Best Saw for the home?

Im not a woodsman but I can run a saw. I want to replace the ol' poulan pro 40cc lol. Every which way I turn, I see Stihls. Im leaning this way but what model? Im 200 pounds and want something that will get it done. I just ordered a fiskars x27 also.

Thx.

I have a Husky 445 that does a good job, and it retails just over $300.

Check your local saw dealer or CL for a used saw - especially if you are in "sandy land" Lotta good used saws out there. Post the ads for the saw guys here and they'll tell ya if a deal is good or not, and what to look for. Great post worth a bump:

http://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-saw.103824/

just started burning wood but I would guess 3-5 cords in a season? and no big stuff, less than 18" at least yet anyhow. Just cutting to get the BTU's for the house. No selling it.

Stihl Wood Boss

There's a nice slightly modded Husky 357xp over on AS right now for under $350 shipped. It will do everything you want and more. The seller is reputable, I've bought from him in the past.

Getting closer. How much $ you want to drop on a saw? Are you wanting to buy new or used, or have no preference?

If there is a Home Depot around, keep an eye on the rental department. They rent Makita 64cc saws, and sell them off every now and then. It's a good pro-quality saw made by Dolmar. I picked one up a couple of years ago for $194+tax. It's a great all around saw, good power and not too heavy. Mine's a 6401, but the current model is the 6421, with a cat muffler (which can be fixed ). Best used saw deal going, IMO. They can be in pretty good shape, with little use. Just look it over good before you buy.

I'm partial to the 346XP, call me crazy.

Every honest woodburner should have at LEAST one 45-70cc saw in the stable.....preferably a pro series saw. For the more serious woodburners, something in the 45-50cc AND 65-90cc class........

Once you try out a good chainsaw that can easily handle a 25 to 32" bar, you'll never go back. It makes woodcutting fun. Don't be intimidated by the size of the saw, either. Or the prices of the new ones. There are plenty of good deals to be had out there.

I have owned Husqvarnas and a Stihls. Both served me well. I like my Stihl MS290 Farm Boss with the 18" bar most. Not too big, not too small. Most of the trees I deal with are under 30". And it does them all well. I have cut a few that were larger, but most of them I cut are between 16 and 26 inches. Nice size Ash trees to work with. Some dead White Pine as well. Dems like butter.

I can just see a first time saw buyer reading this and wondering where your name of Scotty Overkill came from !
Seriously though ,i think it a very valid bit of advise .

CHeath. Something else I would say about your saw puchase is this. Whatever saw you decide to buy, consider the fact that you need the proper safety equipment with that saw. Proper eye and ear protection. A pair of appropriate chaps to protect your legs. Good boots to work in. These are minimal safety items you should have. I just purchased my first helmet. I work in a woods that is fairly dangerous because of the number of dead trees and trees that are too close to each other. Always think about safety. You can burn wood for years and years. It can bring you and your loved ones all kinds of enjoyment and warmth. And save you lots of money if done properly. But one accident can change all of it. It happens to people everyday. It is a dangerous type of work.

Nixon......you know me all too well!!

Or a 36" to 48" when the need arises....

Budget??? New - I would buy a 362xp used 036 or equvilant Stihl but that is just an opinion. I will say when cutting side by side with my friend and his brand new MS290 in big oak Sunday the 036 proved it's value for the same money.

Buying used can be a toughy but there are good/great deals out there.

I would guess that a quality 60cc saw with an 18-20" bar will likely keep you warm for many, many years.

To answer the Op's question .... If you want a Stihl product in a pro grade saw , then look at the ms 261 or ms 362 .
If you want a Husqvarna pro grade look at the 550 xp , or the 562xp .
If you want to go just wild and crazy ...... Ms 461 !
On edit ..... Using my best Scotty voice ,,,,,," And get it ported ! "
If you want a decent mid grade saw, the ms 291/391 from Stihl , the 555 or 545 from husqvarna or worth a look .

$300 budget

I'll second the husky 445 for that budget. I run the pro grade huskys for work and bought a 445 as my personal saw. Got a refurbished saw for 180. It's no 390 but I haven't run into anything while processing firewood for myself that it didn't cut through. Cut through 18" oak this weekend with no problem.

For a little extra I bet you could get a 455 and stay in budget. I don't have any experience with it but I can't imagine it would disappoint.

Run, don't walk, and snag a Stihl MS250 before they disappear. Forever. (Recently discontinued) They retail at $299.95 and are the most saw $300 will buy. Otherwise the Husky 445 is a good option. If you can stretch that budget a bit, the Stihl MS251 is out now for $359.95 or you might be able to find an MS290 (16" bar) out there for $379.95.

The 455 Rancher is out there for $429.95 as well and I have seen refurbished models for sale at $300 too. If refurbished doesn't scare you off, that's a great deal.

If you're really looking for something a little bigger, and deal with a $500 max budget, then that opens up a couple great options for you.

Stihl MS291 16" $479.95
Husqvarna 460 Rancher $479.95

I believe the name of the site is vminnovation something like that, but they have good deals on refurbished saws, got one myself from there and was not disappointed.