Stihl Chainsaw Recommendation Needed for Experienced, Woodburning Homeowner

[whfh99]

I am trying to research a new chainsaw and could use some advice. Currently have a Stihl 028 AV with a 16" bar that has been a GREAT saw. It's over 20 years old and is starting to get a little tired when I try to cut larger diameter trees. I'd like to stick with Stihl because of my experience with this saw and because there are two great dealers nearby. I plan to keep the 028AV for limbing/backup and would like to upgrade to something with a little more snort and a longer bar. Some of my wood cutting buddies suggest a 20" bar. I'd 6' 2" so not a short guy. Right now am think I have narrowed down my search to the MS 362 or the MS 440. I originally thought about the MS 311 or the MS391 but decided (based on this forum) that the extra $$ would be worth it to jump up to the pro saws. I won't use this saw every week but when I do, I want it to work hard for me. I also want to have this saw for the next 20+ years. Budget is always a factor and I don't want to get tripped up into thinking more horsepower is always better. Primary use would be firewood cutting, felling, etc. Ideally I'd like to find a used saw and have been watching eBay but when you factor in the shipping, a clean looking used saw isn't going for much of a discount. So where is the sweet spot for price, weight, power? What are the benefits to a longer bar (besides cutting a bigger tree)? Any advice would be appreciated.

Link

 

[saxman]

I think a 362 would be great for you. It will run a 20" bar great and handle a 25" in a pinch. A 361 will do the same but they are not current production, if you can find a used one in great shape you might consider that and save some $$$$$. Good luck in your search, now wait for the Husky and Dolmar recommendations to come

Steve

 

[stihl362]

It really depends on what size logs your coming across. I bought a 362 cuts great and works well all around but then some huge logs got dropped off... It made it through them but i just know that its extra stress on the engine at times. I should have bought a 440 or something a little bigger that way when i get some of those bigger logs i know it can handle a bigger bar. I like the fact that i can pretty much do everything i need to with it except cutting some of the bigger wood. It all depends on what sizes logs you come across but you should be good with a 362

 

[blades]

Oh no, the beginnings of CAD. ( Chainsaw acquisition disease) There is no cure. Resistance is futile.

 

[sdt7618]

If you have survived 20+ years with an 028, a MS 362 would be a blessing to your arms!! A 440 would be overkill. the 362 will give you more power, less vibe and be able to service a 20 or 25" bar if needed. you cut many 50" trees?

Just my thoughts.

 

[stihlguy]

Ms 362

Just purchased an MS 362 because my son said he was going to start cutting with me, yea right!!! Anyway, it is a great saw(20" bar), but when I get into the bigger stuff, my 17 year old 044 really gets it done.

 

[Freakingstang]

I agree, a nice used MS360, 361 or 362 would be ideal for you.

 

[MotorSeven]

If you have survived 20+ years with an 028, a MS 362 would be a blessing to your arms!! A 440 would be overkill. the 362 will give you more power, less vibe and be able to service a 20 or 25" bar if needed. you cut many 50" trees?

Just my thoughts.

My thoughts exactly.

I have an 192T, 024Super, 028Super and a 361 The 361 is the biggest saw I use for firewood & I don't see the need for anything bigger. I always take 3 saws into the woods, the 192T, either the 024 or 028 and the 361.

 

[oppermancjo]

I picked up a 20" bar for my MS290 a while back. I've hardly used it now that I have it. Perhaps I just needed to spend more time getting used to it but it seemed like I was always nosing it into the dirt which we all know isn't a good thing. It also takes longer to sharpen which isn't my favorite thing in the world to do.

I suppose the point I'm trying to make is don't get a 20" bar if you don't need one. My 18" bar is good enough for 95% of the wood I cut but the 20" is nice when you need just a little bit of extra reach I suppose.

 

[whfh99]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like a 360, 361 or 362 would do the trick. What are the differences (besides age) of these three? Yes, I don't have many trees on my property that a 20" bar wouldn't reach. The 16" is a little short for felling some but it's the dwindling power that is causing me to embark on the search for a big brother for my 028. I went to both my dealers and found the sales people less than knowledgable, hence, I'm finding this forum very helpful.

So next question. When considering used saws, what questions should I ask to ensure I am looking at a good buy? What price ranges should I expect to pay for a clean 360/361?

Thanks.

Link

 

[artbaldoni]

But a Makita 6401 from Home Depot rental. Best deal out there!

And so it begins...opcorn:

 

[Dalmatian90]

Can't argue with Art on that point

I think my advice on chainsaws is to get the most saw you can afford which you feel you can comfortably work with for whoever long you usually work with it -- an hour, two hours, half day, all day.

I'd rather buy a used "pro" saw that I can find in good shape for then spend the same on a new consumer grade saw of the same power...just because you save weight.

I do have a compression tester, and I've learned enough now I'd probably take that with me if buying a used saw -- I'm thinking if the compression is 90#+ and the saw starts, there isn't that much to be worried about.

