460 or 660 - Need to purchase

[vvanherk]

Hey All.

I currently have an 036 Pro.

Last year I was in thinking of picking up a larger saw, and had some posts to that affect. I delayed the purchase as I was able to work around things, and I needed to save money...

Anywho, I'm back in the market again. I have some 24"+ diameter hardwood that has fallen in my bush, so I need to cut it up for firewood

I just cut for personal use and what not, but prefer to get the right equipment for the job.

So, just thought I would post the question again.

I'm assuming the 460 with a 28" bar will be a great saw, especially with mods.
Would it be better to go for the 660 and a different bar in case I get some even bigger wood I need to deal with?

I know it is hard to say..... My stihl rep mentioned the 660 as an option, as it gives me a bigger bump from my 036. But, it is a little heavier, and the modded 460 looks/sounds pretty good in the youtube vids, but the 660 really burns through the big stuff like butter in the same videos .

So, just looking for some input. Sure, I would like to get both, but that doesnt work right now...I'm sure either one would be fine, but just trying to get all the info so I can make as good a decision as possible.

Any input appreciated.

Also, what are list prices on these saws. (I'm in Canada).

Thanks in advance

 

[MuleyJ]

I would say a 460 or something similar should serve your purposes well. The 660 is a real good saw but the wood has to be REAL big before it really outcuts a 70ish cc saw. It is a significant amount heavier though and that is something you begin to feel rather quickly. I was actually thinking of selling mine cause it deserves to be used more, I probably never will though.

 

[mbayer]

460 is a dandy if your going to run a 28 all the time I would consider getting the west coast versoin it comes with the full wrap and upgraded oiler pretty sure any way you can upgrade it yourself if not

 

[Outlaw5.0]

Get the 460, its a great all around saw.

 

[Woodman 460]

ms460 is great saw, I can't honestly compare it to a 660 though.

 

[biggenius29]

Get the 460, then if it isnt big enough send it to get ported then it will outcut a stock 660, plus it is quite a bit lighter.

 

[Anthony_Va.]

But you can always mod the 660. I have ran both alot, and own a 660. If you use them both enough, you can't really tell the difference in weight.

I went with the 660 over the 460 because I won't have to worry about ever being undersawed.

460 is a good saw, but won't cut with a 660. you can mod the 460 to hang with it, or mod the 660 and have a real powerhouse. 200 difference in price. If you're going to spend 800+ you might as well spend 1000+.

JMO, but I like a big saw.

 

[johnzski]

not trying to be a :censored:; but since when can't an 036 cut a 24" tree? By the time you post this ? and read the responses you could have cut up those trees.save yourself $1000 and go cut some wood!

 

[Anthony_Va.]

not trying to be a :censored:; but since when can't an 036 cut a 24" tree? By the time you post this ? and read the responses you could have cut up those trees.save yourself $1000 and go cut some wood!

It very well can, but this dude prolly has the same problem alot of us on here do.

 

[RAMROD48]

not trying to be a :censored:; but since when can't an 036 cut a 24" tree? By the time you post this ? and read the responses you could have cut up those trees.save yourself $1000 and go cut some wood!

Your on a chainsaw forum....the guy wants a chainsaw....why you gotta keep a guy down?

Go with the 460...you wont be undersized....

The 660 WILL GET HEAVY....

Don't let anyone tell you that 460 wont run a 36" bar if you need something bigger 1 day....and especially if you only need it the long bar on occasion...

 

[vvanherk]

not trying to be a :censored:; but since when can't an 036 cut a 24" tree? By the time you post this ? and read the responses you could have cut up those trees.save yourself $1000 and go cut some wood!

Hey.
No, it's a good point, and one I have thought of. I only have an 18" bar, so I would need to get a bigger one. I think stihl lists the range of the 036 to up to 20". I imagine it can go bigger, but not sure how much more. So, if I get a bigger bar, and a few extra chains, I'm a couple of hundred bucks into it, and it seemed like a lot of effort for little gain, and that getting a bigger saw might be a better approach.....

