AndrewS

Out of interest, do you see any Dolmar PS5105? I bought one of the last Makita ea5000’s and I love it but it’s the wrong colour…😂!

On a related note, interested to know how people rate the MS361 vs more modern alternatives. I recently bought a brand new one overseas because I’m a stickler for simple, proven technology - shrewd move or am I missing out..?!

Exactly! Likely accompanied by a few chickens.

Thank you. I love the idea of having sheep cut the grass, and produce food for the freezer in the process… To do that sustainably and responsibly, I first wanted to prove to myself that I could grow grass. If it survives the winter, I’ll be confident to bring livestock in next spring. It was formerly part of an 11 acre small holding and I’ve re-registered the garden as an agricultural holding so we’re pretty much good to go 👍🏻

I’m likely not far from you in Banchory and have done something similar earlier this year to transform around 0.75acres of over-compacted moss bearing ground into knee deep sward. Really chuffed with the outcome. Not plain sailing but I’ve learned a lot along the way. Highlights: Researched soil type via James Hutton Institute - great resource. Had soil analysed. Found pH of 5.2, organic matter around 8% and severely depleted in N, P & K. Alleviated compaction with a 24” subsoiler pulled perpendicular to the (gentle) fall line every 5-6’ Loosened the top soil with a stone burier. Applied ~400kg agricultural gypsum to chemically soften the clay pan Applied bio lime Applied 10T of spent peat-based compost from a local potato grower Reseeded with a carefully considered mix of 20+ grasses, legumes, herbs and wildflowers from Cotswold Seeds. Applied chicken manure based fertiliser which is particularly high in N and P (phosphorus is vital for good root growth). Relatively early days but in the past 4 years, it was a struggle to grow grass beyond 3-4” high, roots penetrated the ground by 1” max and the soil, when dug had no discernible odour - it was basically dirt. Aside from supporting the new growth, where I have had cause to dig it the smell is reminiscent of a forest floor; it’s alive again! Feel free to PM me if you’d like any more detail. All the best.

What a cracking read! Many thanks to TVI and all the other contributors for so generously sharing your experiences and wisdom. I’m hoping to soon become the proud custodian of a modest 7 acre broadleaf woodland in NE Scotland. It’s taken almost a year to get to the point of engaging solicitors to conclude the purchase and I’m trying hard not to get ahead of myself but reading this I’m like the proverbial child in a sweet shop!

Firstly the winch - much easier and smoother than pushing the saw, the pricey rail system is superb and the synchronised rise/fall is way better than the chewing gum u-bolts on the columns of the Alaskan. The Alaskan works well, but if you’re planning to do a lot of milling I don’t think you’d regret the extra investment in a Panther.

Yup, dipped a toe in the water with an Alaskan Small Log Mill on a 361, got hooked, bought a full Alaskan Mill and ran it with a 460 and 25” bar, finally settled on a 660 with a 30” bar. I have no need to go bigger because I’ve got next to no mechanical handling aides. The 460 was a brilliant all rounder but I could have saved a fair amount of cash by going straight to the 660. I imagine the 880/881 is in a different league again. I would also say that, IMHO, the Panther mills address every one of the foibles with the Alaskan. If I was starting again, it would be with a Panther.

As has been said already, a razor sharp chain is the simplest safeguard for your saw, and perhaps dialling the oiler up to max. If in doubt, time each cut and resharpen as soon as the cuts slow down.

I’ve just bought some as a trial, price being the only reason to venture away from Stihl Synthplus - bought from my local Stihl dealer on account of their crews preferring it, albeit the salesman said it was more viscous, which made me twitch a bit... Planning to run it in my MS260 firewood saw and see what happens.

Any recommendations on bar oil @spudulike? Couldn’t agree more on the need for regular maintenance ?

Bilt Hamber Surfex HD is just one of those labour-saving products everyone needs in their life, it is fantastic stuff. Not suggesting it replaces the need for regular cleaning and maintenance but well worth trying if things get away from you. Regarding bar oil, what are people using? I’ve always used Stihl Synthplus without issue but is there something better out there..?

@tim361 I spoke with Andrew (Shavey) earlier today, he has and was very complimentary about the service received from Robin, albeit I understand there was a modest duty charge levied on the saw he bought.

PM’d you, thanks?