New Saw Recommendation

[Paystar]

So, my small engine mechanic tells me all new saws are garbage with these new EPA emissions. But I have a bunch of maples I just had felled. They are 14 inch at the tops and 26 and 31 inch at the bottoms. I only have an old Stihl 029 and thinking about getting something bigger. What do you all recommend.
I find looking at the saw websites very confusing. You see small saws that are more expensive than big saws?
Figure for what it cost to get them to block it all up, I may as well invest in a bigger saw.

What do you all recommend for this job?

 

[EddieWalker]

I have three Stihl and two Husqvarna chainsaws that were all great when new, but became harder and harder to start every year. They are all different sizes and when running, they all work great. But even after paying to have them serviced, they are never easy to start.

My current favorite chainsaw is an Echo Timberwolf with a 20 inch blade and 59.8cc engine. I've had it three years and it is the easiest saw to start that I've ever used!!! The engine is huge and it's the only saw that has plenty of power. I also like how the plastic for the gas tank is see through and you can see how much fuel you have.

In my opinion, just about every saw in the same bar size and power range is going to cut as good as the chain that's on it. For me, what's important is how much I will have to suffer to get it to start when I want to use it.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-20-in-59-8-cc-Gas-2-Stroke-Rear-Handle-Timber-Wolf-Chainsaw-CS-590-20/204221580

 

[dodge man]

Stihl MS261 are very popular. They hit above their weight so to speak. It will pull a 20” bar fine. It’s also considered a pro saw which is nice. I think Stihl’s are just a little lighter then Huskys if that’s important.

 

[jyoutz]

Whatever brand saw you get (Stihl or Husky) get the pro saw models, not the consumer grade models. Get it from an authorized dealer, not a hardware store. Most hardware stores don’t carry the pro saws.

 

[rumwrks]

My current favorite chainsaw is an Echo Timberwolf with a 20 inch blade and 59.8cc engine

I have the slightly tuned up 620P version of that (fancier carb, better cylinder, wrap handle). It's a nice saw no doubt. I find it's actually pretty comparable with a 24" bar to the CS501P with a 20" which was surprising to me, I had thought the extra 10cc would've given it a bit more oomph (to be fair the 501 wouldn't pull a 24" bar well at all.. it's just that at 24 the 620 wasn't hugely punchier)

IMHO It's not nearly as much saw as me older (early 2000's) husky 372XP. This is a pre x-torq / autotune saw so I'm not sure how much that changed things. The low end torque on the old 372 is just way higher compared to the echo 590/620P... But the 590/620 cuts quite well if you keep the RPMs up and the chain sharp and it's a bit lighter which is nice at times . The echo is also a bit easier starting on your average day. But when I want to get through a lot of wood I'm pulling out the 372 or something larger...

I think for OP with a 30" tree I'd be looking at a 70cc saw heavy bucking and maybe consider going one size up from that if I had the funds although the weight starts going up there as well. New that would be in the 372XP or 572XP class (or equivalent Stihl) or maybe the 592XP. The 372 is lighter and has a bit less gew gaws than the 572 so between the two that'd still be my personal choice. Maybe an Echo CS7310P would be a decent option, I haven't tried that specifically since I have other saws in that class, but I'm pretty happy with my smaller echo's. The Stihl 500i punches a bit above it's weight in power and cc's but also price, I'm also a touch allergic to all the electronic gew-gaws which is why most of my newer saws are echo.

I'd also want a lighter smaller saw for limbing and ground work, the echo CS590/620P isn't bad.. IDK it might be a decent all around saw here if you're not in a hurry.... (probably skip the wrap handle if that's your main use).

The echo 501P is probably a touch small depending on what your limb situation looks like (and how much you don't want to bend over.. running a 60+-cc saw with a longer bar means you can stand up more less bending..).. but I use mine a lot for smaller woodlot work (12" and under it does great and fits nicely on the tractor, a 20" bar is about right for convenience/reach trade off there). The 550xp is in about the same class as the echo 501 albeit maybe a touch punchier. Both of those overlap some with your current saw though so I suppose it depends on how much life you reckon you have left in that one.. but I'll often use 2-4 saws on a job just to save the wear and tear on myself by switching out to the smaller/lighter ones where it makes sense

Another vote for going to a pro line saw vs farm or homeowner. The pro saws are built better and are almost always lighter for the same punch which is real nice at the end of the day.

