look into the makita 6401, it is rebadged dolmar, highly respected german co. bailey's has em for 470 plus shipping
Beowulf said:Naptime, yes there seem to be lot's of Stihl fans... They make good stuff. So does Husky. The key is to compare the same "grade" of saws between the two.
Stihl makes "homeowner" saws that are a clamshell design, like the MS250, with Chinese carbs and the lowest cost components that they think they can get away with. They also make great "pro" level saws like the MS200T, that have an easily serviceable piston and cylinder and a better power to weight ratio. They make some saws kind of in between, like the 361, I think.
Husky does the same thing. Their pro saws are quite nice and loved by their fans; the Rancher series is kind of their mid level range, and very reliable, but not as repairable or as powerful for their weight as their "pro" level xp saws.
I don't think you could go wrong with a new mid-level Husky, if the power to weight ratio works for you. If you want lighter with more power, you will probably want a pro level Husky or pro level Stihl. I buy Stihls mostly because I get decent pricing from a family friend. I have owned several Huskies, and still keep a 20+ year old model 45 around because it is dead cold reliable and asks for almost nothing in return.
But I'd probably Stihl fix your existing saw, first!
midwestcoast said:Now you've got the idea. Go play with a bunch, don't make a snap decision if you don't have to.
My take is the 460 Rancher would probably do you fine, but coming from that 036 I think you'd be a little dissapointed with its power to weight ratio. I'm another vote for fixing the 036, but if you really want a new saw then who are we to talk you out of it! That said I don't see the point in downgrading to a heavier, less powerfull saw, so cough up for that 362! or:
The Husky I would suggest for 20" bar is also the 359. I have one and it pulls 20" through hardwood very well. Likely closer to your 036 and much cheaper than the 362. Husky are said to be releasing a new pro 60cc that'll be lighter than the MS362. I dunno when, or how much $...
Also second the suggestion of the Makita 6401 just on reputation.
I've never been to Alaska, how big is the stuff you're cutting? I imagine skinny softwoods in the interior, but what do I know? A 50cc 18" B&C would save you some coin & there are nice light ones to be had: Stihl MS260 or 261, Husky 346xp, Dolmar 5100
naptime said:but most are in the 10" to 20" range.
bogydave said:Stihl or Husky?
YES
weird. I didn't know you had my address...Beowulf said:Congrats! Nice saw. I predict you will be very happy and have warm hands to boot.
Now about that 036 parts saw... I'd be happy to pm you an address to ship it to, just to get it out of your way, you know!
Beowulf said:Congrats! Nice saw. I predict you will be very happy and have warm hands to boot.
naptime said:Thought I might wrap this up with an update, since so many took the trouble to offer advice and guidance. I cleaned up the 036 Stihl, re-checked fuel lines and spark, re-set the jets and noticed the chain was pretty dry, a recent development for sure. But I wanted to see how it ran and still had difficulty starting it. When it finally revved up, I could see no oil was coming out of the weep tube. Took it back in and took off the clutch drum to check out the oil pump and noticed the crank was wobbling around (duh!), and that the chain brake was not working either. Went to town and talked to two different saw mechanics and both said not worth re-building. The Stihl dealer was closed for inventory, so no sale. Went to the Husky dealer and he was low on inventory but worked out a deal on a 346XPG, which he switched to 3/8" drive sprocket, bar and chain. While we were negotiating, in walked a professional woodcutter who said he owned five of them and was very satisfied, and also said 3/8" was the better set-up. That, along with the comments here, was good enough for me. The discussion here tipped me to thinking that cost-cutting on price was really less important to me than getting a saw I would enjoy using the next few years. Thanks again to all.
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