Ultimate "Firewood" Saw

[huskihl]

I'll trade you for pics of you with no shirt on at that michigan polar bear contest.

That's Wisconsin. Michiganders don't waste time with that crap

 

[Backtroller]

That's Wisconsin. Michiganders don't waste time with that crap

Sadly that’s true

 

[sawmikaze]

That's Wisconsin. Michiganders don't waste time with that crap

Ok then..

No shirt at the chewbacca look alike contest.

 

[Stump Shot]

Ok then..

No shirt at the chewbacca look alike contest.

Ding, ding

 

[Stump Shot]

That's Wisconsin. Michiganders don't waste time with that crap

If you gave Michiganders a Wisco level of alcohol, they might try it too. Lol

 

[Stump Shot]

Sadly that’s true

There's one in town every winter.

 

[FordTruckMan]

LOL. You guys...

So far I am leaning towards a new 60cc saw with good AV and get it worked over. The 290 is great, and I think I will keep it, but I want something better in basically every way.

Regarding the AV thing, I have bilateral carpal AND cubital tunnel syndrome, as well as a screwed up C6-C7 that causes immense pain in my arms when handling vibrating power tools. String trimmers, hammer drills, push mowers, CHAINSAWS...they all kill me. But they are a necessity for my lifestyle, so I do my best to cope. Having a new saw with better AV than my 290 would be wonderful.

If I stayed with Stihl, I was looking at the MS362, but unsure whether I should get it with the classic carb or with the M-tronic...thoughts there? I have hard more trouble with my 661 with the electronic crap than the standard carb on my 290, but maybe it has improved since the 2015 models?

Thanks again everyone for all of the input so far.

 

[Czed]

LOL. You guys...

So far I am leaning towards a new 60cc saw with good AV and get it worked over. The 290 is great, and I think I will keep it, but I want something better in basically every way.

Regarding the AV thing, I have bilateral carpal AND cubital tunnel syndrome, as well as a screwed up C6-C7 that causes immense pain in my arms when handling vibrating power tools. String trimmers, hammer drills, push mowers, CHAINSAWS...they all kill me. But they are a necessity for my lifestyle, so I do my best to cope. Having a new saw with better AV than my 290 would be wonderful.

If I stayed with Stihl, I was looking at the MS362, but unsure whether I should get it with the classic carb or with the M-tronic...thoughts there? I have hard more trouble with my 661 with the electronic crap than the standard carb on my 290, but maybe it has improved since the 2015 models?

Thanks again everyone for all of the input so far.

Carby for me.
I have a 261 stihl carby no issue's.
Some guy's swear by autotronic it's not for me
I fixes my own stuff
Never been to a dealer to have anything fixed.

 

[rogue60]

My old man is old school tuff as nails logger he's 71 now and retired but he didn't sit on the lounge long lol can't help himself said he was bored so he does firewood and does some logging still on his own he cut about 13 loads of Spotted Gum logs about a month ago soild them to a mill down south.
Firewood he goes bush cuts blocks and loads them on his ute brings it back and splits it.
He has two ms661 and a ms880 as his firewood saws. says the 661's cut ok for a little saw but he has it in his head they are made in China and yes I've tried to convince him they are made in Germany with no luck lol.
Not saying what he uses are the best firewood saw's for everyone just saying that's what he uses an old guy in his 70's if they still sold 090's here he'd be using them for real lol.
guy's arguing over .2 grams weight in a 50cc firewood saws make me laugh.
Next time I'm out there I'll get a pic of him with his saw's and splitting.

 

[huskihl]

LOL. You guys...

So far I am leaning towards a new 60cc saw with good AV and get it worked over. The 290 is great, and I think I will keep it, but I want something better in basically every way.

Regarding the AV thing, I have bilateral carpal AND cubital tunnel syndrome, as well as a screwed up C6-C7 that causes immense pain in my arms when handling vibrating power tools. String trimmers, hammer drills, push mowers, CHAINSAWS...they all kill me. But they are a necessity for my lifestyle, so I do my best to cope. Having a new saw with better AV than my 290 would be wonderful.

If I stayed with Stihl, I was looking at the MS362, but unsure whether I should get it with the classic carb or with the M-tronic...thoughts there? I have hard more trouble with my 661 with the electronic crap than the standard carb on my 290, but maybe it has improved since the 2015 models?

Thanks again everyone for all of the input so far.

They've pretty much got the mtron figured out now.