 

[Rustyiron]

I've switched to Echo for new saws. At this point in my life the price of the big 2 is just silly.
My favorite saw has been my old trusty Stihl 044 that's still running perfectly but somehow it's feeling much heavier than I remember 25 years ago.
That's a 70cc saw and I didn't have a 60cc so I bought an Echo
620P. It's the pro version of the 590 Timberwolf and available with a full wrap handle.
It's almost half the cost of Stihl's equivalent.
Edit; @rumwrks beat me by seconds.

 

[caver]

One that doesn't get mentioned is Makita/Dolmar. My Makita 6421, I've been real happy with for the bigger stuff. Mine is an older one with blue plastic. I saw one in a pawn shop just like mine but they wanted too much money for it.

https://makitatools.com/products/details/DCS6421RFG

 

[David in KY]

Like with tractors, professional arborists say to buy the brand with the best local support network/ dealer.
For me, that has always been Stihl.

I started out with an MS290 Farm Boss, which I worked to death over the years.

I now own a MS201T top-handle saw for in-tree work (on ropes).
I bought an MS261 to replace my MS290. I feel that that was a mistake. Despite the favorable reviews for the MS261, it has always seemed under powered to me. Initially I tried running 3/8" chain on it, but even after reverting back to .325" chain, it's performance was just ho-hum.
I purchased an MS400 as my mid-sized saw, and have been pleased with it.
Lastly, I have a MS500i. This is my largest saw, who's job is primarily felling stems and bucking big logs.
It is heavy though, and not necessarily the saw you want to do the majority of your work with.
I have bars 16" to 32" long.

I point these out to illustrate that you need to decide exactly you want to be able to do, different saws for various tasks. Arborists don't have just one saw. Often times they even have multiples for each category of work: in-tree; felling; bucking and cleanup.

If I had to pick a single saw, it'd probable be the MS400, or another saw in that power size. It'd be big enough to get trees on the ground and whittle them up, but not wear you out right away.

Good luck.

 

[vic4news]

One that doesn't get mentioned is Makita/Dolmar. My Makita 6421, I've been real happy with for the bigger stuff. Mine is an older one with blue plastic. I saw one in a pawn shop just like mine but they wanted too much money for it.

https://makitatools.com/products/details/DCS6421RFG

I have a smaller Makita/Dolmar 510 saw that is no longer made. Been very happy with it.

 

[Hay Dude]

I am currently running Stihls for ease of parts/service.
A 261C might be a good saw for you. Very light for a mid size saw. With a 20” bar, it will get all your work done.
I have a 500i for bigger jobs. Still a smallish saw, but screams pretty good.

I do have to agree with Eddie and Rustyiron on Echo. Damn good saws and much less expensive. The Stihl & Husky saws aren't that much gooder than the Echo to justify the price. My dad switched from Homelite & Poulan back in the early 80’s to Echo and I ran them with him for many years. Great saws. I think we had a 602EVL??? and some others.

 

[4570Man]

A 590 echo is a turd compared to a 261 Stihl. A 261 gets my vote for a smaller saw and a 372XP or a 500i for a bigger saw.

 

[Dawg in Fl]

Although I've barely used it, I do like the Stihl 251 Easy2Start. Much easier to start than my 034 and 026s.

 

[Paystar]

I have three Stihl and two Husqvarna chainsaws that were all great when new, but became harder and harder to start every year. They are all different sizes and when running, they all work great. But even after paying to have them serviced, they are never easy to start.

My current favorite chainsaw is an Echo Timberwolf with a 20 inch blade and 59.8cc engine. I've had it three years and it is the easiest saw to start that I've ever used!!! The engine is huge and it's the only saw that has plenty of power. I also like how the plastic for the gas tank is see through and you can see how much fuel you have.

In my opinion, just about every saw in the same bar size and power range is going to cut as good as the chain that's on it. For me, what's important is how much I will have to suffer to get it to start when I want to use it.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-20-in-59-8-cc-Gas-2-Stroke-Rear-Handle-Timber-Wolf-Chainsaw-CS-590-20/204221580

I always like my Stihl saw better than any other on I ever had, but funny you mentioned Echo. I have been hearing good things about their saws. And turns out my Kubota/Deere dealer sells Echo. I bought an Echo trimmer and it has been very reliable.
I'll have to check out the saws. Thanks Eddy.

 

[camshawn]

My friend at the saw store (owner/mechanic) sold me a small Echo [16” bar) a few yrs ago to replace my Stihl that someone else needed more than me. He said it was a much better saw than the Stihl I was replacing for less $$.

