Upgrade to new(er) saw?

[ADK_XJ]

Hey all, looking for opinions and I know y'all got 'em - I'm trying to decide if I should just suck it up and get myself a new-ish chainsaw to complement my finicky old Stihl 041AV. It runs great and then it doesn't - that's pretty frustrating. Working full time, I only certain times to really work on my woodpile(s) and spending an afternoon tinkering with the saw is an afternoon I'm not putting away sticks for next burning season (and beyond).

I had the local Stihl guy (who refuses to work on old saws) quickly give me his assessment and he thinks my "ignition is breaking down." He said if that's the case I'm fighting a losing battle. The larger shop a bit further North will work it over but who knows if they don't tell me the same thing?

Meanwhile, I have lots of work to do around our property. What would you all do?

I'm thinking maybe I'll take the saw to the big shop up North and buy a 40-50cc modern saw, hope they get the old 041 working well enough to be held in reserve for the really big stuff.

 

[Wildo]

Go for it and make sure it is pro grade if you want it to last as long as the other one did. A good 50 cc pro saw will set you back $4-600 depending on brand. A good used ms261, 346xp, cs 2153, ps 5105 will all take good care of you for $400~.

 

[Jon1270]

I had the local Stihl guy (who refuses to work on old saws) quickly give me his assessment and he thinks my "ignition is breaking down." He said if that's the case I'm fighting a losing battle.

I think this is his way of saying, "I don't know enough about these old ignitions to help you, and it's not worth my time to figure it out." The ignition system might have a faulty compontent or be mis-adjusted, but it's not sick or depressed. A lot of the 041's have points and condensers, which require some specialized knowledge to service. The electronic ignitions on newer saws are dead-simple by comparison.

I've heard good things about 041's, but I haven't gotten to run one yet. I own one, but it's in pieces waiting to be reassembled someday. I have heard good things about them, but many parts are only available secondhand, and fewer and fewer mechanics are familiar with them. If you aren't up for doing the repairs yourself, I think keeping it as a primary work saw probably doesn't make much practical sense. In your case, it does sound like it's time to put it into semi-retirement.

A modern 40-50cc saw is probably going to be 5 pounds lighter, too. You'll like that.

 

[ADK_XJ]

This is tempting...

(broken image removed)
(broken image removed)

STIHL MS310 with NEW 390 MOTOR + 20" bar and 6 CHAINS! New motor has 2 hours on it and runs perfectly. Chains need sharpening but all still usable.

I'm selling because I just got a bigger saw and have 4 saws which is too many for me. I used this saw on my own property to cut approx. 4-5 cords a year since 2006 and it ran perfectly until I loaned it to someone who ran straight gas in it and seized it. I put a new carb on and a the new motor in for $140 and it runs great and a stronger than the stock 310. Also new gas cap last year - old one was leaking but new ones are made differently so should last.

 

[ADK_XJ]

I think this is his way of saying, "I don't know enough about these old ignitions to help you, and it's not worth my time to figure it out." The ignition system might have a faulty compontent or be mis-adjusted, but it's not sick or depressed. A lot of the 041's have points and condensers, which require some specialized knowledge to service. The electronic ignitions on newer saws are dead-simple by comparison.

I've heard good things about 041's, but I haven't gotten to run one yet. I own one, but it's in pieces waiting to be reassembled someday. I have heard good things about them, but many parts are only available secondhand, and fewer and fewer mechanics are familiar with them. If you aren't up for doing the repairs yourself, I think keeping it as a primary work saw probably doesn't make much practical sense. In your case, it does sound like it's time to put it into semi-retirement.

A modern 40-50cc saw is probably going to be 5 pounds lighter, too. You'll like that.

I think you're probably right on your assessment there of his opinion and, yes, I worry my lack of ability to keep up with it without any of that specialized knowledge (or even close) is just tipping the scales toward something that at least my local Stihl repair shop will touch!

 

[kevin j]

I would upgrade to a newer 50 mL class.
Then I would turn the old 41 into a project saw to learn a huge amount. If you start on this board or Arborside people will walk you through how to do pressure vacuum check to seals take the top end do rings and etc. you would end up with an 041 as a back up for bigger stuff and a huge amount of knowledge learned

 

[Jon1270]

This is tempting...

