NEW CHAINSAW RECOMMENDATION

I got an email last night stating that it had shipped, so it didn't stay on backorder long.

I have three Stihl dealers within 10 miles of me. I bought my 029 in 1996 and it has never been to any of those dealers. I don't know how important it is to have a good dealer nearby, especially if you are using the saw a few times a year to cut your 4 or 5 cords like I do. The 029/MS290 is pretty god all around saw. Mine has a 20'' bar and I have cut 40" Oak with it and limbed trees off a ladder with it. It is a little heavy, but I'm not using it all day every day so its not such a big deal.

As an 880 (and 3120xp) owner, I can tell you this is not a saw many people would want to use often! I'm a fairly strong guy, but working with these saws for any period of time will wear you down pretty quick! The powerhead alone (w/o the bar and chain) has to be over 25 lbs. Now the 660 on the other hand is a must own saw! :cheese:

seems to me there is a bit of competition between the saw brands and alot of the talk is for bigger saws. With what you are looking for a midsized stihl , husky ,or dolmar would work fine . The 250 thru 290 with a 16 or 18 bar would work for most of your needs. The local dealer is handy for getting chains sharpened and PPE
the number of refurbed huskies worries me a bit why are there so many around ?

I'm pretty new to this forum, but when I saw the title and the number of posts, I just knew I'd see the digits 361/362, 390, 440, 460 etc. etc. with the Dolmar/Makita, Jred, Huskie numary equivalnts popping up too.

Didn't read every post, but didn't see anyone mention getting a modded out 372xp.

I'm with the guys voting for the 260. Just plain old great all around saw. The 290 is probably the best overall value in the non-pro lineup.