Stihl 650 Chainsaw Explained (5 Pro Tips for Wood Processing)
Adaptability is the name of the game when you’re wrestling with wood, especially when a beast like the Stihl MS 650 chainsaw is your partner. It’s a tool that can handle everything from felling massive trees to bucking firewood with surprising agility. Today, I’m going to dive deep into how you can maximize its potential while keeping a sharp eye on your budget. The Stihl MS 650 isn’t just a chainsaw; it’s an investment. And like any investment, you need to understand its true cost, its potential, and how to make it work for you.
The Stihl MS 650: A Deep Dive
The Stihl MS 650 is a professional-grade chainsaw renowned for its power and reliability. It’s a favorite among loggers, arborists, and anyone who regularly deals with large-diameter wood. But with great power comes great responsibility—and significant costs.
Understanding the Beast
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of costs, let’s understand what makes the Stihl MS 650 special. It typically features:
- Engine Displacement: Around 91.6 cc
- Power Output: Approximately 7.0 bhp (5.2 kW)
- Weight: Roughly 16.8 lbs (without bar and chain)
- Bar Length: Typically available from 20″ to 36″, but can accommodate longer bars for specific applications.
These specs translate to serious cutting power. I’ve used this saw to fell trees that would make lesser saws weep, and it chews through hardwoods like butter. However, this power comes at a price, not just in the initial purchase but also in ongoing maintenance and operation.
Pro Tip 1: Mastering the Art of the Cut
A dull chain is your worst enemy. It not only slows you down but also puts unnecessary strain on the saw, leading to increased fuel consumption and potential damage. Here’s how I keep my chain razor-sharp:
- Regular Sharpening: I sharpen my chain after every two tanks of fuel, or more frequently if I’m cutting dirty or abrasive wood.
- Proper Filing Technique: Maintaining the correct angle and depth is crucial. I use a Stihl 2-in-1 Easy File to ensure consistent results. This tool helps maintain both the cutter and depth gauge simultaneously.
- Chain Selection: Choosing the right chain for the job is vital. For example, a full-chisel chain is great for clean wood, while a semi-chisel chain is more forgiving when cutting dirty wood.
Cost Implications:
- Sharpening: A good quality chainsaw file costs around $15-$30. A 2-in-1 filing tool like the Stihl Easy File can cost $40-$60.
- Chain Replacement: A new chain for the MS 650 can range from $30-$80, depending on the length and type.
- Fuel Consumption: A dull chain can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20-30%.
Data Point: According to a study by the University of Maine, properly sharpened chains can increase cutting efficiency by up to 40%.
The Initial Investment: More Than Just the Price Tag
The sticker price of a Stihl MS 650 is just the beginning. Let’s break down the initial investment:
- Chainsaw: $1,200 – $1,500 (depending on location and dealer)
- Bar and Chain: $100 – $200 (depending on length and type)
- Safety Gear: $200 – $500 (helmet, chaps, gloves, eye protection, ear protection)
- Fuel and Oil: $50 (for initial supply)
- Maintenance Tools: $50 – $100 (files, screnches, bar wrench)
Total Initial Investment: $1,600 – $2,350
Personal Story: I remember when I first bought my MS 650. I was so focused on the chainsaw itself that I almost forgot about the safety gear. A friend of mine, a seasoned logger, reminded me that “you can’t put a price on your limbs.” He was right. Investing in quality safety gear is non-negotiable.
Pro Tip 2: Fuel and Oil: The Lifeblood of Your Saw
The Stihl MS 650 is a thirsty beast. It requires a specific fuel-oil mixture to run optimally and avoid engine damage. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:
- Fuel Mixture: Stihl recommends a 50:1 fuel-to-oil ratio. This means 50 parts gasoline to 1 part two-stroke oil.
- Oil Quality: Use a high-quality two-stroke oil specifically designed for air-cooled engines. Stihl Ultra HP is a popular choice.
- Fuel Type: Use fresh, high-octane gasoline (at least 89 octane). Avoid using old or stale fuel.
Cost Implications:
- Two-Stroke Oil: A gallon of Stihl Ultra HP oil costs around $30-$40.
- Gasoline: The cost of gasoline varies, but let’s assume an average of $3.50 per gallon.
- Fuel Consumption: The MS 650 can consume 1-2 gallons of fuel per day, depending on the workload.