If money isn't an issue, get a 462. If it is, get a 362 if you'd like to stay with Stihl

 

[FordTruckMan]

They've pretty much got the mtron figured out now.

If money isn't an issue, get a 462. If it is, get a 362 if you'd like to stay with Stihl

Well, money is always an issue, isn't it for everyone else too? I hope I'm not the only poor bastard here lol. BUT, as I said before, I am willing to spend the money if the tool justifies it, as I am saving so much by burning wood. Also, I have had my 290 for 8 years now, and it is mint. In absolutely brand new condition. I have to imagine if I get a new pro series saw now, I will have it for 20 years easily.

SO, is HP the only reason you recommend a 462 over a 362? Or is this another reason?

 

[Nutball]

Another vote for 462 based on what I've heard about it IF going Stihl, otherwise 572.

 

[Nutball]

Well, money is always an issue, isn't it for everyone else too? I hope I'm not the only poor bastard here lol. BUT, as I said before, I am willing to spend the money if the tool justifies it, as I am saving so much by burning wood. Also, I have had my 290 for 8 years now, and it is mint. In absolutely brand new condition. I have to imagine if I get a new pro series saw now, I will have it for 20 years easily.

SO, is HP the only reason you recommend a 462 over a 362? Or is this another reason?

I got the impression it is a matter of bang for your buck.

I'm the same, broke, but I'll drop a grand on something great and reliable if there's not a good cheaper option around.

 

[huskihl]

Well, money is always an issue, isn't it for everyone else too? I hope I'm not the only poor bastard here lol. BUT, as I said before, I am willing to spend the money if the tool justifies it, as I am saving so much by burning wood. Also, I have had my 290 for 8 years now, and it is mint. In absolutely brand new condition. I have to imagine if I get a new pro series saw now, I will have it for 20 years easily.

SO, is HP the only reason you recommend a 462 over a 362? Or is this another reason?

462 weighs about the same as a 362. Maybe less. But a bunch more power

 

[wap13]

Well, money is always an issue, isn't it for everyone else too? I hope I'm not the only poor bastard here lol. BUT, as I said before, I am willing to spend the money if the tool justifies it, as I am saving so much by burning wood. Also, I have had my 290 for 8 years now, and it is mint. In absolutely brand new condition. I have to imagine if I get a new pro series saw now, I will have it for 20 years easily.

SO, is HP the only reason you recommend a 462 over a 362? Or is this another reason?

I havent ran a 362 but I have a 462. After owning a 462 I have no reason to consider a 362. It is quite lite and much snappier and stronger out of the box than I expected. I have another getting ported right now to compare. I cant speak to AV though, I've never really payed AV much attention but I think most of my saws are smooth by most standards. Given your condition I'd research who has the best AV in the size saw you are considering. I do seem to remember my hands being a bit numb after running a MS 390 for a day.

Also, if you want a new saw Mastermind will sell you a new ported saw of most any brand last I checked. It may also be closer to what youd pay at a dealer than what youd expect too.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Echo CS-1201 for the win! They sneak across the border fairly often and probably still cost you less than a new 661 off the shelf.

 

[Nutball]

I need to get me one...or a few...some day

 

[Terry Syd]

I kept hearing about the 462, so I checked the prices in Oz for one - A$1,900 (add 10% GST and I'm at A$2,100) - and that's without a bar and chain.

https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Products/Chainsaws/01573/Professional-Chainsaws.aspx

I've got three chainsaws to wear out before I start looking to spend that kind of cash - and at my age, I ain't gonna wear out those three saws. Maybe the Chinese will come out with a clone...

 

[Locust Cutter]

The 572 is essentially my 562 (that I love) with a lot more torque, only a bit more weight, and actually a bit more smooth, which is pretty amazing. My 550xp and 562xp are the saws I run when I need to cut, but my hands/back hurt. I have a fused L5-S1, and then bulged L4-L5 and bulged C4-C6. I understand where you're coming from. The Dolmar 6407900 series has very good spring A/V but the newer stuff is better where it counts. That said, a ported 7900 will smoke a ported MS462 with more than a 24" bar.

 

[huskyboy]

Yep a 7900 steps all over a 462 lol, but it should it’s got quite a advantage in displacement in all fairness. Heck... my stock 7301 was as fast as my muffler modded 572, that impressed me. The most impressive part to me is how a good one of these dolkitas is still competitive in its class for a 20 year old design.