So it's time

crazyal · Apr 15, 2015

For several years now I've been thinking about getting a larger saw. I really need something that can handle a 24" bar as there are too many times while felling trees 20" is lacking. In the past I had thought about a Dolmar 7900 (which is now the 7910) in part because it seamed like it would have lots of power and the price was real good. It use to be cheaper than the 372xp but now it actually costs more. The 372xp was also in the running since I already have a 357xp and I'm familiar with Husky saws. But since none of the parts, like the bar, are not the same I'm not sure what advantage having the same brand would be.

The problem is I only have two Dolmar dealers near me (a good hour plus away) that actually look like they are actual dealers vs a store that just sells chainsaws. I've never been to either and haven't found anyone who has. Since both Stihl and Husky have lots of local dealers that's what people usually buy. Just how much set up does a dealer do before selling a saw? I've fine tuned the carb on my 357xp so if that's it then I'll probably think about buying on-line. I hate walking into a store and trying to figure out if the dealer is knowledgeable or even worse that while they are a Dolmar dealer they really are the retailer of another brand and only have them as a side line.

I have a really good Husky/ Stihl dealer near me. Anytime I need parts they've always had them in stock. Plus they are really good about leaving parts for me to pick up after hours and even gave me a number to call if I need a part in an emergency. I really don't know much about Stihl but I have done some work over the years to my 357xp (it's well used and is near time to rebuild it). I remember reading about husky making changes to the 372xp but I can't remember what they were. I just remember some people being upset that Husky messed with the saw.

So those are the two saws that I'm focused on. Anyone got any information/ opinions about either of them. Other brands aren't out of the question but I was hoping not to have to spend more time learning about other brands.

davesl708 · Apr 15, 2015

Dealer support is key if you do a lot of cutting. I favor Stihl do to the fact that it never fails me. I use an 18" bar and have dropped trees up to 42" in diameter. Have not needed any parts for it except filters, plugs and chains.

I have only cut about 100 trees with my MS290 but has never left me lacking in power or dependability.

s219 · Apr 15, 2015

I like both Husky and Stihl (and Echo too, but their big saws aren't as compelling). If Husky, I'd probably look at the 576XP. If Stihl, well, I already own a MS-461 and it's been an awesome saw, so I have no hesitation recommending it. I'd say go a little bigger than you think you need. 24" bar isn't that much more capable than a 20", but a 28" bar would be.

KiotiKowboy · Apr 15, 2015

I have both Husqvarna and Stihl and both are great saws. I would recommend Husqvarna simply because, in my experience, Stihl is not friendly to self-maintenance.

gsganzer · Apr 15, 2015

I'd buy from your local Husky/Stihl dealer if he's good. That being said, I just bought a Husky 550XP on-line, because I couldn't find a local dealer that stocked them. Here in N. TX, we don't exactly have an abundance of chainsaw dealers that carry pro-saws. I tried to use the local Husky dealer, but and it would have cost me over $125 extra to buy it from him. I was willing to pay him more than an on-line retailer, but not $125 more, especially when he didn't seem that knowledgeable with them anyway.

If you have a good dealer, especially one that puts parts aside for you, that's the way to go.

newbury · Apr 15, 2015

I've owned Stihl for about 20 or so years. The only thing I've needed dealer support for was to obtain High Output oilers for my 660's. The regular "U.S." oilers don't spit out enough oil for my liking.

Will_C · Apr 15, 2015

I buy Stihl because of the dealer. If he sold Husqvarna, I would buy those. I have a Stihl 260 and a Husky 66-happy with both of them.

Will

gsganzer · Apr 15, 2015

newbury said:
I've owned Stihl for about 20 or so years. The only thing I've needed dealer support for was to obtain High Output oilers for my 660's. The regular "U.S." oilers don't spit out enough oil for my liking.

Out of my Stihl and Husky's, I've only had a 20yo Stihl 011 that needed to go to the dealer for repairs. Turns out they new barely more than I did and it took them 3 tries and a trip back to the regional Stihl service center to fix an oiler issue. Only cost me $150 to repair a saw worth $100 :shocked:

In reality, with todays internet, you can probably repair and source most parts yourself. A chainsaw's a fairly simple device (with the exception of some of the new auto-tune electronics) and is just fuel and a spark.

94BULLITT · Apr 16, 2015

Since you have had a Husky for years and it has served you well get another one. You said you have a good husky dealer near you too so you will be able to get parts for your new and old saw at the same dealer. I'd look at the 576XP.

When the dealer setups the saw the put the bar and chain on it, gas and oil it up then start it.

I've heard of some Dolmar 7900's breaking crankshafts. I guess they have that issue resolved on the 7910?

crazyal · Apr 17, 2015

I had looked at the 576xp auto tune but I was a little concerned about the weight. It's pushing 15 lbs just for the powerhead. I did find a dealer with an older 7900 (non-epa version) dealer demo for $700. It has a 28" bar, a little bigger than I was looking for but it's rated at 6.3 hp (the new epa 7910 is only 5.7) it shouldn't have any problems. He said it has a few scuffs from being on display but it hasn't even had a half of a tank through it. The bar has one small mark on it from cutting through a log. It comes with the full warranty and all the tools and a scabbard. I figure it's about $150 off of a new 7910. So I gave him a deposit and next week I'll go pick it up. He's going to have the service department go over it once more to make sure it's tunes up (said it was last summer when they last started it).

Hopefully it's not too much saw, after all my 357xp has always handled everything I've thrown at it. If not for the really big trees and not being able to cut quite fast enough I probably would be going with the 562xp. Not being a professional logger I'm not an expert at determining the exact direction a tree wants to fall. I'm pretty good but I like to make the back cut as quick as possible so I can retreat to a safe distance on some of the trees that are crooked, are leaning pretty good, or have an usual landing zone and could jump when they land. I really don't like it when a tree starts to barber chair even after doing side cuts just because my saw isn't cutting as fast as the tree wants to fall.