On the way back this afternoon from a trip, drove by a small equipment dealer out in the boonies that had a huge trailer/caravan from Stihl in the yard opened up for demo's. Stopped in to check it out and it was actually staffed by Stihl Canada personel. They had everything saws, weed wackers, bush wackers, blowers, drills, auger units, tools, accessories, new brochures of all kinds and knowledgeable Stihl Canada people to answer questions.
One of these guys was in Germany a few months back and to meet 2007 EPA mandated levels apparently Stihl will be using something called tri-level catalytic converter technology on all models, these will also be equipped with Intelli carbs as well. I was told that this tri-level will restrict exhaust far greater than now and will lower available power obviously. One of the gentlemen even mentionned that to obtain the power and performance of a current equivalent saw you will need to move up a step or two in saw size. These new models will be quieter apparently. They have no choice if they want to be able to sell saws they are forced legally to comply with the EPA reg's.
Apparently the new MS361 is a real success for Stihl. I could have purchased one there today with a hardshell woodsman case, a couple of spare chains a hat and a 6 pack of oil for $645.00 canadian dollars excluding taxes, I estimate the 645.00 to be roughly 540 yankee green backs or so.
That was at least $150.00 the normal pricing. Not including the freebies.
He thinks their competitors are also going that way as well, so if you will be needing some new saws I guess now is the time to get them.
One of these guys was in Germany a few months back and to meet 2007 EPA mandated levels apparently Stihl will be using something called tri-level catalytic converter technology on all models, these will also be equipped with Intelli carbs as well. I was told that this tri-level will restrict exhaust far greater than now and will lower available power obviously. One of the gentlemen even mentionned that to obtain the power and performance of a current equivalent saw you will need to move up a step or two in saw size. These new models will be quieter apparently. They have no choice if they want to be able to sell saws they are forced legally to comply with the EPA reg's.
Apparently the new MS361 is a real success for Stihl. I could have purchased one there today with a hardshell woodsman case, a couple of spare chains a hat and a 6 pack of oil for $645.00 canadian dollars excluding taxes, I estimate the 645.00 to be roughly 540 yankee green backs or so.
That was at least $150.00 the normal pricing. Not including the freebies.
He thinks their competitors are also going that way as well, so if you will be needing some new saws I guess now is the time to get them.