I'm new here so please forgive the possible lack of arb jargon since I am a forestry man! I'm spending some of the winter butressing and felling big Sitka / Hemlock / etc for the FC and in need of a saw for the purpose. I've always been a Stihl man and have been using my rock solid 036 thus far. However, my colleagues are using MS460s for the obvious reason. Looking at saws in this range I have of course considered the Husky 372XP, the Stihl MS441 and MS460. I am least likely to go for the Husky due to price and the two Stihls have frustrating comparitives i.e. they both weigh the same for 0.4hp difference, the 441 is newer technology, costs a little less etc etc etc. The 441s lower emissions actually appeal since an exhaust next to a butress all day tends to dictate ones immediate lungful! I once had an MS660 and have also thought about just getting that, running an 18" bar as I would on all of them (or 20"), and having loads of grunt for another kilo or so, bearing in mind I'm not lifting the saw much. However, I've recently been directed away from the established makes to the Makita DCS 7900/1 since on paper it is lighter and more powerful that 372/441/460. Not only that it costs a lot less too. Carrying a blue saw into the woods is possibly asking for ridicule but I've also heard that the Makita will outcut its immediate rivals. Any thoughts...? I've owned a Makita DCS9010 and it was so heavy I got rid. Thanks. J.