 

[RAMROD48]

Hey.
No, it's a good point, and one I have thought of. I only have an 18" bar, so I would need to get a bigger one. I think stihl lists the range of the 036 to up to 20". I imagine it can go bigger, but not sure how much more. So, if I get a bigger bar, and a few extra chains, I'm a couple of hundred bucks into it, and it seemed like a lot of effort for little gain, and that getting a bigger saw might be a better approach.....

Where are you buying your stuff? cause if a bar and a couple chains cost over $100+tax your getting screwed...

 

[Anthony_Va.]

Alot of people run longer bars on the 036. I would'nt go over 25" on it though.

Only problem is, if you have alot of big wood to cut, it takes alot longer to get it done. I like my 660 because I can breeze through the big stuff. I use it to cut out old fencerows. I can cut 100 trees a day on average when I'm clearing old fence. Mostly wild cherry and maple. These trees will usually run from 16-36" mostly 20-24". The speed of the cut and lesser time it takes to make the cuts greatly outweighs the added weight of the saw IMO.

I can use the 660 one day and the 390 my boss has another, and I am not near as tired at the end of the day with the 660. Thats why I always grab it first.

 

[MuleyJ]

Hey.
No, it's a good point, and one I have thought of. I only have an 18" bar, so I would need to get a bigger one. I think stihl lists the range of the 036 to up to 20". I imagine it can go bigger, but not sure how much more. So, if I get a bigger bar, and a few extra chains, I'm a couple of hundred bucks into it, and it seemed like a lot of effort for little gain, and that getting a bigger saw might be a better approach.....

It's OK, this is probably one of the few places you will never have to justify purchasing a new saw. I run a 25" bar on my 361 on occasion just for grins and it is not a problem. I ran it like that today for a little while in fact. Stock it's a little slower than a 460 or 660 but it gets the job done. If you want a new saw buy one. Nobody here is gunna care!

 

[wigglesworth]

I vote for the MS 460......I sure miss mine

 

[MS460WOODCHUCK]

I kept my 460 over my 660's. It normally runs a 25'' but also runs a 32'' when it needs to and does'nt seem to mind it at all. I myself just don't care for the 660. 460 on the other hand is a sweet saw.

Bottom line is that it's your money and we can only give our opinions to you.

 

[Zombiechopper]

460 handles better and is lighter. The weight difference and handling will get to you. Plus, a 460 will handle up to a 36" if you need it to on occasion. I think you will just get more use out of the 460. Its more versatile and certainly not underpowered.

I recently paid $920 for my 460 with a 25" ES bar. That is at my local Saskatchewan dealer who has a really sharp pencil. I was quoted $980 at Timberland in Edmonton. Compare that to $1150 for a 372XP

 

[john inglis]

460

ive got 2 stihl 460's and a 660 but find i use one of the 460's the most ,sometimes go a 372 for limbing but mostly the 460 with a 20" roller tip and semi chisel , use it for everything up to 30" . most of my cutting is dry aussie hardwood and only drag out a bigger saw for big stuff or ripping with a longer bar .rarely need any anything over a 20" bar for general cutting and its nice and light .

actually i rarely get to use the husky 372 as my wife prefers it for limbing against the stihls which i prefer.

 

[dieselram]

I will vote for the MS460 too... I love mine!!!

 

[MCW]

I can't really offer a 460 to 660 comparison (even though I have a modded 660 on the way) but it depends on how much you actually use a saw as to whether the weight of a 660 will bother you. I can throw my 390XPG around all day felling trees and to be honest it's no big deal - it weighs about the same as an MS660.
The more you use it the more you'll get used to the weight and before long a 460 will feel like a paperweight.
However, if you are just a part time user, unless you're relatively strong/fit/big etc, saws of this size can be tiring and in your case I'd think a 460 is the better choice.
They have a good reputation. Don't fall for the bigger is better brigade unless you're certain you need 92cc odd. If a 460 will do 99% of what you need then get one and put the $200 saving towards a 32" bar for it and a couple of chains
Many of us have larger saws lying around after working out you don't need to run a 42" bar to fell a 36" tree

As mentioned too, if a 460 turns out not to be enough saw, get it modded. It would be worth it if you need it