Medium harvesting saw recommendation

[DocMustard]

Morning all, 

 

Having gained access to a number of felled trees, I thought it is time to invest in a decent harvesting saw that:-

- can comfortably ring trunks that are up to 2' diameter in two cuts,

- is efficient with fuel (I have a Mitox CS64 which drinks like an old Volvo estate)

- can cut quickly (my MS181 isn't designed for harvesting and isn't a fast cutter in this application)

- is designed to be operated for 5-ish hours a couple of days a week for the next few months

- is quite light and maneouverable as some of the ground in the area is very uneven. 

 

Plus I want it to last a few years, be able to get spares and replacement chains (ideally of different types, chisel, semi, etc). I have set a budget of £500. This will likely become my firewood saw in the future. 

 

Thoughts were initially a Stihl MS261, 271 or 291 (engine in the approx. 50cc category, with an 18" bar), however these are stretching my budget limit. Yesterday I saw a Husky 450 at a good price, so have started looking at their models. Any recommendations/advice to help me navigate this maze? Thanks in advance. 

[Stere]

If alot of  2ft trees you needs something bigger i reckon 60cc or more.

 

Makita EA6100P45D maybe is - its in your budget

[Stubby]

60cc or 70cc I recon . Husqvarna 562 , Stihl Ms400 ( getting good reviews ) Husqvarna 572Xp . Alas all £100 + over your budget unless you can cop a 2nd hand one .

[gary112]

8 hours ago, DocMustard said:

Morning all, 

 

Having gained access to a number of felled trees, I thought it is time to invest in a decent harvesting saw that:-

- can comfortably ring trunks that are up to 2' diameter in two cuts,

- is efficient with fuel (I have a Mitox CS64 which drinks like an old Volvo estate)

- can cut quickly (my MS181 isn't designed for harvesting and isn't a fast cutter in this application)

- is designed to be operated for 5-ish hours a couple of days a week for the next few months

- is quite light and maneouverable as some of the ground in the area is very uneven. 

 

Plus I want it to last a few years, be able to get spares and replacement chains (ideally of different types, chisel, semi, etc). I have set a budget of £500. This will likely become my firewood saw in the future. 

 

Thoughts were initially a Stihl MS261, 271 or 291 (engine in the approx. 50cc category, with an 18" bar), however these are stretching my budget limit. Yesterday I saw a Husky 450 at a good price, so have started looking at their models. Any recommendations/advice to help me navigate this maze? Thanks in advance. 

One of these as Stere said,they are great saws and would suit your needs 

[DocMustard]

Thanks Gentlemen, I will review your recommendations during my dinner hour today.

 

Update:- there is a Husky 555 on F R Jones for £7 over my budget, with an 18 inch bar fitted. I am tempted. Any experiences with this saw? 

Edited July 7, 2021 by DocMustard
Additional question

[htb]

husqvarna 365 x trorque if you can get hold of one

[Stubby]

53 minutes ago, DocMustard said:

Thanks Gentlemen, I will review your recommendations during my dinner hour today.

 

Update:- there is a Husky 555 on F R Jones for £7 over my budget, with an 18 inch bar fitted. I am tempted. Any experiences with this saw? 

Think its a 560 without the " rev boost " .  Could be good especially as they should cover any warranty stuff .

[gary112]

1 hour ago, DocMustard said:

Thanks Gentlemen, I will review your recommendations during my dinner hour today.

 

Update:- there is a Husky 555 on F R Jones for £7 over my budget, with an 18 inch bar fitted. I am tempted. Any experiences with this saw? 

I had one of those,good firewood saw

[Moose McAlpine]

1 hour ago, htb said:

husqvarna 365 x trorque if you can get hold of one

 

Fair few on ebay quite often:

 

HUSQVARNA 365 PETROL CHAINSAW 20 BAR CHAIN WOOD CUTTER CHIPPER SAW 371

WWW.EBAY.CO.UK

---

<p>For sale HUSQVARNA 365 PETROL CHAINSAW 20 BAR...

 

[DocMustard]

1 hour ago, gary112 said:

I had one of those,good firewood saw

Hi Gary, any particular reason for you not having this saw any longer?