Saw questions

[Jon1212]

Hey guys first post here. I'm in need of a saw and have been reading for a while on and off weighing my options. I had a Stihl 010 that was going to be rebuilt since it was my grandfathers but tropical storm Harvey took that unfortunately and I've finally gotten to the point I need another saw.
What I've been reading about the new Husky and Stihl saws are some of the saws are or were having bearing issues a couple of years back. It sounded like Husky was having more issues than Stihl but were working on a fix? The Stihl ms261 was having some issues with the sprocket bearing tearing up the crankshaft but heard there's a V3 out now did they modify the areas that were the problem or was is just a electronics update for the m-tronics? There's also a thread talking in more detail about the bearing issues and one point that was made is that there were only a few saws coming thru some shops that had the issues. Then again it sounds like it was enough of a issue for Husky and Stihl to say there was an issue and try to address it.
The main saws I have been looking at are the ms362 and ms 261. I'm not sold on the M-tronic as long as you can still adjust the old school carbed versions and don't need a shop to adjust them. In all honesty the ms 261 should be plenty of saw for what I need which is mainly firewood just a couple of cords a year and keeping everything on my property cleaned up. I do have some pine trees 20"+ in diameter that need to come down and a beech tree that is at least 30"diameter. Also living along the gulf coast this saw will be used for hurricane clean up so no telling what I could get into.
One of the main things I'm looking for in a saw is longevity as long as it's well taken care of. It seems these new saws may be more proned to issues and maybe just rebuilding an older saw might be another route to look at. That's why I'm here you guys seem to have a lot of knowledge on this board and I appreciate any answers you could throw my way.

Wow! That's quite the first post. Welcome OPE.

I have a 261C M II. It's been a fantastic saw thus far.

 

[huskyboy]

Regarding the supposed 261 sprocket bearing issue wasn’t there a fix of some kind I heard about? Or do you just grease it more often?

 

[Mastermind]

Regarding the supposed 261 sprocket bearing issue wasn’t there a fix of some kind I heard about? Or do you just grease it more often?

I've never actually seen any issue out of like 140 saws.

 

[TreeLife]

261c is a fine sword, especially ported. Mastermind and Treemonkey have some stout little saws out there. I don't have a saw smaller than 60cc but if I did, I would have one of these.

 

[Wood Doctor]

Amazing how many guys here failed to recommend Husqvarna, Echo, or Makita-Dolmar. It looks like Stihl is doing very well establishing its chain saw monopoly. Meanwhile, several of my Stihls are at rest while I use other brands that cut beautifully, get the job done, and never seem to complain.

My Husky 353 and 257 are both all set to go out tomorrow, and they simply cannot wait to show me their stuff.

 

[Mastermind]

Amazing how many guys here failed to recommend Husqvarna, Echo, or Makita-Dolmar. It looks like Stihl is doing very well establishing its chain saw monopoly. Meanwhile, several of my Stihls are at rest while I use other brands that cut beautifully, get the job done, and never seem to complain.

My Husky 353 and 257 are both all set to go out tomorrow, and they simply cannot wait to show me their stuff.

When Husqvarnas stop being dead right out of the box, I'll start recommending them more often.

 

[Wilhelm]

I mentioned Dolmar PS-6100 for an all rounder, in 50cc I'd obviously go with a Dolmar PS-5105.

I don't own either, but they seem to have a good reputation.

For both models Makita branded is an option.

 

[Mastermind]

I mentioned Dolmar PS-6100 for an all rounder, in 50cc I'd obviously go with a Dolmar PS-5105.

I don't own either, but they seem to have a good reputation.

For both models Makita branded is an option.

The 5105 would be my last choice for a 50cc saw. I despise those things.

 

[Wilhelm]

The 5105 would be my last choice for a 50cc saw. I despise those things.

Hater. . .

As said, I don't own one - yet!

 

[Jon1212]

The 5105 would be my last choice for a 50cc saw. I despise those things.

Why?

 

[Mastermind]

Why?

The carb and intake.

 

[ken morgan]

I only have a handful pines over 25" and that beech tree. My firewood can get to around 20" anything larger than that and I have trouble getting it home.
There's 2 Husky dealers and 4 Stihl dealers that work on saws locally.

now we are getting to the important part of this...which one has a better reputation amongst the local professionals...thats where you should buy, regardless of stihl vs husky vs echo vs makita. if you do not wrench yourself, then quality an honesty in your dealer is what you need more than anything.

 

[T.Roller]

My vote is for a 590 , 600 or 620 echo. Best bang for your buck.

 

[Jon1212]

My vote is for a 590 , 600 or 620 echo. Beat bang for your buck.

Hairlip, or local expression?

 

[Jon1212]

The carb and intake.

Oh? Yes, they do leave a little to be desired, in the ease to work on department. I feel similarly about the 4xx Rancher saws.

 

[longleaf]

The carb and intake.

I have heard about your carb problems what’s with the intake? I have to put grease between the filter and the intake to keep fines out on my 545. It that it?

 

[longleaf]

My vote is for a 590 , 600 or 620 echo. Beat bang for your buck.

Comparing stock and ported, I couldn’t agree more. I may catch some chit for this but. The 562 is lighter no doubt and handles great. It may beat a 620 cuttin cookies with a 20” bar. But a 620 will take its lunch money with a 24 or 28” bar.

 

[T.Roller]

Comparing stock and ported, I couldn’t agree more. I may catch some chit for this but. The 562 is lighter no doubt and handles great. It may beat a 620 cuttin cookies with a 20” bar. But a 620 will take its lunch money with a 24 or 28” bar.

Don't get me wrong I'd take a 562 over the echo if they were the same price but they aren't even close price wise lol

 

[T.Roller]

Hairlip, or local expression?

Haha fixed.

 

[TreeLife]

Don't get me wrong I'd take a 562 over the echo if they were the same price but they aren't even close price wise lol

That's cuz you don't know someone who can hook you up... ;-)