Stihl MS 360 Pro Chainsaw

Anonymous Poster · Mar 24, 2003

I am in the need for a chainsaw. I have some odd and end jobs that I could use a deceit saw for. I know that Stihl is one of the best names in Saws. I want something that I can use to cut stuff from 3-8 inches in size. I have heard some things and have ended up looking at the MS 360 Pro. I realize that this might seem like a little overkill but I live on 10 Acres of wooded area and have a lot of neighbors that sometimes hire me to work. What do you think about this saw? What have u heard? Any input would be great. What to buy within the next couple days.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 24, 2003

I bought a Stihl MS 250C with a 16" bar because it had some really nice features such as a primer bulb and quick chain adjuster. The quick chain adjuster is a "must have" in my opinion. It's also roughly 2 lbs. lighter than a 360. I've already got a big, heavy Poulan with a 20" bar-I gave it to my brother-in-law because I got tired to lugging that heavy sucker around. The 250C will handle the stuff your talking about with ease.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 24, 2003

My second choice would be the Stihl MS 290 Farm Boss. It is suppose to be their topselling saw. It is the right size I believe and has a smaller saw.

rancar · Mar 25, 2003

<font color="blue">"...I want something that I can use to cut stuff from 3-8 inches in size. I have heard some things and have ended up looking at the MS 360 Pro. I realize that this might seem like a little overkill but I live on 10 Acres of wooded area and have a lot of neighbors that sometimes hire me to work..."</font>

The Stihl MS 360 Pro is a real nice saw....even numbered series are manufactured a bit tougher for loggers/sawyers. This will hold up well over the years but your statement that this is a little overkill is an understatement. You don't need something this big to cut 3-8 inch material. You can get by with something much smaller, unless in fact you intend to help cut your neighbors' 2 foot size trees. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Then, this will do just fine.

...Bob
Stihl 044

rockyridgefarm · Mar 25, 2003

I have about 50 ac. of trees, and my 026Pro has never let me down. I am in good enough shape not to need the compression release, but still, I use and like it very much.

rockyridgefarm · Mar 25, 2003

I agree that you should look lighter. It will probably end up being safer, as you won't tire as easily.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 25, 2003

If you look at the specs the 360 Pro ways the same as the 290 Farm Boss. That is what helped me make my decision. I can get more power for the same weight. If I have to cut a big tree up that has fallen over than the power is there. That is just my thinking upon it. I am going to take you advice and look smaller.

djradz · Mar 25, 2003

I vote for the 026 Pro for 3-8" trees. I have a 023 and can easily cut these.

Youare · Mar 25, 2003

Chain saws are some what like tractors, when in doubt go for the bigger model. However, the bigger the saw the more it weighs. If you are only an occasional user the extra weight will not matter much. If you are going to be using it for hours on end then the weight becomes a big factor.

That size saw for the size wood you mentioned is a little over kill, but if there is a chance you will encounter some bigger stuff now then you will be happy with more saw. I would suggest if you go with the larger saw have them set it up with a 16" bar. This will made the saw a little lighter, or at least keep the weight centered around the handles.

The shorter bar will be easier to use on the smaller wood but still alow you to cut stuff up 30" or more. Another added feature is the saw will not have to use as much of its power to pull the added chain of an 18" or 20" bar which is what they will try to sell you on a saw that size.

The chain cost on the 16" bar is less also.

Good luck be safe.
Randy

MarkV · Mar 25, 2003

I don't know how much cutting you are planning but as others have said a big saw can sure wear you out in a day. Maybe it is just my age. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif Anyway, I have two larger saws and just got to the point where the big saws were over kill for much of my cutting. I picked up a small Echo CS 340 saw with a 14" bar and love that thing. It is only 7.5 lbs and has enough power that unless I have to drop something big that is the saw that comes out of the shed.

If I were in our situation I would buy a small good quality trimming saw for all of the 3-8" stuff if that’s what you will be doing 80% of the time. Supplement that with a larger less expensive saw for the occasional larger projects. There are some pretty good deals at places like Home Depot and the homeowner saws hold up just fine for occasional use. Oh ya, don't forget to pick up a good logging helmet and a set of saw chaps. That chain saw is about the most dangerous tool you will ever buy.

MarkV