new firewood saw opinions

[worldrob]

Hi everyone. I appear to be over thinking my new saw purchase "to death". 3 different stores, 3 different opinions... I'm looking for the best new saw for firewood $500 can get. I was running a husky 350 with 20" bar.Good for most of my needs but underpowered at times. The 545 at has been recommended, the 460 has been as well as the 455 Rancher.
I am a landowner cutting 6-10 cords per year. Not super mechanically inclined. Open to other brands, but want a good reliable saw that will last. The used market here is bleak, and I am leary of getting hosed. I am going down to Seattle in a couple weeks so could purchase there if more reasonable than in BC.
Your opinions are valued,thanks in advance.
Rob

 

[redmule]

Rob You need to look for your nearest dealer were you can get good service and that is were you buy. I have a Dolmar 6100 with a 20" bar and it has plenty of power and is not bad on fuel. I really like this saw. Good luck on your next saw.

 

[Clyde S. Dale]

The 545 would be a great choice. I've heard a lot of good things about it plus it has autotune so no tinkering with the carb. Sounds like you have a couple of Husqvarna dealers nearby? The 455 and 460 are reliable saws. The main complaint I've heard about the 455/460 is the power to weight. If that won't bother you then nothing wrong with either. If you see a lot of larger diameter logs then you may want to go bigger than all of the saws mentioned, but that would also most likely break your (new) budget. Please report back your choice and with pictures of course!

 

[Como]

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/541-cc-rear-handle-chainsaw/934893

Just over $500. Could not see the CS 590 which was my first thought.

 

[worldrob]

Good points...any thoughts on the still ms 311, or 391? I know they're not pro grade saws but the extra power over the husq 545 has me curious.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

Aren't the Makita 6400's just over 5 hunj?

EDIT: NeverMind. Turns out they're just over 7 hunj

 

[ironworker]

Don't be afraid to up the amount of money you can spend and get the best saw you can afford, you never remember what you pay for something but if you make a wrong decision you are reminded of it every time you use it.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

Good points...any thoughts on the still ms 311, or 391? I know they're not pro grade saws but the extra power over the husq 545 has me curious.

I have no experience with either but both weigh a pound less than their predecessor. At the $500 price point I think those would be my top choices.

 

[MDFisherman]

The 455 are nice saws. They run better with an 18" bar. Skip the 460

 

[KD0AXS]

Tractor Supply has this Jonsered on sale for $349. As I understand it, they're made by Husqvarna and it's essentially a 455 Rancher but it's red instead of orange.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/jonseredreg;-cs-2255-chainsaw-carb-compliant

 

[Jon_E]

If I had $500 to spend on a new saw today, I would buy a Dolmar PS-5105.

 

[worldrob]

Well after two more visits to the local stihl and husky dealerships I pulled the trigger on the husqvarna 545. I blew my budget by far as saw prices here in BC are quite high. Saw, spare chain, 3 bottles of premix to extend warranty, plus taxes put the cost at $725. But the homeowner saws were going to be only about $100 or less, than the 545 and I figure getting the pro-grade saw was the way to go.
Can't wait to tear into some wood today, I'll grab some pictures and post soon. Thanks for all the comments.
Cheers!
Rob