90ish cc Saw recommendations (or other big saw)

[burkesw]

395 FTW!

Tree 9 Five!

 

[Duce]

Tree 9 Five!

Oh, Now you started it. Mr. Evens has a few on his bench, I believe.

 

[mdavlee]

I'm a couple counties east of you. My stihl dealer has sold 3 661s so far. Last time I was there they hadn't had complaints on them. It's a Co-op so low volume on the big saws.

 

[Dustin4185]

I'm a couple counties east of you. My stihl dealer has sold 3 661s so far. Last time I was there they hadn't had complaints on them. It's a Co-op so low volume on the big saws.

What county? The muffler mods you do look pretty good. I did one for my 440 and it turned out pretty good for a beginner.

I generally order stuff through my co-op and do it myself. If it is an issue I can't figure out, it goes to Cox Power. All the tree services around here and Knox county, city, fire, and railroad uses them. Downside is they are backed up with three full time techs! I will see how old the 661s are that are down there. They may be older models. The 395xp is about $100 more than the 390 and 661. I will not be running a BIG bar too often. Will the 390 oil a 32" bar decent? It looks like I just need to get on the fleet program and buy a 372, 390, and 395 to replace both truck saws and have big daddy for BIG stuff!!!

 

[mdavlee]

Hawkins. Thanks.

I buy all the stihl parts from them. They give me a small break on stuff normally. The loggers that were r u nni ng 660s have been scared of the electronic carb on them so not many have tried them yet. We don't have a husky dealer worth anything unless I go over to Greeneville or Elizabethtown.

 

[concretegrazer]

Will the 390 oil a 32" bar decent?

Yes.

 

[Dustin4185]

Hawkins. Thanks.

Middle of nowhere also!

The loggers that log here say the same. They are running Huskies and Jonsereds. It's times like this I hate state contracts. A dealer offered to let me demo all three, but I can't buy saw from him. I have to skirt the contract to get something besides a Stihl. My vendor quoted me a 390 with 24" barfor $950 and a 395 with a 28" bar for $1050. I just don't want to be caught with my pants down come winter time!

 

[Dustin4185]

I remember when my 440 would struggle with a 25"

That is why I am thinking about taking mine to Mastermind!

 

[Onan18]

Will the 390 oil a 32" bar decent?

Debatable, it will oil it but is right at the limit IMO.

 

[MustangMike]

The 661 is a great saw, and I think all the problems have been ironed out. It is more than capable of doing what you need. In fact, a 461 would easily do everything you want, and no MTronic. If it will have a 25" bar most of the time, and an occasional 36" bar, that is what I would get. Lot easier to heft the lighter saw.

 

[mdavlee]

The 390 I sold oiled the 50" pretty good.

 

[Dustin4185]

The 461 is an option. Another coworker has one and I am supposed to get it Saturday. I want to try his before we finish cutting the load of wood we just brought in. Most is 28-32" dead red oak we cut along a road before they fell into the field road. That ought to test it! I have a Stihl 32" bar and a RSF chain that I picked up at a yard sale for $10. I will see how the 461 handles is. My 440 won't oil it enough to run it.

 

[MustangMike]

I know they don't like you modding things, but if you do get the 461 I would get a screened dp cover for it and pull the carb limiters. Instead of 1/4 turn & 3/4 turn (Lo & Hi), make it 3/4 & 1+1/16. The saw will run stronger, and cooler, and last longer.

 

[beaglebriar]

395 definitely isn't a lightweight saw but it's not meant to be. I've had a lot of fun the last couple weekends cutting some big maple with mine.

It's got balls... Big balls....balls so big you can smell 'em...

 

[T.Roller]

My favorite saw is my 395 and has been since I got it 4 years ago, but in your situation I wouldn't recommend it. If your mostly running a 28 I'd go with a 390

 

[Dustin4185]

I know they don't like you modding things, but if you do get the 461 I would get a screened dp cover for it and pull the carb limiters. Instead of 1/4 turn & 3/4 turn (Lo & Hi), make it 3/4 & 1+1/16. The saw will run stronger, and cooler, and last longer.

I didn't say I wouldn't/couldn't mod it. They just don't like the idea of us paying to mod something. All of our tractors have the fuel turned up and some are running bigger turbos, but I have a certified diesel mechanic on staff. We have a 1965 JD 3020 we turboed! And there is always "repair" bills. Now, does Mastermind take credit card, lol? I am going to see how the 461 does. I ran a loggers 390 today with a 20" bar and liked it pretty good. Only problem was it was a little out of balance. A 24" would feel better I think. I failed to mention I am 6'4" 325, so I can handle toting the big saw a while, for now.

 

[T.Roller]

I didn't say I wouldn't/couldn't mod it. They just don't like the idea of us paying to mod something. All of our tractors have the fuel turned up and some are running bigger turbos, but I have a certified diesel mechanic on staff. We have a 1965 JD 3020 we turboed! And there is always "repair" bills. Now, does Mastermind take credit card, lol? I am going to see how the 461 does. I ran a loggers 390 today with a 20" bar and liked it pretty good. Only problem was it was a little out of balance. A 24" would feel better I think. I failed to mention I am 6'4" 325, so I can handle toting the big saw a while, for now.

Well in that case I have three numbers
for you.....3 9 5 lol

 

[Deets066]

I didn't say I wouldn't/couldn't mod it. They just don't like the idea of us paying to mod something. All of our tractors have the fuel turned up and some are running bigger turbos, but I have a certified diesel mechanic on staff. We have a 1965 JD 3020 we turboed! And there is always "repair" bills. Now, does Mastermind take credit card, lol? I am going to see how the 461 does. I ran a loggers 390 today with a 20" bar and liked it pretty good. Only problem was it was a little out of balance. A 24" would feel better I think. I failed to mention I am 6'4" 325, so I can handle toting the big saw a while, for now.

Here's what a Masterminded 461 runs like with a 28" bar

 

[angelo c]

Here's what a Masterminded 461 runs like with a 28" bar

who is dis "mastermind" guy e'ry body be talkin 'bout all da time ?

there used to be a guy that posted lots of "build threads" and such a loooong time ago....now....he's some innernet bigshot I hear ?
shows up for a "cameo" once in a while...ya know....big blingin and stuff...

@Mastermind

 

[Dustin4185]

All I can say is the forum is much better than "other" forums that deal with saws, tree cutting, firewood, etc. Everyone is willing to help with the occasional ribbing. I really appreciate the insight. When making a purchase of a big saw, even with hunter's dollars, I want to make the best decision. We are talking anywhere from $850-$1050 for a saw that should last a long time if I keep it locked up and keep the key on my ring! Most government employees would either buy one each or buy whatever and throw it in the shed and forget it because it is too heavy, won't run, not X brand, etc. I resurrected a couple 272xp and an old top handle Stihl at the old WMA I worked at. Saws are lucky to make it a year or two at most places due to running ethanol and lack of maintenance and tuning ability. I should have kept one of the 272s and brought it here!

Once again, THANKS! I will keep you all posted one what I decide.