Milling Saws - Alternative makes..

[Quickthorn]

..to Husky 390 or 3120XP or Stihl 660/880.

 

I'm thinking of getting something like a 90cc saw for milling, but I'm not sure whether a top of the range saw like the above would be best value for money. I'm not bothered about super responsiveness for milling, and a heavier saw wouldn't matter that much. I'd just like something robust, with grunt, that can stand up to milling, and perhaps there are other saws that would fit the bill at less cost than any of the above...?.

 

I've got two saws in mind: I know someone on here went for a Makita DCS9010. How's that going? All the old posts I've found seem mainly positive, although I'm struggling to find a local dealer here in North Notts.

 

The other contender is a Jonsered 2186. That's about the same cc and almost same power as the above, but I've no idea what it's like.

 

Any opinions?

Edited January 9, 2010 by Quickthorn
Spelling

[Tree Man Tom]

Ive used a few makitas over the last 6months for tree work and im very impresed with them, not sure how they would hold out for milling though.

[Rob D]

In my opinion you'd be better off saving up and going for an MS 880 or Husky 3120. I know you'll spend another £300-00 but well worth the extra money IMO.

[tommer9]

In my opinion you'd be better off saving up and going for an MS 880 or Husky 3120. I know you'll spend another £300-00 but well worth the extra money IMO.

 

Absoloutely couldnt agree more., although i would go for the 088 over the 3120. I have stihl and husky saws, but i really think the 088 has the edge for this application.

[Petemate390xp]

390xp or you could get a 7900 with a big bore kit from Baileys works out at about 450 to the door and if you ask them they will send it u.s post. just done one for a mate and it pulls well with a 36" bar and he uses it on a mill.

[Arbocop]

well i like all sorts of saws.

 

although of the 2 other makes i would suggest the makita

 

aka dolmar

 

german engeneers cant beat them

 

kev

[Arbocop]

if you are interetssed in makita plese get in touch the retail side of the company would be happy to help

 

kevin

[Quickthorn]

I hear what you're saying about the 088, but I'm just starting on milling, and can't afford to splash out too much unless there's a future for it. Besides, aren't they a bit thirsty?

 

At the moment, I'm using a 262XP with 18" bar on small softwood, just to get used to it all, but I quite like that saw for felling etc, and don't want to kill it. When I've got time, I can borrow a 390XP on a 28" bar to try that out. it's a good saw, from what I've seen of it, but I'd be interested to know how the similar sized J-red compares.

[Ian C]

The jred is just as good as a makita or husky,(almost the same as ahusky anyway) but if your going to mill owt of a size go with what Tommer says, after all he Knows milling, the 88 will do anything then, or go for an older stihl 090 etc. All the big saws are going to be thirsty, you cant get a 120cc engine to run on bugger all.

[liamjordan]

try and find an old Dolmar saw, old stihl contra or somthing like that, stuff like this creeps up on ebay every now and then

 

i use a Sachs Dolmar 153 (100cc) for milling