I have all of my time and maintenance and such calculated into my hourly costs so that's all figured out but a pro grade saw is overkill for what I'm going to be doing.

Bigger saw and bar doesn’t give less control the opposite actually. Pro series saws rather it be husky or stihl have been on diets for years now very light weight. Longer bars = less bending over or when clearing brush reaching saw up to high. Used saws are never a good choice if the saw is going to be used for a line of work. If you enjoy working on your chainsaw by all means buy a used saw but it more then likely isn’t going to be saving you money in the long run no warranty to start off with plus to many things you just couldn’t know about the saw. Used chainsaw could be running great when you buy it but how well it was treated till you got it will determine how long you’ll get to enjoy a good running saw. For the work you said your going to be doing with it save up the extra cash and get ms362 or ms400 both very capable of running the 25” lightweight bars and can fell bigger trees or clean up small stuff in a breeze also very light weight even with the longer bars on them. They are also very fuel efficient. If not wanting to stick stihl then Husky 562 or 572 capable of running 28” bars with ease. Again longer bars are much nicer to run and more comfortable on the body when using your saw all day long.

YT, learn how to sharpen a chain with a file. And carry the file with you.

I would encourage you to look at some Echo saws, very reasonably priced for performance pay back.

It’s the fatigue that’ll bite you. If you’re doing any kind of cutting besides the odd dead fall after a storm, get a pro saw. You’ll feel the difference after a full day of cutting. Properly sharpened chain and take care of the bar. I sharpened my uncles chain once and he went straight back to bucking up a pine across the driveway, frigging stones flying everywhere! Dull chains are very dangerous and wreck/burn everything they touch.
I always tell those who ask about the most dangerous thing a power lineman does, it’s driving and running a chainsaw…lol

Keep the chain sharp,it makes the cutting fast and easy.
A few swipes with the file once in a while keeps it cutting good.Learn to freehand sharpen your chain and dont forget to check the raker height after a few sharps.
Flip and file the blade burr when needed also.

I bought all of my Pro saws from a local pawn shop. I gave about a 1/3 of new price for all of them. The 360 and 661 had almost zero wear on the bar and showed as new. Compression was good and I was able to run it before purchasing. The 261 and 441 I gave $200 a piece for. Both showed wear on both plastic and bar. Compression was good on both and they started and ran well. I took a chance on all of them, but have been running the 360 for around 10 years. The others from 5-6 years and none of them have been back to the shop for repairs. Run ethanol free gas tested with Seafoam and clean the air filters is all I’ve ever done.

Get a 261 cm and never look back.

I've been running the same 032 since 1985. Last year I replaced the vacuum line that operates the fuel pump diaphragm. That's the only repair in 39 years. I also have a 266XP Husky that I use for big stuff. It runs like a banshee.

372xp “Banshee”

Im thinking hes fairly young with limited funds and only gets periodic tree work.........A Husqvarna 3120 and Stihl 880 w/ a 4 ft bar are out LOL.

Best bang for the buck is a Echo 590 Timberwolf, good power at a reasonable price.

I want a 261 bad....

Not as much on the limited funds part but I just don't need an 800$ saw when I get only a few tree jobs a year.

X2 plus 5 year warranty.

X3 I’ve been running mine side by side with a Stihl 271 farm boss and I prefer the Echo 590

Well I was right on 2 out of 3.What I meant by limited funds was funds to invest heavy in the tree part of your business. Good luck on your ventures you sound like a go-getter.

I like the 5 year warranty aspect, but the power to weight ratio is not real good on that saw. Thats fine when you are still young and tough, but eventually youll appreciate a strong saw that is still in the 10 pound range.

A 291 will serve you well. Do you think you will ever sell a little firewood on the side? You can get a new 261 for not that much more than a new 291. Another option is does your dealer sell any used saws? I think you would be safer that route than buying from a random stranger. Good luck whatever you choose.

I have never run the Echo 590 but now I want one. You guys stink, LOL!

I’ve got a Husqvarna 550xp mkii I really like. It’s the commercial Husky equivalent of a Stihl ms 261.
You couldn’t run fast enough to give me a piece of stihl equipment. I’ve never had or used one that started worth a dang and I know several folks that have had the same experience. I’ve run an Echo CS 590 some as well. Heavier saw, but a lot of bang for the buck I think. Construction wise it basically is a pro saw…it’s got a metal crankcase.