I cut firewood and love chainsaws, I have a Stihl MS193t, MS261, MS290 and a MS661 what saw do I need to add to my collection to complete maybe a better saw in the middle of my pack? I only like Stihl chainsaws because I have many dealers near me.
What middle saw do I want next?
- Thread starter funonahonda
- Start date
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ms462
My go to saw for years was my 461 but as I am getting older the 461 stays in the saw trailer more and I am using the 261 a lot and really like it. Looks like you have a 261 so a 462 needs to be your next purchase.
Once done buying the 462...the 881 is next 
462 or 500i
I prefer the 500i....but the 462 is slightly more applicable to your current saw line up
I prefer the 500i....but the 462 is slightly more applicable to your current saw line up
ihookem
ArboristSite Operative
A 361 is right in there. I have an 026 , 034 and 441 . The 441 is great for bigger stuff but a 361 would have been fine . I dont cut real big stuff like I used to so it sits a lot. I also have an ECHO 501 P and a 620P. I like all my saws. If I had to have one , I think it would be the 034.
462
junglejohnny28
ArboristSite Member
462c
junglejohnny28
ArboristSite Member
Or a 500 I
036 pro or 361
I don't understand this suggestion...not saying it's wrong, just that I don't understand it.
He currently has a 50cc pro saw in the 261 and a 56cc homeowner saw in the 290...I don't personally see a need for a 59cc pro saw...especially an older model as the power to weight ratio isn't going to beat out the 261 by much nor would it allow a significant difference in bar length.
His current gap is 56cc to 90cc....so mathematically a 70-75cc saw would be the best 'gap filler'. This points directly to a 462 and I agree it' a great option. Or I would argue a 500i because it's more of a 'high strung' high RPM saw than the 661 which is a bit more torque centric. So a 28" on the 500i and a 36 on the 661 which in my opinion are definitely different saws for different purpose.
Most I would run on a 036/361 would be a 25 (and honestly that's prob too much for an 036) and in my opinion that's not a huge difference from a 261 with an 18 or 20" bar. I've never run an 036, but I have run a 362 with a 20" and I definitely wouldn't add one to my stable.
500i
400 would be my choice if it had to be a Stihl.
500i
probably the best felling and general firewood saw ever made and I’ve been cutting since the 80s.
a few simple mods and it really opens up.
JustPlainJeff
ArboristSite Operative
I've got three saws, but two are basically the same. A 260Pro, a 261, and a 462. This works fine for me in just about every application. I don't personally have a need for anything as large as the 661, unless I decided to finally buy a Granberg Mill. I'd agree with most everyone above, the 462 or the 500i. The 462 might save you about 500.00 as well.
Max-flo and muffler mod
I vote MS400 as well.
If I was going husky I’d recommend 562. Both are great saws.
junglejohnny28
ArboristSite Member
Wh
at mods did u do
