362 or 441 to pair with my 261?

[Blstr88]

As the title suggests, Im looking to get a bigger saw to go with my 261. I absolutely love the 261 but would like a bigger saw for bucking up the big oak logs I use for firewood each year.

I had a second 261 I recently sold, so Im debating whether I want a 362 or 441...I like the price tag on the 362 more than the 441 ($749 vs $969) but will the 362 be underwhelming when compared to a 261? I dont want to spend the money and end up with only a marginally more powerful saw...

I realize the 441 will be the better/more powerful saw, but I guess what Im looking for is a 261/362 vs 261/441 comparison...? And if the 362 is enough of a step above the 261 to be considered an upgrade? Thanks!

 

[saxman]

I think the only solution is to buy both like I did. The 362 is a great all around saw, more torque than my 361 and would handle a 25" bar in a pinch but a 20" is what I keep on mine. The 441RCM is my choice, smoother and really spins a 25" with confidence. I have run a 28" on it as well. I keep a 36" on my 660 for the big jobs. Can't have to many saws! At least that's what I tell my wife


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[happysaws]

Do you need to have a brand spanking new saw, or would a nice used one work?

If so, there are usually a few good used 441's or 461's that come up for sale in the Tradin' Post.

 

[Blstr88]

Do you need to have a brand spanking new saw, or would a nice used one work?

If so, there are usually a few good used 441's or 461's that come up for sale in the Tradin' Post.

Im not opposed to used, it just seems nowadays everybody want top dollar for their junk...

Personally if Im not saving 40% over new I'd just as well spend the extra money and buy new equipment that I can maintain my way from day 1. I havent browsed through the listings on this site much though, I'll keep an eye on there...Im just speaking mostly from craigslist. People asking $450 for a saw that looks well used that costs $550 new...just seems to me its not worth the potential hassle unless Im saving a significant amount of money.

I will keep an eye on the listings on this site though, thanks for the advice.

 

[Andyshine77]

Get a 461 and don't look back. Well you could wait for the 462.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

Reading your post, I don't see anything about felling trees, or carrying the saw around on the woods, just bucking large logs. In that case, bigger is better. A 362 will have more balls than your 261, that's for sure, but a 441 will be much more impressive for what you're talking about.

Personally, I'd skip the 441 myself, and either buy a 461, wait for the 462 (461 power at almost 362 weight), or buy something off here or 0PE forum. There's a very nice Masterminded Husqvarna 372 on here right now. Cheaper and faster than a new 441/461, smoother too. Alternatively, you can post a wanted ad on here. Should be some nice saws coming up for sale to fund 462 purchases.. A ported 70cc saw would be my preference for what you're talking about.

 

[RyeThomas]

I’ve had a 362 and cut a bunch of wood with it, great saw with a 20” but when I’d hang a 24” on her it was rather unimpressive in hard green wood. With a 261 I’d spring for a 70cc saw of your choosing. I’ve been interested in The 441 for awhile but to be honest ive read about some issues and I’ve stayed away. My 461’s have been absolute rock solid and the ones we have at work have been as well.

I have a 241 and a 461, they are ported but it’s a really good 2 saw plan that can handle it all. JMO

Best of luck in your decision, Rye.

 

[Jon_G_Houston]

I have a 260 and a 440. They make a good pair for smaller and larger jobs. The 440 has a 24" bar and does a great job. BTW my 440 was purchased new for volunteer work on Katrina and has been flawless all this time. Couldn't even estimate the number of gallons of fuel run through this saw.


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[rwoods]

I am a big fan of 60 cc saws. With that said, I would nonetheless say buy a 461 or wait for the 462.

To me the 60cc saw is the ideal one saw plan. Since you are on a two saw plan, I would put some space between them. And I would not buy a 441 when you can probably get a 461 for the same $.

Ron

 

[Deleted member 117362]

Big Oak Logs, get a 390xp and forget it.

