herby Posted November 24, 2016 Report Share Posted November 24, 2016 I started off wanting a Husqvarna 236 for £130 then was told they suffered problems, so then went onto the newer version 135. Then was told to look at the 435, now I have narrowed it down to a 555 or 550xp What one would be recommended? It is mainly for cutting rounds. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stumpy69 Posted November 24, 2016 Report Share Posted November 24, 2016 Big difference in price and quality between 135 and 550. guess if you are asking the question it is not for professional use. For home use the 435 is more than enough of a saw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted November 25, 2016 Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 Is the 555 xp not a pro saw thats tuned and has all the electrics on board. I have a 365 xt as its the detuned version of racier 372 xp. If your just general logging and cutting firewood the Echo CS-420-ES is a great saw and much lighter. My dad has the echo and i pick it up rather than my 365 xt. The echo is japanese uses less fuel less noise and fumes and a lot easier on your body if using for long periods, the 365 will run through big logs all day long. If i was buying again for occational use it would be the Echo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tadorna Posted November 25, 2016 Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 And if it is for occassional use, use Aspen fuel. Cheaper in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salop Matt Posted November 25, 2016 Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 Do folk actually rate Aspen fuel ? I have no experience of it but it seems expensive. Cheers Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpringDon Posted November 25, 2016 Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 It is expensive but it has a shelf life of more than five years. At the garden machinery place where I work, a large proportion of the problems of chainsaws and trimmer are old fuel related and require the carb to be cleaned out. That doesn't happen with aspen. For occasional users of chainsaws it's probably the best preventive maintenance you can do. Also we get more and more classic bike owners buying it for winter storage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GingerCat Posted November 25, 2016 Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 I've got a 135, had it 3 years. Trouble free and it's sawn up a lot of firewood. My neighbour has one too. His is also trouble free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weejase Posted November 25, 2016 Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 I also have a 135 that`s cut a fair few trees and it has never let me down. It`s also nice and light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kody Posted November 25, 2016 Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 2nd hand stihl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herby Posted November 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2016 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171669445441?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&var=470644124320&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT With a two year guarantee I could have 6 of these for the same price over 12 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fruitloop Posted November 26, 2016 Report Share Posted November 26, 2016 i have a 262xpg it was second hand when i got it and i have had it 20 years it runs like a new saw .... you cant falt a husqy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted November 26, 2016 Report Share Posted November 26, 2016 Yes i use aspen in all my two stroke petrol garden equipment,its expensive but not when one or two gallon last a year and less fumes and no worry of carbs gumming up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennett Posted November 26, 2016 Report Share Posted November 26, 2016 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171669445441?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&var=470644124320&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT With a two year guarantee I could have 6 of these for the same price over 12 years. Cheap, nasty underpowered tat. Trust me, the extra you spend on a real make will be more than worth it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpringDon Posted November 26, 2016 Report Share Posted November 26, 2016 +1 And try gets parts for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herby Posted November 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2016 Thanks for all the input. 365 it is. I found another thread by gixer1 on here stumbling through google with almost the same question. I am going to order one now. Found one on a black Friday deal for £550 24 20 18 inch bar is the next question Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted November 26, 2016 Report Share Posted November 26, 2016 24" of course or you will always wish you had a bigger one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted November 26, 2016 Report Share Posted November 26, 2016 (edited) The smaller the bar the faster the cut, so if a 18" bar will do what you need happy days. I went for a 20" on mine as it's in the middle and it's plenty quick enough when sharp. Be careful and wear the safety kit as it's like a motocross bike engine in your hands. Very impressive when in the cut. If you do put a 24" bar on cut out the baffle in the transfer port and retune it, it then runs like the pro saw. Edited November 26, 2016 by figgy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herby Posted November 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2016 24" of course or you will always wish you had a bigger one! I was thinking bigger haha The smaller the bar the faster the cut, so if a 18" bar will do what you need happy days. I went for a 20" on mine as it's in the middle and it's plenty quick enough when sharp. Be careful and wear the safety kit as it's like a motocross bike engine in your hands. Very impressive when in the cut. If you do put a 24" bar on cut out the baffle in the transfer port and retune it, it then runs like the pro saw. If using a 18 inch would I be better getting the 555 then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy RV Posted November 26, 2016 Report Share Posted November 26, 2016 I'm very happy with my 365! I've got a 20" and 30" bar for when it's on the Alaskan sawmill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thelongwayup Posted November 26, 2016 Report Share Posted November 26, 2016 Also got a 365. 18 + 24" bars. Get both. 18 for day to day and the bigger one for large limbs you need to cut. Also if an occasional user go with aspen fuel. It will save you a lot of headaches later on. Got mine through ft jones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herby Posted November 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2016 Some good prices on F R Jones Where is a good place to get spare bars and chains? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted November 27, 2016 Report Share Posted November 27, 2016 Hereby get the 365 you have not heard one person say its no good, they are about the best all round saw you can buy. Get the two bars as one poster has said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy RV Posted November 27, 2016 Report Share Posted November 27, 2016 FR Jones are very good for saws, for bars and chains I seem to remember that Chains Direct were the cheapest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalahari Posted November 27, 2016 Report Share Posted November 27, 2016 If you are starting out a 365 is a big beast if you haven't had proper training. Sorry to be a killjoy but you don't want a nasty injury, buy the protective kit and get trained. David. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tadorna Posted November 27, 2016 Report Share Posted November 27, 2016 www.chainsawbars.co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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