Calculations:
- Oil Cost per Gallon of Fuel: $30 (oil) / 50 gallons (mixture) = $0.60 per gallon
- Total Fuel Cost per Gallon: $3.50 (gasoline) + $0.60 (oil) = $4.10 per gallon
- Daily Fuel Cost: $4.10 (per gallon) x 1-2 gallons = $4.10 – $8.20 per day
Data Point: According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average retail gasoline price in the U.S. was $3.45 per gallon in October 2023.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Saw in Tip-Top Shape
Regular maintenance is crucial to prolonging the life of your Stihl MS 650 and preventing costly repairs. Here’s my maintenance routine:
- Daily: Clean air filter, check chain tension, inspect bar and chain for damage.
- Weekly: Sharpen chain, clean spark plug, lubricate bar.
- Monthly: Replace air filter, check fuel filter, inspect recoil starter.
- Annually: Replace spark plug, inspect fuel lines, clean carburetor.
Cost Implications:
- Air Filter: $5 – $10
- Spark Plug: $5 – $10
- Fuel Filter: $5 – $10
- Bar Oil: $15 – $20 per gallon
- Professional Service: $50 – $100 per hour
Personal Story: I once neglected to clean the air filter on my MS 650. The engine started running rough, and I eventually had to take it to a mechanic. The repair cost me $150, all because I skipped a simple maintenance task. Lesson learned: Don’t skimp on maintenance!
Pro Tip 3: Bar and Chain Management: The Cutting Edge
The bar and chain are the heart of your chainsaw. Choosing the right bar and chain, and maintaining them properly, can significantly impact your cutting performance and overall costs.
- Bar Length: Choose a bar length that is appropriate for the size of the trees you are felling. A longer bar is useful for felling large trees, but it can be unwieldy for smaller tasks.
- Chain Type: As mentioned earlier, choose the right chain for the type of wood you are cutting.
- Bar Maintenance: Keep the bar rails clean and square. Use a bar rail dresser to remove burrs and ensure smooth chain movement.
- Chain Tension: Maintain proper chain tension to prevent the chain from derailing and causing damage.
Cost Implications:
- Bar Rail Dresser: $20 – $30
- Chain Breaker and Rivet Spinner: $50 – $100 (for chain repair)
- Bar Replacement: $50 – $150 (depending on length and quality)
Data Point: A study by Oregon Products found that using a bar rail dresser can extend the life of a chainsaw bar by up to 50%.
Common Repairs and Their Costs
Even with the best maintenance, repairs are inevitable. Here are some common repairs for the Stihl MS 650 and their associated costs:
- Carburetor Repair/Replacement: $50 – $200
- Recoil Starter Repair/Replacement: $50 – $150
- Ignition Module Replacement: $50 – $150
- Piston/Cylinder Replacement: $300 – $500 (major repair)
Personal Story: I once had to replace the carburetor on my MS 650. I tried to do it myself, but I ended up making things worse. I finally took it to a professional, who charged me $150 for the repair. In hindsight, it would have been cheaper to take it to a professional in the first place.
Pro Tip 4: Understanding Wood Species and Their Impact on Costs
The type of wood you are processing can significantly impact your costs. Hardwoods like oak and maple are more difficult to cut than softwoods like pine and fir. This means you’ll use more fuel, wear out your chain faster, and potentially need more repairs.
- Hardwoods: Require more power and sharper chains.
- Softwoods: Easier to cut but can be more abrasive due to higher sap content.
Cost Implications:
- Increased Fuel Consumption: Cutting hardwoods can increase fuel consumption by 10-20%.
- Faster Chain Wear: Hardwoods can dull your chain faster, requiring more frequent sharpening or replacement.
- Increased Maintenance: The added strain of cutting hardwoods can lead to more frequent repairs.
Data Point: According to the Forest Products Laboratory, hardwoods have a density of 0.50 g/cm³ or greater, while softwoods have a density of less than 0.50 g/cm³.
Labor Costs: DIY vs. Hiring Help
If you’re processing wood for firewood or logging, you’ll need to factor in labor costs. You can either do the work yourself or hire help.
- DIY: Saves money but requires more time and effort.
- Hiring Help: Frees up your time but adds to your costs.
Cost Implications:
- Hourly Wage: The average hourly wage for a logger or firewood handler is $15-$30 per hour, depending on location and experience.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: If you hire employees, you’ll need to pay for workers’ compensation insurance, which can add 10-20% to your labor costs.