(broken image removed)
(broken image removed)

STIHL MS310 with NEW 390 MOTOR + 20" bar and 6 CHAINS! New motor has 2 hours on it and runs perfectly. Chains need sharpening but all still usable.

I'm selling because I just got a bigger saw and have 4 saws which is too many for me. I used this saw on my own property to cut approx. 4-5 cords a year since 2006 and it ran perfectly until I loaned it to someone who ran straight gas in it and seized it. I put a new carb on and a the new motor in for $140 and it runs great and a stronger than the stock 310. Also new gas cap last year - old one was leaking but new ones are made differently so should last.

That's what you'll hear called a "homeowner saw," because it has a clamshell engine sitting in an all-plastic chassis. It'll be less durable than a professional-type saw, and heavier in proportion to the power it produces. Also consider that at $140 for the new parts he installed, the motor is a Chinese aftermarket of unknown quality, and the carb might be too. It could be a decent machine but I would not buy it unless it were awfully cheap. I looked it up on your local CL, and it's overpriced even if you did want one like it.

Kevin has a good idea about making the 041 into a project after you've bought a newish smaller saw to complement it. If you give us an idea of how big the trees are that you usually cut, and a notion of your budget, then we can suggest a bunch of options.

 

[Jon1270]

(If you happen to be up in Glen Falls, though, you can grab this one for me and send it to Pittsburgh)

 

[Oldman47]

Definitely look at a new or near new pro grade saw. I own an old Stihl 026, a 50 cc pro saw, that still runs OK but recently bought a Husky 555, the bottom of their pro grade at 60 cc. The difference between the saws is night and day. From what I have been reading both Dolmar and Echo also make very nice pro saws at perhaps better prices than Stihl or Husqvarna.

 

[drz1050]

I have an Echo 590. Starts easy, and runs strong. I'm running a 20" bar, and have been burying it in beech lately without any problems.

 

[ADK_XJ]

Kevin has a good idea about making the 041 into a project after you've bought a newish smaller saw to complement it. If you give us an idea of how big the trees are that you usually cut, and a notion of your budget, then we can suggest a bunch of options.

Lots of good advice as expected. To answer the question of my main use: I'm cleaning up around an old farm that was neglected for the last 60-70 years. A decent amount of large deadfall hardwood that I've been trying to salvage first wherever possible before it rots completely (usually some 20" to 30" white oak or maples and cherry). As I get in front of that I'll be moving to picking out a few HUGE white pines that are overshadowing some of my sugar maples (I started a small syrup operation this year and plan to expand) and any of the less than ideally placed or dead/dying oak, ash or black cherry.

My wife's cousin also has probably 5-7 cord of green locust in 15-20 foot logs that I've been slowly chipping away at to put into the 3 year storage mix. Those range in width but are serious bastards to cut through when green.

So, really it's about firewood with an emphasis on bucking stuff that's down or dead. I could spend up to $350 or a little more if it was a seriously good deal for better quality/feature. I like Stihl brand products but am not against considering others. I have at least 4 or 5 good 3/8 pitch chains and two bars that I'd obviously prefer to repurpose in another saw but that doesn't have to be a determining factor (most of the mid sized stihls I've looked at are .325?).

Welcome to suggestions. I've looked at Stihl Wood Boss (251 I think?), Husqvarna 55 and then some used stihls on Craigslist.

 

[ADK_XJ]

(If you happen to be up in Glen Falls, though, you can grab this one for me and send it to Pittsburgh)

View attachment 158240

Where'd you see that? I'm not far from GF...I didn't see a rancher on Craigslist.

 

[Osagebndr]

If you looking at spending $400 or so on a used saw get the echo 590 . Has a 5 yr warranty and costs $399.99 + tax new . A little work and you can have a CS 620 p. that's echoes pro saw. Aside from that if you determined to get a used saw I'd still look at 60cc . Might take a look at e-bay I thought I saw a change out kit for the 041 ignition to go from pts and coil to electronic ignition

 

[Wildo]

If you keep the pines they will shade your sugar maples which will actually increase the length of your sugar season because the buds won't pop as soon as they would with more sun. Sugars on a north slope produce the sweetest(highest sugar content) sap and run the longest before souring due to lack of sun and gradual temp rise.

