Looking for a new rear handle 'in tree' saw.

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The 60cc class of saws are awesome cutting tools but not fun to hang on a saddle. The 346XP is capable of very good performance with a 20 inch bar and is MUCH lighter than the bigger saws. Had a Dolmar 540 and a Solo 651 that were pretty nice for the 1st step up from a 200T also....but the 346 is marvy.
 
The 346 is great stock, but I am running a 346 ported by Treemonkey in WI - it is a S T R O N G saw, and very lightweight. I'm running an 18" bar with 3/8 .050 Stihl RMC semi-chisel chain. Honestly, I go straight from this saw to my 372, or even my 385.
 
A few like the Husky 555, good bang for the buck they say.

Not run one myself so YMMV.

My 20"s are on a 372 or a 441.
My 346 wears a 18" and that is just for reach.
Fully buried in hardwood and it is a slow go compared to the 70cc class.
 
The 346 is great stock, but I am running a 346 ported by Treemonkey in WI - it is a S T R O N G saw, and very lightweight. I'm running an 18" bar with 3/8 .050 Stihl RMC semi-chisel chain. Honestly, I go straight from this saw to my 372, or even my 385.


I've got a ported 346 as well, running pretty much the same setup. It rocks!
 
I like my ported 242xp, but you have to go back a few years to remember those. One of the fastest stock chain speeds ever known to man. Sometimes I check the market to see if used ones are still around, even though mine is still good. Love them. Great limbing saw as well. A tad lighter than the 246xp.
 
I haven't had a chance to run one, but from what I've seen I think if I had to have one saw only, the 562 would most likely be my choice.
For the 50cc class, I'm still loving my Dolmar 5100! Modded and running a 20" with 3/8" chain. Nasty little bugger in a small package!
 
I found my 550XP was better for aerial work then my 562. With an 18"-20" on the 550 that was all I needed off the ground, nice lightweight compact and even better power and speed then my stock 346NE. That poor old 346 is still collecting dust in the workshop:D
 
To add to my last post I hear the Stihl MS261CM is a real screamer too, also heard of a MS241CM over in Europe with lots of potential also.
 
I like my ported 242xp, but you have to go back a few years to remember those. One of the fastest stock chain speeds ever known to man. Sometimes I check the market to see if used ones are still around, even though mine is still good. Love them. Great limbing saw as well. A tad lighter than the 246xp.

I just picked up a 242xp it is kind of a frankensaw because it is a 242 slug and jug on a 246 bottom end. I haven't had a chance to run her yet but I can't wait.
 
Good luck with it, Rajan. Interested to hear your results. I had 3/8" lo-pro on mine, but recently switched over to .325.
 
Customer just gave me a 242 ...have not had time to check it out yet...near new for use....I will probably put a shorter bar on it, take it up off the ground ...see if it is a good climb saw for me. A nice Gimmee...
 
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Took it out and ran a tank and a half of pre-mix through it to set the carb. Strong runner. Hey Cory, if you see this, I'd be interested to hear how your 576's are holding up?

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Weight is almost spot on with the MS441 I use everyday. I'll probably end up with a 550XP as well. . . 8)
 
I just bought a 562 and am pushing a 24" bar without any troubles at all.

This things runs like a raped ape! Torquey lil guy. :)

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It still comes down to what level of parts and service you can expect in your locale. Here in my town in NW Oregon, forget a Huskey, Johnny, Solo, whatever...Stihl is the only game in town, and it's a pretty solid game at that.

That said, my orange and white 361 has been ultra reliable and pulls a 25" bar in our softwoods and wannabe hardwoods just fine. With a 20" bar, it is VERY strong.
 
It still comes down to what level of parts and service you can expect in your locale. Here in my town in NW Oregon, forget a Huskey, Johnny, Solo, whatever...Stihl is the only game in town, and it's a pretty solid game at that.

That said, my orange and white 361 has been ultra reliable and pulls a 25" bar in our softwoods and wannabe hardwoods just fine. With a 20" bar, it is VERY strong.

Stihl Northwest in Chehalis goes back a long long ways in history.:)
 
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