Small man looking at big saws

[Tugpants]

I am looking for your help in purchasing a large saw. I am small lad weighing in at just under 10 stone. I currently run a 346xp with a 15" bar as my ground saw, but am starting to look at bigger jobs requiring bigger machines.

 

As I say I am a small guy and dont want anything too big, but something that is going to be managable and cover all bases.

 

I have been looking at a 395xp as I have been advised to get something that will easily run a 30" bar... however do you feel i have to go this big or would I get away with something like a 576xp for most jobs that I come across? (I am based in Cornwall)

 

Your experience would be much appreciated.

[Jamespepperpot]

I'm 9 and a half stone and I run a 660 with a 30" or a 20" bar. You shouldn't struggle!

[Chris Sheppard]

Reckon you'l be fine, just don't expect to swing it round like you can your 346. A guy I work with isn't much heavier that you I reckon and he can handle the 3120 with 42" bar fine.

 

As much as I prefer Huskies, the Stihl MS660 really does handle like a much smaller saw in comparison the the 395 - I'd at least get a look at one before going for a 395.

 

Th other one is the husky 390 - I've not used one but did have hold of one and it felt less numb compared to a 395. The one thing that felt a bit odd was the back handle is quite chunky but I'm sure you get used to it.

 

Not tried the 576 but I'd be surprised if it would easily pull a 30" bar as a 395/660 both know if they are full bar in something hard with a 30" on.

[Peter]

All saws weigh the same once theyre in the cut.....

[Steve Bullman]

All saws weigh the same once theyre in the cut.....

 

yep what he said

[WoodED]

i havnt needed a saw bigger than my 576xp yet with a 24inch bar you can get away with most tree's

[Chris Sheppard]

i havnt needed a saw bigger than my 576xp yet with a 24inch bar you can get away with most tree's

 

Perhaps, but ringing up a 30 odd inch stem with a 24" bar is going to take a whole lot of time longer than it would with a big saw with a long enough bar.

 

There's getting away with something if you have to and there's having the right saw for the job

[Grass hopper]

Love working my 660 , rest it on the log and off it go's.

[Dan Curtis]

Personally I don't bother with medium saws, I have small ones and a bigger one. The biggun is a 395xp which usually has a 28" but I've got a 36" that it will just about run. Anything that won't do it's 88 time with a 4 footer:001_cool:

 

395s are ok to run all day, the weight isn't an issue as long as its in the kerf.

 

New 660's don't seem as grunty or well made as the 066 to me, hence why I have the (sort of) husky alternative

[Old Mill Tree Care]

All saws weigh the same once theyre in the cut.....

 

Not so simple when you're up a tree with it.