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For the price of that 500 fuel injected ferrari, you could probably buy a 241pro for light pruning stuff and a 462 for the heavier stuff.
Unless you are a professional logger, there isn't much you cant do with a 462 that need to go for a 661. You can pull a 36" half skip chain with a 462... |
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Quoted: It's a sweet saw. I picked up a 500i with full wrap handles, 25in bar, and large dogs back in March and have about 15 tanks through it. Absolutely rips. Mostly used for bucking up Doug fir and Ponderosa up to 35in. in diameter. What used to be minutes with my 291 is now done in seconds. Never thought the full wrap would be as useful as it is, but I recommend them. Runs fawsome. Would buy again or at least a 462. Some guys are saying there are fines getting in the intake because of the air filter design, but I haven't seen any in my saw. But I did stick a piece of 1/4 in foam under the cover as a precaution. Also it's seems a little sensitive with one month old mix. Fresh mix, zero issues. View Quote I did the same thing on my air filter....I didn't see the issue but figured it was a cheap insurance policy. I'd like to get the full wrap handle for my 500i. |
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Quoted: For the price of that 500 fuel injected ferrari, you could probably buy a 241pro for light pruning stuff and a 462 for the heavier stuff. Unless you are a professional logger, there isn't much you cant do with a 462 that need to go for a 661. You can pull a 36" half skip chain with a 462... View Quote |
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Quoted: Winner. Couldn't imagine hauling around OP's saw for more than an hour or two before my arms went numb. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Stihl FarmBoss. Winner. Couldn't imagine hauling around OP's saw for more than an hour or two before my arms went numb. Farm Boss 12.3 pounds and 3.49 hp 500i 13.9 pounds and 6.7 hp |
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I dont feel the fanboi love for the 500i.
Its a "hipsters hotsaw", not as balsy as a 661 or as nimble as a 462. The most supprising saw Sthil has made in a long time is the MS400. That thing tears arse, its light and punches well above its weight. That would be my all round best choice. |
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Been using my MS250 for years without any issues.....has been great. My dad just gave me his MS250, he bought a Craftsman, it is easier to start.
If I did not have Stihls, I would buy a Husky You know when it is a day or two after a hurricane here....you wake up to sounds of generators and chain saws, the sweet smell of 2 stroke exhaust in the air. |
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Quoted: Look up the specs. And considering the massive power difference, the farm boss will wear you out quick if you are cutting a big tree. I ran 4 tanks of gas through the 500i today and it didn't wear me out. YMMV Farm Boss 12.3 pounds and 3.49 hp 500i 13.9 pounds and 6.7 hp View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Stihl FarmBoss. Winner. Couldn't imagine hauling around OP's saw for more than an hour or two before my arms went numb. Farm Boss 12.3 pounds and 3.49 hp 500i 13.9 pounds and 6.7 hp Exactly....I used a ms271 for years as a firewood saw. I'll get more done, in less time with the 500i for a small weight increase. |
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Quoted: I dont feel the fanboi love for the 500i. Its a "hipsters hotsaw", not as balsy as a 661 or as nimble as a 462. The most supprising saw Sthil has made in a long time is the MS400. That thing tears arse, its light and punches well above its weight. That would be my all round best choice. View Quote We have two of the 400 saws. They're really good. I just need more when felling a big oak like I did today. But they would be awesome for most people as a do it all saw. |
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Quoted: For the price of that 500 fuel injected ferrari, you could probably buy a 241pro for light pruning stuff and a 462 for the heavier stuff. Unless you are a professional logger, there isn't much you cant do with a 462 that need to go for a 661. You can pull a 36" half skip chain with a 462... View Quote 462 is around $1200, 261 (I am not aware of a 241 pro) is about $600. The 500i is about $1400. You can buy a decent amount of chain and bar oil/gas for that extra $400. |
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I remember when Stihl released the 046 in 1997. Guys would port them and they would perfom like 064's.
I'll wager a ported, dropped ( cylinder light lowered) and muffler modified 046 would drown a 500i. Its finding a 046 in good enough condition to invest the parts in thats the problem. I do like the great vibration dampening on these new saws, my hands need it after 25 years running saws all day. |
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Husqvarna 272/372
If you’re a chainsaw mechanic like me finding one used and repairing them is great! Parts are plentiful! |
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Quoted: I remember when Stihl released the 046 in 1997. Guys would port them and they would perfom like 064's. I'll wager a ported, dropped ( cylinder light lowered) and muffler modified 046 would drown a 500i. Its finding a 046 in good enough condition to invest the parts in thats the problem. I do like the great vibration dampening on these new saws, my hands need it after 25 years running saws all day. View Quote |
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Quoted: And add one of these: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/21383/71jiDS8lefL__AC_SL1500__jpg-2092803.JPG View Quote Get both, I picked that up with the 500i...only 25" bar though |
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Quoted: I bought mine a couple months ago with a 25" light bar....it's an awesome saw for sure. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/397309/E9F807C0-8BE2-4351-BCE5-68C1B0EF4866-2034853.jpg View Quote amazing the difference with the lightweight bar |
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Quoted: love my 272, it has never let me down,, I still can't believe I cheated on it with the 500i I think it is the bent handle. View Quote The bent handle is why I prefer the "Red" Huskies. My Jonsered 2171 (same as Husky 372XP other than air cleaner and handle) is my favorite chainsaw by far. I would never part with the 2153 (same as Husky 346XP) either. |
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372xp will always be the best all around saw made. Light enough to use all day and powerful enough to pull a 36” bar if the need arises.
