Thread: show us your chainsaws

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

Currently running a 575xp as main saw and a 251 for delimbing/cleanup, looking at getting another strong mid range/ big saw, who has what for sale? I like Husky but not averse to the rest. Currently have another 575xp and a 288 on the shortlist.

How do you find the 251? After the 'professional' type saws, they seem a little plasticky and lacking in go for me. Guess they get the job done though...

Lots of options in the mid range / big saw area, if the 575xp is doing it for you get another the same (a lot of advantages to this approach as everything is the same and you can hold one spare bar, set of seals etc to cover both saws). If you want to step up a saw class from the 575, I'd be looking at making a bigger step up in saw size than to the 288 and get something that can take a couple of bar sizes bigger. But often you pay the weight and handling penalty and end up using the mid-ranger for everything anyway.

I got rid of my 288, as it didn't do anything my MS361 didn't provided I do my bit and keep the chain sharp - I don't have anything that a 22" bar won't go through and the 288 is a LOT heavier than the 361. I will admit the 288 was a much more 'manly' saw. Having said that, the 361 is a bit smaller than the 575-class saws but really does punch above it's weight. I have a well-worked 260 that is pretty much my main saw I grab if I need something larger reduced so similar to the 251 size, the 260 with a sharp chain and a 15" bar is like the finger of god - wave it at what you want cut and it is! The thing I find I'm reaching for most often now is the little Black&Decker 'Alligator' ladies' electric pruning chainsaw - it's an ugly awkward two-handled covered bar thing that, just sort of works!