 

[Jon1270]

Where'd you see that? I'm not far from GF...I didn't see a rancher on Craigslist.

(broken link removed to https://albany.craigslist.org/tls/5018851940.html)

Needs a bit of work, or I'd be telling you to get it for yourself. I think it might be a closed-port model, which is the more desirable version.

 

[Ashful]

From what I have been reading both Dolmar and Echo also make very nice pro saws at perhaps better prices than Stihl or Husqvarna.

Gotta disagree with this, oldman. I've owned a few of each brand, minus Dolmar. The Echo saws I've owned are dead reliable, but definitely lag Stihl and Husqvarna on performance (I.e. Power/weight ratio).

I watch what the pros use around here, and it's basically 100% Stihl. Most of them put more hours on their saw per year, than the most dedicated wood burner will in a lifetime, so I'm happy taking from their experience.

Related, one arborist I know switched all of his crews from Husqvarna to Stihl, 5-6 years ago. I asked him why, and he replied that he was using both brands for 3-4 years, and found the Husqvarnas just didn't hold up as well. He was constantly fixing stuff like cracked plastic-wear, broken handles and chain brakes, etc. he said he finds Stihl much more durable, but admitted they're equal on performance and run reliability. He keeps 20-25 saws for his crews, changing out roughly every 3 years, to put some weight on his perspective.

 

[Jon1270]

I have at least 4 or 5 good 3/8 pitch chains and two bars that I'd obviously prefer to repurpose in another saw but that doesn't have to be a determining factor (most of the mid sized stihls I've looked at are .325?).
Welcome to suggestions. I've looked at Stihl Wood Boss (251 I think?), Husqvarna 55 and then some used stihls on Craigslist.

The thing you'll run into with re-using the 3/8"-pitch cutting equipment is that it's not going to work very well on saws smaller than about 60cc, which is right where that 041 is. If you're looking for a saw that can use the same bars and chains that the 041 does, then you're looking to replace the 041, not complement it. A significantly smaller saw that you'd use for lighter tasks while keeping the 041 for heavy stuff will use either .325 or 3/8 low profile chain. So, I think you still need to answer that question of whether you want to go to the trouble of maintaining the 041, or just retire it and pick up a fairly direct one-size-for-everything replacement?

$350-ish isn't going to buy you a new Stihl that could handle your current bars and chains, so you're also going to have to decide whether to go with a used saw, or to go with another brand that can't use your existing equipment, or both. My advice there is that you not give much weight to the continued use of your old bars and chains, because used bars and chains for any saw you're likely to get are going to be cheap and fairly easy to find through eBay or forums like AS.

Gotta disagree with this, oldman. I've owned a few of each brand, minus Dolmar. The Echo saws I've owned are dead reliable, but definitely lag Stihl and Husqvarna on performance (I.e. Power/weight ratio).

I watch what the pros use around here, and it's basically 100% Stihl. Most of them put more hours on their saw per year, than the most dedicated wood burner will in a lifetime, so I'm happy taking from their experience.

FWIW, the only Dolmar/Makita I've run and worked on was the 6401 that I converted to a 7901, and it was a very fine machine in both performance terms and build quality. I think their main shortcoming is not with the machines themselves but with their minimal dealer network. Stihl beats the pants off everyone in terms of having a lot of small, widely-distributed dealerships that can service busted equipment quickly, which is a big deal for professional crews.

 

[KenLockett]

Where'd you see that? I'm not far from GF...I didn't see a rancher on Craigslist.

I saw that one last night on Albany Craig's List. He is selling because he thinks it might have carburetor problems. Like you according to him it will run for a while then stop. I am having the same problem and was looking when I saw this. Might be a good deal if it just has bad fuel and/or carb simply needs adjustment/replacement.

 

[Jon1270]

I saw that one last night on Albany Craig's List. He is selling because he thinks it might have carburetor problems. Like you according to him it will run for a while then stop. I am having the same problem and was looking when I saw this. Might be a good deal if it just has bad fuel and/or carb simply needs adjustment/replacement.

The 55 has an Achilles' heel, some plastic and rubber parts that sit between the cylinder and carburetor which are degraded over time by heat from the motor, causing air leaks. You can probably get the replacement parts for about $20, and the repair isn't terribly difficult. Very common problem with an otherwise reliable model.

