What new saw?

[Likesaws]

With Dolmar/Mikita leaving the saw world. There is Stihl Husqvarna and Echo left that are major players.
Who else is left in the US market. Who am I missing.
What would you buy. I am not brand loyal. I have owned Stihl Husqvarna Echo and a Efco 156, and 165.
I liked them all. Wish I still had my Stihl 036 and Husqvarna 359.
Is there another choice for a good all around firewood saw?
Should I purchase a new Mikita 6100 before it is gone or wait for something else?

 

[cuinrearview]

I too enjoy a 359 and 036. With that said I liked my 562 a whole lot more.

 

[Duce]

If mainly cutting 16" and under, 550xp MKII will handle it easily. Have owned several 562's and as Tim said 562's are nice also. 562's will handle a 24" bar and oil just fine. Most everything I cut is Red Oak here. Take tops out with 550 and when tree gets to 16"+, grab a 572 or ported 372 just for fun.

 

[FederalQ]

The Stihl MS400 should be here next year, but in the meantime that makita 6100 is a decent saw for the price.

 

[walkdog]

Depending on the size of wood you’ll be dealing with, my current favorite general purpose rear handles are:

MS261 V2 or 550xp @ 50cc (very similar performance, really a matter of ergonomic preference)
562xp @60cc (poos on MS362s all day long)
MS462 @70cc (wields like a 60cc saw, cuts like an 80cc saw - best running stock saw I’ve ever owned)

 

[Catbuster]

I think any 70-80 cc saw from any reputable manufacturer makes a good all-rounder. Right now new MS 461s are on the shelves so it would be what I’d be looking at. Looking forward with my collection of bars I’ll likely be looking at the MS 500i. If you’re not looking to run anything longer than a 28” bar I’d probably find it hard to beat an MS 462.

 

[huskihl]

If you’re considering a 6100, I have a really clean one with maybe five tanks of fuel through it. I just don’t use it and would like to sell. P.m. me if you want some pics

 

[Duce]

If you’re considering a 6100, I have a really clean one with maybe five tanks of fuel through it. I just don’t use it and would like to sell. P.m. me if you want some pics

There you go, have him port it while he has it. You know it's been treated right.

 

[Wood Doctor]

If you can find a Stihl MS361 that is still in good shape, buy it:

But, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. That's why I still own mine that I bought in 2012. I ran it yesterday and it kicks butt even today.

 

[Cooper264]

Grab you a 562. 15% off this month from the hl supply guy on here **I don't know his name**

What part of wv ya from?

 

[Likesaws]

Grab you a 562. 15% off this month from the hl supply guy on here **I don't know his name**

What part of wv ya from?

Not sure I want a auto tune. Not any dealer support local.

 

[drf256]

If you want an 034 Super ported and fully redone PM me. It would just take me some time. You did say you wished for an 036.

Granted, it’s not new, but with the correct parts replaced it would/should be as good as a “new” saw.

An MS261CM ported is a great all around firewood saw. A 462 gets pricey ported or not, but is a great 1 saw plan.