Hey guys,

I know there are quite a few experienced, professional tradesmen on here so I thought I'd throw this out there.

I need a bigger saw to process the larger trunks of trees for fire wood. My Husky 265/20" is still a good saw but I need something with a 36" bar and I want a true professional saw.

I've narrowed it down to the 390xp or the 392xp. I've read a little of the discussion on line and opinions are divided between the two. Something about outboard vs inboard clutch, handles and other features.

I'm not sure what the advantages of either are. I just need a stout, powerful saw that won't bog down.

Thanks for the help!

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

My advice on saws for many years was very easy to give and to understand. Buy an orange one. I've never had problems, nor known anyone who was sorry, after buying an orange saw. Then Poulan had to go and market an orange saw. Nevertheless, as long as it's orange and not a Poulan, you're okay. About ten years ago though, I saw a turbocharged Alpina, and was impressed. It was yellow, but that's almost orange. But, then here's a sad quote from their website.
I don't expect a leisure chainsaw to be the type you're interested in. But here's a guy on YouTube that seems to like them. Alpina Pro 120 chainsaws - YouTube

I asked the internet about inboard vs outboard clutches, and it told me that I don't saw enough trees to care. Here, have a look. It might tell you the same thing.
560XP/562XP have a outboard clutch

I have no idea how long the Alpina lasted. My Husqy is still going, after six or eight years or sporadic use, it still cranks right up.

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Remember, Safety Third!
'99 E300 Turbodiesel, '82 300TD, 1996 12V Cummins Turbo, '94 Neoplan - Detroit 6V92TA

Stihl, German designed and German reliability. They cost a bit more but what do you want? Cheap or long lasting?

I sure do like my Stihl chain saw.

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Jim

Quality is always a good deal. Yes, it may price out at a bit more $$$$, but in the long run, it is worth every dime. Stihl is a great company with a long history of making equipment that is built right.

The Stihl will have an inboard clutch and chain brake. There are also no loose parts to contend with when changing chains. A cover-mounted chain brake like some Husky's use is much harder to deal with. Stihl also has a much larger dealer network, as they don't sell in box stores. Parts availability is also excellent. They are still a family owned business, not a division of Electrolux, and all but their higher-end products are made right in Virginia Beach.

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'83 300D, 126K miles.

Take a look at what your local professional arborists are useing. I would almost guarantee it is Stihl unless there is no Stihl dealer within a reasonable distance.. For big saws I use Stihl, but for limbing I really like the Echo top handle. I also have a few Jonsereds which work great, and are pretty much a rebranded Husky, which means they come from the factory with an oil leak!

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1984 300TD 1981 240D

Another Stihl fan here. I've tried a couple from cheaper brands, and they were, in fewest words, Cheaper in all ways

I'll probably be purchasing a Stihl weed eater soon.

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Jim

Husqvarna owns Poulan, McCulloch, Jonesred.

My Husky has been very reliable, and I mostly saw very hard mesquite. It's not a pro size either.

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You're a daisy if you do.
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84 Euro 240D 4spd. 220.5k sold
04 Honda Element AWD
1985 F150 XLT 4x4, 351W with 270k miles, hay hauler
1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4
1993 Toyota 4wd Pickup 226K and counting

I deal with a lot of municipal and commercial clients that have property to maintain and hear all the tales of what doesn't make it thru warranty and who backs the product.

i have never heard any of my clients crews say anything good about Pohlan or any of the brands they own. Out of the Box problems, Warranty problems, Repair problems, you name it...

Stihl is what I own, what I used as a young man clearing property in North Fla (water cypress) and what I have never had to write a letter to the maker about. Drop it off a boat into the water? No problem, pull the spark plug, pull 4 times, reinstall and oil and pull start and go back to cutting...

'Nuff Said...

I like your Stihl chainsaw also, what did you name it?

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For the Saved, this world is the worst it will ever get.
For the unSaved, this world is the best it will ever get.

Clk's Ebay Stuff BUY SOMETHING NOW!!!

I did and I haven't looked back.

I went through my third Troy-bilt motor, and I decided I needed to step up in quality (and price).

Stihl has both consumer and commercial grade motors. I bought the commercial grade, and the difference is enormous compared to what's available at the likes of Home Depot or Lowes.

I first bought the weed wacker, then the edge trimmer and the leaf blower. My next purchase will be the hedge trimmer. I'm still using the electric hedgehog, but I hat pulling around a 100 foot cord.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Thanks. I just call it the chainsaw.

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Jim

Here is a pic of my steel saw. It is now wall art but it will still start up and cut fine.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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Jim