Buying Advice Need Second Stihl Commercial Chainsaw, Larger Than MS261

[jeff9366]

I have worked a Stihl MS261 chainsaw since November 2012. Wonderful saw from my local "full service" Stihl dealer, in an area where there is considerable forestry employment.

The MS261 has an 18" bar, which give an overall length of 33". The depth of the bed on my Kubota RTV500 is 33-1/4" so MS261 is a perfect fit. Fit is why the MS 261 was chosen as my primary saw from the Stihl commercial stable.

Since Hurricane Irma I have been cutting up more grounded large trees, 90% Water Oaks and Live Oaks, than in the past. I need a second Stihl, with a longer bar than MS261's 18" bar. It will take me at least a year to transport all the Irma casualty trees to our community burn pit for incineration. I use Stihl 'RS' saw chains.

Should I buy 50% more horsepower with the new saw? Will an 'RS' saw chain be 'wild' on a 50% more powerful saw? I need a 24" bar on my second saw.

At age 70 years will I have the strength required to pull-start a larger saw? I have no problem starting or controlling my carefully maintained MS 261 but what about a more powerful chainsaw? I am in north Florida, so cold weather is not a concern.

I will NOT be dropping trees with the new saw. At age 70 years, if I do not feel comfortable dropping a tree with the MS 261 I defer to a Tree Service.

I am only interested in the Stihl brand, new, in commercial grade, as my local dealer is excellent with service. I use chainsaws enough so purchase price is mostly irrelevant. I have other Stihl gas powered tools.

I have been using chainsaws for 30 years without injury, a record I wish to maintain.

Recommendations?

 

[Fiziksgeek]

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!

 

[jeff9366]

Even on the largest tree trunks I have to deal with, I should not have to make more than six cuts with the new saw, before reaching a reduced trunk diameter where I can use the MS261.

At age 70, retired, when I get tired, I stop. I know I am a little fragile and it takes soooooo long to recover from strains and injuries these days. I avoid over-doing it.

Thank you for the recommendations.

 

[Piston]

I believe Stihl will be releasing the MS 462 to the U.S. market soon. It’s already out in Europe (go figure)

That will be my next saw. I’m currently cutting with a MS361 and an FS560 brush cutter. The 462 is supposed to be very lightweight for its size and more powerful that the current 461.

I do not have the facts on hand however, but worth looking into.

I personally like the new technology with electronic control.

 

[4570Man]

Husqvarna 372XP or if you insist on the Stihl I believe a 660 is comparable.

 

[jeff9366]

I believe Stihl will be releasing the MS 462 to the U.S. market soon. Itç—´ already out in Europe.

The 462 is supposed to be very lightweight for its size and more powerful that the current 461.

PISTON you are The Man.

MS 462 is a new model revelation to me.

LINK: stihl ms 462 chainsaw - Google Search

 

[art]

All things considered the 362 is an awsome saw and lighter weight then the big boys! It will take up to a 24" bar so the larger trees will not be to much trouble! The 261 you have I like with a 16" bar and on the 362 I normally run a 18" bar myself. The larger says I still like the 18 to 20" bar normally.

 

[big bubba]

i like having companion saws, smaller one for bulk of limbing, etc, and a larger one for the occasional big stuff. have a ms 260 (similar to yours), great saw, and a ms 460 for larger stuff. having 2 helps w/distributing the workload. the ms 461 series is an awesome saw and earns it's keep too. you already have a pro smaller saw, the ms 461 would be my recommendation though pricey. i've always gone w/the pro models. and tried to keep the bar length on each saw @ the minimum length of what i need. personally, i'd steer clear of going 24" on a larger saw as that exposes more cutting teeth for possible injury. but that's only my application.

@ 70 myself, feel fortunate working the farm w/tractor & saws with no physical limitations. but then again, i'm always aware of what work would put me @ risk. being retired, have the time to do it safely & get the job done. best of luck on your decision

 

[ericm979]

I have a 362C and recently got a used 460, which is very similar to the 461. The 362 starts very easily with the compression release. It's easier to start than my 025, which does not have a compression release. The 460 is significantly harder to start- takes much more of a pull. And the m-tronic on the 362 makes it start easier than the carbed 460. I often shut off saws when I'm moving wood or lining up the next cut; with the 460 I'll be letting it idle more. The 460 is a lot heavier than the 362 also. I'm 6' and 150 lbs with not a lot of upper body strength. I can do some limbing above my shoulders with the 362 but not the 460. I got it for big wood only. The 362 and 025 get used for smaller trees and limbing. I've used a 24" bar on the 362 but it's kind of slow on wood with the bar fully buried. That's the largest bar Stihl recommends for that saw. I also have an 18" for it. 20" would be perfect.

What'd I'd recommend to you is a 462C but they're not in the US yet. The 441C has m-tronic and spring anti-vibe, the 461 old school carb and rubber dampers. The 462 weighs significantly less than either and makes the same HP as the 461. If I like the 460 and use it a fair amount I may buy a 462 when it's available.

I use both regular and "safety" low kickback chain. Either one will kick back if you make a mistake... the low kickback chain just kicks a bit easier. Either way you have to be paying attention. The more powerful the saw the faster things can get out of hand if you make a mistake.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

Husqvarna 372XP or if you insist on the Stihl I believe a 660 is comparable.

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 believe Stihl will be releasing the MS 462 to the U.S. market soon. It’s already out in Europe (go figure)

That will be my next saw. I’m currently cutting with a MS361 and an FS560 brush cutter. The 462 is supposed to be very lightweight for its size and more powerful that the current 461.

I do not have the facts on hand however, but worth looking into.

I personally like the new technology with electronic control.

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