Chainsaw recommendation

[OKnewguy]

Hey gang, I come seeking advice. I have had a wild thing (pos) and then got one of the good Ryobi 10532's and it has been a pretty good saw. I have used it a ton and it has been very reliable and trouble free. I really like the saw, but it is starting to get worn out. It needs a new sprocket for the chain and might be getting somewhat weak. I really like this size saw for most of my work. Can you guys recommend a pro/semi pro saw in the $350 to $500 range that is similar in size and weight.
Thanks a bunch for the help, Dave

 

[dex3361]

Hey gang, I come seeking advice. I have had a wild thing (pos) and then got one of the good Ryobi 10532's and it has been a pretty good saw. I have used it a ton and it has been very reliable and trouble free. I really like the saw, but it is starting to get worn out. It needs a new sprocket for the chain and might be getting somewhat weak. I really like this size saw for most of my work. Can you guys recommend a pro/semi pro saw in the $350 to $500 range that is similar in size and weight.
Thanks a bunch for the help, Dave

If I were going to buy a saw today it would be this Makita saw made by the German Co. Dolmar. It is very upgrade-able and is a powerful saw in its stock form. Here is a link Baileys Online

 

[Egon]

Pick out the top four or five brands and then find a saw you like.:thumbsup:

 

[Scooby074]

Im in before this thread becomes a brand war

If i was in the market for a new semi-pro / pro in your rice range id likely go for a husky 346xp.

The other day i had a look at a stihl ms261. Its a nice saw too. The decision comes down to personal preference and how the saw feels in hand.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I've gone through the same decision making process since my little Stihl 019T was stolen last month...
Any of the Husky or Stihl products would serve you well...
I really like Dolmar in the 5105 series...
Around here Stihl has many more servicing dealers and that is important to me...
Since my saw was stolen I just decided to get the 8 Homelites my dad had mothballed put back into service...
4 are now running with minor carb and tuning adjustments...
Only 4 more to go...
These are old school Homelites that they don't make anymore...
In my mind, for the few times I use a saw and for the minimal expense of fixing up these old workhorses, I would be ahead of the game...
I hate thieves...

 

[jonnyc1999]

I had a home depot homelite pro, which I think is the same model as your ryobi (with different plastic). Mine started to wear out so I decided to go the same route as you and upgrade.

I was planning on getting a Stihl farmboss, but after talking to the dealer, he convinced me to get the MS391. All I can say is..... Holy cow this saw is awesome!!!! I spent $540 or so, but the saw has a full 3/8 chain, and cuts LIKE A HOT KNIFE THROUGH BUTTER! :thumbsup:

I always thought that my homelite(Ryobi) saw cut pretty well, until I upgraded to the MS391. My recommendation is that any of the major manufacturers will have good products, but you get what you pay for.

 

[DAY]

"These are old school Homelites that they don't make anymore..."-Turbys_1700

My mother in law bought me one for Christmas, 30 years ago. After 20 "homeowner" years, it finally wore out. So I bought another at Home Depot. Lasted about as long as it takes to say every curse word I know. . .

 

[robs660]

I buy stihll because I have 2 dealers within 5 miles of me for parts service or to go in and Gauk at new saws.

 

[oifla]

Im in before this thread becomes a brand war

If i was in the market for a new semi-pro / pro in your rice range id likely go for a husky 346xp.

The other day i had a look at a stihl ms261. Its a nice saw too. The decision comes down to personal preference and how the saw feels in hand.

i was in a similar situation to the OP last year and i ended up going 346xp. good saw, zero regrets. light, maneuverable, and cuts as it should (even with the factory 'safety' chain).

a friend has a stihl farm boss (ms290 iirc), that's also a very good saw.

i ended up going husky based on local dealer, he went stihl because he's closer to that dealer. both are good saws right in your price range and both are do it all (or most) saws (both have 18" bar)

 

[arrow]

Hey gang, I come seeking advice. I have had a wild thing (pos) and then got one of the good Ryobi 10532's and it has been a pretty good saw. I have used it a ton and it has been very reliable and trouble free. I really like the saw, but it is starting to get worn out. It needs a new sprocket for the chain and might be getting somewhat weak. I really like this size saw for most of my work. Can you guys recommend a pro/semi pro saw in the $350 to $500 range that is similar in size and weight.
Thanks a bunch for the help, Dave

