Need advice, want to upgrade my saw.

[Ratman]

 I prefer stihl to husqvarna, but that's just a personal opinion, so can't really make fair comment on the husky. I think a 241, or if you want to spend a bit more 261 would do you nicely, it will cope with the larger diameter stuff once kept sharp. If you sharpen well it will drive the longer bar, if necessary. Maybe not at a commercial rate but it doesn't sound like you need to produce wood at that rate. They are light saws for their power and not overly aggressive as a 70cc plus saw may be. 
If you don't have them already, invest in a pair of cut resistant pants. They may save your life one day.
The pine sap thing... Burn away on it once it's properly dry, no worries.

Good shout on the pants [emoji106] and if money cant stretch to the 241 / 261 then maybe look a good condition older saw, 034 / 036 maybe?, like you though Conor, i’ve not experienced husky’s. Stubby may along shortly with some of his husky porn tales [emoji6].... ooh he gets me all in a tis when he starts, love it!!! [emoji16]

[gary112]

If you could get one a Husky 372xp would be a great choice i reckon

[Conor Wright]

7 minutes ago, Ratman said:

Good shout on the pants and if money cant stretch to the 241 / 261 then maybe look a good condition older saw, 034 / 036 maybe?, like you though Conor, i’ve not experienced husky’s. Stubby may along shortly with some of his husky porn tales .... ooh he gets me all in a tis when he starts, love it!!!

Ooh steady on! Have to take it easy with those swedish models, finicky things! them germans can take it harder though!

 was.looking at an old husky 41 today, almost gave in but bought a bench vice instead! Maybe I'm already an ould fella but there's something more attractive about old equipment..a skill in the manufacture that's somehow gone now. You work as a fitter in a quarry? Or did I dream that up? 

[Ratman]

Ooh steady on! Have to take it easy with those swedish models, finicky things! them germans can take it harder though!
 was.looking at an old husky 41 today, almost gave in but bought a bench vice instead! Maybe I'm already an ould fella but there's something more attractive about old equipment..a skill in the manufacture that's somehow gone now. You work as a fitter in a quarry? Or did I dream that up? 

Hgv mechanic, but brought up on a farm. Love the older stuff and love listening to the senior more experienced guys on here. Learn loads [emoji106]

[gary112]

If you want to go old school then 254xp all the way

[GotWood]

Thanks for all the replies.

 

I must admit I did think I should maybe look at 60-70cc saws for the bigger stuff but I could borrow a big saw from a friend occasionally if I need one. I'm seeking out a bit of an all rounder and my gut is telling me to get the ms261 as it's a decent step up in performance without getting too expensive, there's also a dealership nearby. Then again, maybe I should entertain something bigger.

 

I do have a basic set of safety trousers/chaps already, it's a good thing to point out really, I should probably look to get better ones and a jacket.

 

One thing im surprised is the suggestions to run a 16" bar on the 50cc saws. My little 181 is on a 16" bar and runs fine. I know it's a smaller gauge chain though.

 

Ideally I'd like something with a big enough bar that minimises the work when cross cutting into rings. I won't be doing a great deal of felling.

 

The reason I am weary of pine is because I have a twinwall flue, which was rather bloody expensive. I was told by the chap that installed them that pine is the worst wood for leaving corrosive residues. Yes I would season it for sure.

 

Electric corded saws are not an option due to the location I cut. I also don't like the idea of having a cord dangling around me anyway, but I know those saws are plenty capable and have their uses. 

[Conor Wright]

1 minute ago, Ratman said:

Hgv mechanic, but brought up on a farm. Love the older stuff and love listening to the senior more experienced guys on here. Learn loads

At the risk of a derail, you mentioned old om Merc engines dying when you changed the oil you were using some time ago.. can't remember where it was, I'm running a mog with a 352 which burns a drop of oil (ahem) apart from the obvious, an engine rebuild, can you recommend a brand/specific oil which served them well?

[swinny]

Got wood, you may run a 16” bar on a 181 but no offence intended, run a 16” bar on a proper saw 261/362 and you’ll wonder why you messed about and put up with the 181, it will be so slow in comparison

[Ratman]

Thanks for all the replies.
 
I must admit I did think I should maybe look at 60-70cc saws for the bigger stuff but I could borrow a big saw from a friend occasionally if I need one. I'm seeking out a bit of an all rounder and my gut is telling me to get the ms261 as it's a decent step up in performance without getting too expensive, there's also a dealership nearby. Then again, maybe I should entertain something bigger.
 
I do have a basic set of safety trousers/chaps already, it's a good thing to point out really, I should probably look to get better ones and a jacket.
 
One thing im surprised is the suggestions to run a 16" bar on the 50cc saws. My little 181 is on a 16" bar and runs fine. I know it's a smaller gauge chain though.
 
Ideally I'd like something with a big enough bar that minimises the work when cross cutting into rings. I won't be doing a great deal of felling.
 
The reason I am weary of pine is because I have a twinwall flue, which was rather bloody expensive. I was told by the chap that installed them that pine is the worst wood for leaving corrosive residues. Yes I would season it for sure.
 
Electric corded saws are not an option due to the location I cut. I also don't like the idea of having a cord dangling around me anyway, but I know those saws are plenty capable and have their uses. 

Regards the flue, only negatives are if you burn it unseasoned it will still have a high sap content, which would leave deposits on your liner. Well seasoned, 2yrs plus from average out in the air drying will present no issues, (imo) i burned some last year that was 18+ months seasoned and it was fine.
The saw decision will be purely down to your own preferences. I prefer older saws to new, but i dont mind tinkering, its in my nature. But take time and listen to advice of all, after all its potentially a big investment for ya.

[Ratman]

At the risk of a derail, you mentioned old om Merc engines dying when you changed the oil you were using some time ago.. can't remember where it was, I'm running a mog with a 352 which burns a drop of oil (ahem) apart from the obvious, an engine rebuild, can you recommend a brand/specific oil which served them well?

PM ya [emoji106] save the derail