 

[Paystar]

I have the slightly tuned up 620P version of that (fancier carb, better cylinder, wrap handle). It's a nice saw no doubt. I find it's actually pretty comparable with a 24" bar to the CS501P with a 20" which was surprising to me, I had thought the extra 10cc would've given it a bit more oomph (to be fair the 501 wouldn't pull a 24" bar well at all.. it's just that at 24 the 620 wasn't hugely punchier)

IMHO It's not nearly as much saw as me older (early 2000's) husky 372XP. This is a pre x-torq / autotune saw so I'm not sure how much that changed things. The low end torque on the old 372 is just way higher compared to the echo 590/620P... But the 590/620 cuts quite well if you keep the RPMs up and the chain sharp and it's a bit lighter which is nice at times . The echo is also a bit easier starting on your average day. But when I want to get through a lot of wood I'm pulling out the 372 or something larger...

I think for OP with a 30" tree I'd be looking at a 70cc saw heavy bucking and maybe consider going one size up from that if I had the funds although the weight starts going up there as well. New that would be in the 372XP or 572XP class (or equivalent Stihl) or maybe the 592XP. The 372 is lighter and has a bit less gew gaws than the 572 so between the two that'd still be my personal choice. Maybe an Echo CS7310P would be a decent option, I haven't tried that specifically since I have other saws in that class, but I'm pretty happy with my smaller echo's. The Stihl 500i punches a bit above it's weight in power and cc's but also price, I'm also a touch allergic to all the electronic gew-gaws which is why most of my newer saws are echo.

I'd also want a lighter smaller saw for limbing and ground work, the echo CS590/620P isn't bad.. IDK it might be a decent all around saw here if you're not in a hurry.... (probably skip the wrap handle if that's your main use).

The echo 501P is probably a touch small depending on what your limb situation looks like (and how much you don't want to bend over.. running a 60+-cc saw with a longer bar means you can stand up more less bending..).. but I use mine a lot for smaller woodlot work (12" and under it does great and fits nicely on the tractor, a 20" bar is about right for convenience/reach trade off there). The 550xp is in about the same class as the echo 501 albeit maybe a touch punchier. Both of those overlap some with your current saw though so I suppose it depends on how much life you reckon you have left in that one.. but I'll often use 2-4 saws on a job just to save the wear and tear on myself by switching out to the smaller/lighter ones where it makes sense

Another vote for going to a pro line saw vs farm or homeowner. The pro saws are built better and are almost always lighter for the same punch which is real nice at the end of the day.

Don't think I really need a 70cc. I'm only occasionally cutting logs that big. I'm not a full time logger. I think that Echo looks like it would get the job done.

 

[Paystar]

One that doesn't get mentioned is Makita/Dolmar. My Makita 6421, I've been real happy with for the bigger stuff. Mine is an older one with blue plastic. I saw one in a pawn shop just like mine but they wanted too much money for it.

https://makitatools.com/products/details/DCS6421RFG

I've never seen one of those before. But I have heard the name Dolmar in the old days.

 

[rumwrks]

Don't think I really need a 70cc. I'm only occasionally cutting logs that big.

Well.. I had 2 maples around 36" dbh and a fir pushing 48" dbh taken down this year and I started cleaning them up with the 620P and then switched to the 372 when I got to the bigger chunks The 620 was getting the job done but the 372 got it done a whole lot faster. I think the difference between your 50cc and the 60cc will be noticeable but not overwhelming. The Echo also feels more like a high rpm saw whereas the 372 is a bulldog kind of saw so it's also somewhat of a different cutting experience. How much you have to deal with this sort of thing is definitely a factor, if it's occasional and you're not in to big of a hurry.. the 590/620 is a real good value.

 

[Paystar]

Well.. I had 2 maples around 36" dbh and a fir pushing 48" dbh taken down this year and I started cleaning them up with the 620P and then switched to the 372 when I got to the bigger chunks The 620 was getting the job done but the 372 got it done a whole lot faster. I think the difference between your 50cc and the 60cc will be noticeable but not overwhelming. The Echo also feels more like a high rpm saw whereas the 372 is a bulldog kind of saw so it's also somewhat of a different cutting experience. How much you have to deal with this sort of thing is definitely a factor, if it's occasional and you're not in to big of a hurry.. the 590/620 is a real good value.

Ya most of the firewood I cut on my property has been handled with my 029 and 16 inch bar. My property has been logged a few times in the past. These were probably two of my biggest trees. But I don't mind investing in a new bigger saw

 

[CalG]

I've never seen one of those before. But I have heard the name Dolmar in the old days.

Try to find a dealer today!

 

[CalG]

I recently bought a 550XP Husky
I wish I would have bought a saw that was able to be fitted with a full wrap handle.
A 60 cc saw is enough power for my needs, but flipping the saw around felling, limbing, or cutting off the pile, a full wrap would be nice.