Calculations:
- Daily Labor Cost: $15-$30 (per hour) x 8 hours = $120 – $240 per day
- Workers’ Compensation Cost: $120 (daily labor cost) x 0.10 (insurance rate) = $12 per day
Personal Story: I’ve done both DIY and hired help for firewood processing. When I was younger and had more time, I did it all myself. Now that I’m older and busier, I often hire a couple of guys to help me out. It costs more, but it saves me a lot of time and effort.
Pro Tip 5: Budgeting and Cost Optimization
Here are some tips for budgeting and optimizing your costs when using the Stihl MS 650:
- Track Your Expenses: Keep track of all your expenses, including fuel, oil, maintenance, repairs, and labor. This will help you identify areas where you can save money.
- Buy in Bulk: Buy fuel, oil, and other supplies in bulk to save money.
- Maintain Your Equipment: Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs.
- Sharpen Your Chain Regularly: A sharp chain is more efficient and reduces fuel consumption.
- Negotiate Prices: Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices with suppliers and contractors.
- Consider Used Equipment: You can save money by buying used equipment, but be sure to inspect it carefully before you buy.
- Plan Ahead: Plan your projects carefully to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Data Point: According to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business, 40% of small business owners don’t track their expenses.
Calculating the Cost per Cord of Firewood
If you’re processing wood for firewood, you’ll want to calculate the cost per cord. Here’s how:
- Calculate Your Total Costs: Add up all your expenses, including chainsaw costs, fuel, oil, maintenance, repairs, labor, and any other costs.
- Determine Your Production Rate: How many cords of firewood can you produce in a day or week?
- Divide Your Total Costs by Your Production Rate: This will give you the cost per cord.
Example:
- Total Costs: $500 per week
- Production Rate: 5 cords per week
- Cost per Cord: $500 / 5 = $100 per cord
Data Point: The average price per cord of firewood in the U.S. ranges from $150 to $400, depending on location, wood species, and seasoning.
The Environmental Factor: Responsible Wood Processing
It’s crucial to consider the environmental impact of your wood processing activities. Sustainable forestry practices can help protect our forests for future generations.
- Selective Cutting: Avoid clear-cutting and practice selective cutting to maintain forest diversity.
- Reforestation: Plant new trees to replace the ones you harvest.
- Proper Disposal: Dispose of waste materials properly to avoid polluting the environment.
Cost Implications:
- Sustainable Forestry Certification: Obtaining sustainable forestry certification can add to your costs, but it can also increase the value of your wood.
- Reforestation Costs: Planting new trees can cost $100-$500 per acre, depending on the species and planting method.
Data Point: According to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, sustainably managed forests provide clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities.
Safety First: Protecting Yourself and Others
Safety should always be your top priority when working with a chainsaw. Here are some safety tips:
- Wear Safety Gear: Always wear a helmet, chaps, gloves, eye protection, and ear protection.
- Inspect Your Equipment: Inspect your chainsaw before each use to ensure it is in good working order.
- Use Proper Cutting Techniques: Use proper cutting techniques to avoid kickback and other hazards.
- Work in a Safe Area: Work in a clear and level area, away from obstacles and bystanders.
- Take Breaks: Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.
- Never Work Alone: Always work with a partner in case of an emergency.
Cost Implications:
- Medical Expenses: A chainsaw accident can result in serious injuries and costly medical expenses.
- Lost Income: A chainsaw accident can also result in lost income due to time off work.
- Liability: If you injure someone else while using a chainsaw, you could be held liable for their medical expenses and lost income.
Data Point: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 30,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for chainsaw-related injuries.
The Stihl MS 650: A Long-Term Investment
The Stihl MS 650 is a powerful and reliable chainsaw that can handle a wide range of wood processing tasks. While it represents a significant initial investment, with proper maintenance and careful budgeting, it can be a valuable tool for years to come. By understanding the costs involved and implementing cost-saving strategies, you can maximize the value of your investment and achieve your wood processing goals.
Actionable Takeaways
- Prioritize Safety: Invest in quality safety gear and always follow safety guidelines.
- Maintain Your Equipment: Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and prolong the life of your chainsaw.
- Track Your Expenses: Keep track of all your expenses to identify areas where you can save money.
- Optimize Your Cutting Techniques: Use proper cutting techniques to increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
- Consider the Environmental Impact: Practice sustainable forestry practices to protect our forests for future generations.
- Sharpen Regularly: Always keep a sharp chain.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your Stihl MS 650 and achieve your wood processing goals while staying within your budget. Remember, a little planning and preparation can go a long way in the world of wood processing. So, grab your saw, sharpen your chain, and get to work! And always, always, prioritize safety. A well-maintained saw and a cautious operator are the keys to success.