This is not a bad saw for the money. I'd put a sprocket on it with a new chain. I do not know how much wood you have been cutting to actually wear out a chain saw, but what you have is a 40 cc chainsaw. Unfortunately this size is considered "home owner territory" and thus, the larger manufacturers tend not to produce a pro grade saw in this category size and what they do produce is in this range is over priced for what you are getting. In keeping with your request of a similar size chainsaw, yo cannot go wrong with Dolmar 350 or 420. After that I'd choose the something in the Echo line up. I'd pick these saws first for what you are getting money wise. The Husky 346 is approaching 50 cc's and is a $500 saw and in some circle's is certainly considered a "pro" line of saw. The Husky 353 is a 346 slowed down a bit but with a tad more torque. This is a $400 good, all around home owner saw with a magnesium case. Another good German saw that you can purchase online is the Solo 643 for around $350. Again. If you are only needing a semi pro saw that is telling me you are not cutting that much or else you'd be clambering for a pro saw and larger than 40cc's. This is why my first inclination is to freshen up the Ryobi with a new sprocket, bar, spark plug, filter and chain. I would not get a bar larger than 16" for this saw or any other 40-42CC saw. They cut much better with a shorter bar. If you simply must have a new saw (which is what I personally go by) Look at the smaller Dolmars if you have a dealer nearby (which is this saws biggest short fall)

 

[LD1]

$350-$500 is a pretty large budget for just a 40cc saw.

I agree with arrow. Look at the dolmar PS350 and PS420. They are basically the same exact saw, with the 420 have a larger bore and thus a little more CC's and HP and of course $$$

For their size though, they are pretty peppy, and the anti-vibes on them are absolutly amazing. You dont even know the saw is in your hands. You just ahve to try one to believe it.

The PS350 and PS420 can be had for $250-$300. The 350 being closer to the $250 mark and the 420 being closer to the $300 mark.

IF you want a little more saw for your money, the PS5105 is in the $450 ballpark. It is VERY light for its size and power.

Next jump is the $550-$600 range dolmar 6400. It is more of a fullsized saw that will pull a 24" bar all day long. It is actually built on a 79cc platform thus it may be a bit big and bulky for what you want. Especially wanting something similar in size to that ryobi.

IMO, the 346xp is also an excellent saw, allthough I think husky is a little too proud of it. For its $500 price tag, I can think of a LOT more saws that will give me more for my money. Only way I'd ever consider buying one myself is if I found a killer deal on a used one.

 

[OKnewguy]

Wow! I love it when I post something and come back and BAM there is a ton of info. BTW, sorry for not getting back before now. Let me see if I can expand on some info. For those that do not know, the ryobi I have is a rebadged Red Max gz400. I have about 6 chains that I have and rotate them on as things dull. Then I take them all and have a local guy freshen them up and I have done this 4 or 5 times. I have been thru 3 or 4 bars. Some of these bars have actually been the wild thing bars (I have inherited 2 dead wild things) so they might not be very good quality.
I have cleared around 3 acres of post and black jack oak, and this is why I like the size of the saw. Most of the trees are only 12 to 16" in diameter and get really "branchy" just 10 to 15' up. This size saw seems to be a great fit for these trees.
Do you guys think, I am actually wearing it out? Is it in my head? I do know for sure the sprocket is about shot, but are these often replaced numerous times before the saw is really worn out?
He!! what do you guys think about the Red Max saws? I know I like this Ryobi/gz400, should I just get another for when this dies? I really am not looking to pay over $500 and so many of the saw seem to be $500+.
Thanks for the help, Dave

 

[LD1]

Thanks for getting back and adding a little more detail.

No, your saw is probabally not getting wore out. But if you want peice of mind, just take the muffler off and look at the piston and cylinder. If it is all scrached/scarred up, it probabally isnt going to last much longer. IF it looks good, then you have your peice of mind.

I have no experience with redmax saws.

But personally, for routine 12-16" stuff, I would want a little more than a 40cc saw. But that is just my opinion. I like the PS350, but once things get over 6", I find myself wanting a faster cut.

