky .

wood monger · April 23, 2010, 12:25:58 PM

Thanks for the input. I was hoping to generate more discussion on this subject. I guess I'm just beating a dead horse.

Rocky_J · April 23, 2010, 12:51:20 PM

Stihl 066 or 046.

Another option is the Dolmar 7900/Makita 7901.

The Husky 372/Jonny 2171 is an incredible saw but a step down in power for what you're looking for and the 372 is no longer in production. I'm not as familiar with the newer generation of Husky saws in the larger displacements. I have a Husky 395 but it's slightly heavier than the MS660 and very unrefined in comparison. Outboard clutch, bar adjustment is still on the front of the saw between the bar and spikes, poor chip clearance, etc.

JohnG28 · April 23, 2010, 04:30:24 PM

I would think that youd probably like something like the ms660 if your looking for the power and torque. Ive never run one, but the specs speak somewhat for themselves. Might look into an 066, used to, or an 046/044. If you could grab a nice 044 youd keep the weight down, and still get more power than a new ms441. Im no expert here by any means, a lot of these guys can give you more real world advice, just some thoughts, hope it helps and good luck finding a new saw.

Ed · April 24, 2010, 11:57:19 PM

Well........all I can say is let me know if you want to head over and "play".
046, 066, 084, 2171, 371....
They are all designed and made in a different world than the 056. The 056 depends on torque more than rpm to cut wood, those days are gone......
The newer saws do fine, just don't "horse" them. There's a learning curve involved, it takes a little time to get used to it. It's not right to judge a saw by one cut.

Ed

ladylake · April 25, 2010, 05:27:00 AM

To me the older high torque saws cut good with the proper chain, if the rakers are too high or the chain is dull the higher chain speed one will win . My 80 cc Echo CS8000 turns way less RPM than my 70cc 044 but with a good chain the Echo outcuts the Stihl by a lot, even more than what the cc difference would make. Steve

Al_Smith · April 25, 2010, 06:56:48 AM

I've got a few big old torque saws that will pull like Georgia mules but unless it's something like a 36" oak they seldom get used . For normal sized stuff the lighter saws do it with much less wear and tear on the operater .

Fact of the matter is ,in my shed resides an 084 Stihl that belongs to a trimmer .In the last three years I've been the only one to use it and that was at a GTG .

wood monger · April 25, 2010, 10:39:03 AM

Sorry Ed, I didn't mean to offend you, or your saw. I might take you up on the offer to "play", I'd like to be as sure as possible before I plunk down my hard earned saw fund. I understand the difference between high torque, low rpm and low torque, high rpm. I just don't want to buy one, then have regrets. I'll probobly have this saw until I'm unable to run one anymore. Thanks for the input and the offer.