 

[dougand3]

I think it might be a closed-port model

Is model 55 normally closed port, whereas, 55 Rancher is more likely open port?

505 31 0751 is the impulse grommet - a SNEAKY air leak that can trash the top end.

 

[ADK_XJ]

If you keep the pines they will shade your sugar maples which will actually increase the length of your sugar season because the buds won't pop as soon as they would with more sun. Sugars on a north slope produce the sweetest(highest sugar content) sap and run the longest before souring due to lack of sun and gradual temp rise.

True if the maples were mature enough but these are saplings I'm trying to encourage to grow - Cornell Co-Op Ext came out and said the pines need to come out for the new stuff to fill in to production size. Plus, most of our pines have been ravaged by Pilated woodpeckers.

 

[ADK_XJ]

Gotta disagree with this, oldman. I've owned a few of each brand, minus Dolmar. The Echo saws I've owned are dead reliable, but definitely lag Stihl and Husqvarna on performance (I.e. Power/weight ratio).

I watch what the pros use around here, and it's basically 100% Stihl. Most of them put more hours on their saw per year, than the most dedicated wood burner will in a lifetime, so I'm happy taking from their experience.

Related, one arborist I know switched all of his crews from Husqvarna to Stihl, 5-6 years ago. I asked him why, and he replied that he was using both brands for 3-4 years, and found the Husqvarnas just didn't hold up as well. He was constantly fixing stuff like cracked plastic-wear, broken handles and chain brakes, etc. he said he finds Stihl much more durable, but admitted they're equal on performance and run reliability. He keeps 20-25 saws for his crews, changing out roughly every 3 years, to put some weight on his perspective.

I'm only familiar with one pro crew around here but this holds true for them - all Stihl and I'm sure it's as much to do with the other posters point about a distributed dealer network. There's 5 Stihl shops within 30 minutes of here that I know of.

 

[ADK_XJ]

The thing you'll run into with re-using the 3/8"-pitch cutting equipment is that it's not going to work very well on saws smaller than about 60cc, which is right where that 041 is. If you're looking for a saw that can use the same bars and chains that the 041 does, then you're looking to replace the 041, not complement it. A significantly smaller saw that you'd use for lighter tasks while keeping the 041 for heavy stuff will use either .325 or 3/8 low profile chain. So, I think you still need to answer that question of whether you want to go to the trouble of maintaining the 041, or just retire it and pick up a fairly direct one-size-for-everything replacement?

$350-ish isn't going to buy you a new Stihl that could handle your current bars and chains, so you're also going to have to decide whether to go with a used saw, or to go with another brand that can't use your existing equipment, or both. My advice there is that you not give much weight to the continued use of your old bars and chains, because used bars and chains for any saw you're likely to get are going to be cheap and fairly easy to find through eBay or forums like AS.

Right, that makes sense. This really gets to the heart of my issue - should I just hold out to get my already 60cc+ pro-ish saw working and deal with the fact it's going to need attention? I don't really want to buy another pro level saw for $500+

It's those down periods when I can't even buck logs that make me think a smaller saw would be good to have around.

I think I'm answering my own question at this point...

 

[mass_burner]

That's what you'll hear called a "homeowner saw," because it has a clamshell engine sitting in an all-plastic chassis. It'll be less durable than a professional-type saw, and heavier in proportion to the power it produces. Also consider that at $140 for the new parts he installed, the motor is a Chinese aftermarket of unknown quality, and the carb might be too. It could be a decent machine but I would not buy it unless it were awfully cheap. I looked it up on your local CL, and it's overpriced even if you did want one like it.

Kevin has a good idea about making the 041 into a project after you've bought a newish smaller saw to complement it. If you give us an idea of how big the trees are that you usually cut, and a notion of your budget, then we can suggest a bunch of options.

An MS 390 is a "homeowner saw"? I guess everything is relative.

 

[Jon1270]

An MS 390 is a "homeowner saw"? I guess everything is relative.

Only in the sense that it has a plastic chassis and a clamshell engine. Not the best reason to associate it with homeowners, I know, but that seems to be the convention on most forums.