 

[Andy-H]

if you are wanting to run a 25" bar ms461 is what you need.

 

[Greenerpastures]

If you are cutting 24" rings for hours on end, get the biggest saw you
can physically put up with.
You will get you job done a lot quicker than nursing a smaller saw.
Like others said, the 461, better again 462.
Dont forget other brands, Echo Shindaiwa, Makita, all good, unless you want the MT system.
Take a look at the crank cases on the Stihls and you might see why I am advocating other brands.

Either way, hope something nice falls into your lap, we can all do with the odd break,
as others said, some second hand ones to be had, look over on OP site, you never know
whats on offer, and good selllers are vouched for over there, so no underhanded crap.

Regards, john

 

[Greenerpastures]

Big Oak Logs, get a 390xp and forget it.

Always better to have enough power to get done and dusted, I like these saws,
just don't need one for the bits I do, cant help admiring their build and performance though.
No flaking ball bearing syndrome, Stihl may be I should not mention such ball berrings.

 

[porsche965]

You love your 261. Is it Mtronics? If so go with the 441c. If not go with the 461. Around here I get 10% minimum off list price. Don't hurt to ask. Remember a 6-1 gallon oil pack to get an extra year warranty when you buy a new saw.

 

[user 149785]

not that i dont absolutely love my 461 and 7910 or my 2171 or my 6421 big bore but if must have the 70cc class and a new saw i would definitely save my money and wait for the 462. its close to the same weight as the 362 and a lot more power. if the weight or price dont bother you i would opt for 661 or 395

 

[RyeThomas]

The worst part is the 461R and the 661 are very close in weight, the AV and the power of the 661 are superior. The 462 should be awesome but like the 441 it may take forever to get to the states.
Though call.

I really like the Mtronic saws. My 241/362/661 have all been flawless

 

[CaseyForrest]

Id go with the 261 and skip the 441 and get the 461. Same power as the 441 but lighter.

The 441 is a screamer for sure, but you'll miss the extra weight and never look back.

I prefer the M Tronic set-up, but just couldn't get past the numbers. Ended up selling my 441 and getting a 461. I also have a 241, 326 and 661. The 461 sees the majority of use. Prior to that it was the 362 and 441 but now I usually grab the 461 for general use. In the woods is where my 362 shines just due to weight. For an all day on my feet saw cutting stumps and bucking logs, the 362 wins hands down unless I need more than 16" of bar.

My 241 wears a 12" bar and is what my 11yo daughter is going to cut her teeth on.....

 

[chainsaw2007]

I am a big fan of 60 cc saws. With that said, I would nonetheless say buy a 461 or wait for the 462.

To me the 60cc saw is the ideal one saw plan. Since you are on a two saw plan, I would put some space between them. And I would not buy a 441 when you can probably get a 461 for the same $.

Ron

I agree. I am on the one saw plan. I have a 361 and really like it, but if the 462 is lighter and clise to a 362 in weight that could be my new one saw plan.

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[chainsaw2007]

Big Oak Logs, get a 390xp and forget it.

Just get an MS880 and put everything to rest. Good curling work out, you can get rid of the 35lb dumbbells.[emoji3]

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[Blstr88]

Thanks for all the replies, I'll need to look into the 462 some more but it does seem like that might be perfect...any idea when it will be released? A quick google search told me February of 2018? Would be a perfect birthday gift to myself if so

I'm guessing the 462 will be north of $1000...?

Im going to research some of the Husky recommendations as well, although I prefer stick with one brand just for simplicity/parts and the fact there is a Stihl dealer right down the road next to the grocery store/TSC that we shop at regularly anyway...Im not even sure where the nearest Husky dealer is.

I'm in no rush by any means, I have the 261 (yes it is an Mtronic and Ive been very happy with it) as well as a 260, so Im making do just fine for what I do...however if the 462 is going to be 1 year+ before release I'll probably pick something up instead of waiting.