'First' Saw Demo/Advice?

[Dan White]

Evening All,

 

After trawling loads of threads here, I'm pretty set on a 372XP or 576XP (G - any duffer can be cold!) as my 'first' proper saw. Since doing my CS30/31 last summer I've realized how knackered my hand-me-down 1970's Husky is and how crap my selection of B&Q specials are!

 

I'm doing the four week MOD leavers course at Kingswood this spring prior to looking for any description of tree work & climbing experience; so my decision is based on versatility/longevity and with a few different length bars I'm hoping I should have a saw capable of most jobs thrown at a groundie, forestry novice or trainee Arborist! Of course I'd love to pair it with a T540 in time but not yet!

 

Is there anywhere in Herefordshire/Worcestershire/Shropshire that I could get my hands on some saws and talk to someone face to face who knows what they're talking about. There's only so far I can go by asking online!

 

And in answer to the inevitable 'why not an MS 4##?', I'm open to all advice - just always had Husky's!

 

Cheers!

 

Dan

[TreeswingerPerth]

You won't go far wrong with a 372xp , great all rounder IMO

[roseyweb]

Big saw for light snedding up or even forestry work, I have one there great but wouldt wanna swing it all day unless the size of timber warranted it

[Spruce Pirate]

Big saw for light snedding up or even forestry work, I have one there great but wouldt wanna swing it all day unless the size of timber warranted it

 

I'd agree with that. Why not a 560XPG? Very good all round saw.

[PC tree]

2nd hand 346xp(if u can find one) Never had a problem with mine, light with good grunt on 15"

[Dan White]

Thanks guys, I was looking at the 560 to start with for that very reason. But based on the 'choose only one saw' type threads my thinking was for versatility with the payoff of a heavier saw? I did like someone's quote that its only the 18 year old wants to use an 880 all day!

[Spruce Pirate]

If I was looking for only one saw I'd go with the 560. Screams when your snedding with it, enough power to fell bigger timber, stick an 18" bar on it and off you go.

[Brushcutter]

To be honest do you really need a 70cc saw to start off with? I'll be honest and say i did but it was heavy very very heavy by the end of the day. I got a 346 shortly after and well the 70CC saw rarely came out.

 

If you want something very versatile get a 60cc saw the 560xpg. Have a 13" 15" 18" bar for it and you'll be able to tackle most things with less weight, less vibes and less fuel consumption. You'll have the option of running 3/8 chain on it as well.

 

Don't know your experience but felling with a 70cc saw is a lot quicker than a 50/60cc saw. When your learning it makes a big difference.

[Dan White]

Thanks brushcutter, that's exactly the type of thinking I was after.

 

Can anybody recommend a dealer in my neck of the woods?

[Husky D]

There's Powell's of Hereford or Harris's in Llangarren. Both would help you I'm sure.

I'd echo the 560 recommendation or a 357 if you could find a clean second hand one.