Looking for a second Saw

If you are looking for something light ,yet with a bit more power than the 290 , look at the j'red 2258 . Basically it's a 562xp with a small mount bar IIRC . It'll handle a 20 " bar very well.
As you do have a Stihl, look at the MS 362 ( 60cc) and the 441(70cc) .

Steamer said:

I currently have a Stihl ms290 farm boss that has served me well and is still going strong. I was thinking about adding a second saw for my wood cutting. I do cut standing dead and blow downs on my own property so I do at times cut a lot of limbs. I want something that also has more power than my current saw. My previous saw was a Jonsered that I used for about 20 years and was very happy with it. I would prefer another Jonsered as I am keeping the Stihl. Any recommendations?
Thanks

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Heh? What does already having a Stihl have to do with preffering a J-red?

I'm in a very similar position. I want to supplement my Farm Boss 290 with another saw with more power, but not too heavy. The 311 and 391 are heavier and more powerful, the 261 is lighter with the same power and the 362 is about the same weight with much more power. The latter two pro saws are much more expensive. Jonsered's 21 series saws are analogous to Husky's XP seies. The 22 series are Husky's (crappy) homeowner line. I wouldn't consider a Jonsered that wasn't a 21 series.

I may settle on a 261; they seem to be very well liked. Local dealers don't have the C-M version yet; some are unaware of its existence.

The 290 is in that weird / unfortunate position of being less powerful, while simultaneously heavier than, any MS 360/361/362. It's a budget saw sized for the guy who wants one saw that will do everything... small enough to wield all day, with enough power to get thru most stuff a firewood cutter will encounter.

If I were in your shoes, and going from one saw to two, the 290 would not be one of the two. It's any okay saw for a single-saw plan, but too heavy to fill the role of "small saw", and too under-powered to fill the role of "big saw", in a two-saw plan. I would sell the 290 to pay for a small top-handle saw, like the 7 lb. Husq. T435. For the big saw to compliment that T435, I'd be looking at MS360/390/440, or their current -1, -2 iterations.

I agree with Joful on selling the MS290. Good saw, has its purpose, but not a great saw from a power to weight perspective. I can tell you first hand that the ms261 is a great saw and now that it comes with m-tronic (MS261c), even better. I cut firewood with it and it can handle 90% of what comes my way. Keep us posted on whatever you do decide.

"cut a lot of limbs" = lighter saw, looking at a pro 45-50cc saw

"more power than my current saw" = a good 60cc saw or something in the 70cc range.

Steamer, you have reached the point in your firewood experience that a great many others have. They start with a solid jack-of-all-trades saw (like a 290 or 455 Rancher) but soon realize that there their needs would be better met with a lighter limbing and small bucking saw paired with a larger displacement saw for felling, large bucking, stumping, and noodling.

I also sold my 290 for this reason.

Also note that Jonsered and Husqvarna saws are essentially the same machines when you get into their midrange and pro saws. The major differences are handle angle and color scheme.

I have a couple Husqvarna 435's to supplement my stihl 290... Like them a lot.

Get a real light 45 CC saw or so for limbing and small stuuf and keep the 290 if you don't get into stuff to big for it to handle. The next bigger saw will be the 360 for same weight and. A 390 will not weigh much more but be way more power full ESP with a muff modd. The 299/310/390 are the same saw with just slightly larger p/C each step up. I don't think there mote than a pound between the 290 n 390

clemsonfor said:

Get a real light 45 CC saw or so for limbing and small stuuf and keep the 290 if you don't get into stuff to big for it to handle. The next bigger saw will be the 360 for same weight and. A 390 will not weigh much more but be way more power full ESP with a muff modd. The 299/310/390 are the same saw with just slightly larger p/C each step up. I don't think there mote than a pound between the 290 n 390

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290 = 13.0 lb.
361 = 12.3 lb.
390 = 13.0 lb.

However, I don't see any point in getting a 45 cc saw, when you own a 56 cc saw. The ideal two-saw plan is something real small and light for limbing and small stuff, with something powerful and light for bigger stuff. T435 + MS-360/1... a firewood combo that's very hard to beat.

I agree. But it he does go larger like you and I both said the 40 CC saw can be a good climbing saw. Me I don't really ever reach for the husky 445 unless I'm climbing something or useing it up in the air. 70cc is the sweet spot in saws I think.a good combo would be a 440 and something smaller like the 260 or 250.

clemsonfor said:

I agree. But it he does go larger like you and I both said the 40 CC saw can be a good climbing saw. Me I don't really ever reach for the husky 445 unless I'm climbing something or useing it up in the air. 70cc is the sweet spot in saws I think.a good combo would be a 440 and something smaller like the 260 or 250.

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I would agree, the 372xp is a firewood machine. then something in the 40-50 CC range for light duty. My 385xp is a boat anchor but it will make quick work of some big stuff

That should read limbing not climbing

Made by Dolmar http://www.ebay.com/itm/makita-chainsaw-/251371829756?pt=US_Chainsaws&hash=item3a86edb9fc If you watch e-bay they have remaunufactured makitas with great prices, I have this same saw, Love mine, 100% Dolmar made.Ran it for a year, Picked up the 80cc kit, tuned it with a tac, been running great since. Lots of power pulls hard. Jay