For $500 or less, I dont think you will find a better and faster saw that is still very light (11.2lbs) than the dolmar 5105. And for a few bucks more, grab a 5100 muffler off e-bay and it will be even better. (This is according to xyz123, I personally have no experience doing this, but trust his advice)

 

[OKnewguy]

Great! I will check out my saw tomorrow and go from there. I will keep you guys updated.
Thanks so much!
Dave

 

[two_bit_score]

Hey gang, I come seeking advice. I have had a wild thing (pos) and then got one of the good Ryobi 10532's and it has been a pretty good saw. I have used it a ton and it has been very reliable and trouble free. I really like the saw, but it is starting to get worn out. It needs a new sprocket for the chain and might be getting somewhat weak. I really like this size saw for most of my work. Can you guys recommend a pro/semi pro saw in the $350 to $500 range that is similar in size and weight.
Thanks a bunch for the help, Dave

See your local Stihl dealer.

 

[two_bit_score]

"These are old school Homelites that they don't make anymore..."-Turbys_1700

My mother in law bought me one for Christmas, 30 years ago. After 20 "homeowner" years, it finally wore out. So I bought another at Home Depot. Lasted about as long as it takes to say every curse word I know. . .

:thumbsup::laughing::thumbsup::laughing::thumbsup::laughing:

Now, that's funny right there!

 

[arrow]

Wow! I love it when I post something and come back and BAM there is a ton of info. BTW, sorry for not getting back before now. Let me see if I can expand on some info. For those that do not know, the ryobi I have is a rebadged Red Max gz400. I have about 6 chains that I have and rotate them on as things dull. Then I take them all and have a local guy freshen them up and I have done this 4 or 5 times. I have been thru 3 or 4 bars. Some of these bars have actually been the wild thing bars (I have inherited 2 dead wild things) so they might not be very good quality.
I have cleared around 3 acres of post and black jack oak, and this is why I like the size of the saw. Most of the trees are only 12 to 16" in diameter and get really "branchy" just 10 to 15' up. This size saw seems to be a great fit for these trees.
Do you guys think, I am actually wearing it out? Is it in my head? I do know for sure the sprocket is about shot, but are these often replaced numerous times before the saw is really worn out?
He!! what do you guys think about the Red Max saws? I know I like this Ryobi/gz400, should I just get another for when this dies? I really am not looking to pay over $500 and so many of the saw seem to be $500+.
Thanks for the help, Dave

I replace a sprocket at every third chain. I do not think your saw is worn out. You would really have to run a saw with a very lean mix of oil to gas to begin to scour the cylinder and thus lose compression. RedMax is now owned by Husqvarna ( bought in 2007) but are still made at the Redmax factory. For the money, your saw is not bad. I agree with LD1 and consider your saw small for 12 to 16" wood but if you do not see yourself cutting much more than occasionally after this acreage is cleared, this present saw should do ya. If you do want another saw, I'd step up to the Dolmar 5105 or if you have a Husky dealer close by, you would not be sorry with a 353. If you are an internet shopper, the Solo 656 is really nice as well. These are all low weight chain saws that can be easily used for limbing and felling.
I wouldn't hesitate getting another Redmax but I would step up a size or two.

 

[xyz123]

If you can find a redmax 5000 they run pretty sweet. This one of mine was woods ported for pulp production and limbing. I put 3/8 on it and she still rips with authority.

Just pay attention, some of the redmax saws now days are huskys and vice verses. I liked the real redmax saws 3800 5000.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD_0M6ezvb8&feature=player_embedded]NW PA GTG Cut4Fun Redmax GZ5000 - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Border Rat]

Size depends on your usage. I just bought a Husqvarna Rancher. Best saw I've owned as far as being easy starting hot or cold. If I had been willing to spend an extra $200 . .. I would have got the Echo 60 cc. It has an automotive style filter and is easy to change Both saws are the best box store saws you can buy. Echo at Home Depot Husky at Lowes. You want one of the models with electronic ignition . . 40cc & up.
If you have to use ethanol gas . . . run it empty or drain it before storing it for extended periods.
Same applies to any small engine. I had a friend that stored a Cadillac for 3 years with ethanol gas in it . .. lost his fuel pump, gas lines, and injectors.
His gas tank was full of black crud . ..
Alcohol sucks up water over extended time

 

[OKnewguy]

Well I took the muffler off to take a peak inside, and everything looks pretty good! I went ahead and started to clean the saw up and took the sprocket off (took making a special tool) and I have decided to keep this saw for now and throw a bit of money and maintenance at it. I remember reading ages ago on the arborist site that some people were using a different sprocket to open up the chain options, since I have to replace the sprocket does anyone have any idea's.
BTW, I really appreciate all of the advice so far, I hope I have not offended anyone by asking for advise and now deciding to keep my current saw.
Thanks, Dave