70 - 80cc saws

I'm new here so please forgive the possible lack of arb jargon since I am a forestry man! I'm spending some of the winter butressing and felling big Sitka / Hemlock / etc for the FC and in need of a saw for the purpose. I've always been a Stihl man and have been using my rock solid 036 thus far. However, my colleagues are using MS460s for the obvious reason. Looking at saws in this range I have of course considered the Husky 372XP, the Stihl MS441 and MS460. I am least likely to go for the Husky due to price and the two Stihls have frustrating comparitives i.e. they both weigh the same for 0.4hp difference, the 441 is newer technology, costs a little less etc etc etc. The 441s lower emissions actually appeal since an exhaust next to a butress all day tends to dictate ones immediate lungful! I once had an MS660 and have also thought about just getting that, running an 18" bar as I would on all of them (or 20"), and having loads of grunt for another kilo or so, bearing in mind I'm not lifting the saw much. However, I've recently been directed away from the established makes to the Makita DCS 7900/1 since on paper it is lighter and more powerful that 372/441/460. Not only that it costs a lot less too. Carrying a blue saw into the woods is possibly asking for ridicule but I've also heard that the Makita will outcut its immediate rivals. Any thoughts...? I've owned a Makita DCS9010 and it was so heavy I got rid. Thanks. J.

I have a 441 and I love it. Runs a 20" bar fine, can run 25" when needed. The lower emissions, low vibration are good, the saw is torquey and cuts very well.

The 660 is overkill for an 18" bar IMO.

I have used the 440 and the 460, and I would rather have the 441 than either of them.

Welcome to the forum. You seem to be quite knowledgeable about the range of saws available to you for your requirements. Have you looked at the Husky 575? Havent used the Makita range, but hearing very good reports about them, Stihls of course are excellent, and then there is the Jonsered stable. Its probably as much about dealership support in your area, availability of spares and so on.

I like the 441. I like the anti-vibe springs instead of rubbers - makes it very smooth but only if the chain is kept super sharp. If it is a tad blunt I think the springs make it shake more than the rubbers used to.

But a great saw - powerful and light.

Hi J, welcome to the forum. Plenty of forestry chat here.

I'm a dyed in the wool Husky man myself, and have used a 372 and 385 for buttresing work on big hardwoods.

I have to say though, the Dolmar (makita) 7900 is an awsomely good saw. The yanks have been using them for the past 2 years, and the reports are excellent. My next big saw will be a 7900, although I'm hoping to get an Orange Dolmar version from the US...

Hi yes I looked at the 575 only to be told it was not up to 372xp standard (someones opinion of course), in the same way as many are as untrusting of the 441 vs a 460 I guess. Here is my dilema:

441 460 7901

Power 5.6hp 6.0hp 6.25hp

Weight* 6.6kg 6.6kg 6.3kg

Cost £536 £574 £431

Thank you for your welcome... J

I have a 385 which runs a 20" bar very nicely, I have also used a 441 which I was impressed with. I am surprised that the stihl's are cheaper though, internet deals on huskys are usually much better.

http://www.worldofpower.co.uk/Garden-and-Outdoor/Chainsaws-and-Wood-Cutting/Petrol-Chainsaws/Professional/sc1212_p4.aspx

Ed, right on! I also would prefer an orange Dolmar from the US, but my local agent offering the 7901 for 430 squid (inc VAT!) is hard not to notice. Maybe I could paint it! This agent by the way is MST in Plymouth (speak to Daryll on 01752 690390. Only three left across their depots...

on a minor deviation, has anyone got any first hand experience of the 570? looks a fair amount of saw for the money and may be a viable option for someone like me who wouldnt be using it full time.

For what its worth I bought a 575XP a few months ago and have been very pleased with it, although I have only used huskys up till now.