Buying Advice Need Second Stihl Commercial Chainsaw, Larger Than MS261

[Garandman]

Fun? Unsubscribing from the thread if this is normal between members.

韮randing is the process by which companies establish an emotional connection with their products: so you will be willing to pay more. We used to say buyers use facts to justify their emotional choice.....

There are many strong consumer brands, and their owners respond emotionally, not rationally. There are many strong consumer brands where this is the case: Apple, Harley Davidson, John Deere, several light truck brands - and apparently, Stihl and Husquavarna. You will see many é›»iscussions here that have their basis in this brand identification, and this is one of them, so yes, typical.

Personally, I致e never seen a Dolmar and my dealer sells Husquavarna and Stihl. I believe the Stihl chains are more rugged than the Oregons, but the chain does not know what brand of Saw is making it go around....The Dolmar PS510 seems to be about $10 less than the MS271 we have.

I saw this kind of branding when buying a walk behind snow thrower, between Ariens and Honda owners, and it irritated me. So I bought both. I would consider buying a Dolmar as well. Went to the dealer listed and - none there. They had Jonsered, which is a rebadged Husquavarna.....

 

[two_bit_score]

It seems to me from my observation that Stihl has the widest and deepest local dealer network of any brand. Some dealers are better stocked and provide better service than others of course. But other brands can't hold a candle to Stihl dealer network.

Yes any saw shop can work on them but most new buyers don't have any idea where a good local independent saw shop is. After they get connected with the Stihl dealer they usually don't look further.

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[jeff9366]

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 too many saws in my lifetime, but didn't notice much difference starting them.

Working long hours with a heavier saw has a much bigger impact on your body!

I took delivery of Stihl MS 461 yesterday, with Stihl recommended #3624 (33 RS3 84) OILOMATIC saw chain and 25" 3003 000 4030 Ematic guide bar combination.

At age 70 I can start it OK. My Stihl professional MS 261 saw, purchased new in 2013, became easier to start after wearing in. I expect the MS 461 will be the same.

Bar and chain combination is a little front heavy. It is fine for cutting the 36" to 48" diameter, grounded Water Oak tree trunks I need to section, so I can move them with the tractor FEL.

I will not be using the MS 461 unless most of the bar is in a tree.
Too cumbersome and potentially hazardous for trim work, with my strength.
I have been using chainsaws for 30 years without injury, a record I wish to maintain.

January 2018 price: $1,119.95 plus $78.40 sales tax = $1,198.35

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE ADVICE.​

 

[Garandman]

Nice!

 

[LD1]

OUCH on the price of them these days.

 

[newbury]

Without pics of you and the saw it's just an internet rumor.

 

[ericm979]

A lightweight bar will make it less nose heavy. Stihl and Oregon make ones with aluminium inserts. Sugihara and Tsumura make ones with plastic inserts. They're supposed to be nice. I'll get one if I end up using the long bar a lot. The various light bars cut about 25% of the weight of the bar, which in 2' sizes is over 3 lbs.

 

[s219]

I think I mentioned it, but if you get a Stihl ES Light bar, it makes a big difference. My 28" ES Light bar has the same balance as the standard 20" bar. This has benefits for handling/balance as well as user fatigue. Not too expensive either. You want to look for every advantage.

 

[goeduck]

Congratulations! That is a quality saw.

 

[Rock Crawler]

Do any of you know when this MS462 is going to be here in the states and for sale? I am interested in a hot rod lightweight saw to have along side my 026.