Upgrade to MS500i?

[les-or-more]

I've been trying to find a 500i near me but no luck. I even gave my phone number to one of the local Stihl dealers to call me when they get one in.

A coworker's husband works for a family run tree company and he said they got one in MD and it was run over by skidder a day after.

How near? I was looking at one sitting on the shelf a few days ago.

 

[Section VIII]

How near? I was looking at one sitting on the shelf a few days ago.

I live in Smyrna, DE and the saw was purchased in Elkton, MD.

 

[James Sawyer]

The Stihl dealer in Keizer Oregon has couple (503) 393-6471 ... at least they did two weeks ago. These are West Coast "R" models. They also had a 28" light weight bar .050 gauge; I think that's the only light weight bar they had in a Stihl. I believe they had some Oregon LW bars. We have a Farm & Ranch chain (https://www.coastalcountry.com/ ) here that carries Stihl believe it or not they sell a lot of Stihl saws, they have lot buying power and usually have saw no one else has... they have lot inventory. Unfortunately, I don't think Stihl dealer can ship, not sure about a transfer.

 

[OM617YOTA]

I got my 500i at the Coastal in Albany.

 

[James Sawyer]

I got my 500i at the Coastal in Albany.

How do you like your saw... I thought about getting one but I have three 70cc saw. I know Mike at Willamette saw told me he has sold 1700 500i, He's only had issues with handful of them, that pretty good record.

 

[OM617YOTA]

I don't have much use on mine, and don't have much to compare it to, but I'm quite pleased. Next door neighbor used to be a logger, and he had a big grin on his face while he was giving it a shot.

 

[Hundred Acre Wood]

Upgrade to MS500i?

Yes. Next question.

Ok, joking aside, if you're on a chainsaw forum asking people if you should buy a new saw, the answer is rarely going to be "no".

Only you can answer if it's right for you. But the 261/500i is a terrific 2 saw plan that would probably cover 95% of most land owner's needs on the east coast. 261 for smaller trees and firewood, 500i for larger felling and bucking would be one example.

 

[Evan]

I say that 260 with 18" will do the job just fine.

Im not 100% convinced the 500 is the saw to buy.
I do prefer 28" on 75cc saw that have been tuned up alittle. No neef for a 261 could get rid of it to make the 462 /500 purchase not hurt so much.
Then leter on get a second 462 or 500 for that perfect 2 saw plan.

 

[grain man]

Consider the time spent holding the "extra weight" of a 661 with the time spend cutting at a slower pace..... the 661 is a fast cutter. Thats why they use it in the competitions on the TV..... I have thousands of hours on mine and it still pulls chips with the best of them.....

Thanks for your replies guys, I just needed a little persuasion.

I think the 661 is more than I need. I don’t fancy wielding a 30 inch bar and I’d prefer to avoid the additional weight.

So for me the choice is either the 462 or the 500i. Pricewise there is little difference, the 462 with 25 inch rollomatic E bar is £934 and the 500i with 25 inch light bar is £1,055. I’m not worried about the new technology, I have other Stihl equipment and I trust the brand.

I guess I’ll go with the 500i, I’m sure it will handle the bigger stuff for me and I doubt I’ll be disappointed.

Cheers

 

[Howard Justice]

I’ve spent past sev days bucking and noodling 24-42 inch poplar, alternately, using 661/32 w green and and 500/25 w yellow chain. 661 defn beats the 500 w big wood, even w less aggressive chain. They’re both heavy, not 10 years ago, but that changed at 68 YO. Hardly ever use 461 now so can’t compare. But I’m putting an aggressive 20 on my 261 and look fw to using it more often. Just my thots. Hahaha

 

[Seachaser]

I’ve spent past sev days bucking and noodling 24-42 inch poplar, alternately, using 661/32 w green and and 500/25 w yellow chain. 661 defn beats the 500 w big wood, even w less aggressive chain. They’re both heavy, not 10 years ago, but that changed at 68 YO. Hardly ever use 461 now so can’t compare. But I’m putting an aggressive 20 on my 261 and look fw to using it more often. Just my thots. Hahaha

Nice Poplar! Friend was using a 661 vs my 500i during the last hurricane cleanup. 661 was much faster. I also have a 572 that will stay with the 500, but I think it’s more chain than saw. Really like that X cut chain.

 

[Howard Justice]

Nice Poplar! Friend was using a 661 vs my 500i during the last hurricane cleanup. 661 was much faster. I also have a 572 that will stay with the 500, but I think it’s more chain than saw. Really like that X cut chain.

Thanks!

X is square cut? Friend that has tree co in ATL runs all his saws square cut.

Was this Idalia Hurricane? We were in Perry and Valdosta - clearing and providing generators and meals.

 

[farmguywithasaw]

Thanks for your replies guys, I just needed a little persuasion.

I think the 661 is more than I need. I don’t fancy wielding a 30 inch bar and I’d prefer to avoid the additional weight.

So for me the choice is either the 462 or the 500i. Pricewise there is little difference, the 462 with 25 inch rollomatic E bar is £934 and the 500i with 25 inch light bar is £1,055. I’m not worried about the new technology, I have other Stihl equipment and I trust the brand.

I guess I’ll go with the 500i, I’m sure it will handle the bigger stuff for me and I doubt I’ll be disappointed.

Cheers

The 462 fanboys will be mad lol