Buying Advice Need Second Stihl Commercial Chainsaw, Larger Than MS261

[Tompet]

I wouldn't bother with the 362, its too close in power to what you have. Moving up, I believe the 441 and 461 are the same weight, so I'd go with the slightly larger displacement on the 461 for cutting through big hardwoods. I haven't used to many saws in my lifetime, but didn't really notice much of a difference in starting them. Working long hours with a heavier saw has a much bigger impact on your body!

I have several Stihls including a 362 with a 20" bar, and while I agree with above, my concern would be the larger powerhead with a 24"-25" bar being more strenuos and maybe unnecessary. Would a 20" bar work, as you can work a pretty large trunk with that size bar.

I think best thing to do is go and check out saws at your dealer for comparison with bar size you prefer. I wouldn't go larger than the 441 size saw. As far as starting force, the decompression valve takes care of that for you.

Good luck and post what you decide.

 

[4570Man]

The 372 is about equivalent to the Stihl 441, about 70cc saws. The 660 is a 91CC, right between the 390 and 395XPs for displacement. These are getting awfully heavy....



I'll agree with that. If you can get the new model, do it!

A 90 cc saw is pretty big. A 70 cc saw is what I’d want. Otherwise you wouldn’t notice much improvement. Your saw is 11.6 pounds and 3.5 hp. A 372 is 14.4 pounds and 5.5 hp.

 

[jeff9366]

Your saw is 11.6 pounds and 3.5 hp. A 372 is 14.4 pounds and 5.5 hp.

I always advise those considering a second, larger tractor, increase at least 50% in bare tractor weight or you will not really notice a difference.

In saws, I suppose: Increase at least 50% in POWER or you will not notice a difference.

Right?

 

[motownbrowne]

70cc or a little more is what I'd want to accompany your 261. That size saw will be perfect with a 25" bar in oak. I wouldn't consider a 362.

So, your options are 441, 461, or wait for the 462. The 441 and 461 are pretty much the same weight. Either will do what you want, but the 461 does have a little more per. The other differences are that the 441 is m-tronic (computer sets the fuel/air mixture), and the anti vibration system consists of springs. The 461 relies on your skills with a screwdriver to set the tune, and uses rubber mounts to reduce vibrations. There's pros and cons to each setup. The 462 is m-tronic, spring mounted, lighter, and more powerful than either of the other two. BUT, we don't know exactly when they'll be available. Probably 2018, but who knows when. Also, we can cross our fingers that they've got the bugs worked out prior to the US release, but it's not uncommon for new models to have some problems early on. FWIW, the reviews from Germany have been really good.

 

[big bubba]

70cc or a little more is what I'd want to accompany your 261. That size saw will be perfect with a 25" bar in oak. I wouldn't consider a 362.

So, your options are 441, 461, or wait for the 462. The 441 and 461 are pretty much the same weight. Either will do what you want, but the 461 does have a little more per. The other differences are that the 441 is m-tronic (computer sets the fuel/air mixture), and the anti vibration system consists of springs. The 461 relies on your skills with a screwdriver to set the tune, and uses rubber mounts to reduce vibrations. There's pros and cons to each setup. The 462 is m-tronic, spring mounted, lighter, and more powerful than either of the other two. BUT, we don't know exactly when they'll be available. Probably 2018, but who knows when. Also, we can cross our fingers that they've got the bugs worked out prior to the US release, but it's not uncommon for new models to have some problems early on. FWIW, the reviews from Germany have been really good.

good info there. agree that the op would do well to look @ ms 46x series. given the 461 @ slightly less than $1k currently plus tax, wonder what the price tag will be on the 462 series. believe i'll stick w/my 460 albeit it's heavier than the upcoming model. thankfully, don't make my living w/the saws

 

[JD5210]

If you are not using a full chisel (RS) chain, suggest you look into seeing if your saw can handle one. I purchased a MS271 last Christmas and friend made me aware of it. What a difference it makes.

There will be more kick-back.

RAPID Super (RS) | Extremely Fast-Cutting Saw Chain | STIHL USA

Stihl MS 17 Full-chisel vs Semi-chisel - YouTube

 

[JD5210]

Sorry I missed.

 

[4570Man]

I always advise those considering a second, larger tractor, increase at least 50% in bare tractor weight or you will not really notice a difference.

In saws, I suppose: Increase at least 50% in POWER or you will not notice a difference.

Right?

I’ve never had a 50 percent more powerful saw than my 50cc saw. My 5.5hp over my 3.5hp ( my Husqvarna 353 and the OPs 261 are pretty close) is more than a 50 percent improvement. I know the 372 over the 353 is a BIG difference.

 

[ericm979]

Supposedly the 462's list price is slightly less than the 461's in the markets that it is available in. Who knows if that will be true when it's available in the US. Stihl is marketing it as the replacement for both the 461 and the 441, and at 72ccs it's displacement is closer to the 441's 71 than the 461's 76. It would be logical to price it between the 441 and 461 but pricing is not always logical. People who have talked to Stihl reps seem to think it'll be the middle of the year before it's available here.

 

[motownbrowne]

good info there. agree that the op would do well to look @ ms 46x series. given the 461 @ slightly less than $1k currently plus tax, wonder what the price tag will be on the 462 series. believe i'll stick w/my 460 albeit it's heavier than the upcoming model. thankfully, don't make my living w/the saws

It's not a great indicator, but in Germany the 462 is priced just a little BELOW the 461.