new saw for Dad ideas, 50cc for 70th bday

[EvilRoySlade]

I've read lots and ran some but looking for ideas with his age in mind. He will be turning 70 this summer and is having carpel tunnel surgery currently. Metal shop teacher for his whole career and always working with his hands in some fashion. My brother and I bought him a MS260pro for his retirement about 13 yrs ago. The saw still runs great but he won't let me touch it even just to tweek it a bit. He still drops and bucks about 20-30 trees a year for firewood.

So here's what I'm thinking; something around 50cc, maybe heated handles, light and nimble.

Obviously 550xp comes to mind but they have a few issues with transfer o-rings and such.
MS261 VW would be nice.
I have no experience with the Dolmars but have heard good things about them.
Heck, I was even thinking a Husky 350 that I could put a 346 top on after I've done some port work to it. Nice power, light weight, low cost.

Reliable dealers for all of them nearby.

Really just looking for ideas. Any of you around that age that have learned the lesson of working smarted not harder. I do help him when I can.

 

[Crzybowhntr]

I vote for a 550xp bought from one of our forum dealers. I`m sure they`d be glad to check the transfer gasket, etc out b4 shipping it.

 

[Nitehawk55]

If it were me I would stay with Stihl for him since he's used to them and old guys don't like change
The latest 261 model would likely be the best choice and if he's still fit enough a bit extra weight either way won't make much difference but easy to start will .

 

[Ryan Browne]

I love my Dolmar 421. The 5105 is supposed to be great. I'd own one in a heartbeat. They're the cheapest by a decent margin.

I have a 261cm-vw that's only seen 5 tanks so far. It's great, but you can't buy them in the states. You can get them in Canada, but they are the priciest option for a heated 50cc.

By the way, I love my heated handles. LOVE them.

 

[jakethesnake]

If used is alright a stock 350 is pretty bad ass. I'll receive some hate but I believe husky has the 50cc Saw locked down. Hell a 55 is no slouch either.

 

[jmssaws]

My dad is 72 and loves saws more than I do,he wanted a light weight beast so I had @drf256 build him a 026 that he absolutely loves.

Everytime we cut wood he tells me to thank al so again, thank you al.

You made my father very happy and that makes me very happy.

 

[Jon1212]

5105H.....

 

[jakethesnake]

5105H.....

Know a price on one of those? I don't need one but I've heard they are pretty nice

 

[EvilRoySlade]

All really good ideas and one reason it's not an easy choice. Sticking with Stihl is simple for him. He has a Jonsered 2050 also, so Dolmar might be fun.

 

[nickw]

Am I missing something here. He has a 50cc saw now that he won't even let you touch and you think he'll be overjoyed with a new one??? I'm 68 and I promise you an MS260 fits an active old timer well. Leave his saw alone and buy him a fishing rod.

 

[jmssaws]

5105H.....

I'm porting one today.
Nice little saws

 

[Jon1212]

Know a price on one of those? I don't need one but I've heard they are pretty nice

http://performanceoutdoorequipment.com/products/ps-5105h-heated-handle-chainsaw

 

[Adirondackstihl]

5105H

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

If he is not super brand loyal, don't forget the Husky 545. Same mag case "professional grade" construction, just doesn't have quite the nasty attitude that the 550xp does.. And a little cheaper.

Of course if he is loyal to Stihls and is not interested in trying another brand I will bow out and defer to the advice already given on what model Stihl.

 

[Adirondackstihl]

I'm porting one today.
Nice little saws

How you likin them tiny uppers?

 

[Adirondackstihl]

Personally, a 421 would fit your bill nicely.

 

[ranchdadmike]

If you're ok with used and a bit older...my favorite 50cc saw ever is a 254xp


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jmssaws]

How you likin them tiny uppers?

Just pulling the cylinder now but it would be easier if it had a 60mm bore.

 

[EvilRoySlade]

Found this thread also. Similar to my choices.
http://opeforum.com/threads/pick-1-to-port-ms261-550xp-ps5100.5261/

 

[Simondo]

If your going brand spanking new then the Dolmar 5105 with its MPI coil and spring assist pull start gets my vote ... Heated handle is a option
2nd hand...Husqvarna 346 xp Ne ..G .. if you can find a real well looked after one. Oh ...here are the real life weights of my...5105 on .325 1.3mm 15" bar and 346 on .325 1.5mm 15" bar ...