New limbing saw

[ayoungtexan]

I figured my old ‘04 homelite has served its job very well over its 16 years. Back when my father used it, he cut and felled several dead oaks on our property. I’m thinking about selling it, then buying a new saw. The homelite was 42cc and I’m looking at something of similar or slightly smaller size. Right now I think the 3601 and 4300 makita are my best options. My budget is $300. I would prefer to buy new, but I could go used. Any opinions would be great.

Regards, Brett

 

[huskyboy]

300$ budget? 421/4300.

 

[cuinrearview]

Hit up the local home depot's for an ex-rental 421 or 4300. Save yourself a boatload of cash. Those saws are damn near indestructible. They even run forever on straight gas.

 

[Ryan Browne]

I like those little Dolmars. Best would be to find one a few years old, from when they were made in Germany. Nowadays they're made in China. Can't say I've seen any complaints about the new ones though.

But... I pretty much handed my 421 over to my dad when I found my first 346 (well really it's a 350 with a ported 346 top end). The 421 with a 12" bar and LP chain might be a little better for limbing than the 346 with a 16" and .325, but not much different. If I had a 13" in k095 like they run in Sweden, it'd probably be a horse a piece. The 340/350/353 are just so common around here. Usually pretty cheap. I just scored a very nice 353 last week under $200 on Craigslist. Personally, that's what I'd look out for.

 

[Ryan Browne]

I'm keeping an eye out for any good used saws. 024, 242, 026, etc, but no luck. Guess I'll just keep looking

Frankly I would much rather buy from the guys folks on here than locally. I will make an exception occasionally, but in general I trust these loony tunes 100x more than guys on marketplace or Craigslist.

Post a wanted add for a 353, 346, or 350. Maybe you'll be surprised. Or drop chipper1 a line. Maybe there is a special Brett to Brett price break.

 

[SOS Ridgerider]

I’ve ran both the 3601 and the 421/4300.

The 3601 is a great little saw for light duty and limbing. The only thing I’m not crazy about is the tool less chain tensioner. It’s a minor detail, because it does work well. Just a personal preference.

The 421/4300 is a legit 42cc saw. Quite a bit more torque than the 3601, and pulls a 16” bar without a problem. This is my most used saw, unless the wood is too big.

I wouldn’t worry about the Made in China on the sticker. The parts for the 4300 are still made in Germany, and the saw is only assembled in China, at a factory owned assembly plant.
The 3601 top end is probably one of the most well made I’ve seen. Either saw will be great, just depends on what your priorities are. Light and nimble, or torque and versatility. Can’t go wrong with either one.