I have a 372XP...bucks up logs like nobody's business (like the MS 440s would).

But after felling a couple trees this weekend with it...I was really wishing my MS 360 had been available (I replaced a bad ignition module in it...and the new one died after 1-1/2 tanks of gas and needs to be replaced, again.). The extra weight was noticeable to me as I was trying to make the feeling cuts, holding the saw up high and trying to line things up right...but I didn't need the extra power for those trees that comes from that extra weight. And I'm starting to get to that age where you need to work smarter instead of harder.

My 039 gets the job done, but I sure notice it's heavier too if I just sat the 360 down.

Previous years my combination was a 360 to fell and buck the trunk, and then a 024AV to limb with and it felt like a light saber in my hands after having swung the 360 around for an hour

 

[terryknight]

are you going to be buying new or used? new the 362 is about 680ish retail, and the 440 is NA.

i really enjoy the 362 (mine is off getting ported as we speak) it would pull a 25" bar though oak just fine not as fast as a bigger saw but i wasn't looking for speed. look around on CL and try and find a used one. around here they are 400ish used

 

[rwoods]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like a 360, 361 or 362 would do the trick. What are the differences (besides age) of these three? Yes, I don't have many trees on my property that a 20" bar wouldn't reach. The 16" is a little short for felling some but it's the dwindling power that is causing me to embark on the search for a big brother for my 028. I went to both my dealers and found the sales people less than knowledgable, hence, I'm finding this forum very helpful.

So next question. When considering used saws, what questions should I ask to ensure I am looking at a good buy? What price ranges should I expect to pay for a clean 360/361?

Thanks.

Link

Times are hard so check your two dealers for trade-ins or consignments or just general "do you know anyone who has a good X for sale?". I just purchased a like new 362 with a 25" bar through my dealer from a customer of his who was unemployed. I paid the asking price of $450 and I am pleased; dealer did not take a cut so all the $ went to the previous owner. 20" bar is the best performing combination in my type cutting, but the 25" does come in handy, based primarily on my Stihl experience with an 036Pro. Ron

 

[farmboss45]

I had every intention of buying the MS362, price was not too bad, big enough for all my bigger needs, but then that damn old ebay had to dangle a like new MS441 mag in front of me, the next thing I knew I was shelling out 600 bucks for a 72cc saw..........LOVE IT!!! Nothing against the 362, still would buy one if the price was right, it is a little lighter, but I LOVE how 72cc's of power rip through the big ash I've got to cut, I now use it more than my 029 super w/muffler mod!!

 

[Arbonaut]

Mr. OP you asked the right guys the right question. It would suprise most folk how much wood an ambitious guy can get through with an 028 AV when he uses his bean. A 70 cc class saw is just an exaggeration/extention of that. I drop some big Oaks with a slightly tuned 044 Mag. A MS362 will knock your socks off, I like the 261 and M-tronic better, though. I see your logic in choosing a Stihl. It is the firewooder's mainstay here in Illinois.

 

[Will_C]

I think you are on the right track with a 362 or a 440/441. I cut wood with my brother. He sells 20-30 cords a year and burns 10 in a boiler. We mostly work up tri-axle loads of logs. He has a 460, a 362, and a 028. His bigger saws get plenty of work, but I bet we cut 50%+ of the wood with his 028 or my 260Pro. If the wood isn't over 12", we stick with the smaller saws.

Will

 

[Encore]

Love my 441. The majority of the trees I cut this past year were around 24" across and I typically had the 28" bar on my saw. The 441 just ripped through the wood.

But I have no problem taking 5 minutes out of my day to switch to a smaller bar if I don't need the big bar.

However I'm a pretty big guy so the weight doesn't bother me too much. The 441 is a very top notch saw, but if you aren't cutting wood that justifies it, while you won't regret the purchase, you won't notice a difference between the 362 and the 441 mag given the smaller stuff.

 

[Zeus103363]

I bought a ms361 back in 2006. Have been very impressed with this saw! I used my dads old 026 before that. The 026, current model would be a 260 I think, is a fine firewood saw with a 18" bar. I bought the 361 with a 20" bar, and it cuts like crazy! I added a 25" bar and it would cut but strained the motor a little. After a port job it realy came alive. I can't say enough good things about this saw. Yes, I did look at a new ms441 when I was buying a saw. But the 361 with a port job and a 25" bar with a sharp chain is hard to beat!

 

[Whitespider]

My thinkin'...
If your 028 is over 20-years old then you've got a good one... back when Stihl was still makin' saws and not trying to make EPA compliant, reduced emissions, reduced noise, heavy, plastic laden, "homeowner safe" tools. Not sayin' you shouldn't get another saw, a second saw if that's what you're wantin'; but if'n you feel the 028 is gettin' a bit "tired"... well, I'd just stick a new set of rings in it and keep-on-keepin'-on. My thinkin' is you could renovate (re-ring) that old 028, stick a new bar on it and have a pile of cash left over for... well, for whatever.