The sound of one screaming at 13,000 rpms can’t be beat as well |
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Quoted: amazing the difference with the lightweight bar View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: I bought mine a couple months ago with a 25" light bar....it's an awesome saw for sure. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/397309/E9F807C0-8BE2-4351-BCE5-68C1B0EF4866-2034853.jpg amazing the difference with the lightweight bar Yep....I never knew how much difference a saw being balanced made after a long day of cutting. After using the light bar for a day you quickly realize how much difference it makes. I'll never own a bar over 20" that isn't a lightweight bar again. |
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Quoted: 462 is around $1200, 261 (I am not aware of a 241 pro) is about $600. The 500i is about $1400. You can buy a decent amount of chain and bar oil/gas for that extra $400. View Quote There was a 241 pro saw, a friend has one, just bought it a couple years ago. I think it might be discontinued now. |
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I have one size smaller Stihl than that one. Felled a whole bunch of trees, beat the shit out of it for 3 years straight. Love it! Ended up with 42 trees less on my property. Had to hire about 8-10 of em out, and electric company did 5 or 6, though. Too close to power lines and/ or house.
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Quoted: 372xp will always be the best all around saw made. Light enough to use all day and powerful enough to pull a 36” bar if the need arises. The sound of one screaming at 13,000 rpms can’t be beat as well View Quote The 372XP was always the poor man's solution to the Stihl 440/441 and they always took second fiddle in every category. |
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I am pretty happy with my Husky 562 XP. Has 20 " bar.
Does about all I need to do. Could pull a 24 if needed. |
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I'm happy with my combo of a 490 and a 590 Timberwolf. Love my Echo's! Light stuff gets the 490, big cuts and trunks get the Timberwolf.
Attached File |
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If I could only have one, it'd be my ported ms 261. It rips compared to the stock version.
I reserve the right to change my answer when my 500i shows up. I've been waiting about four months now. for those that have the 500, how long did you have to wait? |
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Any stihl.
I own or have owned 261, 441, 362, 462. I had poulan and homelite back in 80’s. I like 462 best of all. Awesome saw. |
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For several years I would have answered Stihl Farm Boss because it was my only chainsaw (not counting my grandfather's Homelite XL-12 that runs but is retired from service).
But it's very difficult to say now that I've acquired a Milwaukee M12 FUEL pruning saw. I cannot believe how light, maneuverable, and convenient it is. Really has me thinking about getting a larger cordless, brushless electric saw. Might be the best of both worlds. |
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Quoted: And add one of these: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/21383/71jiDS8lefL__AC_SL1500__jpg-2092803.JPG View Quote Those work very well. I only have a little Farm Boss saw. |
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Quoted: Those work very well. I only have a little Farm Boss saw. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: And add one of these: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/21383/71jiDS8lefL__AC_SL1500__jpg-2092803.JPG Those work very well. I only have a little Farm Boss saw. Ditto. I have a Farm Boss 20”, and I have cut some big ass trees so far… |
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Gears of War 3 | Lancer Kills |
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Quoted: If I could only have one, it'd be my ported ms 261. It rips compared to the stock version. I reserve the right to change my answer when my 500i shows up. I've been waiting about four months now. for those that have the 500, how long did you have to wait? View Quote My dealer has only gotten a few of them, I stopped in for something else and they just happened to be putting one on the shelf. So my wait was only the 60 seconds or so it took me to impulse buy it |
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Quoted: Ditto. Id rather not depend on my dealer for anything other than stickers and calendars. A 044 or 038 super ported View Quote Like I said I've still got my ported/built West German 038m2, it would easily outcut an 046m when they came out, but it's a heavy beast, especially with the full wrap and long bar on it, and it's ancient, lots of stuff goes after that many years. My 026 is probably due for the same treatment since I think the original rings are getting thin, no wear on the skirt yet but most people don't have the skills or the inclination to rebuild and old saw rather than buy a new one. These newer, lighter saws with more power must be fantastic to use. I've always really liked Jonsered too, for the one guy who mentioned them, they really were the best saws being produced for a while there. I had one of the big ones for a ripping saw for a while but I sold it when that job was done. You guys saying Farm Boss need to try a pro saw. |
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Is the fuel injection good in cold or damp weather? Considering replacing my old Sthil.
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I had a little Echo with a 14" bar, and it was great for almost 10 years for small pruning tasks around the house and light storm cleanup. I let it sit a year and half in the garage, and when I went to remove the bar to replace the chain, I discovered that when I went to unscrew the nuts, it actually removed the anchor point inside the saw. It required a brand new housing which would have cost $125. I decided to pass on that repair and bought a Stihl with an 18" bar that destroys oak limbs at a terrifying pace for $300. Money well spent, IMO.
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Stihl MS 261 w/18” bar for my property. Mostly spruce here. It’s great for processing tree length hardwood for firewood as well.
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Quoted: You carry a 1911, don't you, Gramps? Don't get me wrong...both are/were good saws. Technology keeps churning along though. View Quote Totally agree! But I have witnessed first hand that after years of real use and abuse they just work. If I could have just one, I don’t want it in the shop. |
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Quoted: Stihl MS 261 w/18” bar for my property. Mostly spruce here. It’s great for processing tree length hardwood for firewood as well. View Quote We should all agree that the 261cm is always the first answer then branch out from there. I'd also add the echo 2511t if you know what your doing |
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Nice saws, I just have a Husky but dad has always used Stihl farm bosses, the old 029 Super!
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Quoted: If I could only have one, it'd be my ported ms 261. It rips compared to the stock version. I reserve the right to change my answer when my 500i shows up. I've been waiting about four months now. for those that have the 500, how long did you have to wait? View Quote We searched the internet and they came up in stock @ a couple sores in the east, my nephew had his shipped to him, then one popped on a local watchlist he had, and I snagged it :) about a month wait for me. |
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My stihl dealer up north says the 261 is their most popular saw sold.
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